The Priest is indeed back! Even a casual viewing of the Rising in the East DVD cements that fact as the band returns to the scene of their monumental Unleashed in the East to show fans that the metal gods are a not "Victim of Changes" and still have what it takes to keep you Screaming for Vengeance! I could have added a dozen more puns that opening but I won't, Judas Priest deserve more respect than that and they earn every ounce with this DVD. While extras are non-existent, you still get your money's worth if you want to experience the glory of the Judas Priest live assault in the comfort of your living room. This two-hour set is filled with some of the most memorable Priest songs from the past 30 years including the standards "Breaking the Law," "Electric Eye," "Victim of Changes," "Hell Bent for Leather," and the show stoppers "Living After Midnight" and "You've Got Another thing Coming".
You also get a taste of "Riding in the Wind," "A Touch of Evil," "Judas is Rising," "The Hellion," "Diamonds and Rust," "Turbo Lover" and "Painkiller".
The most striking thing about the performance on this disc is how refreshed the band appears, they look like they are having the time of their life up on stage and that translates right into the audience. Unlike Black Sabbath, who the last few times I have seen them, appeared bored out of their minds, playing the same dozen songs year after year, show after show, Priest attack these songs with an enthusiasm as if they are brand new but with near perfect execution. You can't help but get caught up in the excitement being delivered from that famous Budokan stage.
While the members of Priest are physically showing their age, that doesn't stop them from delivering a performance that would put their metal juniors to shame. There is no substitute for experiencing the band live and in person as cameras can never capture the excitement of pounding your fists in the air from the arena but this DVD comes as close as possible.
My only real complaint and what keeps this from being a five star release in my eyes is that some of the split screen work comes across as distracting until you get used to it. Then again, that may be the biggest selling point to others and why a DVD is better than being there because you get to see all of the action.
All and all this DVD is essential for every Priest fan, whether casual or hardcore. For those that have not been initiated into the Judas Priest faith, this DVD will show you why they are still going strong after 30 years and have earned the title of metal gods.