Justin’s Review:

To call the first leg of Maiden’s 2008 Somewhere Back in Time Tour a “big production” is a bit of an understatement. The logistics of transporting the band, 70 crew members, and 12 tons of gear over 5 continents in a month in a half is staggering. Now factor in a show every other day… and oh yeah… singer Bruce Dickinson is flying the custom-built 757 that gets them everywhere. A concept so ridiculously awesome, it just screams “documentary”. Thankfully Iron Maiden agreed, and had the foresight to ask along the metal community’s favorite film crew… Banger Productions.

So here we are… April 21st… Maiden Day… the theatrical world premiere of Flight 666, the feature-length rockumentary chronicling the most ambitious tour in history (23 concerts in 21 countries in 45 days… fuck!). Rowdy Maiden fans both young and old packed the house for the near 2-hour extravaganza, and thankfully, not a one of them had to be escorted out (though the eagle-eyed Kerasotes employees did manage to stifle a few beer-drinkers’ fun).

From the opening notes of Aces High, it was obvious that Flight 666 was going to be an instant classic (and real treat to witness on the big screen). Sam Dunn and company have outdone themselves yet again… with top-notch production, excellent camerawork and brilliant storytelling which documents both the ridiculously inspired tour, and the lengths that crazed Maiden fans are willing to go to appease their Metal Gods. And therein lies the heart of the film. While Maiden’s music and live show speak for themselves, it’s the glimpse into the devotion of Maiden fans from around the world that really speak volumes here. From the Japanese girl who wants to “become Steve Harris’ daughter” to “Father Iron Maiden” to the Columbian man who is shown weeping uncontrollably after catching one of Nicko McBrain’s drumsticks, Flight 666 does a fantastic job showcasing the reaction of metalheads who are exposed to something that most concertgoers take for granted.

As a stand-alone concert piece, Flight 666 soars as well. The high-definition footage is outstanding, and they manage to include most of the hits you’d hope for (including Rime of the Ancient Mariner for all you super-nerds). On the documentary side, the film leaves few stones unturned (though I’m still curious as to where they sat 10′ Eddie on the plane), and provides an in-depth look at both an extremely talented band, and the legacy they continue to carve into metal’s long, winding road.

If you weren’t celebrating MAIDEN DAY at the theater, shame on you for not buying your tickets sooner. (PWNED!) But have no fear (of the dark… sorry couldn’t resist), Flight 666 hits the shelves in Blu-ray & a 2-disc DVD set on June 9th. Run to the hills and buy the fuck out of this one.

Justin’s Rating:

King says: “As a society, you know we’re heading in the right direction when Iron Maiden command more cinematic real estate than Jessica Simpson.”

Chris’ Review:

Although it is technically a documentary, Flight 666 is the best concert film I’ve seen. As a casual Iron Maiden fan, a straight-ahead movie of a concert would probably not keep my attention for long, but this documentary had me fascinated from beginning to end.

First, I was already aware that Bruce Dickinson was a pilot and could fly the Iron Maiden tour plane, but I always assumed it was one of those Lear jets that you’re used to seeing rock stars in. I had no idea he flew a 757 airliner, like the kind you fly around the world. Holy shit! Nobody flies airliners as a hobby. Or maybe singing in the definitive metal band is his hobby. Wait, nobody could do that as a hobby either. Similar profiles throughout the film of each band member paint a convincing picture of the confounding amount of talent in this band.

Such ‘behind the music’ material could easy slip into trite self-tribute but tasteful restraint keeps the narrative focused on Iron Maiden the band, and, like everything Maiden does, unapologetically true to Iron Maiden’s brand of music and Iron Maiden fans. For those fans, the film presents a number of songs performed almost in their entirety. Mostly the hits you’d expect, but filmed incredibly close and clear. If you’ve always wondered what it would be like to see Steve Harris’ armpit in high definition on a 20-foot tall screen, I’ve seen it. Suffice it to say, the footage of these middle-aged rockers is definitely “warts and all.”

And whether you’re a metalhead or not, Flight 666 gives you a unique look into the global subculture of Iron Maiden fans. The tour starts in Mumbai, and the footage of fans in India, Central America, or Australia are all incredibly similar. A sea of black t-shirts, mostly young males, all really excited to be here. (Seriously, how many Iron Maiden t-shirts are there?) In places like Bogota, Columbia and San Jose, Costa Rica, the excitement is intense; this really could be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see a band that basically laid the foundation of the metal culture that these young people use to define themselves.

I emphasize ‘young people’ because, as Bruce Dickinson ironically explains to the so-narrowly-target-marketed-that-he-is-culturally-irrelevant Eddie Trunk in the film, Maiden continues to draw new generations of fans in addition to the nostalgia crowd. The concept of the 2008 tour was to recreate an 80’s era Iron Maiden concert with the set from the Powerslave tour and a setlist from that era, not for the old farts to reminisce, but for the newer fans who would otherwise never have a chance to experience Maiden as fans in the 80’s did. Mercifully, the stage costumes were modern.

As befitting a band that traverses borders, cultures, and time, Flight 666 transcends beyond fan product to a view into the source of this global phenomenon. A view into the heart of the beast, if you will.

Chris’ Rating:

King says: “One time I piloted the Merciful Fate tour bus. Bad idea.”

Iron Maiden – “Flight 666: Official Trailer”