AC/DC: Let There Be Rock Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray of "AC/DC: Let There Be Rock" presents a mixed bag of visual quality, largely constrained by the limitations of its source elements. Encoded in 1080p with an AVC-MPEG-4 transfer in a 1.37:1 aspect ratio, the video reveals inherent weaknesses, especially in the concert footage. The film, shot often in near darkness and potentially on smaller millimeter formats, manifests a murky and soft appearance. Grain is present but delivered inconsistently; it appears unnatural and static at times, hinting at moderate Digital Noise Reduction (DNR) use. This contributes to a smeary ambiance that detracts from the overall clarity. Red-hued lighting in the concert footage leads to severe crush, with backgrounds practically disappearing and minimal shadow detail.

The print itself shows signs of age, with frequent hair artifacts visible on screen. Fine detail is disappointingly sparse throughout, resulting in an image that is often muddy, hazy, and devoid of depth. Contrast and black levels are inconsistent; black levels are slightly elevated or crushed depending on the scene. Nevertheless, the colors manage a decent job of displaying the show’s lighting design and hold up notably better during interview segments and proto-music video sequences.

Despite the underlying visual shortcomings, the strength of the music offers some redeeming value. The video’s deficiencies, whether due to inherent flaws in the original film elements or subpar remastering efforts, are evident and detract from an otherwise powerful auditory experience. Thus, while the Blu-ray succeeds in showcasing AC/DC's musical prowess, it falls short in delivering a visually pleasing presentation for aficionados seeking high-quality imagery.

The audio presentation of the "AC/DC: Let There Be Rock" Blu-ray shines in several key areas, making it a noteworthy release for the band's fans. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix stands out, delivering a robust low end that truly brings the propulsive riffs of AC/DC to life. Drums sound crisp and solid, while the guitar work from the Young brothers is given substantial space to breathe, allowing each instrument to be fully appreciated. Dynamic range, although generally high due to the band's naturally loud playing style, remains quite supple, enhancing overall fidelity. The surround repurposing also deserves praise for creating an immersive soundstage that brings a concert-like experience straight to your home.

Yet, it's worth noting some limitations inherent in the source material. The 5.1 remix does little to significantly expand the original stereo soundstage. Surround channels mainly carry faint crowd reactions and echoes of music cues, offering minimal immersion. Separation between audio elements is not as distinct as some might prefer, and there are occasional mix issues where Bon Scott's vocals may not rise sufficiently above the instrumentation, a limitation likely tied to the original mixdown. Additionally, there's minor crackling during certain performances, such as "Highway to Hell," which could be somewhat distracting.

Despite these drawbacks, the overall audio quality still manages to captivate, delivering AC/DC's music with enough punch to satisfy longtime fans. The inclusion of both a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track and an original Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo track ensures some level of authenticity and variety. While the stereo track is not lossless, its presence adds a layer of historical fidelity that purists will appreciate. Overall, the audio experience remains a strong reason to revisit this classic film.

The Blu-ray release of "AC/DC: Let There Be Rock" delivers a comprehensive and engaging collection of special features that fans will find incredibly valuable. Housed in a premium steelbox with an embossed cover, the set contains eleven 1080i featurettes supplemented by Dolby Digital stereo sound. These featurettes provide an in-depth exploration of the band's history, musical style, and individual members, featuring interviews with music journalists and artists from bands like The Smashing Pumpkins, Anthrax, and Def Leppard. While the talking-head approach may lack dynamic band footage, it compensates with rich, technical discussions and insightful retrospectives on AC/DC's legacy. Additional items include a DVD copy of the film, a booklet with an essay by Anthony Bozza, a guitar pick with Angus Young's image, and 10 glossy photos of the band.

Extras included in this disc:

• Loud, Locked and Loaded: The Rites of Rock: Exploration of AC/DC’s impact on rock 'n' roll.
• AC/DC: The Bedrock of Riff: Analysis of riff-based rock.
• Angus Young: A True Guitar Monster: Examination of Angus Young's energetic performances.
• Bon Scott: The Pirate of Rock 'n' Roll: Overview of Bon Scott’s life and career.
• AC/DC: A Rock Solid Legacy: Retrospective on AC/DC's influence.
• Bad Boy Boogie Pod: Commentary on Angus Young’s performance.
• The Jack Pod: Comical origins of "The Jack."
• Highway to Hell: Analysis of the song's controversial elements.
• Whole Lotta Rosie Pod: Discussion on the identity behind "Rosie."
• Rocker Pod: Insight into live performance antics.
• Let There Be Rock Pod: Exploration of the band’s famous anthem.

This combination of supplemental content ensures a holistic appreciation for both long-time fans and new listeners.

The Blu-ray release of "AC/DC: Let There Be Rock" is a standout for any high-definition and rock music aficionado. Captured during the band's Highway to Hell tour in 1979, the film features the original, electrifying lineup with Bon Scott, whose untimely death soon after the recording adds a poignant layer to this historic performance. Unlike modern rock extravaganzas, which often emphasize spectacle with elaborate lighting and visual effects, this classic show focuses squarely on the music and raw stage energy. The concert is presented with slow-motion visuals at critical moments to capture the palpable dynamism of the band, particularly highlighting Angus Young’s manic guitar solos and Bon Scott's commanding vocal presence.

Interspersed with informal interviews, the film offers a glimpse into the relaxed, humorous personalities behind the legendary rock personas. While some interview segments may feel less engaging than others, they serve as an effective counterpoint to the high-octane performance footage, grounding the rock 'n' roll chaos with moments of candidness. The set list includes some of AC/DC's most iconic tracks like "Highway to Hell," "The Jack," and "Let There Be Rock," delivered with a fervor that demonstrates why this band has endured through changing musical landscapes.

"Let There Be Rock" stands out not just for its music but for the raw, unfiltered energy that defines AC/DC's style. The absence of modern concert frills directs full attention to formidable performances. Angus Young's relentless energy and Bon Scott's vocal power transform each song into an electrifying experience. Despite limitations on cinematic innovation, the steady, kinetic presentation from various angles fuels an immersive concert atmosphere. This Blu-ray release is an essential tribute to one of hard rock’s cornerstone performances, offering an endearing appreciation for fans and a compelling chronicle for those new to AC/DC’s legacy.

"AC/DC: Let There Be Rock" on Blu-ray serves as an exhilarating showcase of AC/DC's iconic live performance. The disc captures the band in their youthful prime, highlighted by the explosive stage presence of Bon Scott and the electrifying guitar solos of Angus Young. While the video quality is not on par with modern releases, Warner has ensured the audio remains top-notch, delivering a robust sound experience that will satisfy long-time fans. The limited edition packaging adds an extra layer of appeal, making it a collector's delight.

The Blu-ray release also includes a range of supplementary materials, adding value for dedicated fans. Though some of these extras may lack engagement, the sheer volume and overall quality reflect the band's lasting appeal and Warner's commitment to creating a comprehensive package. Even those who would have settled for a more barebones release will appreciate the additional efforts made in this disc.

There's an embarrassment of AC/DC riches on Blu-ray now. While "Live at River Plate" may show the seams a little more, especially vocally, it still reveals the band to be in rather vigorous shape considering everyone's advancing ages. "Let There Be Rock," on the other hand, is a testament to the band in its relative youth and early glory. Featuring a fantastic opportunity to see Bon Scott in action, the concert is also notable for the incredible playing of Angus, who is simply on fire. This limited edition comes stuffed to the gills with excellent supplements and should be a fan's treasure trove. Though the image quality on this Blu-ray isn't up to contemporary standards, the audio is superb, and the release as a whole comes highly recommended.