This Classic Album takes a unique behind-the-scenes insight into the making of one of the greatest metal albums of all times. Track by track, the album is revealed. Martin Birch, producer of the album personally leads us through the original unmixed, mu

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The program traces Maiden's beginnings in the late '70s up to their breakout success with BEAST in 1982. We see early concert footage in the clubs with original lead singer Paul Di'anno, decked out in leather-clad gear; how Maiden became one of the "leaders" of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (and how they detested it); Paul's exit from the band and Bruce's arrival after leaving his own band Samson; incredible commentary on the writing and recording process of the album; and the lasting impact the album has had.

As much as I loved the insight and detail, what really impressed me about the interviews was the humor. For example, during the segment for "The Prisoner," it cuts to the set of the "village" where the original Prisoner TV show was filmed, and there you see Bruce decked out in the same outfit Patrick McGoohan wore on the show. Other funny bits occur when the band and their manager Rod Smallwood discuss the backlash NUMBER OF THE BEAST received in America. Bruce says that one guy went so far as to carry a huge 25-foot cross (the same cross Jesus carried, you see) as a means of protest in front of the venue. Smallwood then talks about how people started burning copies of the album, and then decided to smash them instead with hammers because "the fumes of the Devil's music" would poison the atmosphere. Hilarious stuff.

The bonus materials are also very good. We see extra, equally detailed interviews that were cut out of the final program; two shots of Adrian Smith playing the riffs for "Children of the Damned" and "The Number of the Beast"; a poignant message from Clive Burr thanking the fans for their support with his struggle with MS; and the performance of "Hallowed Be Thy Name" from the Rock in Rio concert (that was the best).

Overall, this is a well-made, interesting, and humorous short little portrait into the world of Iron Maiden. This is a dedication to one of heavy metal's finest.

13 of 14 found the following review helpful:

A Must BuyDec 26, 2001
By gary j notley
Even if you were not a huge Maiden fan in the 80s this DVD is really worth getting. This is not another run of the mill documentary, but a well informed doc that highlights the Number of the Beast album from beginning to end. The storys behind the songs, the interviews, and the never before seen footage will make this a staple in your DVD player. The sneek peek at the new Rock in Rio DVD IM is putting out is worth the money alone. It was also nice to see old drummer Clive Burr, and I was saddened by his illness. Our prayers go out to you Clive "up the hammers"

9 of 10 found the following review helpful:

Surprisingly good!Dec 17, 2001
By Mitts
I was really hesitant to buy this. I thought it was going to be a bunch of videos I'd already seen, with a tiny amount of interviews that would bore me. It turned out to be really worth the money. The interviews were very interesting......not the same (...) you read in magazines. There was concert footage I'd never seen before. The coolest part was watching Martin Birch mixing some of the old songs from the record. It's fascinating to hear individual tracks solo'd out. Adrian Smith also plays for you a little. All in all, this is worth buying if you're an Iron Maiden fan. I wish VH1 would do a "Behind The Music" episode on this legendary band. They seem like great guys, and I think it would make for good TV....

6 of 7 found the following review helpful:

Classic Albums : Number Of The Beast DVDJun 08, 2002
By Masked Jackal
Nothing Iron Maiden have put out is better than this. It has everything from Adrian Smith showing us riffs, to live performances during the Beast On The Road tour in 1982 at the Hammersmith Odeon.....

It dives in deep insde the making of this Classic Album, with segments of mixing it with M. Birch as well. It has some footage of a few things that are on the "12 Wasted Years" video which is good because that video is so hard to find these days.....

All in all, this is the most up close and personal thing I've ever seen from Iron Maiden. It's very enjoyable from start to finish. I don't want to ruin it for you, so just trust me when I say.....Buy it now!!!

You'll never look at the "Number Of The Beast" album the same again!!!

UP THE IRONS!!!!

2 of 2 found the following review helpful:

Good DVDSep 21, 2005
By D. Garcia "garciad"
Good DVD, but mostly for die hard Maiden fans. Could be a VH1 Behind the Music type (without the drama) doc you see on cable, but since it isn't if you want to see it, buy this vid. I've watched it once and feel smarter for it...but haven't watched it over and over. TNOTB is one of my favs so I had to get it.

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