Get ready to experience Queen like never before. The iconic 1986 Budapest concert—the final filmed performance with the incomparable Freddie Mercury—has been meticulously restored in 4K and is heading to IMAX screens for two nights only: October 7 and 10. This is your chance to witness rock history on the biggest screen possible.
In July 1986, Queen took the stage at Budapest's Népstadion in front of 80,000 screaming fans. It was the largest stadium concert ever held at the time and part of the band's Magic Tour, which would prove to be their last with Mercury. The show was a monumental event, featuring hits like "Bohemian Rhapsody," "We Are the Champions," "Crazy Little Thing Called Love," and "I Want to Break Free." Now, thanks to a painstaking restoration, that legendary night is coming back to life.
The restoration was handled by Peter Jackson's Park Road Post Production in New Zealand, ensuring the highest quality possible. The original 35mm footage, captured by Hungary's top cameramen and technicians, has been remastered in 4K with a dynamic new audio mix. The result is a breathtaking visual and auditory experience that brings you right into the heart of the concert.
But this isn't just any concert film. Queen's Budapest performance was a cultural milestone. Taking place three years before the fall of the Berlin Wall, it was the first Western rock concert ever staged in a stadium behind the Iron Curtain. The event was so significant that the country's best technical crew was enlisted to document it. Now, fans can relive that historic moment in IMAX, where every detail—from Mercury's electrifying stage presence to the roar of the crowd—will be amplified.
If you're in the Los Angeles area, you have a chance to attend an exclusive early screening. On Wednesday, September 30, a special IMAX 4K showing will take place near LAX at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are free, but seating is first-come, first-served, so you'll need to RSVP quickly. To enter for a chance to win tickets, simply provide your email address through the link below. Be sure to indicate if you'd like to bring a guest. Confirmed attendees will receive an email confirmation.
For those outside L.A., the film opens in over 2,000 theaters across the country in October. Don't miss this opportunity to see Queen at their peak, with Freddie Mercury commanding the stage in a performance that has stood the test of time. Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering their magic for the first time, this is an event you won't want to miss.
To purchase tickets or find a screening near you, visit IMAX.com. And for more special event screenings and entertainment news, keep checking back with us. If you're a fan of early screening opportunities, you might also be interested in winning passes to see 'The Beast' or celebrating 40 years of Transformers with an exclusive L.A. screening. And for those who love a good rom-com, check out our thoughts on 'The Love Hypothesis' on Prime Video.
Queen's music continues to resonate across generations, and this restoration ensures that their legacy will be experienced in the most immersive way possible. So mark your calendars for October 7 and 10, and prepare to be transported back to 1986 for a night of pure rock royalty.
