Editing: Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody Music Video

Bohemian Rhapsody was a number 1 hit by Queen in the 70's. This song and iconic music video is well known across the world. The use of new technology at the time changed the way they could make and edit their videos. Bohemian Rhapsody was released in 1976 in their album "A Night At The Opera".

Here are a number of cuts that I found interesting:

Cut 1 - 0:52
This cut is known as a fade out or dissolve. The previous image is still playing over the new section and gradually fades out as it pans upwards towards Freddie, this particular fade is very slow, I believe they have chosen to have a Dissolve because it matches the pace of the music. For example a quick straight cut might not of worked as well. There are a number of fade outs before this one so that they could swap between close ups and mid shots however they are not quite a complete cut as the go back to the previous image. (Superimposition)

Cut 2 - 1:21 + 2:20
This is the first straight cut used in the video it is used just before the chorus of the song,so that is probably why it has been used. After a few fade cuts the second straight cut happens exactly like the one before (just before the chorus) at 2:20. This has been used for the same reason as the first as the tension in the music increases.

Cut 3 - 3:10
This is where the number of straight cuts increases and quickens as the songs pace increases. The mood has changed from a predominately slow and calm song to a fast beat rock song and the straight cuts reflects this and it helps to build tension. The quick exchange of scenes lasts until 5:17 when fade outs and dissolves begin again.

Cut 4 - 4:47
I have noticed a jump shot where two similar shots have been cut together but has a small jump between them. These should not be used as they can make a video transaction look bad.

• The dissolve and fade cuts are usually leading into a pan or zoom. This is to keep the video flowing without any sudden jolts.
• The Straight cuts in this video normally lead onto are stationary shots with only a zoom in or out because if the camera immediately panned after the cut there would be a jolt.
• Overall there are approximately 86 cuts in the span of 5:49.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irp8CNj9qBI