Cheap Trick played two nights in Tokyo in April 1978 and came away with the album that years of touring had not produced. At Budokan originally appeared in October 1978 as a Japanese release, became a success in the United States through imports, and grew into the band's best-selling album. The live version of 'I Want You to Want Me' finally became an American top 10 hit, alongside 'Surrender', 'Ain't That a Shame', and 'Clock Strikes Ten'. Rolling Stone placed the album at number 426 in the 2003 edition of its 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list. This complete version, assembled in 1998, adds nine tracks to the original release and presents the concert in its full running order.

This edition is a 2-LP on 180-gram vinyl, with a gatefold sleeve.