Anyone buy the collectors edition of this masterpiece? I'm wondering how the mix on the SACD version is compared to the regular CD version.

I have the SACD and love it, but I haven't listened to the CD version to comment on a comparison. There are some opinions on the SACD at Quadraphonicquad.com.

Chris

http://sa-cd.net/showreviews/3122

Just ordered it from the Amazon. Looking forward to hearing it!

I want the live concert DVD of that. Unfortunately, it has never been released in a US version (only a British version not compatible with US DVD players.):(

This one is available incredibly cheap from the BMG music club:
www.bmgmusic.com
Little over $9 shipped for a great sounding double SACD.

...and yes it is the SACD version.

I want the live concert DVD of that. Unfortunately, it has never been released in a US version (only a British version not compatible with US DVD players.):(

Get you an Oppo and your problems are solved. Region free, plays SACD/DVD-A, and will do PAL.

Anyone buy the collectors edition of this masterpiece? I'm wondering how the mix on the SACD version is compared to the regular CD version.

I posted on this a while ago (as it was my first SACD) and the replies varied from OK to disappointing. Personally I do like what was done to this classic piece of work.

I've not bothered to listen to the 2CH version on the disc, but do have the very first CD release that I bought in 1998. There was a "re-mixed" version in 1990.

My only gripe with the SACD is that Burton's voice seems to come from all channels at the same time and tends to sound thick as a result. Mixing his voice to the centre channel only would have been a better choice IMO.

I do like "the un-screwing of the cylinder" and the way the surrounds have been used. Given the age of the recording, it has held up rather well and I think generally sounds quite good - though someone wrote "sounded thin and tinny" in one the replies to my earlier thread...

I've not yet seen the stage concert DVD and was quite disappointed to learn that I missed the actual live stage show...

Mark

Just saw the live show in Melbourne on the weekend. Was absolutely awesome seeing Chris Spedding recreate his guitar work in the flesh. (And surprising - was expecting the band to be local session guys). Not so surprising was Justin Hayward and Chris Thompson struggling with the high notes of old and Jeff Wayne continuing to be a gigantic wanker. Definitely glad I saw it, though.

As for the SACD, it generally stands up well. The only thing I find "thin and tinny" is the drums - but that's probably in the source. I do find it much "quieter" than most of my other SACDs. I'm usually setting my amp 11db up on what I would for something like Brothers in Arms or Dark Side of the Moon. There are some great immersive surround effects in the second half (The Red Weed is fantastic in this regard I reckon) and it's a real thrill hearing lots of little details revealed if you're familiar with the orginal recording.

I give it four Uuuuuuuuuuullllaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaas out of five.

Have any of you seen the DVD? I've friends who are going across the pond to the UK this fall and asked them to pick that up for me if they can find one. Well, in addition to a TARDIS. :D

After finally getting my new home theater up and running. Last night I decided
to listen to my first SACD (Super Audio CD) ever. I had purchased the SACD version of Jeff Wayne's War of the Worlds about 3 months ago after having lost my original copy. Let me just say that the Super Audio version is spectacular!

It's as if the entire recording were redone. The unscrewing of the cylinder at Horsell Common made me extremely tense as the sound passed from speaker to
speaker in glorious 5.1 surround sound. Dialog came from different sides of the room. It was as if I were part of the experience.

The most haunting one was when the narriator finally gets back to his house and you can hear the distant pounding of cannon and rifle fire so very faintly in the background. Truely worth every penny.