Did you or anyone you know buy the version of DoT *without* Viper King?

[zappafrank2112]

In this day and age, bands always releasing cd versions that differ only by one or 2 bonus tracks perplexes me, especially if there's not too much difference in price.

Back in the day, when sales were split equally across vinyl, cassette, and cd, I could see why one of the versions might have a bonus track or two, probably to encourage purchase of that medium.  But in today's world, I don't understand the thought behind it.

I've never not bought the version of a cd that has bonus tracks (included DVD, that's another story), so I'm curious as to why someone would choose not to these days if both are available to them.

(I have noticed a trend where iTunes releases and the like sometimes come with unique bonus tracks, but I don't mess with that.)

[Sebastián Pratesi]

The standard version without "Viper King" comes in a jewel case - a packaging format which many people (like yours truly) might prefer over digipaks.

Also, it seems some versions of the standard, 9-track CD includes a poster, which the deluxe CD version (at least the one I've bought) doesn't: https://www.discogs.com/Dream-Theater-Distance-Over-Time/release/13277666

It's also possible one might not be interested in "Viper King", and therefore would not care about the deluxe edition.

Deluxe versions are indeed weird. For instance: in 2011, Universal released new albums by Limp Bizkit and blink-182. Where I live, the Bizkit's album was only released without its bonus tracks, but blink's album was only released with theirs.

[Dave_Manchester]

*raises hand*

Not a fan of the digipack format so I bought the standard edition. I like Viper King but it's not a satisfying closer to the album (Pale Blue Dot is) and I can listen to it on the band's Youtube channel whenever I want.

[goo-goo]

Bought both.

[Loggins]

I got mine from amazon and did not know there was another option. I would have paid more for the full monty. Viper King feels like the tenement funster to me.

[faizoff]

I bought the standard edition that doesn't come with Viper King but when I ripped the CD the track was on there.

[PetFish]

I can't afford crazy special editions these days so I bought the standard physical CD and then Viper King on its own through iTunes.

[Ben_Jamin]

I find it more odd how Spotify has both versions of some albums, one regular and one with bonus tracks

[The Walrus]

I bought the standard edition that doesn't come with Viper King but when I ripped the CD the track was on there.

This was me

[Trav]

I have the standard with a jewel case, and Viper King is on there. It's not listed on the packaging, but it's on the CD.

[Cool Chris]

I have the standard with a jewel case, and Viper King is on there. It's not listed on the packaging, but it's on the CD.

Me too. That almost seems to be the norm based on what I recall reading here(?)

[Lupton]

Yep. Same for me. Got the regular jewel case and "Viper King" is on there. Was surprised the 1st time I listened to the CD. I had avoided all the threads here in the forum regarding the album, so the bonus track was unexpected.

[Zook]

I have the standard with a jewel case, and Viper King is on there. It's not listed on the packaging, but it's on the CD.

What's the point of that? Another mistake?

[PetFish]

What's the point of that? Another mistake?

Isn't there always some kind of mistake with just about every DT release?  I bet we can go back and list them, I know for sure the following:

Live Scenes (DVD) - Layer change problem
Suspended Animation - Curve split into 2 tracks
Live at Luna Park - Coming Soon, thanks to Over the Edge for the info
The Astonishing - delays in the special editions and broken statues (I think almost anything "special edition" has always been delayed)

I know there's lots more but these are just the ones off the top of my head.  I know there were DVD audio sync problems on more than one release as well.

[The Walrus]

I have the standard with a jewel case, and Viper King is on there. It's not listed on the packaging, but it's on the CD.

What's the point of that? Another mistake?

It's hardly a mistake. Lots of albums do that. I have tons of albums with unlisted bonus tracks.

[pg1067]

I honestly don't understand the point of having two different versions of the album (one with VK and one without).  Never made any sense to me (the "special super deluxe" versions that have a bunch of swag and outdated media (i.e., vinyl) at least make some measure of sense for folks who like that stuff, but I just want the album).  It was a bit of a pain in the butt making sure that I got the version with VK.

[Samsara]

I bought the CD without the bonus track. That's because I had the album digitally beforehand, and saw no need to re-buy a track that was an add on to the record that really has not much in common with the album proper, and is more of a b-side. But I'm not a DT-completist, so I didn't really feel compelled. That said, I ended up buying the clear vinyl at the show, which has it on there anyway. 

For the record, had I not had the album digitally from the get-go, I WOULD have purchased the CD version with the bonus track.

[The Walrus]

I honestly don't understand the point of having two different versions of the album (one with VK and one without).  Never made any sense to me (the "special super deluxe" versions that have a bunch of swag and outdated media (i.e., vinyl) at least make some measure of sense for folks who like that stuff, but I just want the album).  It was a bit of a pain in the butt making sure that I got the version with VK.

Not sure what the reasoning in other countries is (besides $$$) but at least in Japan the exclusive bonus tracks are on their media to encourage people to buy them because CDs are (for a few reasons) really expensive over there

[wolfking]

I wish I got the version without it

[silentmac6]

In Shanghai CDs are very much a niche market with most people downloading from QQ Music or whatever. There used to be several CD/DVD shops that I knew of, but now there are only two (I'm sure there are more somewhere).
One shop did not have D/T, whilst the other only sold the jewel CD, and VK is not on this. A pity as I mentioned before, it is a great coda and fun song. Having said all this, in the land of "fake", I can't verify the authenticity of the product, although it is extremely professional looking, as it cost just 20 RMB. This seems to be about standard price for all CDs here.

[fadetoblackdude7]

I hate the idea of bonus tracks altogether, so I always buy the version without them if I can. Was disappointed that they put it on the standard jewel case version, after they advertised that you can buy it without the track. But, life goes on.

[Stadler]

I bought the standard edition that doesn't come with Viper King but when I ripped the CD the track was on there.

This was me

That's madness.