Moving Pictures in 5.1 was released today. I was going to pick it up on the way home from work, but I forget my card. So instead I've been reading the reviews at AVS Forum and weeping silently to myself. These are reviews from "real people" -- other forumites who are Rush fans.
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Wow.
Having just spent the morning with Moving Pictures on Blu-ray, I can say that they got it right all over again. This fabulous album is brand-new. From the opening synth growl in Tom Sawyer to final fade in Vital Signs you’ll be treated to something that is truly special.
The surround mix is magnificent. Your rear speakers get plenty of work, but never fear; this mix is a companion unobtrusive , there but never obnoxious. It’s aggressive where it fits the music (the opening synths and percussion in Witch Hunt), occasionally playful (the triangle that opens YYZ), but never gimmicky. You’ll be glad if you sprung for matching mains and surrounds.
Those (like me) that have bemoaned the neutered bass on previous Rush releases have cause to rejoice: it’s here in spades. Full, focused, never bloated, and present in amounts that will shake the rafters, we finally have a Rush release that will satisfy even the most ardent Ged-heads.
Neil’s drums are mixed as if watching him play from the audience, with high toms to the right. All the famous jaw-dropping fills that audiences have come to know and love are reproduced here in thunderous clarity. The drum sound is that of the era, of course, and Neil would probably wish that the open sound of his DW kit circa 2011 was captured here, but that’s part of the fun of remixing a classic.
Alex’s guitars are loud and proud, just like a good rock record ought to be. The effect is a full room sound that had this listener grinning for the entire 40 minutes this gem of a record runs.
Run, don’t walk, to your get your copy.
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Bought a copy of each version today from BB. Just finished playing the 5.1 PCM track on the BD version, and it was incredible to say the least. To think that this album is some 30-odd years old now...It seems they learned a lot of lessons from the Snakes and Arrows sessions when it comes to doing a proper 5.1 mix.
The videos were okay too. It was nice to see the clip for "Vital Signs" again after so long. And prior to getting this disc, I had never seen the studio clip for "Tom Sawyer" before.
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I just picked up the Blu Ray version of this album at Best Buy. They also have the DVD-Audio version for $17.99. I have listened to about half of the album in DTS-MA and it is outstanding. The mix is a little strong to the rears but overall very well balanced. The low end is amazing and will deffinately work your subs. There is a lot of low end from the center channel. I have a powered sub in series with my center and it is noticable. The sound overall is very open. I really enjoy this format. I have the Tom Petty releases as well and compared to the large selection of SACD and DVD-A's that I have I'd have to say the Blu Ray's are better. Navigation is a little tough initially. You need to turn on your TV so you can set the audio choice but once you do this I don't think you'll need to have the TV on to set this up. I have a Harmony One and even using the audio button it is a little slow to find the DTS-MA. The video's are OK. Older footage of the band in 4:3 but the audio is DTS-MA. Overall I am very pleased with this disc. I will see what the regular CD sounds like but I do not expect it to compete with the surround sound mix. I can only hope that more music is released in this format. I'll be interested to see what others think of this. Enjoy.