Best edition of a masterwork.
Juan Carlos Escalera Merino | Barcelona, (Barcelona) Spain | 07/13/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I won't try to add comments about this work, it's simply a masterwork. There are a lot of editions of the recording. This is the japanese edition of the last edition appeared in Europe and USA. In this edition, you can find, in fact, three versions: the CD, stereo SACD and multichannel SACD. There have been some criticism about the CD version (loudness). Nevertheless, the stereo and multichannel SACD versions are fantastic. I bought this japanese edition to compare with the european one. I don't know why (best pressing plants?), this edition is superior to the european one. This happens very often in many japanese editions. Curiously the best remasterings are made in USA, but the edition of the same remastering made in Japan is usualy better (less harsh, more focused, more listenable)."
A different perspective on this japanese version
Steven H. Dymond | Englewood, CO USA | 08/09/2010
(3 out of 5 stars)
"i have both the US release with teh same cover-the stained glass-and now the japaneses version-
I purchased this one as I understood it to have the same mix as the original 1973 album, which i have album, and which mix which was ALSO the same mix in the original EMI/Japanese CD. I dont htink it is. Read on.
This Japanese version-based upon my listening back to back to my original US version of the same cover art (the 30th anniversary edition) is identical, or at least, I can hear no difference at all through my electrostatic headphones, -not a different nor more 'stereo' mix -nor the 'softness' the other reviewer mentions.
I am a musician and do listen carefully.
While it may be there, I cannot hear it, and as a result, I do not think this version merits the premium price (unless you're into the 'obi' and the Japanese aspect or some collectible aspect.
The version I purchased has the same liner notes as the US version (30th Anniv with the same cover art) as well as an almost identical outer case art-the difference being references to being 'made in japan' etc-ie the fine print on the back.
The CD comes with the obi (the little paper overlay which laps the front and back and covers the binding) and a japanese insert translating the inside booklet.
Just to help you decide."