On the CD you will find the original album (Remastering 2004, 35th Anniversary) plus three bonus tracks. The remastering I find quite succeeded. A cleaner sound than on previous editions, although somewhat colder and height-fitting, I think. But that's a matter of taste. Compression, clipping and distortion of sounds, which by now unfortunately in times of Loudness Wars on the agenda, I fortunately can not determine (upscale room volume).
We are also pleased that the bonus tracks are not damaged goods. Sound and technically they are on a level with the regular album and have nothing in common with some half-baked, noisy demo versions that you look only as an absolute hardcore fan more than once sounds. Although "RED" in the trio version comes less massive and brutal, but no less intense than the album version. "Fallen Angel" as instrumental works with some modified, filigree guitar lines in the quieter passages more lyrical / dreamy. And "Providence" is now available for the first time in the two minute long "full-version" before.
On the DVD-Audio there is the so-called "new mix" of the regular album, the already mentioned above bonus tracks and in addition of the 15-minute live improvisation A VOYAGE TO THE CENTRE OF THE COSMOS (so far only in the live box set THE Great Deceiver available) to hear. None other than star-producer Steven Wilson (PORCUPINE TREE) is responsible for these remixes in different variations. On a standard DVD player, the pieces in 5.1 Surround Sound or High Resolution Stereo Sound (24bit / 48kHz) can be played. A DVD-Audio Player also offers Lossless stereo and Lossless Sound 5.1 (24-bit / 96kHz).
On the whole, these remixes can be described as a success. The instruments and the violin act now more present and Wetton Bass is contoured. But a downside there is in my view, but then: In "Starless" was Fripps howling guitar when the Climax its peak is approaching, clearly audible turned down in its volume (from about 8 minutes), still goes (from about 9 minutes ) the dynamics down in this song quite the stream (compression?).
But this fact should not discourage those interested from a possible acquisition.
Because my personal highlight, and ultimately purchase reason is the video section on the DVD. There is an approximately 28-minute appearance on French television from 1974 to admire. In, for the age of the recordings, very ordinary picture and surprisingly good sound quality (although in mono!) Present ourselves WETTON, BRUFORD and FRIPP quite excellent live versions of LARK'S TONGUES IN ASPIC II, The Night Watch, Lament and the outstanding all , fantastic starless.
My absolute buy recommendation! 5 *****
