HiRez Poll Band, The - STAGE FRIGHT [Blu-Ray Audio]
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Listened first time tonight DTS-HD Master 5.1. Everything is clear as a BELL! and overall was louder than I expected, especially when hearing the first song. Lots of separation...just what I was hoping for. Robbie claims the left rear, Garth is in right rear with one hand and elsewhere all over the place with his other, Levon is in center and spread across fronts, Richard is in the fronts mostly in the right (I think - I need another listen), and Rick's bass is thumping throughout. Vocals are almost always in the center, but can sometimes move to right or left front. I'm very happy, and will be listening again using Dolby TruHD. I also gotta watch listen to the live performance...!!!!
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I voted 9. Can't say exactly why not a 10, just a feeling I have.
Great box set, for the size one of the best I own. The liner notes, are short and to the point. The photo pictures are beautiful.
The on screen menu is very easy and can change audio sources on the fly which is nice.
Ripping the Blu Ray was easy with MKV & Music Media Helper.
I love the music of this release, a continuation of the first two albums, nothing lacking for me.
The Blu Ray has everything in 24/96 stereo and surround except the Calgary Hotel Recordings (CD 1).
The new 2020 mix has the track order different than the orginal release, Robbie Robertson comments about this in the liner notes.
CD 1: I only listened to the Calgary Hotel Recordings. Your not missing much.
CD 2: Live at The Royal Albert Hall, I did not listen.
BD 1:
I listened to the 5.1 2020 remix with the DTS-HD MSTR option, tried the TRU HD, but preferred the DTS. Really good surround and the star of the show was Robertson's guitar in left rear, very isolated. I did get a little distracted at first with this guitar and changed my levels a bit and equalized things so it was better. The surround is so much better than the stereo, all the little things that come out. Fidelity is great. The music recorded really shines with it's reverb from the venue they recorded in (liner notes a must).
I listened to the 5.1 Live at the Royal Albert Hall in TruHD, for some reason I felt the TruHD picked up the large hall ambience better than the other options. In fact when listening I also added in from the reciever the NeuralX option which opened my height speakers into faux ambience and I must say, the best live recording I have ever heard. You know that kind of echoey sound you hear in large auditoriums? This really picks that up and loved the large ambient sound. A few actual discreet moments, but a older live recording, so not much, but still perfect. Super great track list on this live recording.
I compared the 2020 stereo PCM remix to my MOFI SACD. Dynamic Range numbers are higher on the SACD than this release, however I felt this release to be better in sound quality than the previous SACD.
In the end this surround version much better than the first two anniversary releases from The Band. Much more consistent in surround mixing and fidelity. Probably better equipment when orginally recorded?
Glad I have it and will listen to again.
Keep Poll Threads Pure, no shipping, off topic chatter, etc.
Great box set, for the size one of the best I own. The liner notes, are short and to the point. The photo pictures are beautiful.
The on screen menu is very easy and can change audio sources on the fly which is nice.
Ripping the Blu Ray was easy with MKV & Music Media Helper.
I love the music of this release, a continuation of the first two albums, nothing lacking for me.
The Blu Ray has everything in 24/96 stereo and surround except the Calgary Hotel Recordings (CD 1).
The new 2020 mix has the track order different than the orginal release, Robbie Robertson comments about this in the liner notes.
CD 1: I only listened to the Calgary Hotel Recordings. Your not missing much.
CD 2: Live at The Royal Albert Hall, I did not listen.
BD 1:
I listened to the 5.1 2020 remix with the DTS-HD MSTR option, tried the TRU HD, but preferred the DTS. Really good surround and the star of the show was Robertson's guitar in left rear, very isolated. I did get a little distracted at first with this guitar and changed my levels a bit and equalized things so it was better. The surround is so much better than the stereo, all the little things that come out. Fidelity is great. The music recorded really shines with it's reverb from the venue they recorded in (liner notes a must).
I listened to the 5.1 Live at the Royal Albert Hall in TruHD, for some reason I felt the TruHD picked up the large hall ambience better than the other options. In fact when listening I also added in from the reciever the NeuralX option which opened my height speakers into faux ambience and I must say, the best live recording I have ever heard. You know that kind of echoey sound you hear in large auditoriums? This really picks that up and loved the large ambient sound. A few actual discreet moments, but a older live recording, so not much, but still perfect. Super great track list on this live recording.
I compared the 2020 stereo PCM remix to my MOFI SACD. Dynamic Range numbers are higher on the SACD than this release, however I felt this release to be better in sound quality than the previous SACD.
In the end this surround version much better than the first two anniversary releases from The Band. Much more consistent in surround mixing and fidelity. Probably better equipment when orginally recorded?
Glad I have it and will listen to again.
Keep Poll Threads Pure, no shipping, off topic chatter, etc.
Terrific album all the way around, surround is top notch. I agree with marpow on the live performance, and it sounded much better when I used PLII on my amp (you go with what you got). Gave this a 9 only because the songs on The Band album are better, IMO. Can't wait until we get Cahoots.
This one is a revelation for me! I agree that these reissues from The Band keep getting better; as @marpow surmises, probably a function of the equipment on which it was originally recorded. The fidelity and mix are phenomenal; it's as if i'm hearing this for the first time, so fresh and wonderful. I can't help but wonder if part of the newness isn't connected to the new running order. As Robertson notes in his essay, included in the engaging book,
"For the 50th Anniversary collection, we decided to change the sequence and go back to the original song order. On the album, we used a different sequence to feature and encourage Richard and Levon's songwriting participation. Over time, I pined for our first song order, because it pulls you right into the Stage Fright scenario."
And it really does pull me in, as does the wonderful mix, with strong definition and clear separation of individual instruments. @MikeMonaco does a nice job above of breaking down placement. By this release, their third album, The Band had really become a tight unit, and this mix highlights their ebullient interplay.
The original running order was Strawberry Wine, Sleeping, Time To Kill, Just Another Whistle Stop, All La Glory, The Shape I'm In, The W. S. Walcott Medicine Show, Daniel And The Sacred Harp, Stage Fright, The Rumor. The running order for this anniversary issue really gives the album a different feel; although i can understand that some who are more familiar with the album might call the move sacrilegious, it strikes me as compelling and–to quote Robertson again–makes the experience "enlightening and rewarding."
What sets this release apart for me is the inclusion of a live show from 1971 at London's Royal Albert Hall. It was recorded on a 4-track machine, so Clearmountain's mix mostly has the classic "ambience and audience in the rears" feel, but that doesn't detract from the experience, which Robertson calls "One of the greatest live concerts The Band ever played." It sounds so good, makes me feel as i were there, and like the restored running order of the studio album, the set list, the performance, and the mix pull me right into the whole experience.
Granted, Stage Fright doesn't quite reach the heights of Music from Big Pink or The Band, but those are two of the greatest albums in all of rock music; coming in a close third to that pair still places this release, for me, in the masterpiece category. Because of its stellar, reconfigured content; because it sounds so good, so fresh; and because of the exceptional bonus concert along with another great total package, this one rates a 10 in my book!
"For the 50th Anniversary collection, we decided to change the sequence and go back to the original song order. On the album, we used a different sequence to feature and encourage Richard and Levon's songwriting participation. Over time, I pined for our first song order, because it pulls you right into the Stage Fright scenario."
And it really does pull me in, as does the wonderful mix, with strong definition and clear separation of individual instruments. @MikeMonaco does a nice job above of breaking down placement. By this release, their third album, The Band had really become a tight unit, and this mix highlights their ebullient interplay.
The original running order was Strawberry Wine, Sleeping, Time To Kill, Just Another Whistle Stop, All La Glory, The Shape I'm In, The W. S. Walcott Medicine Show, Daniel And The Sacred Harp, Stage Fright, The Rumor. The running order for this anniversary issue really gives the album a different feel; although i can understand that some who are more familiar with the album might call the move sacrilegious, it strikes me as compelling and–to quote Robertson again–makes the experience "enlightening and rewarding."
What sets this release apart for me is the inclusion of a live show from 1971 at London's Royal Albert Hall. It was recorded on a 4-track machine, so Clearmountain's mix mostly has the classic "ambience and audience in the rears" feel, but that doesn't detract from the experience, which Robertson calls "One of the greatest live concerts The Band ever played." It sounds so good, makes me feel as i were there, and like the restored running order of the studio album, the set list, the performance, and the mix pull me right into the whole experience.
Granted, Stage Fright doesn't quite reach the heights of Music from Big Pink or The Band, but those are two of the greatest albums in all of rock music; coming in a close third to that pair still places this release, for me, in the masterpiece category. Because of its stellar, reconfigured content; because it sounds so good, so fresh; and because of the exceptional bonus concert along with another great total package, this one rates a 10 in my book!
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I second Clement - the studio album is a revelation - the mix is sublime. Some may quibble over the strength of the songwriting but I believe this to be vastly underrated. The kicker here is the live concert. After years of barnstorming across the great divide 
, The Band is at its peak performance wise, agressive & pitch perfect - no holding back, nailing each tune without reservation - a 10!
, The Band is at its peak performance wise, agressive & pitch perfect - no holding back, nailing each tune without reservation - a 10!- Joined
- Sep 28, 2017
- Messages
- 359
Absolutely loving this set!!! The DTS 5.1 mix is very discrete and the fidelity is outstanding. The live show is a real treat as well. An all around excellent package and a 10 from me.
Anyone got a link for this set at a decent price ?
Last I read they wanted $200.00 CDN $ .
And I could buy it at that price , but really ??
Love The Band , just not worth a 2nd mortgage.
Last I read they wanted $200.00 CDN $ .
And I could buy it at that price , but really ??
Love The Band , just not worth a 2nd mortgage.
Cheapest I've seen it £105.71, you would get 20% off as the VAT would be removed so £84.57, but I'm not certain on import tax you'd get hit for or P&P to Canada
Stage Fright (50th Anniversary Super Deluxe) [Boxset]: Amazon.co.uk: Music
Thanks Duncan .
I did some converting from pounds sterling on the 84 .00£ to Canadian $ and came up with $145.27 add 15£ shipping/tax and I got $162.00 approximately.
I did some converting from pounds sterling on the 84 .00£ to Canadian $ and came up with $145.27 add 15£ shipping/tax and I got $162.00 approximately.
The Band - Stage Fright DTS HD Master 5.1 is very discrete as noted from above posters. I not as impressed with the live concert 5.1 as the concert mix is mostly audience sounds in the rear speakers and IMO not that clear probably due to the age of the tapes. I will listen to the concert 5.1 more to see if my opinion changes. I don’t take points off for the concert 5.1 as I really just wanted the Blu ray 5.1 mix of Stage Fright. I know Cahoots is probably next for the surround treatment but I hope Northern Lights Southern Cross gets a 5.1 surround mix too. I voted 10.
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Ranasakawa
1K Club - QQ Shooting Star
Superb 5.1 mix very impressed with this compared to the 1st album 5.1 mix which was underwhelming.
Hi
The Royal Albert Hall concert includes is only audio?
The Royal Albert Hall concert includes is only audio?
Yes, I have found this information
Going with a “9”. I don’t know this album nearly as well as Big Pink or the self-titled release, but what now constitutes “Side 1” is easily up there with the best stuff from those prior two works for me. “W.S. Walcott Show”, “The Rumor”, and “All La Glory” in particular really stand out. “Side 2” isn’t resonating as much, but maybe that will change as I get to know the material better.
Having gone back and listened to the original 1970 stereo mix, I kind of get why people are getting worked up over the changed running order. “The Rumor” does feel like it should be the closing track, but - at least for me - “W.S. Walcott” works a lot better as the opener than “Strawberry Wine”.
Bob Clearmountain’s remixes honestly make the original version sound like a rough mix at times. Both the stereo & 5.1 are mastered a bit louder than necessary, but the dynamics seem intact and the tonality is markedly improved: there’s more low-end, the drums are punchier, and the additional reverb just makes the performance seem more exciting. That being said, I did find the vocal reverb to be a bit overpowering at times in the 5.1 mix (most notably in “The Rumor”).
As with the other titles in this series, the channel separation in the 5.1 mix is extreme. The bulk of the rhythm section is isolated in the center speaker (though the center-panned drums seem better integrated here than they were in the self-titled album), with keys, guitar, and horns popping up in the back corners. All three vocalists can be heard in the center, but the harmony parts are also mixed hard left & right - allowing the listener to distinctly pick out each singer’s contribution across the front soundstage.
I was fully-prepared to skip both this set and Cahoots due to the extravagant pricing, but fortunately UDiscover Music's Black Friday promotion allowed me to get two for slightly more than the price of one. It's a bit disappointing they didn't include 45 RPM vinyl like the first two albums, thought getting the vintage live show remixed in 5.1 on the Blu-Ray does somewhat make up for it.
Having gone back and listened to the original 1970 stereo mix, I kind of get why people are getting worked up over the changed running order. “The Rumor” does feel like it should be the closing track, but - at least for me - “W.S. Walcott” works a lot better as the opener than “Strawberry Wine”.
Bob Clearmountain’s remixes honestly make the original version sound like a rough mix at times. Both the stereo & 5.1 are mastered a bit louder than necessary, but the dynamics seem intact and the tonality is markedly improved: there’s more low-end, the drums are punchier, and the additional reverb just makes the performance seem more exciting. That being said, I did find the vocal reverb to be a bit overpowering at times in the 5.1 mix (most notably in “The Rumor”).
As with the other titles in this series, the channel separation in the 5.1 mix is extreme. The bulk of the rhythm section is isolated in the center speaker (though the center-panned drums seem better integrated here than they were in the self-titled album), with keys, guitar, and horns popping up in the back corners. All three vocalists can be heard in the center, but the harmony parts are also mixed hard left & right - allowing the listener to distinctly pick out each singer’s contribution across the front soundstage.
I was fully-prepared to skip both this set and Cahoots due to the extravagant pricing, but fortunately UDiscover Music's Black Friday promotion allowed me to get two for slightly more than the price of one. It's a bit disappointing they didn't include 45 RPM vinyl like the first two albums, thought getting the vintage live show remixed in 5.1 on the Blu-Ray does somewhat make up for it.
A 9, easy. Lovin' these Band boxes. Keep 'em comin'.
Methuselah’s Grandpa
Well-known Member
It seems I’m in the minority when it comes to this and all of The Band’s surround mixes. I absolutely love just about everything on these releases; the music, the fidelity, the discrete-ness, …but what I just can’t stand is the Center channel pumping +10db louder than the FL & FR, …you really lose that great stereo vocal sound and it totally disrupts the surround panorama IMO.
For me, when the Center channel is too loud, it really spoils the entire surround experience. I compare this to Bob Marley’s Legend Blu-ray, …legendary music & a fantastic surround mix in every aspect except the overpowering and distracting Center channel.
If the Center channel had been used as an accompaniment to the vocals, instead of the main carrier and also the bass & thumping kick drums, this wo
uld easily be a 10/10 for me because I love so many things about this and their other surround releases.
For me, when the Center channel is too loud, it really spoils the entire surround experience. I compare this to Bob Marley’s Legend Blu-ray, …legendary music & a fantastic surround mix in every aspect except the overpowering and distracting Center channel.
If the Center channel had been used as an accompaniment to the vocals, instead of the main carrier and also the bass & thumping kick drums, this wo
uld easily be a 10/10 for me because I love so many things about this and their other surround releases.
himey
2K Club - QQ Super Nova
- Joined
- Nov 11, 2013
- Messages
- 3,775
How does it sound when you turn off your center channel in your receiver so it gets redirected to the front speakers?
Methuselah’s Grandpa
Well-known Member
It sounds so much better!
Eliminating the Center channel really brings out the whole surround panorama IMO, presenting the music around you instead of front and center AT you if that makes sense.
Yes, the center is much louder than the fronts (as is almost always the case with Clearmountain's 5.1 mixes) - and I do generally prefer elements like kick & bass guitar in the mains - but the combined soundstage formed by the three front speakers feels pretty seamless on my system, even with an unmatched center. The harmony vocals imaging 50% right (in front right & center) and 50% left (in front left & center) is a great touch.
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