Okay, silly question(s) from someone who is trying to talk himself into/out of buying this. Maybe some kind folks here who
are getting this can help me decide. Since R.E.M. is one of the few artists who have an almost "here, take my money" devotion from me, I already have all the audio from this set.
How I'm thinking it through...
- I have the DVD-A for this and I know it's the same 5.1 mix. I can't analyze that format so I can't guess how its bit depth, etc. might match up with the original, which to my ears is one of the better R.E.M. Scheiner mixes.
- Going by memory, the new hi-res remasters are fairly compressed, even if not as intensely as the CDs. The original disc is one of those that sounds very good so a newly varnished mix doesn't matter too much to me.
- The EPK, music videos, and book interest me but would never drive a purchase. The background videos? I mean, I suppose if I have a middle of the night existential crisis that staring at them might hypnotically lull/numb me back into sleep but, uh, yeah... don't need them.
- The "Vote your dollar" theory. I've read some comments this is the last anniversary set they're contracted to do (but I have no clue if that's accurate). I'm in for Up even if it's another pro forma release like this one. It and Accelerate (which, in dire need of a new and quieter master, would be more than a decade away) are the only remaining albums I have strong affinity for. I'm doubtful there'll be much market for them.
Luckily, this is an inexpensive set (unless *cough* you have all the audio content). Nevertheless....
Thanks in advance.