Rush "Hemispheres" (40th Anniversary Box Set with 5.1 Blu-Ray Audio!)

[peterzach]

All these pictures of the boxset are wonderful but lets get to the meat as I am sure that's what we all want to know. How is the 5.1?

 

[peterzach]

Clint, that previous post was not a dig at you as I do appreciate the pic's and any information but the Rush fanboy who has loved Hemispheres from the first time I heard it in 1978 and then when news came out that a 5.1 was finally going to be done and you actually have it, well that's the impatient part of me just wanting to get some official news on this 5.1. Eagerly waiting for the first report.

 

[MyCuff]

I saw it for this price at import CDs. Still a little pricey for just the Blu Ray (since I already have multiple copies on both CD and Vinyl). Very curious what the 5.1 will sound like. Will it be more like the sector box version or the SW version of AFTK?
List Price: $149.98
Price: $108.99
You Save: $40.99 (27%)

 

[GOS]

I'm still at work...and mine is sitting on my chair at home...so says Mrs GOS. You know I would be playing it now if I could.....

Hmmm....can I leave work early today?

 

[peterzach]

I'm still at work...and mine is sitting on my chair at home...so says Mrs GOS. You know I would be playing it now if I could.....

Hmmm....can I leave work early today?

Gene, just got a call from your Boss, he said you should Rush home immediately

 

[marpow]

I am home now, have to stay inside, San Francisco has the worst pollution on the entire planet today. My Hemispheres is somewhere in a UPS truck, hope the driver didn’t go home because of air sickness but I sure wouldn’t blame them.

 

[4-earredwonder]

I saw it for this price at import CDs. Still a little pricey for just the Blu Ray (since I already have multiple copies on both CD and Vinyl). Very curious what the 5.1 will sound like. Will it be more like the sector box version or the SW version of AFTK?
List Price: $149.98
Price: $108.99
You Save: $40.99 (27%)

ImportCD is NOW [until November 19th] offering a further 10% discount on ALL orders with coupon code TAKE10 which further reduces the price of RUSH: Hemispheres to $98.09 + additional shipping charges and any applicable taxes.

Unfortunately, it's now on BACKORDER but here's the link: https://www.importcds.com/hemispheres-40th-anniversary/602567955818

 

[GOS]

OK Gang - I ripped open my package and threw in the 5.1.

My immediate reaction after 2 songs is that you all will not like it. It's back to the very safe, very vanilla sound. Peart's drums are very narrow (compared to Wilson's approach)....Geddy's bass and some percussion are in center channel (maybe among others) and Geddy's vocals are NOT in center, rather front left and front right with the echo in rears. (at least in first 2 songs)

Is there much discreet information? I don't think so. Without sounding too dramatic and being the first one to report....I think this might be a bust. At least for us surround nuts. Does it sound good? Yeah, it sounds fine. It's far, far from a revelation. And, very pronounced in the first song is a very loud keyboard moment that comes crashing out of center speaker.....you'll know it when you hear it. I think it changes the song dramatically. Some may like that...I don't think I do.

So, there you go. Bubble bursted. But, we all had our thoughts about this.

 

[skherbeck]

OK Gang - I ripped open my package and threw in the 5.1.

My immediate reaction after 2 songs is that you all will not like it. It's back to the very safe, very vanilla sound. Peart's drums are very narrow (compared to Wilson's approach)....Geddy's bass and some percussion are in center channel (maybe among others) and Geddy's vocals are NOT in center, rather front left and front right with the echo in rears. (at least in first 2 songs)

Is there much discreet information? I don't think so. Without sounding too dramatic and being the first one to report....I think this might be a bust. At least for us surround nuts. Does it sound good? Yeah, it sounds fine. It's far, far from a revelation. And, very pronounced in the first song is a very loud keyboard moment that comes crashing out of center speaker.....you'll know it when you hear it. I think it changes the song dramatically. Some may like that...I don't think I do.

So, there you go. Bubble bursted. But, we all had our thoughts about this.

Time to celebrate!(?)
I'm saving money!!(?)

 

[GOS]

Time to celebrate!(?)
I'm saving money!!(?)

I would say so. The thing is.....coming off the high of Imagine, White Album and Hendrix...this just falls flat IMO. Again, only 2 songs in...but 2 songs are significant and set the tone. I'm depressed.....I took it out. I may finish listening later. Oh well.

 

[MyCuff]

Time to celebrate!(?)
I'm saving money!!(?)

So sorry to see this. I had my fingers crossed, especially after another unheralded 5.1 engineer (Eddie Kramer) did such a surprisingly bang-up job on EL. But on the bright side, like Skherbeck, I'm saving money for sure now. GOS (among others) took one for the team!

 

[GOS]

So sorry to see this. I had my fingers crossed, especially after another unheralded 5.1 engineer (Eddie Kramer) did such a surprisingly bang-up job on EL. But on the bright side, like Skherbeck, I'm saving money for sure now.

I'm just one voice.....we all should wait for others to chime in. Let's say it this way, playing this very loud will likely be a rewarding experience....thing is...I can do that with the CD and it probably sounds just fine. I was hoping for more I guess.

 

[stormchaser]

I'm happier with this than GOS. But yes, this isn't super-aggressive. There ARE a few specific elements that are very obvious in the rears from time. I've only listened to a few fragments of a couple of songs though. So, everyone settle in, and let the reviews flow.

 

[Clint Eastwood]

OK Gang - I ripped open my package and threw in the 5.1.

My immediate reaction after 2 songs is that you all will not like it. It's back to the very safe, very vanilla sound. Peart's drums are very narrow (compared to Wilson's approach)....Geddy's bass and some percussion are in center channel (maybe among others) and Geddy's vocals are NOT in center, rather front left and front right with the echo in rears. (at least in first 2 songs)

Is there much discreet information? I don't think so. Without sounding too dramatic and being the first one to report....I think this might be a bust. At least for us surround nuts. Does it sound good? Yeah, it sounds fine. It's far, far from a revelation. And, very pronounced in the first song is a very loud keyboard moment that comes crashing out of center speaker.....you'll know it when you hear it. I think it changes the song dramatically. Some may like that...I don't think I do.

So, there you go. Bubble bursted. But, we all had our thoughts about this.

I just got home and I appreciate you "bursting the bubble"...when I was 6 minutes in I knew it was going to be like you described....the center channel is an afterthought...certainly not for vocals...there is the occasional discreet moment...but they are few and far between...it's more big stereo...on the positive side..it's not "muddy"..so there is that...but as a surround title...there isn't much to talk about...I think Vanilla is a good description...it has been a LONG time since I have heard this album and for those that love it and know it well...maybe it will be the best available version...so it could be a win for those folks..and if you are a vinyl lover...maybe the vinyl will make you happy...maybe Gos can spin one of those babies for you...but if you aren't a die hard fan of this album and want it for the surround....I'd pass...

 

[Clint Eastwood]

I'm just one voice.....we all should wait for others to chime in. Let's say it this way, playing this very loud will likely be a rewarding experience....thing is...I can do that with the CD and it probably sounds just fine. I was hoping for more I guess.

Now there are 2 voices saying the same thing..no not THAT voice(in your head)...ME...over here

 

[4-earredwonder]

OK Gang - I ripped open my package and threw in the 5.1.

My immediate reaction after 2 songs is that you all will not like it. It's back to the very safe, very vanilla sound. Peart's drums are very narrow (compared to Wilson's approach)....Geddy's bass and some percussion are in center channel (maybe among others) and Geddy's vocals are NOT in center, rather front left and front right with the echo in rears. (at least in first 2 songs)

Is there much discreet information? I don't think so. Without sounding too dramatic and being the first one to report....I think this might be a bust. At least for us surround nuts. Does it sound good? Yeah, it sounds fine. It's far, far from a revelation. And, very pronounced in the first song is a very loud keyboard moment that comes crashing out of center speaker.....you'll know it when you hear it. I think it changes the song dramatically. Some may like that...I don't think I do.

So, there you go. Bubble bursted. But, we all had our thoughts about this.

For once, I'm glad I didn't order this. I would want it mainly for the 5.1 remix but to spend well over $100 on a ANOTHER mediocre remix is plain ridiculous as I have no interest in the vinyl, etc.

And who's to say, RUSH won't have Steve Wilson remix this down the pike after all the less than lackluster reviews of Rich's not ready for primetime remix!

Thanks Gene and Clinty [two respected voices on QQ forum] for nixing this remix/remaster. I'm glad I spent my $$$ on the forthcoming Ingmar Bergman 40 film Criterion BD~V collection [a $1600 value for under $150]!

 

[marpow]

I just got home and I appreciate you "bursting the bubble"...when I was 6 minutes in I knew it was going to be like you described....the center channel is an afterthought...certainly not for vocals...there is the occasional discreet moment...but they are few and far between...it's more big stereo...on the positive side..it's not "muddy"..so there is that...but as a surround title...there isn't much to talk about...I think Vanilla is a good description...it has been a LONG time since I have heard this album and for those that love it and know it well...maybe it will be the best available version...so it could be a win for those folks..and if you are a vinyl lover...maybe the vinyl will make you happy...maybe Gos can spin one of those babies for you...but if you aren't a die hard fan of this album and want it for the surround....I'd pass...

Do you think shutting down the center would be helpful? Or what little the center adds it’s still a bonus?

 

[GOS]

Do you think shutting down the center would be helpful? Or what little the center adds it’s still a bonus?

It adds that shocking keyboard moment I referred to. lmao...that one just caught me off guard.

 

[Clint Eastwood]

Do you think shutting down the center would be helpful? Or what little the center adds it’s still a bonus?

It won't help because it's a "non factor" a lot of the time...as far as adding a lot to the mix...IMO it doesn't...I think if you did that it would be worse(even less than it is now) you would diminish it even more

 

[stormchaser]

I just got home and I appreciate you "bursting the bubble"...when I was 6 minutes in I knew it was going to be like you described....the center channel is an afterthought...certainly not for vocals...there is the occasional discreet moment...but they are few and far between...it's more big stereo...on the positive side..it's not "muddy"..so there is that...but as a surround title...there isn't much to talk about...I think Vanilla is a good description...it has been a LONG time since I have heard this album and for those that love it and know it well...maybe it will be the best available version...so it could be a win for those folks..and if you are a vinyl lover...maybe the vinyl will make you happy...maybe Gos can spin one of those babies for you...but if you aren't a die hard fan of this album and want it for the surround....I'd pass...

I think this is about right. I'm a big Rush fan, so I'm happy with this upgrade. I wouldn't buy this just for the surround mix if you aren't a big fan of this album to begin with. Big stereo with a few very obvious almost "novelty" surround elements like an acoustic guitar or a keyboard is the order of the day. Happy to crank this up. I do wonder what the master tapes were like to begin with. Also, note that I listened to the DTS-HD MA 5.1 with Auro-3D applied.