Wish You Were Here

by

Pink Floyd

Edit

I was lucky enough to get a copy of this limited edition SA-CD via a Japanese pre-order back in November 2011. Glad I did as it looks like it's going to become very rare.Testament to the incredible work that James Guthrie and his collaborators have done remastering and remixing this landmark Pink Floyd album.There are a couple of different ways to purchase the new masters.There's the single disc "Wish You Were Here [Discovery Edition]",the double cd "Wish You Were Here Experience Edition",the ridiculously expensive box set "Wish You Were Here Immersion Edition" and of course,the SA-CD. All I was really interested in was the 5.1 mix and the original Quad mix and almost shelled out the money for the box set.I'm glad,after reading all the bad reviews,I decided the SA-CD was the best option.

Firstly the new stereo master which sounds much clearer than it's previous pressing back in 1994 with nice separation and rich bass tones.No doubt the advantage of SA-CD playback.

But the real delight here is the 5.1 surround mix,originally prepared back in 2003 for release by EMI but shelved when they,like all of the major record labels,abandoned the SA-CD format.I thought I knew every note of this album as it's always been my favourite Floyd release.The surround mix allows you to hear such amazing detail that maybe until now,has only been heard by a select few who have the original Quad mix done by Alan Parsons.I could go on writing about all the new aural experiences this 5.1 mix allows you to pick out with the additional separation of surround sound but that would spoil it for potential listeners.The transition between "Have A Cigar" and the title track is awesome,that's all I'll say.

I hope everyone that was wanting a copy of this album on Super Audio got one on pre order(you'll be glad you did)and not too many third party sellers have picked up multiple copies for future selling at extortionate prices(as most SA-CD titles are currently being sold).It's the best SA-CD of rock music I've heard for many years.

Now all we need is "The Wall" on Super Audio,wouldn't that sound great in 5.1!

"Remember When You Were Young..."

There is no question that Wish You Were Here is a 5 star album, but this Immersion box set is over priced and a disappointment.

Firstly, at the time of writing, it costs the same as the Dark Side Of The Moon Immersion box, £84.99, but contains one less disc. At least the Dark Side box contained an extra CD of demos and alternate mixes, which made it a little more desirable.

Discs 1 & 2, the remastered original album and bonus tracks, can be bought for £12.93 as part of the Experience edition.

For your extra £70+, you get 2 DVDs and a Blu Ray disc, replicating the DVD contents. Therefore, if you have a Blu Ray player, the DVDs are redundant. There is no doubt, however, that this is where the holy grail is contained, with the release of the long awaited 5.1 mix of the album, in addition to the original 1975 Quadrophonic mix and concert screen films.

As with the Dark Side set, the rest of the box is filled with 'collectibles', most rather pointless and of 'cheap' quality. The two photo books are flimsy and lack much content, the scarf and marbles are pointless, & the print, collector's cards, replica ticket and backstage pass are interesting to look at once, but you won't need to return to them again. EMI could have left all these out and cut the price.

If you have an SACD player, I would recommend buying the SACD instead, which contains the 2011 remaster and 5.1 mix. Although it has to be imported, it is available from European online sites for around £30, including shipping. That way, you can still own the 5.1 mix and save yourself £50 odd quid.