Queensryche Empire: DVD-A or remastered CD? Opinions please!

Carlo Medina · 07-13-2004, 11:17 AM

Hi All,

I love Queensryche's Empire album (and Mindcrime) and was at my local store and found that there are 2 new Empire releases: a remastered CD from 2003, and a DVD-A from 2002.

Does anyone own both and would you recommend one over the other? I do have a DVD-A player but I'm wondering if the mix on the DVD-A is good, or if they perhaps did a better job on the new CD (since it came out a year later).

The CD has extra tracks but I already have those tracks on old CD singles so that's not a selling point. I just want the best possible sound, which would indicate DVD-A but I know there have been some bad DVD-A jobs out there and I just wanted to make sure this wasn't one of them before spending $25 on it.

Thanks!

AricB · 07-13-2004, 11:24 AM

the mix could be better on dvd-a, its not extremely interesting, but it doesnt sound bad, but i havent listened to it much. I think it might have some video's on it that might make it a good choice. I have NOT listened to the stereo tracks. I think BBuy has it for about 15$ in US? I wouldnt pay $25 for it.

have not heard remastered cd.

Philip Hamm · 07-13-2004, 12:25 PM

The Empire DVD-A has great "making of" interviews. The multichannel mix is uninspiring. The stereo version sounds great. Wanna buy my copy? $15 shipped and it's yours.

Darryl · 07-13-2004, 12:38 PM

I agree with Philip. The stereo version sounds really good; the surround mix doesn't really add much to the music. The interview with Geoff and Michael is really interesting, but you'll probably only watch it once or twice. I'd go for the DVD-A over the remastered CD, but don't pay $25 for it.

Mike Broadman · 07-13-2004, 12:40 PM

I recommend hunting e-bay for the DCC gold CD. Actually, IIRC, I just bought mine from acousticsounds.com.

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Charles Gurganus · 07-13-2004, 12:49 PM

Carlo, I have the DVD-A as well and concure with the others to a point. The multi-channel mix could have been better but it still opens things up a bit. It is a tad on the bright side. I also have an earlier CD that sounds excellent. I think a big fan would want both.

Carlo Medina · 07-13-2004, 01:07 PM

Does anyone have the new remastered CD (2003 I think it said on the back)? How does that sound in comparison w/ the DVD-A's stereo track? If the surround mix is just okay, then I want to pick up the one w/ the best stereo track.

Philip, if I can't get an answer to the CD question, I just might pick up your copy...

John Milton · 07-13-2004, 06:05 PM

I had and sold off the DVD-A. The surround track was nothing special IMO. I was unaware that there was a remastered CD with bonus tracks. Looks like I'll be picking that up soon.

07-13-2004, 06:16 PM

Wow. I always thought that the original CD release was one of the better sounding rock CDs I own.

Can't imagine what a Remaseter would bring to the party, but am eager to hear what those that have both have to say.

BGL

Carlo Medina · 07-13-2004, 06:40 PM

That's what I'm grappling with too Brian. The original CD is pretty good, and I do want to upgrade to one of the two new releases, but is it only an incremental increase to the new CD? If so, I will get the DVD-A. But if the DVD-A isn't that great, and the new remaster CD is, as one amazon reviewer wrote:

Quote:

It is amazing what 24-bit re-mastering has done to this album. It feels incredibly fresh now just as it was back then. Great production, a little bit too radio-friendly but that doesn't take away from the beauty of the record. Prog-metal at its best, for sure.
The bonus tracks are not the greatest, but the original 11 tracks has definitely come alive in an incredible way. Don't hesitate and pick this one up - yes, it IS worth it if you already own the original copy. You'll thank me later.

then I'd pick up the new CD (which is cheaper to boot). Of course, you can't always trust Amazon reviews which is why I'm asking the more knowledgeable people at HTF to chime in.