I finally managed to score a 'corrected' copy of the HFPA Blu-Ray thanks to a kind fellow member (thank you again!) and I’m really impressed with what Steven Wilson was able to achieve here. The 5.1 mix opens things up nicely, while also maintaining that dense ‘80s vibe - I’m hearing all kinds of previously-obscured details, like the harmony vocals in the rear speakers throughout “Speed Your Love To Me.” Most songs have the guitars in the front speakers and keyboards in the rears, but they do occasionally switch places. The big drums in “Up On The Catwalk” and “Waterfront” sound glorious spread over the entire surround field.
The tonal balance seems improved as well, there’s a harsh quality to the original 1984 mix that’s less apparent in the stereo & 5.1 remixes. Plus, unlike the prior two Simple Minds 5.1 releases, the dynamic range hasn’t been compressed. You can really crank this up and it doesn't get fatiguing.
My only knock on the 5.1 mix is the integration of the lead vocal. It sounds too dry and too isolated, as if Jim Kerr’s voice has been surgically extracted and placed in a space separate from the rest of the band. The center-isolated vocals in Ronald Prent’s 5.1 mixes of Once Upon A Time and New Gold Dream sound much more ‘forward’ and unified with the surrounding instruments.
