After a few more listens I have to say that the 5.1 is incredible. One thing that's slightly annoying me still though is that, in my opinion, you have to play it LOUD to really appreciate it. The title track does seem to lack a bit of power, compared to the original, unless you turn the volume up, and I can't always turn the volume up!! I like to hear BB's crisp snare and CS's growling bass without having to crank the volume. I'm still working my way through the extras, and have only listened to parts so far, but I can say that - America - awesome, and yes, better than that on the Fragile DVD-A, vinyl transfer - didn't sound particularly special to me, but hey, its an extra, stereo versions of original and new mix sound very very good. I'll try and listen to the alternative song versions tonight. The volume issue almost turned my 10 vote into a 9, but it didn't!
The physical packaging is great to look at, but not entirely practical. A replica gatefold sleeve that doesn't stay anywhere near flat. I think I prefer the DVD packaging. The plastic "bag" that it comes in I don't think is going to stay pristine enough in the long run, and frustratingly keeps sticking to the cover when it is taken out or put back in. The contents of the booklet are excellent, good to look at, and well written but one thing has bugged me a bit - did anyone else get this month's Classic Rock Prog magazine, the issue with Close to the Edge on the cover? Well the magazine contained a Sid Smith article about the album, which is pretty much identical to his essay in the new CTTE booklet. I say pretty much identical - some paragraphs have been swapped around, some words have been changed, and if anything the magazine version is slightly longer than the CTTE booklet version. I'm not complaining, I just thought this was strange. I guess we've been spoilt recently by the excellent Benefit booklet!