Well fancy that.
I tried to get into this album during the (lengthy) run-up to the release, and while I did enjoy it somewhat, I got turned off by the Waters-brand cynicism/nihilism being on full display, and his vocals, which he amped up to 110% defeatist (in my mind) for this album. It feels like "The Final Cut" with extra gravy, plus some more final gravy.
So when the remaster finally came out, I kinda skipped over it. Only now did I go back for a closer look, and read through this thread. The occasion was that I had the chance to listen to Jim's revision of the 5.1 mix.
And what a revelation it is! I listened to it twice in a row yesterday and was completely enthralled. This is a prime example of sublime mixing and sound quality turning an album that first left me lukewarm-cold into a fully absorbing, crazy mind-trip. Now, I haven't heard the actual released 5.1 (or "quad") mix yet, though I did order the Blu-Ray yesterday. With that in mind, I'm very excited about what's going on here.
I find that the rears (which, as I understand, Jim didn't touch) are very active, delivering both sound effects and music very well. What got me most is the sound quality, which is insane. Some of the most dramatic effects (planes flying, bombs crashing, explosions) are so powerful, they shake the room and all your insides. Everything here is balanced perfectly as far as I'm concerned, with amazing detail and impact.
Note that I'm only vaguely familiar with the original album, so long-time fans might notice and dislike whatever creative liberties were taken with volume levels etc. when transitioning from stereo to 5.1.
I can't really leave a vote here, since I'm still judging the release based on Jim's revamp, but that would get a 10 from me, and so does the sound quality. I'd take 1 off for the fact that underneath it all, it's still Waters piling on too much of his trademark darkness for my tastes. You gotta hand it to him for staying true to his shtick, though. He's treading ground that, while typical for him, sets this work apart, makes it very memorable and quite quotable. I keep wanting to throw the line, "The species has amused itself to death" at much of what I see in the world.
So, a 9 until I get to listen to the actual released 5.1 mix, which I expect I will do once and then shelve it again in favour of Jim's. ;-)
I tried to get into this album during the (lengthy) run-up to the release, and while I did enjoy it somewhat, I got turned off by the Waters-brand cynicism/nihilism being on full display, and his vocals, which he amped up to 110% defeatist (in my mind) for this album. It feels like "The Final Cut" with extra gravy, plus some more final gravy.
So when the remaster finally came out, I kinda skipped over it. Only now did I go back for a closer look, and read through this thread. The occasion was that I had the chance to listen to Jim's revision of the 5.1 mix.
And what a revelation it is! I listened to it twice in a row yesterday and was completely enthralled. This is a prime example of sublime mixing and sound quality turning an album that first left me lukewarm-cold into a fully absorbing, crazy mind-trip. Now, I haven't heard the actual released 5.1 (or "quad") mix yet, though I did order the Blu-Ray yesterday. With that in mind, I'm very excited about what's going on here.
I find that the rears (which, as I understand, Jim didn't touch) are very active, delivering both sound effects and music very well. What got me most is the sound quality, which is insane. Some of the most dramatic effects (planes flying, bombs crashing, explosions) are so powerful, they shake the room and all your insides. Everything here is balanced perfectly as far as I'm concerned, with amazing detail and impact.
Note that I'm only vaguely familiar with the original album, so long-time fans might notice and dislike whatever creative liberties were taken with volume levels etc. when transitioning from stereo to 5.1.
I can't really leave a vote here, since I'm still judging the release based on Jim's revamp, but that would get a 10 from me, and so does the sound quality. I'd take 1 off for the fact that underneath it all, it's still Waters piling on too much of his trademark darkness for my tastes. You gotta hand it to him for staying true to his shtick, though. He's treading ground that, while typical for him, sets this work apart, makes it very memorable and quite quotable. I keep wanting to throw the line, "The species has amused itself to death" at much of what I see in the world.
So, a 9 until I get to listen to the actual released 5.1 mix, which I expect I will do once and then shelve it again in favour of Jim's. ;-)