The discs were $12.88 at Newbury (NC's list price is going to be $16.99 if you're curious). I picked up the Fagen and the AC/DC. BTW, I did get the Fagen out of the slipcase - only took me 30 minutes. I got the Fagen just to get it as I have the DVD-A already.
I didn't see the Brubeck at the Newbury Comics I was in, either. Had I known it was pulled, I would have been looking for it. There was an empty slot on the display; my guess is it was the Brubeck. C'est la vie. I'll be on a hunt for that one tomorrow
Let me state up front I have both SA-CDs and DVD-As. Some good in both formats, some bad in both formats. Overall, I prefer the experience and sound of SACD, but when done right, DVD-A is great (a la Fagen DVD-As and the Queen ones).
I thought from the get-go the idea of a flippy disc (well, it's name is DualDisc) is horrible. Prone to scratching, etc. I was proven right as I opened the AC/DC case and it slipped right out without me touching it, scratching the CD encoded side. Didn't happen on the Fagen. I prefer the old lift-lock cases or the SA-CD cases - or even std. CD cases - over these. I can see the push in button on the case breaking, and try to find a replacement.
IMHO, this is not the answer to hybrid SA-CD. Confusing format for normal consumers and the hi-rez folks. More fragile, as there is content on both sides so you need to handle the discs much more carefully then even you would normally. I hate flippy DVDs, and hate these even more.
Since Sony is behind SACD, the AC/DC is only 48 kHz on the DVD side. Give that one a "why bother". I had compatibility issues in my computer DVD-ROM/CD-R trying to read the CD later, but a normal CD player I put it into had no problem. The DVD AC/DC content worked in the drive fine.
The Fagen had the slipcase from hell. You've heard about the grip of death SA-CD cases, welcome to the grip of death slipcase. Other than that, I haven't popped it in - no real need. This was purely a collection disc.
I would rather have a hybrid SA-CD with redbook and hi-rez for audio, packaged with a separate DVD for video content. Or a redbook CD with either a DVD-A or DVD-V for video and/or hi-rez. I'd pay a few extra bucks for both in one package.
I was also approached by a marketing guy and took the survey. It was mainly about the display (for the most part). I got my $5, too. Woo hoo! Although he had no clue about the format or hi-rez in general. Didn't know what SACD or DVD-A was. Need I say more. I also asked why Boston and Seattle, and he didn't know either.
After I came home, I took the online survey. Some similar questions, but it is more centered around the format. I was very honest and in a few spots told them I hope it dies a quick death. I mean, what are they thinking? Sony confuising folks because they think they're supporting DVD-A (which they aren't), Warner pushing another format when they're trying to still get DVD-A off teh ground, etc. You get the point. Every labels have two fledgling formats without needing a new one (some supporting both DVD-A and SACD).
I don't see this format lasting long at all, so if you want some discs to collect, snap 'em up now!