Thanks Neil, beat me to it.
Look at the way the band tries to do things in the right spirit and that should tell you that they'd never set out to have this happen. Steve probably got a report a week or two ago and said "F me, how can we fix the situation?" And it will probably take a few weeks to impliment something.
Q. How does a label determine what the pressing quantities should be for a given release? (Neil has real-world input I'm sure)
A. Look at the band's previous release sales, confirm they are touring to generate further interest, is the band pursuing all promotional activities, what does the band think, what is the buzz at retail, what is the volume of pre-orders so far, so that sufficient levels be established. What does Roadrunner think? What does Atlantic think? Are these incompatible opinions?
That probably worked for the CD, which will continually be pressed to meet demand, but the Special Edition had a specific number capped. Who came up with that number and if it's final is not known to me. Anybody with that is welcome to post it.
Another factor: Retail Music business fear or lack of confidence in physical media. CD sales are a fraction of what they were 5 years ago. This factor has not only impacted Porcupine Tree but the Genesis box set and re-issues campaign has been a supply-side disaster. Who's fault is that? Not PT's.....
This is still early in the game (week 1) and Burning Shed isn't even carrying it so that these are all available at retail. Whos' to say there won't be another pressing?
I appreciate everyone's sudden interest in acquiring this CD/DVD-V version but the vibe here two weeks ago included a *lot* of dissing it, not wanting to buy it and mostly groaning that it's not DVD-A NOW, etc.
Again, it's about the music. Buy the CD and listen to the music if you can't get/don't want the Special Edition. Collector's and fans determine value and scarcity not the band so much. Is there limited edition vinyl and other enticing merchandise? Sure but I don't buy much if any. Are people snapping it up for speculation? Sure they are; what with all the proclamations of shortages. If PT and their mgmt do not do anything about this, THEN get upset or move on to a different crisis.
Soundandvisionplanet.com = EARLY arrived 4/23/07; $24.95 + $4.95 = $29.90
CD Universe = sorry notice, backordered (automatic cancel after May15)
J&R Music World = shipped 4/24/07; $21.99+ $2.95 = $24.94