Prince From Another Planet - Brilliant!

.... and when looking at it as a CD release (which it obviously is), it's an outstanding release.

No, it's a CD/DVD release, the standard CD release is available in the original mixes.

Those complaining about not seeing this in stores - welcome to the Internet, you'll like it here.

Those complaining about not seeing this in stores - welcome to the Internet, you'll like it here.

I got my copy today at best buy. They had the cd version and the box set. I got the only(last?) box set on the shelf.

My PFAP package came in yesterday, and so far I've listened to the evening show up to For the Good times. All I can say is WOW! I'm stunned by how much better the sound quality is! I checked out the documentary this morning and thoroughly enjoyed it. I've only been able to look at the footage of a few songs, but so far I like what I see. Goodness gracious what a terrific release this is! Well done Ernst, Rog and everybody else involved in the project!

But I confess to an edge of sadness. Elvis was at the top of the world at this point in time, knockin' 'em dead in arguably the most famous venue in the world and to think that in a little over 5 years he would be gone ...

But this is the Elvis I think of when I think of the 70's Elvis.

I agree Pete. So far I've only heard the evening show on Disc 2, and it blew my socks off. When Ronnie kicked things off with that introductory drum roll, and my sub woofer shoke the house, and "That's All Right" blared out the speakers, I had a big smile on my face.

The mix and mastering is STUNNING. I picked up so many new neaunces that I've never heard before. I've said this before, but not only is Elvis' vocals out of this world, but the TCB band is on fire. Tight as hell, and playing their asses off.

Two BIG thumbs up

While I think this is a great release, I think we do need to calm down a little bit here. The mix is great - but it only sounds as good as it does to us because the original was so awful! This is how it should have sounded for the last forty years folks!

To be honest, I doubt whether they Could have made it sound like this 40 years ago.

the footage is really outstanding!! but how can such release, what you can buy in the shops make a dvd with almost complete black footage ?????was this made in hurry??? why not only a dvd with just the footage?? and what about the local tv footage there is just much more !!!i think nobody knows exact how much there was filmed i guess

During “Elvis Week” Ernst stated clearly that the idea was release the DVD they way they have in order to keep everything in context, rather than simple just a collection of clips. I think it was the correct choice.

Maybe some slides would have been a way to keep things during the black spots in the video. That way you have something to look at and keep your eyes on the screen to be ready for the next video moment. Wonder why they didn't do that?

The part of the package I liked the most was the booklet which was just terrific. I also loved the sound on the CDs and what there was of the footage.

On the documentary, it was cool but it could have been improved with some more specifics on how the show came about and questions about anything different Elvis may have done in the build up.

Last edited by likethebike on Sun Nov 18, 2012 10:28 am, edited 1 time in total.

the footage is really outstanding!! but how can such release, what you can buy in the shops make a dvd with almost complete black footage ?????was this made in hurry??? why not only a dvd with just the footage?? and what about the local tv footage there is just much more !!!i think nobody knows exact how much there was filmed i guess

During “Elvis Week” Ernst stated clearly that the idea was release the DVD they way they have in order to keep everything in context, rather than simple just a collection of clips. I think it was the correct choice.

Me too. Absolutely. I watched the entire show yesterday and really enjoyed it. This is how I'll play that show from now on. The footage is super cool. When it disappears, well, it's no worse to play a DVD with a blank screen than it is to play a regular CD. Same thing! I agree there could have been an option to show only the footage though.

Keith Richards, Jr.

What they could've done is include a menu with the footage being played without the blanks in between. That way I won't have to keep pressing the FF button.

While I think this is a great release, I think we do need to calm down a little bit here. The mix is great - but it only sounds as good as it does to us because the original was so awful! This is how it should have sounded for the last forty years folks!

A new release is no guarantee of good sound quality. We should rejoice when we get the chance particularly as there were concerns over Brauer getting his hands on the release. I don't think that SQ was much of a factor in the70's so we should be thankful that the original tapes were still available and that they have made the best of them. I am going rejoice some more today!

Cheers Jamie

the footage is really outstanding!! but how can such release, what you can buy in the shops make a dvd with almost complete black footage ?????was this made in hurry??? why not only a dvd with just the footage?? and what about the local tv footage there is just much more !!!i think nobody knows exact how much there was filmed i guess

During “Elvis Week” Ernst stated clearly that the idea was release the DVD they way they have in order to keep everything in context, rather than simple just a collection of clips. I think it was the correct choice.

I agree...how lucky are we to have the footage folks?

Maybe if they had included the 'polk' footage in the documentary then all the footage would have been there...in addition to the footage/black screen option...

What they could've done is include a menu with the footage being played without the blanks in between. That way I won't have to keep pressing the FF button.

Right, that simple addition to the dvd menu would have helped a lot.
I read some "casual fan" reviews and people complained about the dropped visuals and wondered if there was something wrong with the disc.

.... and when looking at it as a CD release (which it obviously is), it's an outstanding release.

No, it's a CD/DVD release, the standard CD release is available in the original mixes.

Fair enough. I view it mainly as CD release with a DVD as a bonus.

What they could've done is include a menu with the footage being played without the blanks in between. That way I won't have to keep pressing the FF button.

yep, that would have been a better option....

I just bought the Legacy version as well...was only $13. Packaging is nice, but the sound is not that impressive. First impression is that they just used the original mixes...I heard several cues from the original cds in these. If nothing else it will make a nice decor item for my desk at work. PFAP will stay safely at home and I'll play cdrs in the car.

I just bought the Legacy version as well...was only $13.

First impression is that they just used the original mixes.

They said this release would use the original mix. I believed them. I love PFAP and am happy to save the $13.00 for the superfluous Legacy version.

I just bought the Legacy version as well...was only $13.

First impression is that they just used the original mixes.

They said this release would use the original mix. I believed them. I love PFAP and am happy to save the $13.00 for the superfluous Legacy version.

We could have lived without the Legacy version didn't we?
It feels like the Legacy release is blocking some sales success of PFAP:
The Legacy MSG, which in my opinion is an inferior product vs PFAP, seems to have a broader in store distribution.

From strictly a marketing stand point, I think Sony made a mistake. To maximize sales of both the Legacy version and "Prince" version, they should have released the Legacy edition first (like a year ago). We would have all bought it because we've been wanting the original MSG album. Then, this year, for the 40th anniversary, release "Prince From Another Planet". We would have again bought it, this time with the new mixes.

By releasing both at the same time - on the same day - many people will buy one or the other. Eventually some would buy both, but now after hearing that the new mix is superior to the originals, it doesn't fare well for the Legacy edition.



RKS

I bought both... I'm a collector...

I am happy wiith the new mixes and mastering. While staying true to the original mix, this release is so much clearer, it does feel like a new experience. I have found my self liking this show more than i ever did. PFAP is a winner!

I bought both... I'm a collector...

I'm a collector too, but a little discerning. Buying both Legacy releases wasn't important to me. i have this on the banded two LP set, the Japanese quad release, the original LP, a couple of CD releases and now PRAP. Probably the only one I'll ever play again is PFAP. I'm covered.

what are the exact songs that have footage????

For a more detailed rundown, here's what you get:

Pre Show / 2001 (1 minute 10 secs)
Thats Alright (2 minutes 19 secs) complete
Proud Mary (1 minutes 23 secs)
Never Been To Spain (2 minutes 45 secs)
Polk Salad Annie (2 mins 10 secs)
Hearltbreak Hotel (1 minute 36 secs)
Reconsider Baby (11 secs)
Hound Dog (2 minutes 4 secs)
I'll Remember You (1 minute 3 secs)
Suspicious Minds (2 minutes 50 secs)
Introductions (25 secs)
American Trilogy (2 minutes 39 secs)
CHFIL + Outro (49 secs)

Sadly it's not quite as comprehensive as it might seem from above because the footage repeatedly breaks down, for example Suspicious Minds is filmed in four separate sections. Still nice to have though.

As for the sound, this new mix isn't for me as levels have been artificially raised making it sound muddy and constricted on a good hi-fi system. Admittedly I haven't tried it on my car stereo which may be less forgiving. It would be interesting to hear what Matthew and other sound enthusiasts have to say on this in due course.

I just bought the Legacy version as well...was only $13.

First impression is that they just used the original mixes.

They said this release would use the original mix. I believed them. I love PFAP and am happy to save the $13.00 for the superfluous Legacy version.

We could have lived without the Legacy version didn't we?
It feels like the Legacy release is blocking some sales success of PFAP:
The Legacy MSG, which in my opinion is an inferior product vs PFAP, seems to have a broader in store distribution.

Yes, you are right. I was in HMV today. Instore they had MSG Legacy editions: 6 copies, PFAP: 1 copy
I even stopped a guy from buying the MSG Legacy Edition baecause he thought it was PFAP. Confusion abounds, it's hard to see PFAP selling well when the only copy they have in the shop is behind the counter.

As for the sound, this new mix isn't for me as levels have been artificially raised making it sound muddy and constricted on a good hi-fi system. Admittedly I haven't tried it on my car stereo which may be less forgiving. It would be interesting to hear what Matthew and other sound enthusiasts have to say on this in due course.

I understand what you say about the sound as there isn't a wide spread of instruments/vocals across the soundstage. Brauer is also renouned for his use of compression which may explain the sense of the dynamics being restricted. However, having said that the remit was to put you in the fourth row of the Stadium and I think it achieves that brilliantly. It is an exciting sound and there is still enough clarity to follow JB's guitar, different drums, etc. There is plenty of bass and kick drums and Elvis vocals are crystal clear. It isn't a dry almost studio recording like the 72 Vegas releases for instance but if it was I think we would have lost the sense of occassion, excitement and passion. Ideally, the DVD could have carried a studio mix and concert mix but that's just a dream.

I would say it's like the Memphis 74 take on a mix which whilst not an audiophile recorording again really captures that sense of being there. I certainly don't think I will be playing the original CD's again as I really like the approach taken - Elvis vocals sound superb.