Prince From Another Planet - Brilliant!

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.

Just got my copy over the weekend. Exciting for sure. I think the booklet and the overall package are well designed. I'm a big fan of Lenny Kaye and glad to see that he's part of this. Since Lenny Kaye represents the New York downtown punk/avant scene of the early-mid 70s, his involvement further underscores that Elvis had an impact on musicians who come from a wide range of genres. Sound quality wise I think this mix makes the shows sound like and measure up to their historic significance. That was something that was missing from the original release. It was a concert recording but the excitement didn't necessarily come through. The mini doc I also thought was great.

My only small criticisms are with the press conference and fan footage. With regard to the press conference, I wish they would've gathered footage from all sources (I guess all the networks from back then) and combined them to make it as complete as possible. The footage on the DVD which I believe comes from ABC, was very choppy and omitted some of the key moments that have been seen prior, especially on YouTube. For example the whole 'Vitamin E' thing. There was alot of laughter in the original footage that was cut out here for the DVD. Also Elvis' introduction, when he first appears in the original uncut footage the crowd for a second sounds almost like they're in disbelief when he walks out. Again, that is not included here. There is however enough there to keep you interested, so I don't want to say it's all bad because it's not. As far as the fan footage, great stuff and well executed by the post production team. I could do without the long periods of black though. When I first noticed it I was beginning to think their was something wrong with my DVD player.

Overall, I think this was a great release and worth revisiting and repackaging. Money well spent.

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

Agree on both accounts. They left more NBC footage behind.
Also, the back spots should have been left out so the fabulous footage could have been seen in total.
On top of that the distribution is a failure.
Why invest in an expensive remix and obtain rare footage but no Elvis fan is able to find it in store?
Only us hardcore fans know about this product but this is no FTD.
Great quality product but Sony dropped the ball here.

You can't make a store stock your item. They will only stock it if there is a potential for them to make money. Obviously stores don't think that this type of product from Elvis will make them money, and that it will simply take up valuable shelf space. They know how much trade they get from Elvis product much more than we do, and if it is minimal, then they won't stock it. Ironically, from what we have heard, An Afternoon in the Garden has been available in America at a knockdown price for the last year or so - so that's killed any passing interest the casual buyer will have in the item, as they already have half of the audio from Prince already.

The thing is that a lot of new Elvis product gets bought at Christmas time by non Elvis fans for their Elvis fan friends and relatives. Every new BMG/Sony Elvis release has been stocked by these stores until this one. When I asked the guy at Walmart if they had it on Tuesday, he said that I was the tenth person to ask him. So that's ten sales they may have lost. Will those 10 just go order it off the web? Maybe and maybe not. You also have to remember that a lot of Elvis fans are older and still don't use computers or the internet.

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.

That's interesting and explains a lot. He seems to have created a 'wall of sound' which although initially exciting soon becomes claustrophobic in my view. About half way through both shows I switched to previous releases* and found it a relief. Whilst these don't have the ambiance of the live shows in question, this is more than made up for by greater clarity and separation giving the different instruments 'room to breathe.' Each to his own, but I certainly won't be clamouring for more mixes of this type if this is the result.

* (Operation Big Apple CD 1 / Madison Sq. Gdn. Japanese 24 bit)

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.

Thanks for the list. What s shame that Lance didn't film more of Reconsider Baby. Is this the only footage we have of that song anywhere?

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.

My copy is in the mail though my hunger for a complete re-working of the audio diminished significantly when I first heard the Anesini remaster of the original 1972 mix on Complete Masters.

Unfortunately the appalling early 90s BMG CD created a lot, if not all of the problem with regards to the mass fan chanting for a MSG remix/remaster.

My copy is in the mail though my hunger for a complete re-working of the audio diminished significantly when I first heard the Anesini remaster of the original 1972 mix on Complete Masters.

Unfortunately the appalling early 90s BMG CD created a lot, if not all of the problem with regards to the mass fan chanting for a MSG remix/remaster.

Thanks for your reply.

As others have pointed out, the mix appears very similar to what we have had before, only now it has increased audience noise, a boost in bottom end frequencies and a liberal dose of reverb to finish off the effect....my guess is that you're not going to like it.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts when it arrives.

I've listened to my original LP (received as a birthday gift in 1978) for years and it still is a kick.

But this one definitely sounded better (as well as the '92 CD) and I can't complain. I had it up loud and probably annoyed a neighbor or two
but it was that good.

I especially liked hearing the fuzz-sounding guitar on "I Can't Stop Loving You" more clearly then ever.

I don't think he made it too "loud"- but the "you are there" feeling is better than I recall.


*********************************
I agree it's quite a lot to move from one event over several releases but I guess that's what had to vbe.


It's hard to begrudge Sony: I think retail outlets in the states are much less interested in older acts and really even contemporary acts.
They simply don't stock as much physical product anymore. I hate it but Americans have fallen in love with the "free" internet.

There's no getting around how much the 'net has changed the record business, as well as demographics of the Elvis fan
in 2012. But I'm glad they are trying!

Did a quick comparison of the old cd Afternoon In The Garden. It is still good but I think this new version is a clear winner for me. Everything seems clearer on the new CD. I hear more of what is going on. I feel like I'm there. Again it is like hearing something new that I have not heard before, even though I've listened to the old version many times. I think at least for the afternoon show, I will probably only play the new one from now on. It would be great if this guy could do the Aloha shows also.

Had time to compare my Franklin remaster to this new one for evening show. This new version puts you there. Everything is bigger, clearer, feels like I'm at the show. The Franklin one is more laid back and relaxed. That's okay but I will probably stick with the Prince version for a long time. It is just so darn exciting.

Did a quick comparison of the old cd Afternoon In The Garden. It is still good but I think this new version is a clear winner for me. Everything seems clearer on the new CD. I hear more of what is going on. I feel like I'm there. Again it is like hearing something new that I have not heard before, even though I've listened to the old version many times. I think at least for the afternoon show, I will probably only play the new one from now on. It would be great if this guy could do the Aloha shows also.

Had time to compare my Franklin remaster to this new one for evening show. This new version puts you there. Everything is bigger, clearer, feels like I'm at the show. The Franklin one is more laid back and relaxed. That's okay but I will probably stick with the Prince version for a long time. It is just so darn exciting.

I agree. Watched the footage so many times -- 'Polk' - 'Hound Dog' & 'Suspicious Minds' are stunning!
Blasting it in the kitchen on iPod...not enough room to try karate moves however during 'Suspicious Minds'...

This release has quite rightly received a lot of positive comments. It’s great when a product has fulfilled wishes, and offered more than expected. I hope Roger and Ernst are chuffed.

I’m sure there will also be very positive reviews from the publications Elvis The Man and His Music and Essential Elvis . That risk of scratching your discs is a criticism about the packaging, but the main thrust of this project will be appreciated by the reviewers. They certainly know class products when they see and hear it and will be free with praise.

Please let it be known across the board that mine arrived TODAY. I will not get a chance to enjoy it until the long holiday weekend, but by God it is on my shelf right this very moment.

Please let it be known across the board that mine arrived TODAY. I will not get a chance to enjoy it until the long holiday weekend, but by God it is on my shelf right this very moment.

I'm pleased for you Rob, the footage is great.

Please let us know what you think of the remastered sound.

I'm just as disappointed with this release as I was the samples from this release. It sounds muddy, lack of separation and as someone said claustrophobic. It sounds as if some of the band is in a box, while the rest isn't. I think it failed in giving us a "you are in the 4th row" feeling. I believe adding percussive attack to the original release of Afternoon would have done the trick and made that one instantly better.

The evening show still sucks as far as sound quality goes but it is better than TCM. An amateur could have done better than this. I've heard better soundboards. Sony should ask for their money back from the guy who screwed this up.

The video is great for what it is and leaves one longing for more.

Maybe when this becomes public domain MRS will put it out the way it should have been, LOL.

P.S. Not even playing it in the car helps

Tim

no release is ever going to be universally applauded for its mix/mastering because we all hear things slightly diiferently or prefer different presentations musically e.g. an analytical detailed approach as against a warm analogue sound. Whilst this isn't a studio style audiophile mix I have to disagree with your complete trashing of the sound. One thing it definately does do, is place you right at the front of the stadium and brings out the sheer excitement and energy of the performances. Most people would seem to agree with that.

I would have liked a broader sound stage and more clarity around some of instruments (piano for instance) but Elvis vocals are presented superbly, you hear every single phasing, nuance and breath in his sublime performances. I always thought he sounded strained on the Evening show but it's clear here that isn't so. The original just didn't do his voice justice. Here his voice sounds strong and controlled. Surely, that is worth the admission price alone? Equally, JB's guitar sounds great, again I am picking up licks that simply weren't apparent on the original. Try Never Been To Spain from the afternoon show for instance or the fuzz guitar sound on Can't Stop Loving You.

I feel like I have a much better appreciation of MSG as an event and feel like I have been transported back to 72 through this release. It's a shame that we can't all be satisfied but thats just the nature of the beast I guess. But I hope the vast majority get something positive out of the recordings.

cheers Jamie

I think it failed in giving us a "you are in the 4th row" feeling.

It gave me a feeling of being in the 4th row of my own living room with the entire band, backing singers and audience squeezed in as well....most uncomfortable.

I've heard better soundboards.

Good point!

P.S. Not even playing it in the car helps

Ok thanks...I suspected as much.

Re: the DVD, surely they could've filled the black spaces with something?! And I thought the audience noise was a little overbearing.

absolutely!!! i just watched listened to this whole package tonight. interesting the 'brief' footage from June 9th shown!!
sound is excellent....but that DAMM 'black screen ' pisses me off from an otherwise excellent package.
still at least i got to see suspicious minds AND the 'action ' part on screen from PSA!!! footage also is extremely clear given its age and beautifully filmed(well apart from the 'gaps'!) 90'% excellent Sony release.

Did a quick comparison of the old cd Afternoon In The Garden. It is still good but I think this new version is a clear winner for me. Everything seems clearer on the new CD. I hear more of what is going on. I feel like I'm there. Again it is like hearing something new that I have not heard before, even though I've listened to the old version many times. I think at least for the afternoon show, I will probably only play the new one from now on. It would be great if this guy could do the Aloha shows also.

Had time to compare my Franklin remaster to this new one for evening show. This new version puts you there. Everything is bigger, clearer, feels like I'm at the show. The Franklin one is more laid back and relaxed. That's okay but I will probably stick with the Prince version for a long time. It is just so darn exciting.

I agree. Watched the footage so many times -- 'Polk' - 'Hound Dog' & 'Suspicious Minds' are stunning!
Blasting it in the kitchen on iPod...not enough room to try karate moves however during 'Suspicious Minds'...

I plan to watch the DVD again in a few mins. I wish he had snuck in a few more of those 3 min. plus reels. He did a good job keeping things steady with the tripod. I would not have been so bold to try such a thing. I'm glad that he was though.

Please let it be known across the board that mine arrived TODAY. I will not get a chance to enjoy it until the long holiday weekend, but by God it is on my shelf right this very moment.

Rob, you get up early this weekend. Make yourself some coffee, then go into your Elvis room. Lock the door, put on your headphones, then put this bad boy on! You're gonna love it!

And another very positive review ...
http://www.superdeluxeedition.com/revie ... -planet-2/

.but that DAMM 'black screen ' pisses me off from an otherwise excellent package.

The Sony guys went over the top here.
They could have at least included an option in the menu to have all footage together.

Due to this failure the package gets a 9 out of 10.
"Near perfect that is"

Last edited by Robert on Thu Nov 22, 2012 12:27 am, edited 1 time in total.

I'm surprised to see some of those harsh comments. I enjoyed it, period, that is, the audio of the night show, plus the DVD and I have't even made it through all of the chapters.

Tim and Mike: I'm no audiophile (although I usually agree about all the improvements still being made) but I never once thought "oh this sounds bad."

Quite the contrary.

I agree with reviewer Sinclair (link just provided above):

The CD audio in this deluxe edition has been remixed by Michael H. Brauer (mastered by Vic Anesini), the idea being to put the listener in row four of the audience, right in front of the performance. It sounds superb and vibrant. A standard two-CD version of the two Saturday shows has been released at the same time as this Prince From Another Planet deluxe edition which maintains both the original title (Elvis: As Recorded At Madison Square Garden) and the original mixes. So the Elvis fan has a choice – the original mixes are not being superseded. This is a sensible approach from RCA/Sony

Rob: have fun - I'll be digesting this and that Sun book/ CD set which still scares the hell out of me....

.but that DAMM 'black screen ' pisses me off from an otherwise excellent package.

The Sony guys went over the top here.
They could have at least included an option in the menu to have all footage together.

Due to this failure the package gets a 9 out of 10.
"Near perfect that is"

Yes Robert......that is now my final opinion of it. This morning on good headphones i listened to the 10/6/72 E/S.....brilliant!~. now with the closing after vamp marketing comments it runs 54 minutes and has NEVER sounded better...like Joe Guercio says on the DVD his orchestra assembled sound ABSOLUTELY SUPERB!~
if the black screen had those moments replaced with photos from the garden weekend - it would have made it far more watchable!~... as for Don Lance and his 6 x 3minute reels to film with i CAN understand why we only get the end half of PSA and Sus Minds AND just the closing vamp b4 Elvis leaves the stage, and few seconds of i'll remember you and reconsider baby.... AND why he must have used 1 whole reel for That's Allright.... the QUALITY of footage is so good and the Synchronization with vocal marvelous..... but that damm blank screen....so annoying to sit and watch i have to be doing something else while its on and only sit in front to view when Elvis can be seen- fundamentally sheer annoyance!~

Are my eyes deceiving me or are people saying there is no direct access to the video snippets throughout the concert?

Matthew:

As I recall, you have to put on the whole show, sit through the "black" (read: no film ) portions and wait for the clips.

Perhaps there are song chapters (I don't recall that) but you'd still have to fast-forward to the action...or sit and kind of listen to it,
read FECC or the newspaper and then look
up when you see something happening.

I'm going to have to sit there with the fast-foward. I can see more casual fans being a bit more put off.

I'm going to tackle this tonight.