Review by thepilot May 4, 2006 (9 of 10 found this review helpful)
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If only all of the Telarc/Kunzel discs sounded like this Mch marvel. This is a splendid multichannel recording, a marvellous Hi-Fi spectacular,with a sound quality so realistic that it makes even the better previous DSD recordings by this source (Cincinatti Pops) sound pale by comparison. Orchesta and maestro are also in top form in performances that astonish even the most dedicated listener and lover of these wonderful movie soundtracks. The balance is judged perfectly and the choir is recorded with a rare precision and bloom, you can reach and touch the individual voices (a ribbon mic was used for the chorus and it makes all the difference in the world). The new DSD console used may also make an improvement, because the sound is wonderfully vivid and velvety but also airy, incredibly detailed and transparent. A reference SACD that will also prove to be an invaluable demonstration disc for reviewers. Run out and buy ASAP.
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Review by sledge19 May 20, 2007 (5 of 5 found this review helpful)
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This SACD has a perfect start: the Star Wars main theme in multi-channel! Probably the best recording of the “Main Theme” available. Some of the latest Kunzel performances may have left much to be desired – this is definitely not the case here. Like in the good old “Star Tracks” days, Star Wars, Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops go hand in hand. Maybe aside from the Cantina Band (track #3), excellent performances throughout the Star Wars programm of this disc. At least par with the original performance. Another best is the “Imperial March” – quite an experience in multi-channel. If you like the music of the newer Star Wars movies, “Duel of the Fates” and “Battle of the Heros” may also impress you. However, questionable is the selection of titles. “The Asteriod Field” or the “Love Theme” from “Empire Strikes Back” are greatly missed. Interestingly, track #9 “Across the Stars” is released again (also track #9 on “Epics”). It is a new recording and while the performance is comparable, the sound is better: crisper, closer & clearer. Amazing, how the already good sound of “Epics” has been improved.
Track # 11-13 take the listener into the world of Harry Potter. The selection of music may not be representative, but I guess one has to be greatful for any soundtrack on SACD. “Harry’s Woundrous World” and the “Chamber of Secrets” are great, but who knows why “Aunt Marge’s Waltz” was picked and other music was not? This secret is probably locked up in Azkaban…
Finally, there is a small selection from “Lord of the Rings”. Track 14 “May it be & Themes” is another new recording of an “Epics” title. This time spinet and fairlight are more prominent. I think it sounded more dynamic on “Epics” and the sound improvement is less noticable than between the two takes of “Across the Stars”. “The Hornburg” and “The Ride of the Rohirrim” are well played and not as edgy as the uneven patchwork of “May it be & Themes” .
This SACD may not have every title you are looking for, but what it has is worth the money. We can only hope that there will be more…
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