Sondheim Remasters - Input Needed Please!!

[follies85]

Posted: 8/1/08 at 10:38pm

I would just like some input on whether the digitally remastered Sweeney, Merrily, Sunday, and Into the Woods are worth re-purchasing. I have heard that both the liner notes and bonus tracks are pitiful, thus I am more interested in the sonic quality. The original masters sound alright to me. I know this is old news but would gladly appreciate your input. Thanks!


Updated On: 8/2/08 at 10:38 PM

[Mildred Plotka]

Posted: 8/1/08 at 10:40pm

Merrily and Woods sound much better.

Updated On: 8/1/08 at 10:40 PM

[follies85]

Posted: 8/2/08 at 8:25pm

Thanks Mildred. Anyone else have advice?

[tazber]

Posted: 8/3/08 at 12:36pm

I got them all and although I found the sound to be somewhat improved it also depends on your system.
I wouldn't say rush to get them expecting a hugely improved aural experience.
And the liner notes for all of the flat out suck. Mone include lyrics (as the originals did) and many of the photos found in the original booklets are gone as well.

So if you do decide to invest in the reissues, definitely keep the originals as well.

[husk_charmer]

Posted: 8/3/08 at 12:47pm

I'll second what tazber says, I bought the "Into the Woods" and actually ended up selling it to a used CD store, b/c the sound quality wasn't enough of an improvement.

The only one I really should get, is Merrily, b/c my original is in bad shape.

[ljay889]

Posted: 8/3/08 at 12:49pm

Well WOODS and MERRILY probably had the worst sound quality to begin with. WOODS sounded like it was recorded in a basement; very tinny and almost muffled. The MERRILY remaster in an improvement though.

[husk_charmer]

Posted: 8/3/08 at 12:53pm

Actually, I found the re-issue of Woods to be worse. I put it in in my car, and during several numbers, I couldn't hear people. Never have had that issue with the original.

[ljay889]

Posted: 8/3/08 at 12:54pm

Sometimes it might depend what you are playing the disc on? Did you try it on other players, computer, ipod?