The Beatles Love CD / DVD-Audio Edition

The remaining Beatles ask their long time Producer George Martin and his son Giles Martin to use the Beatles master archives from the Abbey Road studios to build a soundtrack to accompany a Cirque du Soleil performance. Sounds like a dream come true to me.


This CD/DVD-Audio set is the fruit of their over two year long labor of Love. I had heard a lot of not-so-favorable reviews about this collaboration. At first, I wasn't sure if I was going to like it, since all I kept hearing was about this crazy mash-up of bits and pieces of Beatles songs. I am a huge Beatles fan and the thought of a mash-up of songs didn't really sound that exciting to me. Besides, didn't I already know all their songs backwards and forwards? Upon receiving the Special Edition, I was impressed by the artwork and the full color booklet that includes essays from both of the Martins' detailing the work involved in putting this massive project together. I skipped right to the DVD-Audio disc that provides 5.1 surround sound in both Dolby Digital and DTS playable on all DVD players and Advanced Resolution DVD-Audio playable with a DVD-Audio player. There is also an option for two channel stereo in all formats. But forget that, I wanted to hear this in SURROUND.


I chose the DTS 5.1 surround option and sat back to listen. All I can say is, I didn't move once from the opening sequence of birds chirping to the final note of All You Need Is Love. This has to be heard to be believed. I kept thinking throughout the session that George Martin has done it again. A modern masterpiece using music that hasn't sounded this fresh in decades. I was astounded by the clarity, creativity and power of this new Beatles recording. How could this material sound so good considering it's age. Little bits and pieces of songs between full length songs that just flow from one to another. Snippets of songs that I recognized from one song, working with a completely different song rhythm. It was invigorating. This is surround demo quality stuff here of the highest level. Even if you are not a fan, you owe to yourself to pick this one up. You will be blown away.


A couple of curious notes: my CD and vinyl versions of 'Come Together' from Abbey Road have better low frequencies. Go figure. Also, the menu that plays during the set, if you have your player hooked up to a video display, is lame. Surely, they could have come up with something visually exciting for this very special musical event. But, that's just nit picking. It certainly doesn't take away from the experience. Just turn the menu off, like I did. You won't miss it, but don't miss this masterpiece from the mind behind some of the most original and creative music of the 20th century. It's George Martin's and the Beatles final gift to the fans. Highly, highly recommended!