Mike Oldfield - Tubular Bells 2003 (DVD-audio 24/48 5.1) [WEA/Warner 2564 60204-5]

From Wikipedia:

Tubular Bells 2003 is an album by Mike Oldfield, released in 2003. It is a complete re-recording of the classic album Tubular Bells that he recorded back in 1973.
Oldfield had always been uncomfortable with the original recording because he had only a few weeks to record it and the technology at the time was unable to cope with all of his requirements. As a result mistakes could not be fixed and some instruments were out of tune on the final release. Due to contractual reasons no re-recordings were allowed for 25 years after the original release. The release of Tubular Bells 2003 took place in the year when Oldfield celebrated his 50th birthday and the 30th anniversary of the original release.
Due to the extensive use of digital technology, Tubular Bells 2003 has a more synthesized and 'brighter' feel than the original.
Because of the passing of Vivian Stanshall, who was the original master of ceremonies on the 1973-release, Oldfield had actor John Cleese introduce the instruments in the 'Finale' part. Some criticised this decision, claiming that Stanshall's voice
could have simply been remastered and used once again.

From Musictap.net:

Well, this is a tough one. It is said that you can't please all of the people all of the time, and, considering the case at hand, this is certainly true. Those who love the original Tubular Bells (1973) may not be very happy with this re-recorded 2003 (30th Anniversary) version. "They" (you know, the ubiquitous "they") say one can never re-do a classic. "They" are wrong, to an extent. A classic can certainly be redone. Will the new version be as good as the original, or even better? Well, that's a subjective call, but I think most would say "not likely". Comparing the two will almost always "prove" the original to be the relative "best". But, separating the new version as a work wholly unto itself, untethered from the original, it can, indeed, be a fine work of art. Such is the case with Mike Oldfield's 'Tubular Bells'. Is the original comparatively "better"? Maybe. Is the new DVD-A version 'Tubular Bells 2003" bad? No. Different? Yes. In general, when comparing the two, the 2003 DVD-A version sounds much cleaner, brighter, happier, even "sparkly"…perhaps more "metallic", in the technological sense. The original had a more analog, darker tone - spookier, not as "charming" as the 2003 version (which might explain why the lead track, "Introduction", worked so very well as the musical theme for the film 'The Exorcist'). Now, if a "cover" band had redone Oldfield's 'Tubular Bells' in 2003 for DVD-A release, the story would be much different. The fact that it is Oldfield redoing his own work must lend the 2003 version creedence, as well as a certain respect and authority.
As explained in the liner notes, Oldfield utilized the original 1973 16 track master tapes as a template for original instrument, sound, performance, tempo, and mix. The liner notes are loaded with technical info, including a list of "instruments" used. 'Tubular Bells 2003' is mixed in: DVD-A, DD 5.1, and DTS 5.1 at 48Khz/24 bit surround and 48Khz/24 bit PCM stereo. Extras include video excerpts of live 'Tubular Bells "2" and "3"', recorded in different venues in DD 5.1 and PCM stereo, numerous original audio demos of 'Tubular Bells' (nice for comparison to the new version), and a Mike Oldfield discography.
Envelopment is the keyword in describing the surround mix used here, and all 5.1 speakers are utilized to the max. The DVD-A, DD, and DTS surround mixes of 'Tubular Bells 2003' are all over the place, all of the time. And, this new surround mix is the only way TB2003 works. It is pretty much useless in stereo. The new mix in stereo by itself is unnecessary, but the surround mix gives it its own life and makes it worthwhile and a viable musical entity unto itself. Separation, transparency, and three-dimensionality (and a feeling that the music is all around you rather than pin-pointed in certain speakers) are done well.
Some 5.1 surround highlights: Track 1, 'Part One' - "Introduction", is, of course, immediately recognizable as 'The Exorcist' theme. Beginning in the front speakers, the various instruments then float around the listening room - side to side, back to front, in circles, above your head…slowly, with no discernable method to the madness. But, it works with this music. It is pleasant and not the least disorienting or false sounding (whoa! Is that a paradox given the technology used?). Total envelopment from above and all around. The mids and highs are perfectly clear and shimmering. Exquisite! At 4:16, suddenly everything seems to join in the center of the room and then rise up to the ceiling as if bursting in anthemic revelation! Awesome!
"Fast Guitars" uses all 5.1 speakers again - total envelopment. The lead guitar is in all four corners, but weighted more heavily toward the rear surrounds. "Basses" has a nice crunch, but the low-end is sadly lacking for a tune with that name. "Latin" comes from all four corners again, with the lead guitar in the left rear. Again, great separation and envelopment, and, as in "Introduction", about half-way through seems to gather center room and rise anthemically up to the ceiling. A tremendous effect! "A Minor Tune" offers a nice change of pace in timbre and hue. In "Ghost Bells" we finally hear some real low-end. (Unfortunately, some songs, such as "Jazz", "Peace" and "Ambient Guitars" are little more than new-age filler.
Also, with all of the synthesizers in use, why is there not alot more subterranean low-end?) In 'Part One' - "Finale", instruments seem to ricochet from speaker to speaker - a very cool effect. Again, some real bass lowers its end (as opposed to raises its head?). Monty Python's John Cleese announces the instruments as each one enters…the entrance of the tubular bells lends a regal atmosphere that is most appealing.
'Part Two' - "Harmonics" begins in the front speakers, picks up a madrigal figure in the rears, then drifts front to rear into an Olde English acoustic rondo with flute - very nice. "Caveman" demonstrates some nice, prehistoric vocal pans to opposite corners, and is also the only "rock" song in the cycle.
So, is this the classic 'Tubular Bells'? No. Is it a new, different, beautiful way to enjoy this classic? Hell, yes! More succinctly, it is an even better way to "experience" a new version of an old classic. Without the 5.1 surround, this release would have been worthless. Utilizing 5.1 surround, and its composer Mike Oldfield's judgements as to how he wanted this 30th Anniversary edition to sound, it'll put a smile on the face of most any lover of the original or of aggressive, well-done 5.1 channel music. Taking into account the caveats listed in the above text (for you 1973 version die-hards), I recommend the 'Tubular Bells 2003' experience!

@ George Bennett - 06/29/04

From Highfidelityreview.com:

…So, on to the summary… Musically, ‘Tubular Bells 2003’ is outstanding, superior even to the original; therefore as the two-channel track upon this DVD-Audio disc affords marginally higher fidelity than the CD alternative, it should be recommended for that element alone. Whether the multi-channel mix adds any value will depend on one’s own tolerance of its failings, but at some point in the future I hope a version without all the gratuitous panning will be released. What makes the disc a ‘must-have’ are the supplementary extras, particularly the 1971 demo tapes, an addition fans and all those who appreciate musical greatness will undoubtedly want in their collection.

@ Stuart M. Robinson - 13/10/03

Tracklist:

Part one
1. Introduction - 5:51
2. Fast Guitars - 1:04
3. Basses - 0:46
4. Latin - 2:18
5. A Minor Tune - 1:21
6. Blues - 2:40
7. Thrash - 0:44
8. Jazz - 0:48
9. Ghost Bells - 0:30
10. Russian - 0:44
11. Finale (featuring John Cleese) - 8:36

Part two
12. Harmonics - 5:21
13. Peace - 3:22
14. Bagpipe Guitars - 3:07
15. Caveman - 4:33
16. Ambient Guitars - 5:09
17. The Sailor's Hornpipe (Traditional arrangement) - 1:39

Total time: 48:31

DVD-Audio bonus material:
- includes the demos Oldfield recorded in his flat in 1971 and two excerpts from other Oldfield DVD releases.

1971 Demos
1. Tubular Bells Long - 22:57
2. Caveman Lead-In - 2:46
3. Caveman - 5:05
4. Peace Demo A - 7:00
5. Peace Demo B - 4:18

Live Excerpts
1. Sentinel - From "Tubular Bells II - Live at Edinburgh Castle 1992" - 8:06
2. Far Above the Clouds - From "Tubular Bells III - Live at Horseguards Parade, London 1998" - 4:40

Personnel:
Mike Oldfield - Acoustic & Electric guitars, Accordion, Pianos, Organs, Keyboards, Synthesizers, Glockenspiel, Timpani, Cymbals, Tambourine, Triangle, Tubular Bells, Programming
John Cleese - Narrator
Sally Oldfield - Background Vocals


Important note: All transitions of this DVD5 version of the album are fully working in CyberLink PowerDVD6. On DVD-audio players, however, you might have to switch to DVD-video playback mode in order to access bonus material.

As of March 2008 the latest version 1.04 of TAK lossless audio codec can be found here