right - if there is an authority on this, then its me - being the (still) number one super fan
i have stopped buying UW in bulk, but still buy the main releases on 'commercial' CD's (just the one copy these days, mind) and seriously this is the best packaged set i have - the gatefold card sleeve is excellent - the design is wonderful
it is ceratinly worth it - and much better than the 'special edition' digipack Beaucoup Fish CD set (which is prone to ripping) and better than the Epecial Edition 1992-2002 set, which also had 'deluxe' style packaging
its certainly not pretentious - unless, which, like some people consider - all art is pretentious... yes the pictures are dark, but that's the imagry they used - i love the graphics and set up of the entire package - and i'm no art critic
the DVD's
are new - in terms of - we don't have many videos in DVD form anywhere - so thats a breakthrough i feel - i like the idea of having a hard copy version of these music / movie / art pieces
the remixes may not be everyone's cup of tea, but this is the 2000's not the 90's and remixers, and club sounds have moved on. Steve Hall has picked a good choice of 'up and coming' and different remixers for this set and well they work (in parts).
I'm not going to say i like all the remixes, but play them loud and in a club and they rock.... how many of you people get out and hear these remixers in clubs? I'm really begining to enjoy all of the Ring Road mixes now... they are MY cup of tea...
yeah some people don't like this set, and for the casual viewer / listener its probably not for them, but if you are a fan of Underworld - its certainly worth buying - i'd say if it wasn't - depends on your wallet i suppose - i'd personally rather have the hard copy in lush packaging than the mp3's of this anyday
Underworld are still doing it their way and are still innovating - they are still certainly the best act (collective) in electronica and dance music - no one comes close (especially after so long at the top)
i'm still a big fan - but that doesn't distort my opinion on this release - i really do like it....
if we're marking it out of 5 - it gets four from me