The Doors, A Collection, Mini Box Set [Box set]

Let me try and clear up what this boxset it. Some reviewers seem confused here - which is no shock as The Doors releases and re-releases *are* very confusing.

Short version: If you just want all The Doors studio albums, on CD, cheaply - Buy this set. If you are a rabid fan, or don't mind spending £47 and want extra tracks, surround sound versions and so on - Buy "Perception".

Long Version: To explain what this is, it might be easier to say what is on the "Perception" boxset first. On that set you get 12 discs, one CD and one DVD for each album. The CDs contain the original mix of the albums, remastered, with bonus tracks. The DVD contain newly REMIXED versions of the albums, in Stereo as well as new 5.1 Surround Sound mixes, and other video material, and if you have the right equipment will play in high resolution (better than CD) audio.

This set, "A Collection" contains these "40th Anniversary" remixes, in stereo, as found on the DVD discs of the Perception set, here presented on 6 standard CDs, without any bonus tracks.

So what is a remix, as opposed to a remaster? For the 2007 remixes, Bruce Botnick, who engineered all the Doors albums originally, went back to the original unmixed 8 track master tapes, and redid the mix of those component parts - drums, vocals, guitar and so on. So there are some differences from the original mixes, and this is deliberate. For example - Drums might be louder on one track, on another an organ part that cuts out on the second verse may be present on this. Or extra backing vocals or guitar parts not used on the original album will be present now. It's not generally *radically* different, unless you know these records really well, it's still the same performances at the end of the day. A casual fan might not even notice, unless both versions were played back to back. Overall though, the sound of the albums has been modernized a little. Everything sounds cleaner, and not as muddy. Now this is why these remixes are controversial for Doors fans, as the original sound was part of the character, and some think they have been cleaned up a little too much, or they don't like anyone "messing" with the mix/balance as it was on the original albums. This set is not for those people. That said, some hardcore fans like hearing the new mix for a change, even though they may prefer the originals. Google it, there is lots of opinion on this. Personally I kinda like hearing some of these extra bits in the remix that were not on the original release. Think of it like a "Directors Cut" or "Engineers Cut" in this case!

Ignore what the one star reviewer said about sound quality - these discs sound amazing. But they sound different to the CDs on "Perception", because this is the new remixed version of the albums. I actually like the fact the albums are presented as they were without bonus tracks on this release. If I listen to the first album, i want it to stop after "The End", not go into two versions of a different song as bonus tracks. So another advantage to this collection in my book.

I do have to agree with the one star reviewer about the endless reissuing and repackaging of the Doors albums though. I hear they are getting ready for yet another release next year, of the *original* mixes of the albums this time, with a new remastering. It really never ends. But even if they do, you might want to pickup this set as these 40th Anniversary Remixes are likely to go away then.

In summary then - if all you want is the albums cheaply, now, buy this. You really won't go far wrong for less than £3 an album, and the box won't take up much room on the shelf, i like these slim card sleeves! If you are a purist, or want extra tracks or want to listen to the albums in surround sound or hi-rez and have equipment to play it _and_ have the cash - Buy "Perception". That also comes with some nice booklets with good essays and photos.

Hope this helps, anyhow.

This is a neat, slim, BUDGET PRICED mini box set containing all 6 original albums,
in mini carboard replica sleeves, plus a complete and informative booklet.

It's not meant to "replace" any of the previous box sets, but rather to offer an
INEXPENSIVE ALTERNATIVE to Doors fans on a budget.

The albums were recorded in 1967-1970, so the sonics are LIMITED in any reissue
of this music, due to the technological limitations of the time.

Take this for what it's meant to be, and since Jim's been dead for 40 years, let's
NOT take things too seriously.

what really sets this release apart from all the other re-releases by "THE DOORS", who are now surely a brand in itself, is the price. its an absolute steal to have all their albums for less than the cost of 3 portions of fish and chips. More importantly, the sound quality is, in my humble opinion, incredibly clearer and more detailed than the original cd releases. And more detailed in a welcome way, with more movement in the mix on the drums, etc.

I suspect that this is a downfold mix of the DVD-AUDIO stereo mixes, but that's not the point. The point is, that for me at least, these versions are a welcome addition to the release cannon, simply due to the wallet friendly price point. More importantly, theyre portable enough to keep in the car, in the box, and hence swish in and out of the cd player/autochanger, if youre still not too happy with using a usb or ipod connector.

Recommended for sound quality, new hidden depths and most enticingly, the price.