Violator (Deluxe Edition CD+DVD)

Depeche Mode | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 6, 2006)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Rhino / Wea
• ASIN: B000ESSTL0
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #54,800 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. World in My Eyes

2. Sweetest Perfection

3. Personal Jesus

4. Halo

5. Waiting for the Night

6. Enjoy the Silence

7. Policy of Truth

8. Blue Dress

9. Clean

Editorial Reviews

Rooted in the U.K.’s late ‘70s New Romantic movement, Depeche Mode formed in 1980, and the pioneering, synthesizer-based sound created by the founding partnership of Dave Gahan, Martin Gore, Vince Clarke, and Andrew Fletcher went on to establish them as one of the most successful alt-rock groups ever. These electro-pop superstars loomed as large as cult heroes as they did as commercial heavies, and their wealth of singles and signature tracks ranged from energetic dance grooves to dramatic, moody, and industrial-tinged masterpieces. Depeche’s originality of vision weathered personnel shifts and personal turmoil, influencing modern rock and synth-pop on a global level. As the band continues to tour, record and build on its legacy a quarter-century down the road, Rhino begins its restoration of their classic catalogue with the CD + DVD reissue of this landmark album.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Get the import - it's worth five stars, August 23, 2006

By 

Stuart Southerland (Tulsa, OK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Violator (Deluxe Edition CD+DVD) (Audio CD)

I don't really mind having to conduct research before deciding which version of a CD to purchase, but I suspect that I am in the minority. So I'll pass on what I learned after doing some reading and settling on the SACD UK import version of this release:

1. First, be aware that there are two versions of this release - both have a CD and a DVD, but only the UK import has a SACD 5.1 surround sound layer on the CD.
2. The DVD has a short film about the band at the time of the release of Violator. It also has the album in 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS surround. There is no DVD audio on either the US or the UK version. There are a few additional music tracks on the DVD.
3. I went for the UK import because the high resolution (SACD) will always sound best. I cannot say whether it is a noticeable difference from the DTS or Dolby Digital, as the DVD will not play on my Pioneer DVD player. It is, you see, in PAL and not NTSC format. I was, however, able to view the film on my computer, and play the extra music tracks which are also on the DVD. There are no music videos. In my opinion, the additional music was OK, but probably only of real interest to the die hard fan.

The sound on the SACD is simply stunning. If enough people had actually heard the difference between SACD and CD the way that this issue sounds different from the original CD (which sounds pretty good) I believe that the format would have done better. The sound is the reason for shelling out the big bucks for this reissue. From what I have heard in the DTS format in the past, I am sure that the US DTS or even Dolby Digital will sound excellent, if you have the proper equipment. If you have a SACD player, I would recommend the SACD version, because it is the best. Even if you cannot play the DVD on your television, you can probably watch it on your computer. And it's only worth about a single viewing. Believe me, you will listen to the SACD many times.

If you do not have the proper 5.1 surround equipment (SACD, Dolby Digital or DTS), give this a miss. It is too expensive, and you will not notice enough of a difference listening to the stereo CD layer.

It is a shame that the recording industry continues to sabotage the SACD/DVD Audio formats. It's confusing, and it need not be as bad as it is. There was no good reason not to have the hybrid SACD layer on the US version. It is begining to look as though the SACD format will become a European favorite, and DVD-Audio, such as it is, will be the "hi resolution" format of choice in the US, at least for pop music. The absence of either high resolution format on the US version of this reissue forces me to recommend the UK import, even if it does cost more.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars For 5.1 enthusiasts only DUH come on people read the fine print!, December 15, 2006

By 

Scooter Boy (Santa Barbara, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Violator (Deluxe Edition CD+DVD) (Audio CD)

If you are or shortly going to become a 5.1 audiophile then this is a brilliant upgrade from the basic scratched CD you've had all these years. If you have a basic 5.1 rig the audio is fantastic. Not all albums make this leap to the 5.1 world. Albums like this are great in 5.1 because they are complex and dynamic...lots of dramatic sound fx, dual vocal tracks, multiple bass lines. Violator fares well in this psychedelic environment.

I've tested the 5.1 DVD on my DTS capable rig and the mix may not be as wacky as the Flaming Lips stuff you may have heard...it's a little more subdued and true to the original album...I'd give them maybe 4/5 stars for not including the old music videos paired with the HD audio tracks too. But perhaps it's just too much material for one disc I'm not sure.

DTS sounds crisp and clear...it's AWESOME. No CD hiss and clipping is reduced in higher decibel levels. You can crank the audio as loud as you want and there is no distortion because of the headroom. Again this is hardware specific...so if you have a decent 5.1 rig you will unleash this kind of fidelity.

It seems a lot of naysayers are those who don't have a 5.1 rig and/or maybe have no clue about 5.1 audio formats. Please don't boohoo this release if you don't have a 5.1 DTS/DD rig. That's what this release is all about!

45 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Buy the UK Import, June 15, 2006

By 

J. Morrison - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Violator (Deluxe Edition CD+DVD) (Audio CD)

This release was to be hybrid SACD/CD (plays on both regular and super-audio CD players), and was indeed released as a SACD in the UK, but the US version only contains the "regular" CD version. The main draw for me to purchase a re-release of something I already own is enhanced sonic quality of the music or compelling alternative takes (not some silly video I'll only which once), and the US release misses the mark. I purchased the UK version (from Amazon UK) and I am very happy with it, and it is not much more expensive. US record companies take advantage of US consumers with habitually sub-standard product, so don't purchase it when there is a viable alternative in the UK version.