Customer Reviews

Violator (Deluxe Edition CD+DVD)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

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.

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!

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.

First I must say that I am a massive Depeche Mode fan.

I think Violator may very well be Depeche Mode's finest work. I give the orignal 5 stars, but its hard for me to give a reissue 5 stars. The DVD is nice if you like to listen to music on your home theatre. I don't, so that's a waste for me. The video is none too exciting.

This is a great album. If you don't already own Violator, then please, buy this version. If you are a collector, okay, you gotta do what you gotta do. If you are a casual fan, however, and already on the original - maybe take a pass.

I bought the UK version because I wanted it sooner, however the real engineering in these remasters went into the DTS 96.

If you don't have a multi-channel audio system,this edition really won't impress you. The clarity and mixing of the DVD is very enjoyable, almost like hearing it again for the first time.

I hope they continue and do Songs of Faith and Ultra this way.

This CD was listed as a CD/SACD + DVD on the depechemode.com website. The CD layer on the SACD was also DSD remastered and was an improvement over the regular CD release.

I think they should be presenting a CD/SACD + DVD (as originally designed) on this 'remaster' series, not just a plain CD with an additional DVD. Get the imported version with SACD.

Depeche Mode are of course awesome, and this is one of their best albums. That being said, this CD remaster doesn't make the cut. It's another example of high sound levels and squashed dynamics. The result is bloated yet thin and fatiguing sound. The original CD is more visceral and exciting. If you're mainly interested in the remastered CD, DO NOT pick this up. This type of mastering/remastering that has arisen over the past several years is a real problem for people who appreciate the highest quality playback of recorded music. There are many including recording engineers who think it's a huge step backward. Hopefully this is part of a cycle, and the trend will reverse. I've noticed this poor quality on at least two other Rhino remasters: INXS greatest hits and Foreigner greatest hits. It appears that one should steer clear of Rhino reissues of music from this era.

This product isn't all bad, though. The DVD has some interesting interviews with DM, and the surround mixes are worth. However, you'll have to decide if the price is justified.

The DVD portion of this disc contains video footage as well as a Dolby Digital 24/48 5.1 surround mix and a superior dts 24/96 5.1 surround mix.

The CD contains the regular version of the album.

I have the UK version which I imported from Amazon.co.uk's marketplace sellers, I believe "Caiman" was the seller I used. If you have a 20, 60 or 80GB PlayStation 3 or a Super Audio CD player (SACD) then do yourself a favour and get the UK version.

The difference between the SACD version of the Album and any of the versions presented on this US one is night and day. It's tragic that they have screwed up all the US versions of the DM reissues.

Go for the fidelity - your ears will love you for it.

But in Depeche Mode's case, there was nowhere to go but skyrocket to the top. Already having massive success with Music For The Masses and the following tour, Violator cemented Depeche Mode's status as being a worldwide phenomenon and the best electronic band of all time. Now, Depeche Mode's masterpiece Violator is here in remastered form and sounds better than ever. Tracks like Clean, The Sweetest Perfection, World In My Eyes, and Blue Dress sound like different songs and there have been major improvements with the overall audio quality of the entire album. The 30 minute documentary, "If you wanna use guitars, use guitars", is outstanding and gives quite a bit of insight into the world of DM circa 1989\1990 and shows how far they really had come.

There is not much left to say about Violator than there already has been said. It is the best album of the 90s, best electronic album of all time, and #2 in Depeche Mode's best album rankings (With Ultra being #1 and Black Celebration being #3. Songs like Enjoy The Silence, Halo, Clean, World In My Eyes, and The Sweetest Perfection are beyond music, they are truly works of art. Essential listening for those who love electronic and alternative rock.

This US release was supposed to be like the UK release and include a hybrid SACD (Super Audio Compact Disc) as well as the DVD. It does not. The SACD has been replaced by a regular CD. Extremely disappointing ! I'll be purchasing the UK release instead...

According to Mute's Head of Catalogue, David Rowntree, Mute commissioned Simon Heyworth's Super Audio Mastering facility to perform the critical re-mastering work for this album. Quote: "The SA-CD versions take the sound to another level - the next best thing to being there!". "If you don't have an SA-CD player, DTS 96/24 is the next best thing."

He doesn't even mention the 44.1 kHz PCM audio of the CD version, which evidently, most of you are listening to.

(A digital audio technology which is now 24 years old, by the way. Hey, maybe they will issue the US release on 8-track cartridge too).