Version: 2008

Comments on: Neil Young Archives Blu-ray: Rip off?

Decades in the making, Neil Young's much anticipated "Archives, Vol. 1: 1963-1972" box set is here. Was it worth the wait?

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by joc19 June 16, 2009 7:22 PM PDT
Wow, hard to know where to start with this. First of all Steve, I feel terrible that Neil Young "made" you buy duplicate discs to rip you off. But actually, you're offered the opportunity to purchase individual discs from the set rather than buy the whole thing. As far as why he didn't fill the discs to capacity, I could be wrong technically here, but I imagine the DVD & Blu-Ray with all their multimedia capacity, probably are filled up when combined with the amount of music that is included. The CD's, without those extras, are therefore going to have some extra space. But if Neil had filled up the CD set with extra songs, wouldn't you be complaining that he was "making" you buy the CDs in addition to get the extra material? As far as watching a turntable spin while a song is playing, with the Blu-Ray I was under the impression you could explore all the extras while the songs were playing. Now you can't do that with the DVD, but why would anybody sit there watching that? When you're playing a CD, do you sit in front of your CD player and stare at it? I mean the TV screen's got to be showing something while the disc is playing, but did you know you're allowed to walk around, make dinner, clean, etc. while that's going on? Could someone who wanted the extras offered with the DVD or Blu-Ray feel ripped off because he can't add them to his mp3 player, and have to buy the CD's as well? Oh no, wait, those sets come with a download card so you can download the music separately if you choose.

I had a $40 gift card from Borders along with a 20% off coupon, so I went in to get the DVD set, which I thought was going to be priced at $199. It was $249, more than I wanted to spend even with my discounts, so I walked out (I guess I didn't feel like Neil was "making" me buy it). The next week, as a Borders Rewards member, I got the offer of the week - a coupon for 40% off any DVD box set. Combined with the gift card, plus tax, I ended up paying $117. And it's obvious this isn't some thrown together package, the time and effort put into it is plain to see. What a whiner!

First and only time reading Mr. Guttenberg.
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by baztastik June 17, 2009 5:16 PM PDT
Ugh. What a terrible "review". Don't believe what this Guttenberg moron is blabbering on about. The blu-ray set is amazing and it is actually a bargain if you get it for $279. The sound is incredible, basically identical to the original master tapes. If Neil is happy with the quality, you know it must be great... the guy is a sound quality freak. Just because Guttenberg can't figure out simple on-screen menus, it doesn't mean you'll be stumped. It's pretty simple once you fiddle around for a few minutes. The bonus material is OVERFLOWING. It sounds like dopey Guttenberg didn't realize that each song has its own file folder. Within these individual folders you'll find most of the fun stuff. More stuff is found hidden on the 'More' menu screen (called "easter eggs") and on the timeline screen as pushpins. The crafty user will even find a few goodies in the albums in the file cabinet (example: Neil watching the printing of 'Harvest' album covers at the factory).
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by RedHedd June 22, 2009 9:26 AM PDT
Argh! No wonder the radio stations are giving this away and I'm one of the "lucky" winners. They did throw in a refurb Samsung blu ray player to play it on, however I don't have an HDTV so I have to sell my winnings - a luxury problem, I know, but it sounds like this one will be hard to unload. :(
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by rronr September 13, 2009 12:25 PM PDT
what model#how much do you want
by Jaseson July 8, 2009 7:58 PM PDT
<a href="http://www.kazaa.com/s.aspx?all=Neil%20Young">Neil Young</a> has set the bar again if you think it is a rip off dont buy it like a Rolex might be a rip off just let the rich buy it.
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by debbiddy August 23, 2009 12:58 AM PDT
I'm with hefeman June 13, Sound@Vision magazine does a real detailed review from a respected reviewer who really knows his stuff. They clearly understand the benefits that Blue- Ray offers. The review is very detailed and will leave you with a greater understanding of this medium and a real respect for the man himself.
Neil Young the "Master" always has been ahead of his time and nothing has changed as far as I can see. Check it out, the review and Archives Vol 1, you won't be disappointed, especially if you are fortunate enough to have Blu-Ray. I consider it the best money I have spent in a long long time. Enjoyment at it's best. Good on ya Neil. Thanks !!!!

Check out the SOUND@VISION review it really is worth your time.
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by youtubelin November 12, 2009 7:00 AM PST
Lately though it seems that he feels compelled to speak about his political views other than through his songs. Nobody wants to hear it. Just shut up Neil and play the music. You want to say something about our current political cl
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About The Audiophiliac

Ex movie theater projectionist Steve Guttenberg has more or less successfully hitched his future to home theater, but he still pines for the clickity-clack of 35 MM projectors and all the stale popcorn he could eat. Between projectionist gigs he worked as a high-end audio salesman for sixteen years, and produced records for an audiophile label. Oh, and one more thing, nothing annoys Steve more than being confused with the other Steve Guttenberg, the washed-up Police Academy actor. The wordsmith Guttenberg is a frequent contributor to a number of magazines and websites including Home Entertainment, Playback, and Ultimate AV. He is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CNET. Disclosure.

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