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?

[joc19]

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.

[baztastik]

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).

[RedHedd]

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. :(

[rronr]

what model#how much do you want

[Jaseson]

<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.

[debbiddy]

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.

[youtubelin]

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

[A Teige]

What's happened here is another sad demonstration of why life hasn't changed much in the thousands of years we've been at it and on record. Steve takes the chance of putting his thoughts and perspective out there for anyone to see and mankind reverts to it's same old way of reacting with posturing and personal attacks. If you have something to add that may be of real value, please do! Just like Steve, you don't have to be employed here. Just blog and present your evaluations. I'm sure there's room for your take on this and many of the other topics covered in similar columns. Maybe cnet will find you have a good take on the other side of the coin!

I'd imagine that some of you came here to find out something about the latest from Neil Young. Steve saw this particular package from his perspective and through his immediate resources. Same way most of us do.

Neil did a retrospective on part of his life and shared the aspects that he felt would set the stage for us to experience it the way he intended. Neil also has more going on in his life than standing in front of a crowd of people, just to keep them entertained the way they want, instead of trying to understand the man they came to see and hear. Neil shares his observations from his perspective, too!

Reminds me of how vehemently some folks reacted to "Southern Man" even though nothing was said that wasn't true. Some people really hate to be asked to look at themselves. Makes them uncomfortable, it seems.

It's plain to see that nothing significant has changed. Just the trappings around it. Not much evidence here of anyone that paid much attention to what Neil was about all these years. Maybe this collection is little more than a novelty for most. Either way, I'm sure that Neil will appreciate it if you buy it at the best price you can, play it on the best equipment you have access to and take it in from whatever perspective you're capable of. Maybe you'll notice more than the technology.