Neil’s Archives Go To Blu-Ray
Friday, May 9th, 2008
This week the news came down that Neil Young planned to release his long-awaited “Archives” exclusively on Blu-Ray disc this fall. The 10 disc set will cover the years 1963-1972 and be full of unreleased music and videos, rare clips and tv footage, lyric sheets, photos, and much more. Here’s what Neil had to say about his decision to go Blu-Ray exclusive:
“Previously, there was no way to browse archival material on a Disc and listen to a song in high resolution at the same time. The technology had not yet evolved to that capability,” said Young. “It is important for me that the user experience the high resolution music along with the archival visual material. Previous technology required unacceptable quality compromises. I am glad we waited and got it right. And here is something really new, we will be able to add content to already released Blu-ray Disc archive volumes by downloading it, whether it is music, film or vintage recording sessions, recently found photographs, or other archival materials that were located after the release of that volume. Users will be able to download any of these archival materials and they will automatically be assigned to their place in the Chronology timeline.”
Neil’s decision has pissed off a lot of his fans. The main sticking point is that many don’t have Blu-Ray players and won’t be picking them up until the price comes down. There’s also the fact that you can’t listen to the Blu-Ray discs in your car or put them on your ipod. All of these are understandable and legit beefs. But as he’s done for over 40 years, Neil’s marching to the beat of his own drum. We either go along with him or we don’t.
Personally, I think the collection looks spectacular, but 1) I don’t have a Blu-Ray player, and 2) when would you have the time to sit down in front of the tube and comb through the 10 discs of material. That’s where I think the big mistake lies for Neil; so many of his fans will just want to listen to the old and unreleased songs; they aren’t audiophiles or videophiles - they’re simply fans of the music. Unfortunately, the less tech savvy may be S.O.L. when it comes to something that’s been in the pipeline for nearly 20 years.
Take a look at the trailer for the “Archives” Volume 1, give me your thoughts, and then use Neil’s last name as your weekend bonus code.