Get ready for a sonic revolution! New Order, the iconic British band, is about to release a trilogy of albums in a way you've never heard before. But here's where it gets controversial: these aren't just any albums, and the format isn't your typical vinyl or CD.
The albums in question are 'Movement,' 'Low-Life,' and 'Brotherhood,' and they're being reissued on blu-ray with a twist. The masterminds behind this project? None other than Steven Wilson, renowned for his immersive mixes. Wilson has crafted Dolby Atmos mixes for these classic albums, along with 5.1 surround sound and high-resolution stereo mixes. But wait, there's more! Instrumental stereo versions and remastered original stereo mixes are also included, ensuring a comprehensive listening experience.
However, there's a catch. On 'Brotherhood,' two songs, 'As It Was When It Was' and 'Broken Promise,' faced a unique challenge. The multi-track master tapes for these tracks have been lost, so Wilson had to get creative. He up-mixed the songs from the 2024 remaster to bring them as close as possible to the Atmos and DTS-HD 5.1 surround experience. And this is the part most people miss: it's a testament to Wilson's skill and dedication to preserving the original sound.
These blu-ray releases are accompanied by 2CD reissues of the same albums, as well as 'Power, Corruption And Lies.' The second CDs feature a treasure trove of extras, including demos, writing session recordings, and rehearsals. Notable remixes like Michael Johnson's 'Blue Monday 1988' and Stephen Hague's 'Bizarre Love Triangle' also make an appearance. But the story doesn't end there.
The Definitive Edition box sets, released between 2019 and 2024, included visual components on their blu-ray discs, such as live shows and TV appearances. However, these visual elements are notably absent from the new audio-only blu-rays. Instead, the focus is purely on the sonic experience, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the music.
New Order's most recent album, 'Music Complete,' was released in 2015, with a standalone single, 'Be A Rebel,' following in 2020. The band has continued to perform live, but they haven't taken the stage since completing a US tour in May. Now, fans can look forward to the release of these iconic albums on blu-ray and 2CD deluxe editions on December 5, 2025.
So, what do you think? Are you excited to experience New Order's music in this innovative format? Do you think the absence of visual components is a missed opportunity, or does it allow for a more focused listening experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
