A Masterpiece with an Unbelievable New Mix but So-so Extras

In celebration of the tenth anniversary of the release of "The Downward Spiral", it is being reissued in two new formats: a two-sided "DualDisc" containing bonus video materials and this two-disc set which comprises a SACD surround-sound mix of the album and of lots of extra audio tracks from that era. This review covers the two-disc set.



Reissues are a huge money-maker for (mainly) labels and (sometimes) artists. They're also a mixed bag for the fans who buy them - at their worst, they amount to a $15 donation for a "remastering" that's indistinguishable from the original and some new liner notes. This is not the case with the SACD surround-sound mix of TDS. This edition puts the focus where it belongs: squarely on the sounds pouring into your ears. Because I didn't know what to expect, I was a bit cynical about what kind of difference the surround-sound mix would make. It only took one listen to determine that the difference is immediately real and makes a familiar piece of music into an intriguing experience.



While you will need a surround sound setup to hear all that that mix offers, don't be discouraged about equipment requirements - I've listened to the album on a number of configurations (actual SACD playing through 5.1 channels, regular CD playing 5.1, regular CD playing 2 channels), and each of them sounds superb. Even in the car or with headphones, details that had been lost in the original mix are now clear and distinct. On heavily layered tracks such as "Mr. Self Destruct", this jaw-dropping mix gives the sound so much new texture it's difficult to believe that it's just a remix and not a re-recording.



The only disappointment with this set is the disc of extra audio materials. Aside from a trio of demos that only a fanatic completist would love, there aren't any previously unreleased tracks here; everything can be found on the singles and EPs release during the TDS era. Nonetheless, it's convenient to have them collected on one disc and the new mix of "Burn" from the "Natural Born Killers" soundtrack is as good as any on the main disc.



The mix on this two-disc reissue of "The Downward Spiral" is an landmark achievement - it manages to pay homage to the original work while reintroducing it in formats that almost define it as a completely new recording. It sounds cliche, but no matter how much you've listened to the original recording, you've never really heard it until you experience this mix. It is simply a necessary investment for any NIN fan. It is also an excellent place to start for anyone just discovering Trent Reznor's magnificent work, although more casual fans may prefer the single DualDisc edition that includes DVD video content such as the clips for "Closer" and "Hurt" at a lower price.

One of the greatest cds of hte 90s

For a Nine Inch Nails fan, the extras are not enough to purchase the album again simply because a Nine inch nails fan already found ways to get all the extras, paying for an entire soundtrack cd to get "Dead Souls," and "Burn" off of the crow and natural born killers soudntracks, and getting the various remix cds that also include most of these tracks. But despite this, you will find that almost every hardcore Nine Inch Nail fan owns it anyway, because Reznor has had such an influence on their musical perception, and maybe even their whole life. THere are three small extras that were on no other release, and that is the demo versions of three of the Nine Inch Nail songs from the downward spiral. Yes, they were worth the wait, as you will see many a harmony you didn't even directly know existed before thanks to all the layers of music thrown on top of the sound. Also, this is mixed in 5.1 surround sound, bringing clarity to the multilayered NIN sound. To those who only recently discovered NIN (with their new single "The Hand That Feeds" surfacing and hitting radios everywhere) or those who have been a fan for years but almost somehow forgot, this album will rock your world. This is the most important Nine Inch Nails album you could own. That is, until With Teeth comes out.

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Incredible.



I wont tell you how great this album is as (it would take too long and) you wouldnt be here if you needed proof. Its a true classic in every sense.



Now i recieved this remixed 2xCd pack last week and its the best purchase ive made in a long time.



I swear its allmost unsettling as to how much better this mix is in surround sound when compared to the classic stereo originals. If you have surround sound and a decent hi-fi or TV at home you will be surprised how fresh, how vital, how surprisingly up to date this album sounds. It hasn't aged.



If ever there was a album that cried out 'genius' and bekoned new fans toa genre that otherwise is stale and cliche'd its this album!



Even if your not a NIN fan id advise people to get this record as its the best surround sound album ive ever heard. Itstruly THAT good.



CLoser, Heresy, and Hurt has never felt so good! :)