A better version than the american one

I own both editions, the american and the japanese. In this one, the tracks in "Throw down" are the original versions of Whitney's dance songs. I thought they were better than the remixes, especially "How will I know" and "I wanna dance with somebody", and the best remixed tracks ("I'm your baby tonight" and "It's not right but it's okay") are in this version as well.

Cool down is very similar to the US edition. I thought, though, that the order in that edition was more logicall, but I really apreciatte the fact that I can hear the original "I learned from the best".

The new tracks are the same, and I like "Same script, different cast" and "Coul I have this kiss forever" very much.

In all, I think the record company should had put this version in the american stores.

Almost all of the ORIGINAL Greatest Hits!

This Japanese import does a more comprehensive job of presenting Whitney's greatest hits in their original state than the remix-heavy USA edition. In my opinion, this is THE Whitney Houston set to own!

The COOL DOWN/THROW DOWN concept is apparently retained worldwide, meaning that--ala the USA edition--the ballads gravitate toward disc one and the dance tracks dominate disc two. Additionally, the newly-recorded tracks found on the USA version are also included here. The key differences are that this edition has the original versions of such tracks as I'M YOUR BABY TONIGHT, SO EMOTIONAL, I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY, HOW WILL I KNOW, and a few others. The USA version only has often greatly-altered remixes of those key hit tunes. Additionally, several song selections differ, such as the presence here of COUNT ON ME (the Whitney/CeCe Winans duet)...and the absence of THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER. Sadly, neither edition has the excellent ballad MIRACLE.

Two additional selling points of the Japanese edition involve the elaborate packaging. The version I obtained comes in an attractive glossy cardboard slipcase that duplicates the album's cover graphics. Also, there is an English/Japanese lyric book included alongside the jewel box.

To potential buyers: compare the track listings and decide if the extra cost to get this import is worth it to get more original versions. If you desire a Whitney Houston collection without so many remixes, the extra cost might be worth it to own an edition that will get repeated plays, rather than one that sits on your shelf.

I Love it!

Whitney Houston is the most talented singer out there now, and this package is her at her best! I can't say that I'm too fond of her remixes, but the album is truly wonderful! The new tracks are good too, especially 'Same Script, Different Cast', Houston's duet with another incredibly gifted vocalist, Deborah Cox. If you're a fan of Whitney (or even if you're not), GO BUY THIS ALBUM!