Casino Royale - Quartet Records 2CD version

Just received the much anticipated Quartet Records release of the Casino Royale soundtrack. I've only given each CD one listen, so take the following observations with some grains of salt.

CD1 is an assembly of all the cues that were actually used in the film. The official soundtrack re-recorded tracks for the album - this CD contains the original performances. This is sourced from a mono element used in the mixing of the movie. Purists will not like that they have added a small stereo reverb. I didn't mind it. The sound quality is good, considering the source. Much care has clearly been taken. It's not an audiophile recording by any lights, but it's pleasant to listen to. I enjoy hearing the differences from the versions I've listened to for many years. Ironically, sometimes these assemblies actually make for a less coherent listen than the official soundtrack releases, though the opposite should theoretically be true.

CD2 is a fresh transfer from a second generation stereo tape recently rediscovered. The original tape was apparently damaged years ago. Meaning the Classic release, for instance,was sourced from this damaged tape. This is entirely subjective, but I prefer the Classic reissue, on vinyl or DVD-A. Perhaps this is because Classic's mastering may just lean more toward my own personal tastes. I find this recording on CD2 a bit flat, and less involving.

There's my two cents. Would love to hear what others think.

 

I've only heard the samples from the Quartet site and I wasn't impressed enough to purchase it.

The fake stereo on the first disc is an absolutely stupid decision, it may sound fine on speakers but on headphones it made for an unstable listen with the overall image wavering between the channels at random, depending on the pitch of the music affecting the "stereo" filters.

On top of that it's the phasey type of fake stereo that can't be folded down to mono without sounding horrid.

The sound on disc two was fine, except for the extremely folded in stereo separation, which is a bit of a disappointment. I don't know whether this is due to Quartet's mastering or the copy tape they used.

So instead, I looked around and lucked into the Kritzerland reissue on eBay for $25

 

I have both, will never let the Kritzerland go, and am happy with the new Quartet release too, a must-have for Bacharach devotees

 

While disc one will grate on many an audiophile's nerves, it is indeed essential for hardcore fans of the Casino Royale score; a few minutes in I just began focusing on the songs I finally had in my possession and the numerous differences from the film score and the soundtrack album.

I am exceedingly glad I have this (and the Kritzerland too).

 

Listened to the Kritzerland last night, it is SO much better than the Varese CD. The needledrop is excellent too. Looks like the Varese CD is going into the sell pile!

 

Mind-numbingly stupid. I can't believe they would have such bad judgement.

Le Chiffre should torture the person who made this decision.

 

Agreed on both counts.

Have you heard the fake stereo? It sounds like a crappy filter and someone slowly panning a certain frequency range from side to side. Ugh

The Kritzerland non-soundtrack LP stuff was sourced from the lossy soundtrack of the DVD and it sounds better!