Cheap Ultimate Collection (32bit Remastered) (Music) (Donna Summer) Price

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Customer Reviews of Ultimate Collection (32bit Remastered)

No So Ultimate As One Would Hope...
I bought this set based on the fact that it contained several tracks not included on the earlier American "Anthology" release that are either rare, out of print, or hard to find. I'd like to say that I got my money's worth, but overall it's a disappointment.

Things were off to a fine start on disc one with the first two tracks, originally released only in Europe : "The Hostage" and "Lady Of The Night". I had previously only ever heard these on vinyl, so the digital mastering on them sounded superb to me. Next I was duly impressed that the full 16 minute version of "Love To Love You Baby" was included, as well as the non-edited version of "Could It Be Magic", so I felt confident that all was going to be terrific. However, by track nine my hopes were dashed.

I was flabbergasted that, on a collection of this scope, the perrenial megahit "I Feel Love" was presented as a three minute edit... abruptly fading out immediately after the second chorus! In another inexplicable display of editing stupidity, the tracks "I Remember Yesterday", "Love's Unkind" and "Back In Love Again" which were originally seamlessly segued together, now have ridiculous fade outs between each track! I could understand this if they were being presented seperately and out of sequence, but when they are here in exactly the same order as on the original album the artificial fades make no sense. Following that indignity, the next two tracks; "I Love You" and "Rumour Has It", which were also originally segued together ( in reverse order ) on the "Once Upon A Time" album, are also separated with artificial fades. Perhaps even more unbelievably "Hot Stuff" and "Bad Girls" ( presented in their 12" versions, just like on the "Anthology" set ) are separated with another ridiculous artificial fade out between them...WHY?

Other problems? "Heaven Knows" is the VERY short version clipped from the old "On The Radio" Greatest Hits album. Also, in a flaw shared by the "Anthology" set, "State Of Independence" has some noticeable distortion ( like the sound of a damaged tape ) from about 2:30 to 3:45 minutes into the song. I was hoping that this version would be free of it, since this disc was mastered ten years after the "Anthology" release. A mastering flaw like that on a set like this is just inexcusable
( particularly since I have the song in pristine condition on a different CD ).

All I can really say on the positive side, is that this set wisely includes the long versions of "On The Radio", "Last Dance", and "Enough Is Enough", which were presented in edit versions on the American release, and the rare tracks like "The Woman In Me", "Dinner With Gershwin" - both inexplicably not included on "Anthology" , and "Down Deep Inside" and "Je T'Aime Mon Non Plus" are great to have. But frankly I would have been happier buying a less expensive package that included just the rare tracks that weren't on a dozen other albums already.

All in all, if you're a diehard collector - get it for the rarities. If you're just a casual fan, skip it and get a better compilation disc.

If You've Got It, Flaunt it!
Donna Summer....Queen of Disco? And much, much more. Donna's recordings have always completely out shined all others. This collection covers a great deal of La Summer's early career, showcasing her incredible vocal versatility. You get it all, soft, sexy. strong, fun, and "belt it out girl!" No One can make you wanna dance like Donna!