^^Yeah, new content wise it isn't as expansive as Bad 25 was (though I feel just because some of it's available on bootleg shouldn't mean it's less... worthy/valuable?? you know what I mean). Minus the DVD/112 essay book, you can get all of the new content on the standard 2 disc set anyway just like Bad 25's standard.
This super deluxe edition reminds me of that Bad 25 super deluxe suitcase which, at least to me, really wasn't worth anywhere near the extra money. I always felt that the extras like the headphones were really just gimmicks to justify the obscene price... which I remember being a lot greater than the PoP boxset. The boxset for PoP had less exclusive content to it (and thus it was less in price), but I feel the quality of the goods (such as 112 page essay on the album) were more valuable than the higher quantity of random goods offered by the B25 one.
The packaging for the Pipes of Peace deluxe edition is miles better than Bad 25 deluxe edition. I got the deluxe edition in the boxset that has the Bad album + Extra CD + Live CD + Concert DVD and while it's nice packaging, it's poorly thought out in the sense that you have to pull everything out to get to whatever part of the collection you want. It feels nice and you certainly get the feeling it's a deluxe edition, it's just poorly thought out in terms of accessing the material.
I'd love to see Michael Jackson get a release that had as much dedication as to what Paul McCartney did to each of his albums. Like, let's imagine if Dangerous 25 came out in a similar super deluxe package.
Wouldn't this be incredible? In addition to the original Dangerous album...
-A disc full of new audio, from demos to unreleased songs, maybe even some studio chatter or a track where we see Michael developing a song.
-A DVD/Blu-ray that has footage of Michael working in the studio and perhaps some other footage from this time we've yet to see (think how Macca included studio footage in his package, as well as home video footage for 'The Man'). The Blu-ray also debuts HD versions of the Dangerous short films for the first time ever! There could be space on here for some behind the scenes as well, maybe even into the restoration and remastering of the short films.
-Book included full of studio/behind the scenes/photographs/written notes by MJ but also an analysis/essay on the album and Michael Jackson's creative growth as an artist during this time period.
-Another book (or perhaps another section in the book) that focuses on the questions just mentioned, but for the short films instead. Maybe even look into the cultural impact the album and it's singles/short films had.
-All packaged in a big, deluxe package that truly feels like you're holding something special, that makes you feel like this album truly is one of the best in the history of music.
I mean, I'm not expecting this from the Estate but I can dream
I'm feel more and more confident with The Estate with every release (so far) but I really would like to see Michael Jackson getting packages that were as good, if not better, than what Paul McCartney is doing for his albums. I'm not saying it has to be for every album, but perhaps for the really significant reissues. If anyone deserves it, it's Michael!
