Yes: The Yes Album Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		0.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		5.0

Yes: The Yes Album Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Jeffrey Kauffman December 7, 2023

How can you say "no" to a band called Yes? Interestingly in that regard, while music fans may not have exactly been saying "no" to the band prior to this release, they may have been giving a quasi-"meh" or two, since neither of Yes' first two albums really caused that much of a stir, especially on this side of the pond, considering how formative the band's reputation later became. Part of that reputation was certainly aided and burnished by this third album from the group, one which saw the arrival of Steve Howe, as well as being the veritable swan song (at least for a while) for Tony Kaye. While Fragile, Yes' follow up to this album, is probably the release that really catapulted Yes into the stratosphere, all of the energy and arranging brilliance that made that album such a success is certainly on hand in The Yes Album. Fans of the band probably already know that there was a prior Blu-ray release of Yes: The Yes Album way back in 2014, but this is not a repackaging, and in fact contains a new Atmos mix and new 2023 5.1 and stereo mixes from Steven Wilson. This release is also "super deluxe" in any number of other ways, including offering four CDs and an LP (also offering the original album remastered), all in an LP sized package that recreates "gatefold" packaging from days of yore.

The track list for this album is:

1. Yours is No Disgrace
2. Clap
3. Starship Trooper
4. I've Seen All Good People
5. A Venture
6. Perpetual Change

Yes: The Yes Album Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

As with the spate of recent Quadio releases from Rhino that I've been reviewing, this release from Rhino also does have a minimal video component, but it's really just the menu, as seen in the screenshots I've uploaded to accompany this review. As you can see, the track listings change depending on the song being played, but otherwise this is a static menu.

Yes: The Yes Album Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Yes: The Yes Album offers Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 options. I frankly never purchased the original Blu-ray of this album (I guess you can say "no" to Yes), but one way or the other, the audio on this release is absolutely stunning. Both the Atmos and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mixes open up the often labyrinthine layering that helped define this era of Yes, offering significant "breathing" room and absolutely fluid, inviting fidelity. Jon Anderson's plaintive tenor sounds fantastic and the instrumental aspects are beautifully clear and well balanced. I frankly wouldn't say the Atmos mix is a gigantic change when compared to the 5.1 option, but it does have some increased immersive capabilities, especially in some of the more Baroque arrangements the band offers. Audiophiles have long championed the work of Steven Wilson, and this is another sterling example of the "magic" he brings to his remixes/remasterings.

Yes: The Yes Album Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

I'm sure some interested in this release who don't frequent this site will consider the Blu-ray disc a "supplement", but for you wise readers, here is a listing of the non-Blu-ray contents of this package:

• CD 1: Original Album Remastered


• CD 2: Steven Wilson 2014 Remixes and Instrumentals


• CD 3: Rarities contains a number of previously unreleased and/or remastered in 2023 tracks.


• CD 4: In Concert offers live performances from Sweden and Connecticut in 1971, and also has a few previously unreleased tracks.


• LP: Original Album Remastered

Per my above description, this is all housed in an LP sized gatefold jacket. Inside the four CDs are in slots and the Blu-ray is in its own sleeve in another slot.

Yes: The Yes Album Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

This release is a bit on the pricey side, but in my estimation it's worth every penny (and/or dollar). The remastering efforts are top notch, and both the Atmos and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mixes offer significant immersion in the sometimes dazzling songcraft that Yes offers. The CDs are a treasure trove of material as well, and for you "old school" types, the LP also sounds fantastic. Highly recommended.