The Film
AIX Records is an audiophile music label that is well known and respected within our little community, but it hasn't garnered the attention of the outside world who really should be paying attention to what this company has been doing for years; producing some of the best audio recordings that music lovers have ever heard. I first listened to an AIX recording at CES (at least five years ago) played back on a mega-buck Meridian system and came away decidedly impressed. The two channel recordings were excellent, but the multi-channel recordings were the best rationale for surround sound that I've ever heard. With the release of Goldberg Variations Acoustica, AIX has boldly ventured into the world of live-action Blu-ray 3D, and set the bar quite high in the process.
The AIX All-Star band (all superb musicians) have created the world's first 3D music album; a fifty-three minute performance of Bach's Werke-Verzeichnis 988 (an aria of 30 variations for harpsichord) which was first performed by Johann Gottlieb Goldberg. The performance is smooth and energetic and just a lovely piece of music. The music may not be for everyone, but the quality of the musicianship is exemplary and I found myself quite involved in the performance.
The Picture
Colors are fairly muted, but you really do pick up the rich hues of the instruments and the fine detail present. The depth of the presentation is really quite extraordinary; you feel like you are on the stage with the musicians and could almost reach out and pluck a string or stroke a key on the piano.
The image just feels quite natural and stable; a benefit of good camera work and not a lot of jerkiness with multiple cameras jumping all over the stage. Very solid video quality to say the least. I'm certainly looking forward to watching future releases if they are done at this level.
The Sound
This is one of those rare discs that will genuinely drop your jaw; even more so if your system is up to the task of reproducing it in all of its HD splendor. AIX Records has a strong track record when it comes to HD multi-channel recordings (they have been a staple in the Meridian room for years) and this release just pushes the envelope even further.
AIX has included three tracks on this Blu-ray 3D disc; Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (audience perspective), Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (stage perspective), and a 24/96 PCM 2.0 track. All three present the music from a unique perspective, but I ultimately preferred the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 "stage" mix as it feels eerily immersive. The piano has always been difficult to reproduce; it never sounds large enough and notes don't possess the right amount of body or decay, but this recording gets it right. The same applies to almost every instrument; especially drums and the acoustic bass which sounded like they were in my room in front of me. The "stage" mix sounds fuller all-around and you'll be hard pressed not to notice the airiness of the top end; listen to the cymbals shimmer and float in the air before decaying. Gave me goosebumps.
This lossless recording is amazingly clear and spacious sounding; one of the best you'll ever hear. AIX Records also allows you to turn off the video and listen to the audio tracks on their own which should appeal to those who want to focus on the sound.
Goldberg Variations Acoustica is a reference quality release with the highest level of fidelity. You should buy the Blu-ray 3D just for the audio quality, alone.
Extras
Aside from a surround channel ID tab which will help make sure you're hearing this recording properly, there really isn't anything else. AIX has included a booklet with information about the release and the musicians.
Final Thoughts
If Goldberg Variations Acoustica is the future of Blu-ray 3D, especially when it relates to music and musical performances offered in HD, consider me a convert. The audio quality of this release is about as good as it ever gets and you may want to upgrade your system once you hear it. My highest possible recommendation.
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