Can someone explain different Japanese re-issues...are they worth it?

I have a mini-LP sleeve from Japan in 2001 of NOTW.

The 30th Anniversary ANATO is good too and, apparently, the 2011 version is essentially the same, give or take 1 or 2 small tweaks on (I think) Bo Rhap.

I like the 2011 Queen and Queen II. The Innuendo is worth it for the bonus tracks.

I have The Works CD in a LP sleeve kinda thing. The inside looks the same as the vinyl that I own. That's the only Japanese edition I own.

I have most of the 2001 Japanese remasters in mini LP style the Jazz one even includes a mini Bicycle Race poster.I have not played them so i could not tell you how they sound,but they look fantastic.Almost no chance of finding them now,maybe on Ebay but i should think they would be very expensive.

If one set of remasters was a ‘go to‘ best version it would be nice and easy, but different albums sound better on different editions - eg Queen and Queen II are generally agreed to sound best in the 2011 releases, 2011 remasters mostly have brighter piano and vocals but The Miracle and The Game 2001 remasters (also released in 2004) have much better, less boxy-sounding bass and drums than 2011, the original UK/German CD release of Jazz is generally better balanced throughout than any other etc...etc....

I’m seriously considering losslessly ripping all my original vinyl editions!

[QUOTE] [b]dowens wrote:[/b]

Is an original cd (not released as a remaster) considered a first pressing?[/QUOTE]


All CDs are not necessarily a ‘first pressing‘, Ben if pressed using the same master as the first pressing CDs. Even different pressing plants In different countries produced slightly different sounding CDs despite often using the Same master!