I’m not sure what it’s going to take for DVD-Audio to catch on. Unquestionably superior to their stereo counterparts in virtually all cases, in many cases it becomes difficult to fully enjoy the flatter CD versions ever again. Not just for the audiophile, these mixes bring a quality that is superior to what you experience in the cinema to your home, and give the music room to fully make its point.  With the ubiquity of DVD pIayers, I would have expected more of a surge in DVD-Audio sales and releases, but the technology has been inexplicably slow to catch on.  Electronic music has been notably underrepresented in surround mixes, which makes it particularly nice to see this release.

Big beat pioneers the Crystal Method’s debut DVD-Audio release sounds custom-made for a surround mix. With spiraling effects, fat beats, and dizzying rhythms, the disc is guaranteed to push the limits of both your audio equipment and your eardrums. The DVD-Audio mixes on Legion Of Boom are never gimmicky and remain faithful to the stereo originals while adding dimension, punch and interest to the already compelling material. The disc includes numerous guest vocalists and instrumentalists including John Garcia (Kyuss), Milla Jovovich, Lisa Kekaula (Bellrays), John Brion, Rahzel, Wes Borland (Limp Bizkit) and others.

The nice thing about Legion of Boom, and in general all Crystal Method releases, is the diversity of material across the disc. The opener, Starting Over, does a nice job of setting the tone with its thick, punchy beats adding an almost industrial element to the track. It reminds me of older Front 242, but splattered across the room like a science experiment. Rhazel’s samples vocals on Starting Over and again on American Way add a nice flavor to the organic beats. On the latter track we have more of a traditional rap over the sampled effects, scratches and synth beats. American Way and Weapons Of Mass Distortion are clearly something of a jab at the Bush administration and their bull-dozer approach to foreign policy. The buildup of spiraling synthesizer over the thunderous beats on True Grit are almost orgasmic. Born Too Slow was a big hit and is certainly one of the disc highlights. Sounding like Underworld with a spaghetti western twist, the synth guitars sound mighty just above the thunderous bassline. Kyuss vocalist John Garcia’s is excellent here, and it is one of the more straightforward tracks Crystal Method have designed.

There are very few disappointments here. I would rather hear more of a proper track from Milla Jovovich than what she contributes on I Know It’s You. She is basically loops and mumbles here, but the track is still a relatively solid one. It’s more of a matter of me knowing what she is capable of, than any shortcoming by the band here. Weapons Of Mass Distortion sounds like it was lifted from a Playstation game, rather straightforward on the CD, but busy and energetic on the surround mix. It is a great example of the added dimension revealing the artist’s true intention, and making the listening experience even more enriching.

Also included on this stellar release are two remixes of Born Too Slow, also in full surroind mixes, a feature-ette, a video, and an interactive mix breakdown of the track True Grit. This is an experience that you will certainly feel and sense as much a simply hear. It showcases both the technology as well as the complexity of this seminal band. Fortunately for both, DTS Entertainment have again gone out of their way to deliver quality and quantity to this very enjoyable and, in my opinion, essential DVD-Audio release.