Were the Doors albums ever remastered?

[Daniel S.]

I know they released a box set with the 6 studio albums remastered in 1999, but I don't have that box set and I don't believe they released the remastered albums to be bought individually on their own, right? Also, does anyone know if the '99 remastering job was any good. Does anyone know if there are plans to overhaul the Doors catalog like they did with the Byrds?

[Jeff Mason]

Let's see... how many times did the Doors get remastered CDs?  Three I think?  The first batch by the label, a remaster by Bruce Botnick very soon after, and then a 24 bit remaster in the late 90's?  Oh, yeah, there are actually too many remasters.  Don't hold your breath for more.

[analogdemon]

L.A. Woman sounds so good mixed in 5.1-channel surround.......

[Andreas]

I know they released a box set with the 6 studio albums remastered in 1999, but I don't have that box set and I don't believe they released the remastered albums to be bought individually on their own, right?

All the studio albums were remastered in 1999 by Bernie Grundman, and they are available individually. The individual remasters are the same as the ones in the box.

Also, does anyone know if the '99 remastering job was any good.

Quite good. HDCD, 24 bit mastering. They saw it necessary to include the two controversial bits in the songs "Break On Through" and "The End" which were censored on the original mixes. On the remasters, they took those bits from the recording tapes and flew them in.

In my opinion, the DCC Gold CDs of the Doors albums are even better. Four albums were released that way: The Doors, Strange Days, Waiting For The Sun and L.A. Woman. I don't think that you will ever get better CD representation of these albums than that.

The L.A. Woman DVD-A has also gotten favorable reviews.

Does anyone know if there are plans to overhaul the Doors catalog like they did with the Byrds?

I don't think so. The original tapes are in excellent condition, so there is no remixing necessary. I am not sure about outtakes and alternates.

[Andreas]

That was a nice talk to myself.

[Jeff Mason]

You said it all so well that no further comment was needed...

[Andreas]

You said it all so well that no further comment was needed...

Thank you.

(I think the English expression for my behaviour is "fishing for compliments"  )

[Sheriff John Stone]

Andreas,
        Thanks for the information. My Doors' CD's are so old I got them when CD's first came out! I've been thinking about upgrading, and now, with your info, I will. Can you still get DCC Gold CD's?

[Andreas]

Can you still get DCC Gold CD's?

They are are out of print for several years now. You have to check ebay or used CD stores.

[Daniel S.]

Thanks Andreas.