First Multichannel HD DVD Audio Title Debuts with 'Uncommon Bach'

In what is being billed as the world's first "3-Dimensional Sound Reality" high-def music experience, Surround Records will debut the audio-only HD DVD release 'Uncommon Bach' on June 15.

Created by producer Alexander Goldberg Jero, 'Uncommon Bach' presents the music of the legendary composer using "virtual instruments and modern synthesis," in a newly-remixed version that Surround Records is dubbing "3-Dimensional Sound Reality."

According to the company's press materials, the process promises a "clarity and sonic perception of these classical works [that] will open a new vision of the original masterpieces."

'Uncommon Bach' is notable as being the first audio-only high-def release to hit the U.S. Though multichannel audio releases (sans any significant video material) are fairly common on standard-def DVD, they have not yet made any inroads on the HD DVD or Blu-ray formats.

Surround Records has set a June 15 release date for the 57-minute 'Uncommon Bach.'

Tech specs include DTS-HD Master Lossless Audio and standard DTS 5.1 surround options. (Note also that 'Uncommon Bach' is compatible only with HD DVD players with HDMI or optical outputs.)

No further details are available on what, if any video and/or still materials will accompany the audio portion of 'Uncommon Bach.' There also appears to be no additional bonus features or other supplementary material included.

Retail price for the HD DVD has been set at $29.95 (you can pre-order it at Amazon.com for 19.95.)

Surround Records has not yet announced a Blu-ray version of 'Uncommon Bach,' but we'll keep you posted.