Comparing RCA's new Reiner Mussorgsky Pictures SACD to its previous Living Stereo CD incarnation is similar to the experience of viewing a television screen after wiping away accumulated dust. Everything appears clearer, with enhanced detail and impact. The noticeably improved stereo separation creates a solid, three-dimensional effect--even though this is the two-channel version. [Editor's Note: The three-channel remastering is equally successful, and even more vibrant overall.] Listen to The Old Castle and hear the precise placement of instrumental groups in the sound picture, especially the percussion, with its crisp cymbals and powerful, punchy bass drum. This is even more the case in The Hut on Fowls Legs, where the strings take on a newly detailed articulation. In the Great Gate of Kiev you can now hear the fabled Chicago brass sound in its full, unrestrained splendor. The remaining selections are just as impressive sonically. But of course, marveling at the sound quality of these 40-year-old recordings is only a secondary consideration. Reiner's magnificent and still-unequalled performances remain the real reason for acquiring this disc. For newcomers, these new SACD transfers should remove any hesitations regarding sound quality, while veterans will feel an old romance rekindled.

This is a hybrid Super Audio CD playable on both regular and Super Audio CD players.