I've heard that the Solo Collection was limited to 10.000 copies, but I doubt it. Can anyone confirm or deny this/know more about this ?
I seem to remember that there's been a second run in 2001 after the first one sold out very quickly. Have there been more runs ?
Also, has it ever been released in the US (besides the 3 CD-set) ?
And furthermore: Are there NTSC-versions of the set (Japanese ones ?) ? I've read that there are Region 1-versions of the box set on another thread. Are these in any way different ones or have the EMI/European-ones simply been produced with two different Region-codes ?
Not to forget: Are these Region 1-versions in NTSC ?
Many questions, I know. I've been away from the net for a certain period of time, so it's likely that some of these things have escaped me. As I've been unable to find satisfying information on the WWW, I'd really appreciate any help from you guys. Especially a list with all known variations of the box would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks a lot in advance !
I believe they still make them. I actually checked with HMV last year, and they were selling it for $300 CDN plus GST.
"Not to forget: Are these Region 1-versions in NTSC ?"
If it's region 1, it HAS to be NTSC. Region 1 is USA and Canada, and we use the NTSC standard. Whereas Region 2 can be either NTSC or PAL, because region 2 covers UK, some parts of Europe, Japan, and the Middle East.
Well, officially speaking, the USA never did get an official release. And actually I think the DVD's, in both the PAL and NTSC installments, are really Region ALL (I could be wrong, but it can be checked with a computer DVD player).
Otherwise, the NTSC release I believe is an import. I remember before HMV Canada started listing it, the only way you could get either of the two versions was to order it from QueenOnline or BlackStar (if I am correct on the latter)
It's still featured on Hollywood Records' website, with a 2001 release date -- picture and all!!
(They're a little slow in updating things, aren't they? GHIII is listed as a new release!!)
No, it was a slightly inferior version of the UK set...it was only $129.95. Spun.com wants $96 for it...*when* they can get a copy. I've been on the waiting list for more than two years now!
I may give Hollywood Records a call...
I think it was originally 'limited' (though not numbered) to 10,000 copies - but it was repressed and re-released in November 2001 to co-incide with the 10th 'anniversary' of Freddie's death.
Thanks Pim and Thomas for clearing that up !
Thanks everyone else, too.
Lisa, keep us up to date with this mysterious Hollywood-release. I'd really like to know if this is bogus or not.
I thought that I always understood that it just did not sell well and that it went out of print within the year or so of its release. I do not know for sure though. Otherwise I do not know if it was limited edition and if so how many copies were to be made. This is one reason why I am concerned about the Queen box sets and hope to goodness they tour and do some new things (especially in the U.S. where they need it the most) to really get the public's interest up in their catelog and hopefully a re-released catelog with bonus material before the box sets are released...
I called Hollywood Records this afternoon and the person "in charge of your question" will be in tomorrow and I will have to call back.
Typical, but I WILL be calling back!!