The Beatles Mini LP SHM-CDs from Japan (Expanded View!)

I present a follow-up to my most popular video, linked below:
• The Beatles Mini LP SH...
Perhaps the brief overview is the draw of the original, but for those of you who are interested in an expanded view of The Beatles Limited Release Cardboard Sleeve Mini LP Disk Union Box … here ’tis!
For more Beatles content, see also:
• The BEATLES (White Alb...
• The Beatles - Box of V...
• UNBOXING The Beatles S...
• Video
• UNBOXING The Beatles M...

[@thomascars1]

Recently acquired Abbey Road and Let it Be from this set, all I did was simply add them to my Mono box. Ultimate Beatles CD collection!

[@dimitriballas5283]

While the 2009 black stereo box is not bad, this is the way the stereo albums should had been released... Exactly like the white mono box...

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

Dimitrios Ballas I agree. Missed opportunity, as the replica LPs are brilliant.

[@shekespearecub]

Look beautiful, but like you I am puzzled by the lack of cover, which amazes me because the Japanese are very meticulous in the development of these mini replicas. For example I have the Japan Box and the covers are elaborated impeccably and that box was also manufactured by Universal Music Japan. The other thing I do not like is the wooden box, it's a bit simple compared to the ones made on 9-09-09. But we must admit that the concept of making all the arts in this format of mini Lp seems to me fabulous, especially Yellow Submarine, Abbey Road and Let It Be which are absent from the Mono Box of 200. But at the end I think the most positive of all should be the sound quality of those SHM.CDs, Congratulations for your beautiful collection my friend, I never get tired of watching this video.

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

shekespearecub I appreciate your time viewing and your comments.

[@aboutsoundandvision]

I've been thinking of buying The White Album through Past Masters in this Mini LP format, I really love the packaging of the mono CD box set and would love to have my entire Beatles catalog in mini LP sleeves.

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

M1Garandstudios all of those releases, from The BEATLES on, are great! The only exception is Yellow Submarine, which has the issue with the misaligned flaps. I feel the same way you do about the In Mono box set Mini LP presentation, and that attracted me to this set. It would be the gold standard, if not for all those quality control issues.

[@aboutsoundandvision]

Magical Mystery Mike Yeah it is a shame that it has that issue, I still think the mini LP is nice, just not as nice as it could have been sadly

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

M1Garandstudios exactly!

[@aboutsoundandvision]

A small update, I ordered Yellow Submarine, Abbey Road as well as Let It Be and they arrived recently, all of them are presented fantastically! Even the sleeve of Yellow Submarine looks correct with the fold over flaps being pasted very well. I ordered Magical Mystery Tour, The Beatles (White Album) and Past Masters Volumes 1 & 2 SHM-CD's and I am excited to get them. I prefer Magical Mystery Tour in mono myself, but I think the stereo has some nice things to offer like the backwards effects on Blue Jay Way and the way the lyrics of Your Mother Should Know go back and fourth between the left and right channels, so I decided to pick up the stereo Mini-LP copy. Thanks for making this video, because without it I would never have known about these releases! Edit: The SHM-CD's I purchased were from the most recent December 2017 run, so that could explain the more precise Yellow Submarine details on the folding flaps.

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

M1Garandstudios thank you for letting me know. I tried to find out direct from CDJapan, but got nowhere. I really appreciate the update. While I do not plan on buying them over, I’m glad to know those of you getting them now are getting better quality.

[@lucasdiego5028]

The Let It Be should be a replica of the box when released in 1970.

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

The original UK box, you mean?

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

Would have been nice!

[@lucasdiego5028]

@@MagicalMysteryMike yeah this one!

[@StripeyR]

This set is amazing! thanks for the link Mike! you have a new sub ;)

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

Thanks Stripey!

[@paulmccartney6356]

Great box set(Except poor fold over flaps), Thank you for uploading this video.

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

Thank you for watching! Glad you enjoyed this vid.

[@aboutsoundandvision]

I recently ordered a few of the 2017 reissues of these releases and the flaps were much better than these 2014 issue sleeves seem to be.

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

M1Garandstudios very happy to hear this. They are overall beautifully done. Too bad the stereo box wasn’t done as the In Mono Box was. This set makes up for that, and I’m glad it’s been issued several times for fans who value this kind of set.

[@jake105]

Great camera work. You obviously put in a lot of work for this presentation. Right down to a script! I was very impressed. I'll have to watch more of your video posts. Regarding CD's I have The Beatles in Mono & The Beatles U.S. Album box sets and some individual stereo remasters (9/9/09) So I'm done with any more Beatle product on CD.

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

Thank you very much for the kind words. I wish I could say I'm done with The Beatles, but then they release something new and I'm sucked back in.

[@starshiptrooper7670]

LOL Yeah me too Mike. This year we got the Yellow Submarine anniversary and then.....The White Album!!! I can't wait to see all the goody's they'll roll out for that one. Should be great! Give peas a chance...

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

Starship Trooper bring it on!

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

JAKESTAR105 hey, was looking back over your comment and noticed you have no subscribers or content on your channel. Let me be the first to subscribe in hopes it’ll inspire you to start something, if you’ve considered doing so. Thanks again for your extremely kind comment. It’s probably the nicest I’ve received.

[@bobf.5538]

Somebody should start a Beatles tribute band and call themselves The Four fold over flaps

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

Bob F. 🤣! I’d see those guys!

[@shekespearecub]

So beautiful set!

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

It is a thing of beauty! I really enjoy the Japanese mini LP compact disk format.

[@colinpush]

Love the Entwistle at the beginning 👌👍😉

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

The best; miss that guy! The Beatles and The Who battle it out for the top spot as my favorite band. This year The Beatles take that spot, and as for The Who ... Got a feelin' '21 is gonna be a good year...

[@liam-ashton1]

THOSE FOLD OVER FLAPS!!

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

Indeed! HAHAHA!

[@PaulinaAngel]

I so now want to get Past Masters and the Blue and and Red albums

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

Thanks for watching that deep into the video. 🙏 Those three are very well done!

[@bombardier2011]

Did they make the red and blue album covers laminated like the first UK pressings from 1973?

[@debessar95]

Hope so.

[@royalninja2823]

Well I'll be fucked, I didn't think a mini-lp cd version of Sgt Pepper existed. I've been collecting some of the US Albums cds, which are packaged similarly. I tried looking around for a version of Sgt Pepper like that but just couldn't. Thanks for giving me some hope.

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

royalninja I’m glad you’ve enjoyed it. All the best...

[@Karlvany]

Wonderful collection! Here in Brazil a box imported from this one, it costs no less than $ 900.00

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

Yes, I saw that they re-released them. I contacted CDJapan to ask if they had corrected the issues with the flip-back flaps. They claimed to not know what i was referring to.

[@limomangeno]

Unbelievable now Japan is giving us Chinesse quality workmanship at Japanesse prices...this was the problems with the bootleg Beatles Mono and Stereo sets....

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

geno pal I actually contacted CDJapan when these were most recently reissued again. They refused to acknowledge these issues existed. I have no idea if those have the same manufacturing issues, but I wasn’t about to buy them again to find out.

[@limomangeno]

I dont blame you...i have bought bootlegs myself,thinking they were not....sucks.

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

geno pal these are not bootlegs. They’re real and were purchased through a reputable source. Besides the flaps being misaligned, they’re stunning, which is why it’s so disappointing that this detail was so poorly done.

[@ONgamersTrashcan]

This is my type of humor.

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks.

[@NoMoreHeroesPunkPostPunk]

Yup! Like that. I’ll try and source a set for myself. A bit annoying about the back-cover fold overs though 😒

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

Ken’s Vinyl & Hi-Fi Channel yeah, but overall a very nice collection!

[@NoMoreHeroesPunkPostPunk]

Magical Mystery Mike Definitely agree with you and well worth having in my collection 👍

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

@@NoMoreHeroesPunkPostPunk Excellent!

[@誠タイガー]

SHM-CDはビニールスリーブに入れてると化学反応で ディスクがビニール焼けします 早めにペーパースリーブな入れた方が良いです！ 自分はCD全滅しました

[@bombardier2011]

Seems that the covers of mini LP `Rubber Soul` in mono box set and mini LP `Rubber Soul` in stereo are look just the same in terms of a front photo color grading. Is that so?

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

Not quite. The cover of the cardboard sleeve edition from the Complete Studio Recordings Stereo Box seems to have been lightened, whereas The Mini LP edition looks a bit more natural.

[@bombardier2011]

@@MagicalMysteryMike Can you make a video to compare both stereo and mono versions? I was in a firm belief they just took mono covers 1963-1965 from `The Beatles In Mono` and put `stereo` on them.

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

You may be thinking of counterfeit copies of Stereo box form 2009. Official Stereo and Mono can be quite different across The Beatles catalogue.

[@bombardier2011]

@@MagicalMysteryMike I've noticed that some stereo mini LP covers 2014 are exactly the same as mono ones, when in fact they should be different. Have a look at `Please Please Me`, `With The Beatles`, `Beatles For Sale` and `Rubber Soul` - apart from the mono and stereo labels on the front side there are no more differences (I mean front sides only).

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

bombardier oh wow, that’s disappointing.

[@tapsilogic]

Hi, is the combined thickness of the SHM CDs (including the obis and booklets) significantly less than the standard 2009 CDs? Considering building a "one size fits all" type of box for these sets.

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

No. I wouldn’t say significantly less. Probably about the same.

[@tapsilogic]

@@MagicalMysteryMike thanks, this is helpful!

[@tapsilogic]

@@MagicalMysteryMike Well, I've finally built the custom CD box that matches the Mono one. I don't think I can post a link to the video here but I've uploaded an overview on my KZbin page/channel.

[@beatlebrad5339]

Wow fantastic presentation of this great box set !!! I know that it is a $$$ set ok but wow all that problems with the flaps ... WOW . I am so sorry for you . Just crazy :}. I did like this well done !!!! :} . Thanks take care .

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

I'm honored you watched. Thank you. Keep those Beatles vids, and your positivity, coming!

[@beatlebrad5339]

Wow thank you !!!! :}. And you keep on rockin as well !!!!

[@bombardier2011]

Are the photo-booklets put right in cardboard sleeves or just attached to a set?

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

bombardier each booklet just sits in the plastic outer sleeve, under the obi. It will not fit in the replica mini LP.

[@bombardier2011]

That`s great, thanks a lot for your quick clear answer and great videos!

[@classicrockcafe]

But it does not contain Meet The Beatles, The Beatles' Second Album, featuring Can't Buy Me Love, Or Beatles no5.

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

No. No it doesn’t. These are the original UK releases only.

[@bearmanz]

Great video.. but what does SHM mean and how much is the set going to set me back?

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

Victor Rossi SHM stands for Super High Material. Supposed to allow for better playback. More expensive than a standard CD, but not crazy. Unfortunately, they are often limited in quantity. I missed the original, so all but one of my set are from an encore pressing. They run these out every once and a while.

[@dizzymisslizzy2885]

i think you like the fold over flaps!

[@dizzymisslizzy2885]

not sure though

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

😂

[@Beatgeneration2010]

Have you stopped making videos?

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

Not for good. I shall return soon.

[@jsjxyz]

I tried to find this in Tower.jp and Discogs without success. Is there any catalog number for the set Mike?

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

It’s not technically a box set. The discs were sold separately. The box is generic. Each disc has a catalog number.

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

I purchased most of the titles from CDjapan.

[@jsjxyz]

@@MagicalMysteryMike Thanks for the explanation :)

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

@@jsjxyz you’re welcome. :)

[@rubberbearoz]

Hi guys. Has anyone notice that there is a white ghosting mark on the all of the playing side of the CD?? I bought these brand new on the day of release. Yesterday, I went to play them on my stereo and I noticed that all the CDs had a white ghosting mark on the playing surface that was not there when I purchase all of them.. Do we know what is going on with the CDs???? Should I be concerned?? Really do need some help with this issue. Don From Australia.

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

Hmmm, I'm not sure about this.

[@борулямартин]

Beatles 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

6 thumbs up, indeed!

[@leandroperroni]

So each cd includes its own booklet? also, where can i find this?

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

LP Yes. Each album comes with the corresponding booklet that accompanied the standard stereo CDs released on 09.09.09; however, the CDs are housed in mini LP sleeves. They are out of print, as far as I know, but www.cdjapan.co.jp sometimes offers encore pressings.

[@gfrgtr]

I have been looking everywhere to buy this! Do you know where it is available?

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

I believe they are out of print. cdjapan.co.jp has had several reissues over the years.

[@rinkrat06]

Are these also SACD?

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

No, just SHM-CD.

[@luizjose778]

Um espetaculo tenho 2 do focus e um do king crimson saudo desde brasil

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

Interessante!

[@langundovitale1305]

My question is: do they actually sound great? While yes, they can be uncompressed and lossless, they could still be the fake stereo/duophonic mixes, which kills the experience

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

These discs use the 2009 Stereo Remasters. There are no fake stereo/duophonic mixes contained. In the few rare cases where no true stereo mix is available, the mono recording is used.

[@langundovitale1305]

@@MagicalMysteryMike Strange. I own a few 2009 stereo remasters, and stream them on sites like Qobuz and Tidal, and numerous songs are in fake stereo. Unless the Japanese SHM-CDs are different?

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

When you say "fake stereo" are you referring to the original stereo mixes with the funky hard panning?

[@langundovitale1305]

@@MagicalMysteryMike I guess so? Vocals and guitars to the right, and drums and bass to the left

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

@David Ness this is just how the original stereo mixes sound. That's how they were released. A remix is required to correct that, where possible. Some individual songs have been remixed as part of 1+, but as albums, other than Yellow Submarine Songtrack, Sgt. Pepper, The White Album, and Abbey Road, the other albums are just remastered. George Martin did also tweek Help! and Rubber Soul for the 1987 release. His "remixes" were also used on the 2009. It all gets a bit confusing.

[@bombardier2011]

The first press of this mini LP CD stereo serie (2014 with red stickers) was assembled poor too (the same was a second release with blue stickers and both subsequent releases).The cuffs of the envelopes are very badly fitted to each other. Surprisingly. Shame on japanese manufacturer. But japanese mono-box was brilliant.

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

bombardier completely agree on all counts.

[@bombardier2011]

@@MagicalMysteryMike Glad to hear that, Mike!

[@Disappointed-dom]

Why is japan the best why? They produce good quality music and packaging?anyone lol

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

CDs are still big in Japan. They do make fantastic products ... except for those darn fold over flaps. ;)

[@pequenoguia]

@@MagicalMysteryMike I think this is only to reproduce the original packagind of the vinyl when it was released. In the Queen mini LP japan releases for example, they do not made this way.

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

Pequeno Guia do Colecionador Multimídia it’s not the flaps themselves, but the way they were aligned.

[@stevenkoski228]

No mention of price. The 2 compilations are merely songs repeated from their original albums, but add to the cost. Oh the dreaded flaps! The bottom line is the audio quality when buying SHM discs. I wonder if he complains about feminine pads that have wings?😱🤣🙈.

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

I generally do not mention price in my videos. Not necessary. Case in point, you're watching a video posted years ago of items I purchased in 2015. And NO, I do not complain about feminine pads that have wings, my friend. ;)

[@steveaverion749]

where is it available

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

steve averion www.cdjapan.co.jp/ releases them for short runs at a time.

[@iamcheese4873]

Hey am I the fist to see this? Btw hi

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

i am cheese 🤚 Indeed, you may have been the first to watch. Thanks! I hope all is well and you’re staying creative.

[@iamcheese4873]

Magical Mystery Mike thank you to!!

[@nestorperena8629]

you missed some title puns in there xD

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

Always enjoy a good pun!

[@eruptionvh]

Are you sure its made in Japan? Is it original? Or counterfeit? Coz of that cardboard flaps. Japan will never made such quality.

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

Positive. The quality is great besides the misalignment of those flaps. They're 100% legit too. Really disappointing that that one feature was so poorly done.

[@Gigidag77]

lovely, but the poor 09.09.09 "remaster" (unnecessary bass boost, compression, editing, the poor '87 remixes for Help! & Rubber Soul) ruins the set for me.

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

I'm sorry you feel that way. How do you like the remixes that have come out over the past several years?

[@Gigidag77]

@@MagicalMysteryMike the Abbey Road remix and white album remix are both great. The Sgt pepper remix is a brickwalled disaster (the vinyl is great, but it sucks there is no way to get the uncompressed versions digitally) the 2015 "1+" remixes are too loud & compressed on both on the cd/blu ray and on vinyl.

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

@@Gigidag77 it’s definitely a mixed bag when it comes to The Beatles reissues, that’s for sure. I’m just glad the music gets the attention it deserves and there are a lot of options for fans. I regret not picking up the In Mono vinyl set a few years ago.

[@Gigidag77]

@@MagicalMysteryMike yeah same here. I'm really pissed I didn't pick up the full mono boxset when it was still reasonably priced. I only got Pepper.

[@matthewtodd3879]

Save your money, its snake oil, no different from ordinary cds, rippoff

[@MagicalMysteryMike]

I love this set. The mini LP format is great! It's a shame this wasn't the universal release.