THE FUTURE BITES

Plays just fine on my Sony UBP-X800M2 Blu-ray. My player is not coded as ‘All-Region.’ No ‘Region-2’ Warnings (or however they define regions for Blurays) appear on the packaging, case nor disc. I contacted a familiar major (international) music supplier in the UK and asked them what they were vending to the USA market versus any other euro-destination. They told me their inventory had no differentiation between the foreign markets including the USA. My experience suggests that you can buy here for Region 0 or 1 without regret. This is MY experience.·:·As far as the music goes, well, you are a Steven Wilson fan or you wouldn’t likely be here; nor buying a bluray. If you are open to an artist’s penchant for ‘the new’ then you will appreciate this music.

I’ve listened to this recording several times now on different systems, my auto, hi for system and my home theater. I love the flow of the album and the excellent production. My go to setting for surround sound music is DTS so that’s the way I listened the first time. I don’t have a designated Atmos system but I decided to try the Atmos mix on my 7.1 system and was blown away! I feel enveloped in the music! I am now looking forward to more music being released in this format. I believe Steven is planning on using it on some of his upcoming remix projects and am sure he will continue using it in his own projects. Steven has been a pioneer in Surround Sound audio and has again proven that he is one of the best at utilizing it!

I must say that once again Steven Wilson has done a great job on his latest outing. I purchased the 5.1 version and I love the atmosphere Steven created here. There are more electronic sounds here including synths and percussion sounds here The guitars are mostly mixed in as part of the atmosphere rather than long guitar solos. If you are expecting a traditional rock record or another Porcupine Tree album than you obviously do not understand Wilson or his artistic motivations. I have to laugh at some of the reviews here since they demonstrate just how many people want the same artist to write the same songs over and over again. If you want to hear the same songs again go play the old record! Quit putting your demands on the artist on what you think he should do and listen to the music on its own rather than with your biased preconceived ideas! The songs here are progressive and dynamic and the surround mix he gives us on this record is refreshing and it once again offers us something new rather than the same old thing done by so many retread artists of our age. The lyrics here also very interesting. Another great album by Steven!

who else could blend 70's r&b/funk, 70's and 80's pop, 80 electronica, sprinkle in some of todays sounds and put on an underlay of prog and psychedelia? No one but Mr. Wilson. With repeated listening more and more the tidbits become apparent. Not like any of his other albums really, but here and there are some frames from his Porcupine Tree albums. The only downside I hear is that grating chain on a high hat sound all the way through Count of Unease, or whatever that noise is. That is my opinion though. Great album for repeated listening, and worth the cost of the cd or Blu Ray and I got both.

I bought this on Amazon in the U.S., and although Amazon's description indicated this would be a Region 2 disc, the actual case does not say so and it plays just fine, which tells me this is a REGION free DISC. The sound quality is absolutely gorgeous. It really makes this album justice, and I'd say this is the best way to listen to this album from the audiophile perspective. When I first listened to the album on youtube music, I gave it 3, 3.5 stars rating, but after listening to THIS on blu-ray, I easily give the album 4 stars. And the more I listened to it the more I liked it.The 'problem' with this disc, which has been reported by others, is that the videos would not play. Steven Wilson produced and release several videos for this albums (most of them can be found on this discogs site, upper right corner), and three are included on this blu-ray disc. However, as I just said, the videos do not play. You can just hear the music. Also, in terms of navigating the menus, unless you choose the Atmos audio choice, your screen will all be black with the Caroline International logo on it. Once you click Atmos audio selection, then you will be able to see the menus (white screen with logos, pictures, etc.). ALSO, while listening to the album tracks, there were several places where the song would skip. I have all of the other Steven Wilson albums in 5.1 format and none of those presented me with these problems. They all play just fine, audio and video.Because of this, I am concluding this is a 'faulty production, and as a result, I am returning the disc back to Amazon (where I bought it), and will wait hoping a newer disc will be released where these issues are hopefully fixed.

I'm a big fan of Steven Wilson. However, I was a little skeptical when I ordered this. I really disliked the first couple of singles that were released. Upon my first listen, it all clicked. The sound quality is top notch and the album is great. I even like the songs that I disliked as singles. They fit into the context of the album and flow very well. It won't be my favorite Steven Wilson album, but it's a great one for sure.

I truly believe Steven Wilson is one of the best engineers in the surround/immersive genre right now. Add to that a beautifully written and performed album makes for a very enjoyable listening experience.

What many have noted, Wilson at his most commercial sounding, which isn't a bad thing - at all. I really like the songs, but it's the Dolby Atmos mix that REALLY impressed ~ play this loud!!

When Steven Wilson [ex-Porcupine Tree, Blackfield, No-Man, Storm Corrosion, etc.] comes out with a new solo release, expect a big production. The Future Bites [TFB] is no exception.Various "items" on a special web site for sale [I won't get into it], to two 12" vinyl releases [of course includes unreleased tracks], etc.TFB was released in multiple formats: CD, Blu-ray audio, multiple vinyl [colour] releases and even a cassette.On top of that there was a deluxe release which contains the album CD, 2 other CDs [instrumental and extras] and the Blu-ray release with all kinds of stuff inside.There was even a limited of one [yes one] of an exclusive box set with exclusive tracks [that wouldn't be officially released ever outside of this box], actual memorabilia and other stuff plus whatever was in the regular box set. The price? £10,000. It was bought very fast. [The proceeds went to a charity.]Onto this release. Contains 5 different Blu-ray audio versions of the main album from stereo to 5.1 Dolby to 5.1 DTS HD MA and even a Dolby Atmos edition. It also includes a stereo only instrumental version of the album [interesting, about 15 seconds shorter]. Plus 3 promo videos.I am not really a fan of this album. Some very good tracks and some less than desirable tracks. He has switched to a pop album [not surprising since his last release from Blackfield and especially No-Man are very pop.Some are calling this album his U2's Pop album and will probably go down as his least likable album.But as usual, top notch production.

This is the most satisfying example of atmos/immersive I have heard through my 7.1 speaker system. Interesting variety of music, too.

Atmos soundtrack is amazing. Even if you don’t like the music that much- buy it for absolutely fantastic experience with sound.Need good Atmos set-up, of course ;)

Blu ray audio quality on surround sound system sounds great as Steven Wilson always does. It is shorter in length (LP length) than his previous efforts. Some songs "more boppy" than previous efforts, nonetheless it has plenty of standout material. Blu ray is a joy to listen to. I find this (and his other) surround sound blu rays much more enthralling than the cd's which do not do his music justice.

While the sound quality is amazing, be prepared to enter into the world of unconventional/uncommon music. I don’t want to call it questionable since every is entitled to their opinion and taste.