Pink Floyd - Animals 2024 Atmos Edition - Atmos / 5.1 Blu-ray spatial review

It surely came as a surprise that Animals received the Dolby Atmos treatment prior to Wish You Were Here, or even the highly anticipated possible release of an immersive edition of the Wall. Yet, here it is, in mid-May of 2024, a bit over 18 months after its initial release on Blu-ray in 5.1 surround sound.

To be clear, what makes this new stand-alone Blu-ray release different from the previous edition is the addition of the Dolby Atmos Mix, which was created in 2022, yet did not make it onto the surround Blu-ray released back then! Even better, like its predecessor, this new Blu-ray edition contains THE 2018 5.1 96kHz / 24-bit surround mix in both uncompressed and DTS-HD Master Audio. Plus, the original 1977 & new 2018 192kHz / 24-bit stereo mix in both uncompressed and DTS-HD Master Audio. All new mixes have been created by long time Pink Floyd engineer James Guthrie. However, for quadroholics, don’t expect any hidden quad treasures, if they exist, they are forever buried.

Once again, the artwork has been reimagined by Aubrey ‘Po’ Powell from Hipgnosis especially for this release and presented in a digipak with a 16-page booklet, a sticker and a postcard and features the historic Battersea Power Station as it looks now, complete with the 2022 light projections used for the launch of the Animals 2018 Remix, mapped and designed by Peter Curzon from StormStudios.

For many immersionists, the question is whether the new Atmos mix brings enough discrete placement to warrant dipping into one’s pocket again for yet another edition of Animals. While ultimately one’s opinion of the mix, along with their configuration will guide that decision, I hope to raise a few points to consider. I held off on ordering the 2024 Animals Blu-ray, instead selecting to first stream the new Atmos mix via Apple Music, which I felt would provide me with an informed decision.

The heights have been used for selective elements, and often don’t fire at all. The kranging guitar is empathized in the rear heights on Dogs, while light ambience of synths are tossed above, along with delicate delay of voice and other parts. This occasional discrete use of the heights persists throughout the mix, with the Pig snarl emanating from the rear heights at the start of dogs and synths once again taking flight. It seems very evident that the Atmos mix is a mere expansion of the 5.1 surround mix originally created in 2018 and released in the Fall of 2022. Much of the action remains on the floor, but Guthrie has tastefully sent parts above the listener. Overall, the balance remains excellent, although I felt a bit overwhelmed by the guitars at the end of the song Sheep. Finally, much like the surround mix, expect nothing other than the front channels to light up for Pigs on the Wing parts 1 and 2.

While I do support picking up a copy of this new Blu-ray, I do find it a bit of an ironing that Pink Floyd is already digging for more revenue on the same material, especially for a band that seemingly criticized corporate greed and the ruling classes. As I am sure you know, Animals clearly used metaphors of different animals to represent different social classes. As the album begins and ends with "Pigs on the Wing," which serves as a framing device, expressing personal sentiments amidst the larger societal critique. The second track Dogs distinctly drives it home for me, as it describes the ruthless, competitive nature of individuals striving for success in capitalist society. The song portrays a sense of disillusionment with the cutthroat nature of the corporate world. Pigs (Three Different Ones)" represents the ruling class, particularly those in positions of power and authority. The lyrics satirize their greed, hypocrisy, and exploitation of the lower classes. It's a scathing critique of the elites who manipulate society for their own benefit. Dang, how many times will I buy this album? Maybe I am just a Sheep, part of the passive masses who blindly follow authority figures and conform to societal norms without questioning. This track explores themes of conformity, control, and the dangers of unquestioning obedience. As fans, I hope we are all beyond these descriptions in Animals and we can show our generosity and offer the 2022 surround version to a friend who is just getting started in the world of immersive listening, otherwise it is probably best used as a coaster.

Certainly, this edition is a must have for collectors of Atmos mixes, fans who must have everything by Pink Floyd, and progressive rock collectors who have somehow missed adding this into their library. Also, for a full review of the immersive surround mix, please see the Animals Blu-ray review.

This edition released May 17, 2024.

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 About the Author

Wesley is a lifelong music enthusiast. He started his career in the recording industry in New York City as an audio engineer, producer, and studio manager. Subsequently he toured across America as a guitarist with the short-lived band Land's Crossing. After many years in the technology sector and amassing a substantial vinyl and CD collection, he delved into immersive audio and created Hi-Res Edition to share with other listeners about the sound quality and discrete mixes available on many formats. He recently upgraded his system to 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos and continues to seek out and share about the best sounding releases.