I have to admit that I had to frown my eyebrows, hearing of the release of Elvis' Christmas Album 3D MONO. Is it a real Christmas present?
Design
Just like with music I do not like altering pictures. I do have to admit it has been done tastefully on the cover of this release. The booklet gives some background information on the album and recordings and also on the concept of 3D-MONO. The producers even have a fancy website dedicated to the concept. All together the package is a well designed one.
Content
What matters more is the content. Of course we all know the tracks by heart. They are all included twice, first all in 3D-mono and then the normal mono version. I really didn't know what to think of it, 3D-MONO, if I thought anything it was something like "another quick buck on public domain tracks".
Well, I can say it sure sound different. After a few spins - in a row and songs back to back - I still am not sure whether I like it or not. Now I express myself incorrectly, I do like it. It surely sounds more lively than the original mono recordings on CD so far. Still, it is totally different from the warm and full sound of my good old vinyl version that I still prefer hands down.
Conclusion
In my opinion this release is not worth a lot of trouble to get, but if you can lay your hands on it easily and like something different that still honours the originals (unlike some official releases)... you might be happy with it. If you like anything Elvis... go for it, it certainly is more enjoyable than the Christmas Duets CD.