Geffen/UMeAn expanded six-disc version of John Lennon‘s landmark 1971 album Imagine will be released on October 5.
Imagine — The Ultimate Collection will feature 140 tracks spread across four CDs and two Blu-ray audio discs, including a new stereo mix of the album and its associated singles and extra songs, 5.1 surround-sound mixes of the tracks, a remastered “Quadrosonic” mix of the album, and various alternate takes, extended takes, demos, isolated track elements and much more.
The box set was sanctioned and overseen by Lennon’s widow, Yoko Ono. Among the tracks is a recently discovered home demo of Imagine‘s classic title song, which you can check out now at Lennon’s official YouTube channel. Those pre-ordering the digital version of Imagine — The Ultimate Collection will receive an instant download of the demo.
Among the box set’s highlights are raw mixes of various tracks that capture Lennon and his Plastic Ono Band performing songs live on a sound stage at his and Yoko’s home studio in Ascot, U.K. The collection also features a multiple-track segment dubbed The Evolution Documentary, which demonstrates how each song on Imagine developed through the use of demos, rehearsal takes, outtakes, studio chatter and other recordings.
One of the Blu-ray discs features archival interviews with John and Yoko conducted by their friend, radio DJ Elliot Mintz. The box set also includes a 120-page hardbound book.
Imagine will also be reissued in other configurations, including a two-CD set, a single CD, a two-LP 180-gram vinyl version and various digital editions.
Meanwhile, restored versions of two films focusing on or related to Lennon’s Imagine album — 1971’s Imagine and 2000’s Gimme Some Truth — will be released on DVD, Blu-ray and digitally on October 5. Visit ImagineJohnYoko.com for full details.
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