Black Sabbath | 
 enlarge | Artist: Black Sabbath
Label: Universal Japan
Category: Music
List Price: $48.98
Buy New: $39.75
You Save: $9.23 (19%)
New (3) Used (2) Collectible (1) from $31.99
Rating:  3 reviews
Sales Rank: 355228
Format: Import, Limited Edition
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.6 x 5 x 0.5
EAN: 4988005459107
ASIN: B000LZ54FK
Release Date: March 5, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Tracks:
| • | Black Sabbath | | • | The Wizard | | • | Wasp/Behind the Wall of Sleep/Bassically/N.I.B. | | • | Wicked World | | • | A Bit of Finger/Sleeping Village/Warning |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Album Details
Japanese Limited Edition Issue of the Album Classic in a Deluxe, Miniaturized LP Sleeve Replica of the Original Vinyl Album Artwork.
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| Customer Reviews:
 GREAT 'SLEEVE, BUT THE RHINO BOX IS THE DEFINITIVE AUDIO VERSION March 26, 2008
BOB (LOS ANGELES, CA)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
While I'm a huge Japan 'sleeve fan, I always give priority to audio quality.
This 2007 release of the first five Sabbath albums is actually the second release in mini-sleeve format: The `07 `sleeves are replicas of the Vertigo-label artwork of the original UK LP's, whereas the 2002 original release were the U.S. LP-artwork versions.
However, this is the same master as on the 2002 release, which may or may not be the Castle `90's masters. While they are decent versions, they don't live up to the superior remastered audio on Rhino's The Black Box.
The Rhino mastering just simply has more of everything: Better definition, more clarity, better bass, etc.
The replicas of the original album covers are great. I sheepishly admit that I own both the `sleeves, for sentimental value, as Sabbath was a big part of my high-school years, AND The Box, for the best sound quality. More money than brains, I guess?
Again, if it's just the best audio you're seeking, buy The Box. If you're budget conscious, it should also be noted that you can purchase The Box, which has the first eight Sabbath albums plus a bonus disc & a fantastic booklet, for less than half the cost of the five `07 mini-sleeves.
But... the `sleeves ARE kewl (hee hee).
WHAT IS A JAPAN "MINI-LP-SLEEVE" CD?
Have you ever lamented the loss of one of the 20th Century's great art forms, the 12" vinyl LP jacket? Then "mini-LP-sleeve" CD's may be for you.
Mini-sleeve CDs are manufactured in Japan under license. The disc is packaged inside a 13.5MM X 13.5MM cardboard-sleeve, precision-miniature replica of the original classic vinyl-LP album. Also, everything else packaged with the original LP is precisely replicated and included, such as gatefolds, booklets, lyric sheets, posters, printed LP sleeves, stickers, embosses, special LP cover paper/inks/textures and die cuts. An English-language lyric sheet is also included, even if the original LP did not have printed lyrics.
Then, there's the sonic quality: Often (but not always), mini-sleeves have Japan-dedicated remastering (20-Bit, 24-Bit, DSD, K2 or K2HD, and/or HDCD), and can often (but not always) be superior to the audio on the same title anywhere else in the world. There also may be bonus tracks unavailable elsewhere.
Each Japan mini-sleeve has an "OBI" ("oh-bee"), a Japan-language promotional strip. The OBI often also lists the original album's release date, the Japan street date of that particular disc, the catalog number, and mastering info. Bonus tracks are always only listed on the OBI, maintaining the integrity of the original LP artwork.
The enthusiasm of mini-sleeve collecting must be tempered, however, with avoiding fake copies of Japan `sleeves manufactured in Russia and distributed throughout the world, primarily on eBay. They are inferior in quality, worthless in collectable value, a total waste of money, and should be avoided at all costs.
Also, there are older Japan mini-sleeve releases that have been supplanted with newer ones, usually with updated audio (such as JVC-Japan replacing older K2-mastered titles with new K2HD mastered releases).
All mini-sleeve releases are limited edition, but re-pressings/re-issues are becoming more common with some of the Japanese companies (but, again, not always). Mini-sleeve collecting can get expensive quickly, so, if you're a novice, it is highly advisable to seek the advice of an experienced `sleeve collector!
 ...A TRUE WORK OF ART! BEAUTIFUL JAPANESE VERSION! August 26, 2007
RafuXo (Brazil, SC Joinville)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This Japanese mini-lp replica version of Black Sabbath album is simply a work of art! Very beautifully designed with all the lyrics included and with a sound quality remastered to perfection.
This 2007 Universal/Strange Days reissue is by far the best version of this album that is out there; great sound quality, great packaging, great songs! A must have in any CD collector's library.
A Must for Metal-Heads July 12, 2007
Bilfurd (Orange County, CA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Black Sabbath's first album is undeniably heavy. Not fast. Not frenetic. Not indecipherable screaming to guitars so distorted that you cannot differentiate the notes.
Compelling in both a musical and lyrical sense. Different, distinctive, and arguably the birth of the Heavy Metal attitude.
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