Beatles re-master, game drag band into digital age

In addition, the collections "Past Masters Vol. I and II" are combined as one title, making 14 titles overall.

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES

Allan Rouse, who oversaw the re-mastering, said improved computer software had allowed his team to improve the quality and sound of the Beatles' catalogue, including through removing bad edits, electrical clicks and sibilance.

"Obviously the only people who are going to notice those little things are the fans, because they will know that they've gone," Rouse told Reuters.

"But on the other hand, for the future generation, they probably don't want to hear things like sibilance and pop and a bad edit. It's very close to listening to a master tape."

Another obstacle to appreciating the changes is the dominance of iPods, he added.

"The sad fact of it is that so many people ... are going to rip them into their computer and put them onto their iPods, so yes, listening on an iPod you probably will find it very difficult to tell the difference."

The game offers 45 songs from the band's catalogue, each member is animated in detail and real crowd noise from Beatles' performances is used.

With video game sales falling sharply in the United States, the makers of The Beatles: Rock Band are aiming to appeal to older consumers who have not yet experimented with the format but may be attracted by their love of the music.

"It's becoming a family event because it's moved from the bedroom to the front room where the whole family can play," HMV's Castaldo said.