Beatles re-mastered CDs, videogame launched

The Beatles collection, launched worldwide on 09/09/09, is expected to dominate the charts in markets like the United States and Britain, bringing a windfall to the group's label EMI Music and the Beatles' own company Apple Corps Ltd.

While the re-mastered catalogue, its first overhaul since 1987, is seen appealing mainly to Beatles' fans who would appreciate subtle variations and improvements that technology has brought, most excitement surrounded MTV's video game, "The Beatles: Rock Band."

"I'm buying the game, I'm not really a big Beatles fan, I prefer much stronger music like Metallica, I just want to try the game and see how it is going to work," said Stefan Krupicki, 32, who queued for an hour at the launch at the HMV store in central London.

Developed by Harmonix Music Systems, published by Viacom Inc's MTV Games and distributed by Electronic Arts Inc, the game could sell 2 million units in the first month alone, according to analyst estimates.

The 14-set collection is expected to boost sales of CDs in an era where more and more songs are downloaded online and fans can pick and choose their favourite tracks.

However, the Beatles appear set to move into the digital age -- with some of their music likely to be made available as downloadable content for the game.

Fans of arguably the world's most successful pop band, with album sales of more than 600 million worldwide, have waited for years to be able to download the Beatles' coveted body of work, but have been frustrated partly by a trademark dispute.

QUALITY IMPROVED

The new music collection -- costing 180 pounds ($298) -- comprises 16 Beatles albums in stereo, with track listings and artwork as originally released in Britain, and "Magical Mystery Tour," which became part of the Beatles' core catalogue when the CDs were released in 1987.