Beatles re-mastered CDs, videogame launched

A limited mono 13 CD collection is also on sale for 200 pounds.

In addition, the collections "Past Masters Vol. I and II" are combined as one title, making 14 titles overall from the Liverpool band who dominated and redefined pop music in the 1960s before they went their separate ways in 1970.

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.

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.

However, Jeff Howells, a 36-year-old civil servant, said he was at the launch to get the discs.

"I'm not interested in the game, quite a few people are not I suspect. I think most people will be interested in the music. The game is just a nice little fad, I don't think it will last."

(Editing by Steve Addison)