Clutching At Straws 1 - Definitive CD + Bluray Box

In this review of Clutching At Straws 1 the bottom line is clear: this deluxe CD + Bluray box set is for listeners who value a complete, wellmixed snapshot of Marillion's Fish era and a strong live document. The package centres on the 2018 Andy Bradfield & Avril Mackintosh remix of the studio album, supported by a full Edinburgh Playhouse 1987 concert mix and rare demos, giving collectors and firsttime listeners alike an immersive listening and viewing experience. Sound quality and the breadth of bonus material make this a standout reissue.

Key Features

• 2018 Remix: The Andy Bradfield & Avril Mackintosh 2018 remix presents the studio album with clearer separation and updated tonal balance for modern listening setups.
• Live Concert Mix: The Live at the Edinburgh Playhouse 1987 Michael Hunter mix delivers a spirited performance capture that highlights the band's live dynamics.
• Bonus Demos: The inclusion of 1999 remaster demos and previously unreleased demos offers valuable insight into song development and arrangement choices.
• Bluray Audio: Highresolution 48/24 PCM stereo plus 5.1 LPCM and DTS Master Audio mixes provide multiple listening formats for stereo or surround systems.
• Documentary & Promo Films: The Last Straw documentary and three promo films expand context and add visual depth to the release.
• Original Album Mix: The original 1987 album mix is included on the Bluray along with three bonus items for historical reference.

Who It's For

This box set is aimed at Marillion fans who appreciate the Fish era and collectors who want a comprehensive reissue with both highresolution audio and archival material. Audiophiles with stereo or surround setups will value the 48/24 mixes and the 5.1 options.

Casual listeners who only want the hit singles may find the package more extensive than necessary; those seeking only a single CD of hits should look elsewhere. However, anyone interested in songcraft, live performance, and production detail will find this release rewarding.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent sound quality across multiple highresolution formats for both stereo and surround playback.
• Strong live material with a convincing mix that captures the band's onstage energy.
• Substantive bonus content including demos, documentary and promo films that deepen understanding of the album.
• Faithful inclusion of the original 1987 mix for historical comparison.

Cons

• The comprehensive nature of the box may be more than needed for listeners who only want the core album or singles.
• Physical box sets require storage and care and may be priced higher than a singledisc release.

Specifications

Artist	Marillion
Release content	CDs and Bluray box set
Studio album mix	2018 Andy Bradfield & Avril Mackintosh remix
Live mix	Live at the Edinburgh Playhouse 1987 (2018 Michael Hunter mix)
Bonus audio	1999 remaster demos + previously unreleased demos
Bluray audio formats	48/24 PCM Stereo, 48/24 LPCM 5.1, 48/24 DTS Master Audio 5.1
Extras	The Last Straw documentary, promo films, original 1987 album mix

Our Verdict

Clutching At Straws 1 is a definitive reissue for fans and audiophiles, offering clear modern mixes, an outstanding live concert, and archival demos that add context to the album. For those who value production detail and historical material this box set represents strong value and a thoughtful presentation of Marillion's Fishera landmark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the set include the original 1987 album mix?
Yes, the original 1987 album mix is included on the Bluray alongside the 2018 remix and bonus material.

Are there surround sound options on the Bluray?
Yes, the Bluray contains 48/24 LPCM 5.1 and 48/24 DTS Master Audio 5.1 mixes for surround playback.

Is live concert material included?
Yes, the Live at the Edinburgh Playhouse 1987 is included as a 2018 Michael Hunter mix on the CDs.