Part One: Steven Wilson’s Stunning New Remix
Hi, this is Phil Aston from Now Spinning Magazine, and this is part one of my extensive three-part review of the brand-new Made in Japan super deluxe box set.
This legendary Deep Purple live album has been released and re-released many times since 1972, but in 2025 it returns in a form that may just be definitive. This first episode focuses exclusively on Steven Wilson’s brand-new remix. In parts two and three, I’ll cover Richard Digby Smith’s remixes of the individual shows, and finally, the huge 10LP vinyl edition.
A New Box for a Classic Album
The set arrives in a glossy black lift-off box, similar in design to the Black Sabbath super deluxe editions, and very different to the 2014 version. Inside you’ll find a replica Japanese tour programme, a folded poster, a beautifully glossy booklet (which borrows the gold design of the original album sleeve), and discs housed in protective poly-lined sleeves – a small but important detail for collectors.
The Blu-ray is the jewel of the set, containing the Steven Wilson stereo remix, a Dolby Atmos mix, 5.1 surround sound, plus the original 1972 stereo mix.
Skepticism Turns to Amazement
When I first heard this was coming out, I was skeptical. After all, we’ve had Martin Pullan and Kevin Shirley’s remixes, and the 2014 box seemed pretty definitive. But once I heard the previews of Highway Star and Strange Kind of Woman, my jaw dropped.
Hearing the full album confirmed it – this is the most powerful, exciting, and immersive version of Made in Japan I have ever heard.
Why This Remix Works
Steven Wilson has approached this with respect, clarity, and passion. It’s not a sterile clean-up – it’s a total re-immersion into what it must have been like to stand on stage with the band in 1972.
The soundstage is enormous – you can hear every detail, from Roger Glover’s Rickenbacker bass rattling against the frets, to the thunder of Ian Paice’s toms, to Jon Lord’s Hammond swirling and growling in glorious clarity.
Gillan’s voice is clearer than ever, and his onstage banter feels like he’s talking directly to you.
Blackmore’s guitar is razor sharp, unpredictable, and thrilling – you can hear the tremolo arm creak, the switch from pickups, and the sheer risk-taking energy in every solo.
It’s real, dangerous rock ’n’ roll – flaws, feedback, and all.
Rediscovering Made in Japan
I first bought Made in Japan at Woolworths in 1973 for £3.25. I’ve lived with this album for over 50 years and thought I knew it inside out. This remix made me feel like I was hearing it for the very first time.
From the explosive opener Highway Star through the majesty of Child in Time, the power of Smoke on the Water, the excitement of Strange Kind of Woman and Lazy, to the epic chaos of Space Truckin’, it’s jaw-dropping from start to finish.
This isn’t just another version to add to the shelf – for me, it replaces all previous versions. If anyone asked me today which Made in Japan to buy, I would point them straight to the Steven Wilson remix.
Final Thoughts (For Now)
The only quibble? I wish the Blu-ray had included Black Night from Tokyo, which has always felt like part of the concert. But that’s a small detail compared to the thrill of hearing Made in Japan like this.
For fans who missed the 2014 set, this is a no-brainer. For those who already own multiple editions, trust me – you need this.
This is Deep Purple at their absolute peak, sounding more alive, more dangerous, and more vital than ever.
Stay tuned for part two, where I’ll dive into Richard Digby Smith’s mixes of the three individual nights.
Music is the healer and the doctor. Keep spinning those discs, and I’ll see you soon.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
Looking for the review of the LP box set, am torn between them but the price difference is not insignificant. Is part 2 coming soon?