This is a DVD AUDIO release so don't make the mistake of expecting to see video footage like an earlier reviewer did. DVD Audio is all about the sound - much higher resolution than CD plus a choice between stereo or 5.1 surround. If you've got a DVD-Audio player and you're a Jackson Browne fan, consider this purchase essential. The 5.1 surround mix is like hearing the album for the first time. Consider the still images a bonus but buy it for the music.

I spent several hours comparing the sound of my original LP phonograph record of Running on Empty with the CD and two-channel DVD Audio disks included in this package. I wasn't able to sample the multichannel DVD Audio.

The music and tempo are identical on LP, CD, and DVD-A, but the sound is quite different. The LP and the CD sound very similar, and are apparently from the same original mixes for these tracks. However, the 192kHz 24-bit two-channel DVD Audio tracks are apparently a completely new mix, probably made just for this release. The differences are very interesting: the CD/LP mix at first sounds much clearer and brighter than the DVD-Audio, just the opposite of what I would expect. Also, in some portions the CD/LP contain reverb of Browne's voice missing on the DVD-Audio. By direct comparison, many DVD-A vocals at first sound muffled compared to the CD/LP mix.

However, a closer audition reveals that DVD-A often has more content than CD/LP. For example, a backup vocal barely audible on CD/LP is clear and distinct on DVD-A. And left-right channel separation is usually better on the DVD-A. (By the way, many DVD-A tracks also have much more leadin material).

I can only conclude that the originals were recorded with multitrack equipment and the DVD-A is taken from microphones that the original album obscures with material from other tracks. It sounds to me like the CD/LP uses microphones that recorded sound coming from stage speakers, and the DVD-A favors the musicians' microphones instead. Also the equalization is probably boosted on the CD/LP to compensate for typical record players of the 1970's, making the sound artificially brighter, but obliterating much detail.

The CD/LP sound is as you may remember it from the radio, the DVD-A sound is quite different. Browne himself runs a sound studio, and probably had a hand in mixing the DVD-A. In a recent Stereophile magazine he says the surround DVD-A is remarkable. Possibly the two-channel DVD-A is derived from this mix.

So, the two channel DVD-A mix should be regarded is a separate work from the LP/CD. Therefore, if you're hoping DVD-A is an enhanced version of the original LP/CD mix, you'll be disappointed (as I initially was). However, the DVD-A, though not as bright sounding, is possibly even better than the LP/CD. I'm still deciding.

The reviewer who writes: "the music is great, but the DVD is nothing more than a collection of pictures..." fails to understand the concept of a DVD-Audio disc. Along with that "collection of pictures", there is a high resolution 192kHz 24-bit stereo track and a brand new 96kHz surround mix. Each of those alone is worth the price of admission.

The Good
"Running on Empty" is the most familiar song on the album, and it sounds so much better with its heightened clarity and 5.1 mix. Jackson expressed how his journeys are wearing down on him. "The Road" takes you deeper into depression and despair with acoustic guitars and emotional lyrics. The piano heavy track "Rosie" delves into the trials and tribulations of the `groupie' culture. It's no surprise that drugs were a big part of the music industry at the time (did I just say were?). Browne approaches the subject with a little bit of humor and a little bit of sadness on "Cocaine."

"Love Needs a Heart" is a touching power ballad where Browne puts his heart out on his sleeve. "Nothing But Time" has a funky rhythm and bluesy vocals that convey all that can happen when you have nothing to do until the next show. "Stay" wraps the whole saga up with a ray of light at the end of the tunnel. Whereas most of the album focused on the negative aspects of the road, this one focuses on the great things and people you deal with along the way. The bonus tracks are included only on the DVD mix of the album. "Cocaine Again" is okay, but not really interesting, and "Edwardsville Room 124" is a mellow instrumental.

The Bad
The rest of the DVD material (montages, photos, lyrics) are cool to have, but you'll probably only view them once.

The Verdict
I never really listened to what Running On Empty was all about until now. Apparently I missed a lot just listening to it casually. The album is a well-written, informative, intelligent, and sometimes sad account of life on the road. It's an album that can hold it's own no matter what decade your talking about. I can honestly say that Running On Empty is a timeless piece of artistry that should not be missed. The 5.1 mix is excellent.

I'm not a Jackson Browne fan, in fact I don't own any of his other recordings. The songs are of course familiar from years of FM airplay. What makes this disk so enjoyable is the outstanding sound quality of DVD-A. The performances were excellent, much of which may not have been quite so apparent until now. I own ten DVD-A's and this disk is among the best of them in sound quality.

If you like classic rock in general and Jackson Browne in particular, go ahead and buy this disk for your DVD-A player. You will not be disappointed.