. . . [on the Blu-Ray edition]: This magnificent set finally available in the format it deserves -- and we can afford . . . [on the set itelf]: It's almost impossible to give this set anything "but" five stars . . . There are no weak performances here at all . . . several of the pieces, like the First, Second, Fourth, and Ninth, are realistic candidates for "best ever" . . . this is one of the most validly essential sets every issued in the classical music world, and the sound is truly superb.

. . . a classic recording . . . The Blu-ray issue has spectacularly clear sound . . .

. . . [Blu-ray]: It's a tempting package -- a single disc set in a CD-jewel box-sized, glossy-covered book that is loaded with photos, facsimiles of the session files and a Karajan letter, an interesting essay about how the set came to be recorded . . . Yes, Karajan's Beethoven is still a powerful, invigorating experience when heard in one fell swoop, still a potent contender in an overcrowded field.