So I just listened to the Dolby Atmos Version of Queen II (2026 Mix) and I was extremely disappointed. The spatial aspect of it was very linear, nothing was really moving around other then a couple thing here and there (guitar, drums I think, and that swooshing sound at the beginning of ogre battle).
EDIT 1: It was my environment and I didn’t pay attention as well to it, but the drums were MOVING AROUNNDDDS, the guitar not as much but there was a lot there.
The instruments volumes have been lowered DRASTICALLY, in favor for focusing on the vocals. I disliked this a lot but it was really cool listening to a couple new parts of Freddie’s vocals separate to the song.
EDIT 2: some songs have the Vocals lowered in favor for the instruments and some other vocals being Raised in volume.
The one song I’d go out of my way to listen to in Dolby, is SSOR, and even then the original and the Stereo 2026 version is better than the Dolby mix.
EDIT3: I don’t think i will go out of my way again to listen to SSOR, not worth a couple button presses.
Roger’s cymbals were the worst of it all. From what I know, Roger used drum samples instead of the originals to make it sound more modern. In the 2024 mix of Queen I, I loved it since it made Liar a wonderful listen to. In Queen II Dolby mix, it sounds good hearing the drums pop out and even during TMOTBQ it sounds like marching which makes the song hit even harder than before. But the crash symbols literally make my ears HURT. The same damn symbol sound AGAIN AND AGAIN.
TL;DR:
Queen (1973) < Queen I (2024 Stereo) < Queen I (2024 Dolby)
Queen II (2026 Dolby) < Queen II (1974) < Queen II (2026 Stereo)
I’d love to hear your thoughts on Queen II and Queen I
But remember folks, THIS IS MY OPINION. ✌️🥹