Ozzy Years Complete Albums Box Set Announced

Also, in a bit of a surprise came a press release with pictures of a new box set announced today by Sanctuary Records. It’s called “The Ozzy years – Complete Albums Box Set (Limited Collector’s Edition)”. This is a packaging of the various Sanctuary releases over the last 18 months or so in a box set. At least I think it is. The press release does not specifically say what the contents of the discs themselves are – I have a query in to Sanctuary about this issue, and will update once I get info on that. In the meantime, check out the press release below.
Before that, a little history on record contracts and master source…
The first thing I thought of when I was sent this is the emails I’ll get about the band trying to yet re-release the albums again. It’s at times like this that I need to take a moment and remind people who is behind this. This is a Universal record deal. Not to say it’s not legit, it most certainly is (and had cooperation from the band), but it’s not Tony sitting at his house saying “How many more times can we release this stuff?” To clarify..
Back in 1969 when Sabbath signed their record deals, there were two. One with its own set of masters. That record deal covered up until Eternal Idol until Tony signed with IRS for albums after that. One was with Warner Brothers for the US/North America. This deal (and set of masters) is what was behind 2004’s Black Box release of the albums (as well as the 2 CD Symptom of the Universe package, and the 2006 Greatest Hits albums). The other was with Vertigo, and has spawned a few releases over the years, such as the 1996 Castle Remaster Series as well as the 2009 and onwards Universal series – the series that has the multi disc releases with extras and whatnot. That is the same master source behind this new box. Warner Bros/Rhino can’t release Black Box in Europe because Universal has rights there. Likewise Universal can’t release these recent releases in the US – again due to rights in those territories.
Having said all that, this looks like it’s a bangup box set. Not just because of the remastering work, which was great, but the package looks pretty darned slick (see images in this story). The set will be released on Nov 15, 2010, and while I don’t have pricing, I imagine it will cost a few grotsits (yeah, I’m a Doctor Who fan). ;)

Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward – four names that resonate throughout Rock’s recorded history as clear and sublime as the haunting bell that tolls the opening to their eponymous debut album from 1970.
Collectively, they formed Black Sabbath and forged the most haunting and hypnotic rock sound of all time. From humble beginnings, the Birmingham quartet enslaved the minds and souls of millions of rock fans around the world and continue to do so into the new millennium. The musical genre they created inspired countless musicians and spawned countless bands. Hailed as Metal’s originators, their musical contributions to the world are still formidable and current forty years later. Their unique sound still echoes in many of today’s greatest Metal bands. Black Sabbath, established now in the forever of Metal’s ongoing musical progression, beckon and await you to enjoy their triumphs within.
This deluxe box set contains all the Ozzy era Black Sabbath albums housed in a Black Cross, the box also contains a 100 page exclusive Illustrated discography featuring rare covers from throughout the world.
The box set will include:
– Complete albums set in exclusive Japanese Miniatures, housed in Cross with booklet
Black Sabbath
Paranoid
Master Of Reality
Volume 4
Sabbath Bloody Sabbath
Sabotage
Technical Ecstasy
Never Say Die
We Sold Our Souls
– Containing a complete 100 page Ozzy Years Discography
– 3 Exclusive Radio Documentaries
– Guitar Pick Set
– Poster