The re-release was supervised by Duran Duran themselves, ensuring that the audio quality and track selection met their high standards. The bonus tracks on CD2 offer a fascinating glimpse into the band's creative process, with demos, live recordings, and alternative versions of familiar songs.
But for audiophiles and collectors, the "real" Rio has always been something of a phantom. For decades, fans chased the specific mixes heard on the original US vinyl or the elusive "Kershenbaum" dance edits. That chase ended in 2009, when EMI released the , a super-package that didn't just remaster the album—it restored it to its intended glory, utilizing the warmth of SBM (Super Bit Mapping) technology.
Now available for download: . This is the sought-after 2009 Remastered 2xCD Limited Edition , bringing the lush synthesizers and driving basslines of the Fab Five into stunning clarity. Why this edition? Download Duran Duran 1982 Rio -2009 RM- 2xCD- Limited Edtion
Duran Duran’s sophomore album, Rio , released in May 1982, remains a defining masterpiece of the New Romantic movement and 1980s pop culture. Melding infectious synthesizer hooks, driving basslines, and cinematic music videos, the album catapulted the Birmingham quintet to global superstardom.
Disc 1: The Original Album and US MixesThe first disc contains the standard UK album tracklist, featuring hits like Rio, Hungry Like the Wolf, and Save a Prayer. However, it also incorporates the US Kershenbaum remixes. These versions were specifically crafted to give the songs a more dance-oriented, muscular sound for US radio and dance floors, making this disc a fascinating hybrid of the album’s evolution. The re-release was supervised by Duran Duran themselves,
Duran Duran’s Rio is one of the defining pop-rock albums of the 1980s: glossy production, irresistible hooks, and a visual aesthetic that helped shape MTV-era pop. The 2009 RM 2xCD Limited Edition reissue of Rio brought renewed attention to the record, offering fans expanded content and improved sound—making it a desirable item for collectors and new listeners alike.
Extended 12" mixes for "My Own Way," "Hungry Like the Wolf," and "Rio," alongside specialized "Carnival" remixes. For decades, fans chased the specific mixes heard
Occasionally, the band’s official store re-issues digital download codes for their back catalog. Check duranduran.com or their Bandcamp page for “Rio (2009 2xCD Remaster).”
The original UK album remastered + the original US album mixes.