Over the past few weeks, Michael Jackson fans started noticing something interesting on Apple Music: several classic albums are now available in Dolby Atmos.
What many don’t realize is that this wasn’t done overnight. On MJJC, fans indicate that about two years ago, the Estate commissioned new immersive mixes for the adult solo catalog, from Off The Wall all the way to Xscape. With the Michael Jackson biopic on the horizon, the timing of these releases doesn’t look accidental.
The Albums Now in Dolby Atmos:
So far, the following titles have officially appeared in Dolby Atmos on Apple Music:
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Off The Wall – released in Atmos on February 20, 2026
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Thriller – available in Atmos since November 18, 2022
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Bad – released in Atmos on February 20, 2026
The new mixes were handled by Serban Ghenea (mix) and John Hanes (Dolby Atmos mix), both respected names in today’s music industry.
The idea behind Dolby Atmos is simple: instead of traditional left/right stereo, the sound is placed in a three-dimensional space. In theory, that means more clarity, more depth, and a more “immersive” listening experience, especially on compatible headphones or speaker systems.
On tracks like “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough,” “Billie Jean,” or “Smooth Criminal,” you can clearly hear elements separated in ways we’ve never experienced before. Background vocals pop out. Percussion feels wider. Certain details are suddenly front and center.
But that’s exactly where the debate begins.
While some fans appreciate hearing new details in albums they’ve known for decades, others are far less enthusiastic.
Across fan forums and social media, many listeners are saying the Atmos versions feel drastically different from the original mixes. Some complain that iconic elements sit lower in the mix, certain effects feel altered, or that the overall balance changes the emotional impact of the songs. Words like “butchered” and “unnecessary” are being used by longtime fans who feel the original masters should remain untouched.
For purists, albums like Off The Wall, Thriller, and Bad aren’t just collections of songs, they’re historic works crafted with very specific sonic intentions (originally shaped by producers like Quincy Jones in the early years). Any change, even in the name of technology, can feel intrusive.
Others argue that the original stereo versions still exist and that Atmos is simply an alternative way to experience the music, not a replacement.
The February 20, 2026 release date for both Off The Wall and Bad is interesting. With the Michael Jackson biopic expected to reignite global attention, upgrading the catalog to Dolby Atmos feels like part of a broader strategy to modernize and re-market the music for streaming platforms.
And it’s likely this is only the beginning. If the entire catalog through Xscape has indeed been remixed, more titles could quietly appear in Atmos in the coming months.
Love it or hate it, one thing is clear: Michael Jackson’s catalog continues to evolve with technology. The question now is whether fans will embrace this new immersive era or stick firmly with the original mixes that made history in the first place.
