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The HD Movie thread
- Thread starter Ignatz Mouse
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ManaByte said:
For music, no matter what some people may claim, getting your speaker/sub handoff to be 'perfect' is basically impossible.
For that reason, most audio engineers would prefer you run your speakers full, and leave the sub out of the picture. Assuming you have decent sized speakers, that works quite well since not many music pieces really have low bass. As for skipping the center, many engineers would prefer the imaging of the fronts to work just as it does for stereo.
That can be tricky for dialog in a movie (especially off-axis, since the soundstage collapses) ... but as long as your seated properly, it shouldn't be a big deal. It is great for music, but a little surprising to see in a movie.
A good portion of my SACD's are 4.0 actually. The next most numerous is probably 5.0 or 3.0 ... and then 5.1 comes in last
(btw - 3.0 is used because a lot of earlier recordings of live material were done with 3 mics on the stage. They basically just transfered the masters to the SACD ... so you aren't even using the surrounds. A good chunk of RCA's incredible 'living stereo' series is in 3.0 ).
Cosmic Bus
pristine morning snow
It's worth noting that HDNet Movies is premiering Lawrence of Arabia this coming Sunday, the 10th.
Jim said:
Yeah just this week they have:
Rudy
Necessary Roughness
Memento
The Thomas Crown Affair
Beverly Hills Cop
Bram Stoker's Dracula
Planes, Trains And Automobiles
The Karate Kid: Part II
The Goonies
Close Encounters Of The Third Kind
The Graduate
Lawrence Of Arabia
Superman: The Movie
Along with others.
Despite not yet having anything to play it on :lol (although that will change in about a week when I finally get my PS3), I picked up The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford on Blu-ray today. I couldnt help it. My favorite movie of 2007 just had to be purchased day one. I do own an HD DVD player, but the HD DVD release is 3 weeks later, so I bit on the Blu-ray release instead.
AgentOtaku
Member
Jim said:
fucking WORD!
...this channel played this film awhile back....this movie isn't even available on DVD
a classic 80s horror film that demands to be seen if you call yourself a fan of the genre!
VanMardigan
has calmed down a bit.
Got Shawn of the Dead from a Best Buy BOGO. Such an underrated film. The transfer was fine, though nowhere near as nice as Hot Fuzz. Special features in SD........boo.
And I think I know why it wasn't a bigger success in the US.. I had to put the subtitles on because my wife couldn't understand what the heck they were saying. :lol
And I think I know why it wasn't a bigger success in the US.. I had to put the subtitles on because my wife couldn't understand what the heck they were saying. :lol
VanMardigan
has calmed down a bit.
Saw Simpsons Movie and Sleepy Hollow yesterday.
Simpsons movie looked ok, but certainly that style of animation isn't conducive to eye popping HD. Easily cleaner than the dvd sets I own, though. The lack of compression artifacts and jaggies are the biggest benefit I noticed.
As for Sleepy Hollow, meh. The image was far too soft and lacked detail. How did this get 3.5 stars from HDD? Compared to Ed. Scissorhands on BD, this was not even close. There were very few scenes with any sharpness to them, and some scenes just had blur on the background. The grain didn't help, and neither does the fact that its such a dark movie. Obviously, the lack of compression artifacts makes it superior to the dvd version, but still very disappointing.
Simpsons movie looked ok, but certainly that style of animation isn't conducive to eye popping HD. Easily cleaner than the dvd sets I own, though. The lack of compression artifacts and jaggies are the biggest benefit I noticed.
As for Sleepy Hollow, meh. The image was far too soft and lacked detail. How did this get 3.5 stars from HDD? Compared to Ed. Scissorhands on BD, this was not even close. There were very few scenes with any sharpness to them, and some scenes just had blur on the background. The grain didn't help, and neither does the fact that its such a dark movie. Obviously, the lack of compression artifacts makes it superior to the dvd version, but still very disappointing.
I watched Transformers and all it's extras this weekend. Either you like the movie or you don't, I've seen it enough times that the embarressing parts don't bother me. Although, the stupid cop (You eye'n my piece Fiddy?) and John Turturro (god who the hell wrote his dialogue) get worse with each viewing. The picture quality is amazing though, and the extras were pretty interesting. It looked like all the extras were in HD, and some of the design details were pretty interesting.
The overall package is great, I hope that if/when it's released on Blu that it comes with a lossless soundtrack. It should be interesting to see if it gets a new encode, after all the stuff Bay has been quoted saying.
Overall though, I really enjoy this set and find it to be well done. I haven't dabbled with any of the interactive features though, just the behind-the-scenes documentaries have been enough for me.
The overall package is great, I hope that if/when it's released on Blu that it comes with a lossless soundtrack. It should be interesting to see if it gets a new encode, after all the stuff Bay has been quoted saying.
Overall though, I really enjoy this set and find it to be well done. I haven't dabbled with any of the interactive features though, just the behind-the-scenes documentaries have been enough for me.
VanMardigan
has calmed down a bit.
Yeah, the second disc is HD extras. I can't believe Disney made a 2nd BD disc for Pirates 2 that was all SD extras. That's embarassing. They should've just fit that stuff on the 1st disc.
BTW, did you download the short films on Transformers, and did you try out the "intelligence mode" skin as well. It made repeat viewing more tolerable imo.
BTW, did you download the short films on Transformers, and did you try out the "intelligence mode" skin as well. It made repeat viewing more tolerable imo.
VanMardigan said:
Not yet, my internet was down this weekend at home. I'll likely check them out though, I seem to enjoy the robots more with each viewing. It's a shame the design of the robots was so nondescript, even with two viewings in the theater I had trouble remembering who was who. I've pretty much got them down now though, makes the fights a lot more coherent.
Ignatz Mouse
Banned
I rented Shoot Em Up recently.
I like the movie, but I can see where it'd be hit or miss. But the picture is incredible. You cold count the stubble-hairs on the two protagonists if you'd like!
I like the movie, but I can see where it'd be hit or miss. But the picture is incredible. You cold count the stubble-hairs on the two protagonists if you'd like!
American Gangster review is up
Ugh, looks like I won't be getting this one either. I forgot about this asinine decision:
That's horrible, and as a fan of the movie, I bet those extra 20 min will be used to flesh out a somewhat hurried story. Too bad. I hope the eventual Blu release is done with more of a nod to fans. It's crap that as movie aficionados that Paramount screwed us by giving the extended version only in SD. Especially when you consider the tech is available to add those scenes via seamless branching.
Ugh, looks like I won't be getting this one either. I forgot about this asinine decision:
That's horrible, and as a fan of the movie, I bet those extra 20 min will be used to flesh out a somewhat hurried story. Too bad. I hope the eventual Blu release is done with more of a nod to fans. It's crap that as movie aficionados that Paramount screwed us by giving the extended version only in SD. Especially when you consider the tech is available to add those scenes via seamless branching.
VanMardigan
has calmed down a bit.
What if they didn't remaster that extra footage in HD? Then seamless branching wouldn't work, and it would explain why they didn't put it in the HD side. That's lazy still. Just like 16 Blocks where they put the extra features on the dvd side. That is pathetic use of combo discs imo.
Ignatz Mouse
Banned
Perhaps a space issue?
VanMardigan
has calmed down a bit.
Ignatz Mouse said:
A space allocation issue as well as a "laziness" issue. I mentioned how Disney used a BD disc for SD extras, as well as how Warner skipped out on putting extras on the HD side of a combo disc. In both cases, I think it was a space allocation decision plus a laziness issue (in terms of extras not being in HD).
It's up to the studios to decide how much space to allocate to the main feature encode and the extras. Both formats have shown that they can fit long features plus extras. Troy comes to mind.
Also, I wanted to link to the Amazon B2G1 sale in this thread:
Blu Ray
HD DVD
edit: ignatz, did you try out the PiP stuff on Shoot 'em up? Unfortunately, it was just a video commentary, but it was still neat to see it on BD. Can't wait to see the real thing on Resident Evil and I think Sunshine. I got Sunshine through Netflix, but it was cracked, then they didn't send me the movie again.
Dude?VanMardigan said:
The Simpsons movie looks stunning in HD.
The colors are so rich, hugeeee upgrade from the show on broadcast.
5/5 at hd digest.
http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/1164/simpsonsmovie.html
I can agree with sleepy hollow it was soft.
I've been meaning to pick up American Psycho on Blu-ray but I've heard that it is a really poor transfer and not worth owning if you already own the DVD. Can anyone give me some insight into this? It's relatively cheap but I could use money on something else if it's truly that dissapointing.
VanMardigan
has calmed down a bit.
captive said:
What can I say, I saw it with three other people, and we all agree it looked clean and stuff, but not something along the lines of HD demo material. Not even close. And that's not the movie's fault, but stuff like CGI animation or really sharp transfers of live action movies are far more stunning than the relatively simple animation on the Simpsons. There were a few scenes, like the mob scene, where it stands out, but otherwise, it just looks like a clean and compression-free picture, but not HD demo stuff. I agree with HDD that nothing is wrong with it per se, but I can't say I was impressed like I was for, say Happy Feet or Shrek 3. Even Freedom looked better imo.
Ignatz Mouse
Banned
Van, I didn't try the PiP commentary. I didn't realize it had it, and I don't generally go for commentaries when I rent (or the first time I see a movie at all). In fact, I've pretty well cooled off on commentary unless it's sepcifically recommeded to me. For every great one with director insight (or even interesting trivia) there are 10 that the people watching a movie and free-associating and/or reminicscing about making the movie. Even with really good directors this happens, it's really turned me off. In the early days of DVD, it seemed more care was put into them.
If I knew it was PiP I would have tried it just to see what it was like, though.
If I knew it was PiP I would have tried it just to see what it was like, though.
Cosmic Bus
pristine morning snow
No real details yet, but the best news of the year:
There Will Be Blood: 2-disc HD-DVD on 4/08/08.
God, finally. I want to see this so fucking bad.
There Will Be Blood: 2-disc HD-DVD on 4/08/08.
God, finally. I want to see this so fucking bad.
Ignatz Mouse
Banned
Gah, I want to see that too, but no HD-DVD player for me.
Oh, I finally watched my copy of Cars. The movie's OK when you aren't expecting Pixar standards to begin with. And it looks amazing.
On the non-HD front, I tried Netflix view-on-demand and rewatched Death Proof. The quality is abysmal, but given that it's free with subscription and instant on-demand, I had no huge complaints.
Oh, I finally watched my copy of Cars. The movie's OK when you aren't expecting Pixar standards to begin with. And it looks amazing.
On the non-HD front, I tried Netflix view-on-demand and rewatched Death Proof. The quality is abysmal, but given that it's free with subscription and instant on-demand, I had no huge complaints.
plagiarize
Banned
i like the netflix on demand stuff... just hope those rumours about it coming to 360 and PS3 are true. they have an ace library of UK tv shows that i regularly dip into when i'm feeling home sick.Ignatz Mouse said:
but yeah, i couldn't watch a feature through the service. the fact that stuff is letterboxed (last i checked) is a huge strike against the service for me. i have a laptop hooked up to my TV for the purpose of using the service, and frankly, widescreen movies look like shit on it.
i hope the weinsteins bite the fucking bullet, admit they backed the wrong horse, and start releasing blu-rays soon. Grindhouse. in HD. as it was aired at the cinema please.
plagiarize
Banned
i rented sunshine.VanMardigan said:A space allocation issue as well as a "laziness" issue. I mentioned how Disney used a BD disc for SD extras, as well as how Warner skipped out on putting extras on the HD side of a combo disc. In both cases, I think it was a space allocation decision plus a laziness issue (in terms of extras not being in HD).
It's up to the studios to decide how much space to allocate to the main feature encode and the extras. Both formats have shown that they can fit long features plus extras. Troy comes to mind.
Also, I wanted to link to the Amazon B2G1 sale in this thread:
Blu Ray
HD DVD
edit: ignatz, did you try out the PiP stuff on Shoot 'em up? Unfortunately, it was just a video commentary, but it was still neat to see it on BD. Can't wait to see the real thing on Resident Evil and I think Sunshine. I got Sunshine through Netflix, but it was cracked, then they didn't send me the movie again.
pip worked okay, but for one major annoyance. the audio of the pip bits uses a different codec to the audio of the main feature, and it takes half a second or so for my receiver to spot the change and shift over it.
makes me long for a way to force the ps3 to reencode audio on the fly as the 360 does, or for studios to wise up and encode the audio of the pip sections using the same codecs they use for the feature.
VanMardigan
has calmed down a bit.
I read about an an add-on to media center that allows you to view the Netflix stuff on 360 that's already available. Too bad I never had access to that on-demand stuff since I'm not in the continental US.
ignatz: The PiP was disappointing in that movie, but certainly more entertaining than just audio. Yeah, it takes a part of the screen, but the assumption is that it isn't the first time you're watching the movie. When Batman Begins is released on BD, I HIGHLY recommend you check out the PiP stuff on it.
ignatz: The PiP was disappointing in that movie, but certainly more entertaining than just audio. Yeah, it takes a part of the screen, but the assumption is that it isn't the first time you're watching the movie. When Batman Begins is released on BD, I HIGHLY recommend you check out the PiP stuff on it.
plagiarize
Banned
interesting... i'll have to look into that... though my current junker pc isn't up to hosting media center extender, i hope to have a brand new expensive pc shortly...VanMardigan said:
though part of the plan there is to have my pc desktop cloned to my hdtv. so that would kind of make it besides the point. ho hum.
Ignatz Mouse
Banned
I'm sure I'll check out the BB commentary. I've torn through all the ohter extras on that movie already.
I don't mind the PiP taking a chunk of screen at all, for the reason you state.
I don't mind the PiP taking a chunk of screen at all, for the reason you state.
Has there been any talk about Sony re-encoding some of their earlier Blu-ray titles? (Beyond Fifth Element.) I had Silent Hill in my Amazon cart, and I really want to get it, but I just can't make myself. I know it isn't one of Sony's high profile movies, so I don't know if I should give up hope on a better release and just go with what they gave us, or keep on holding off.
Cosmic Bus
pristine morning snow
Full specs for the 2-disc HD-DVD of There Will Be Blood (which contains a good chunk of material not on the 1-disc or 2-disc DVD releases).
5.1 Dolby Digital Plus, 5.1 Dolby TrueHD
• Additional Scenes: 15 Minutes
• Featurette: The Story of Petroleum
• Featurette: There Will Be Blood - Pics, Research, Etc
• Trailers: Teaser
• Trailers: Trailer
• Additional Scenes: Fishing
• Additional Scenes: Fishing
• Additional Scenes: "Haircut"
• Additional Scenes: Haircut/Interrupted Hymn
• Featurette: Dailies Gone Wild
• Additional Scenes: Dailies Gone Wild
• Trailers: Teaser
• Featurette: The Story of Petroleum
Also, Cloverfield is confirmed to be released on April 22nd. As with TWBB, there is a basic DVD and a packed 2-disc HD-DVD.
5.1 Dolby Digital Plus, 5.1 Dolby TrueHD
• Additional Scenes: 15 Minutes
• Featurette: The Story of Petroleum
• Featurette: There Will Be Blood - Pics, Research, Etc
• Trailers: Teaser
• Trailers: Trailer
• Additional Scenes: Fishing
• Additional Scenes: Fishing
• Additional Scenes: "Haircut"
• Additional Scenes: Haircut/Interrupted Hymn
• Featurette: Dailies Gone Wild
• Additional Scenes: Dailies Gone Wild
• Trailers: Teaser
• Featurette: The Story of Petroleum
Also, Cloverfield is confirmed to be released on April 22nd. As with TWBB, there is a basic DVD and a packed 2-disc HD-DVD.
The Main Event
Member
Solo said:
Same here. Big day and date DVD/HD DVD releases will be mine from now on, and eventually everything will transition into Blu-ray afterwards.
Cosmic Bus
pristine morning snow
Sweeney Todd: 2-Disc HD-DVD - 04/01/08
Audio: 5.1 Dolby Digital Plus, 5.1 Dolby TrueHD
DVD Features:
• Featurette: Burton + Depp + Carter = Todd
• Interview: Sweeney Todd Press Conference, November 2007
• Featurette: Sweeney Todd is Alive: The Real History of the Demon Barber
• Featurette: Musical Mayhem: Sondheim's Sweeney Todd
• Featurette: Sweeney's London
• Featurette: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
• Featurette: Grand Guignol: A Theatrical Tradition
• Featurette: Designs for a Demon Barber
• Featurette: A Bloody Business
• Interview: Moviefone Unscripted with Tim Burton and Johnny Depp
• Featurette: The Razor's Refrain
• Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery
• Trailers: Theatrical Trailer
There's no high-def version being released at this point.
Audio: 5.1 Dolby Digital Plus, 5.1 Dolby TrueHD
DVD Features:
• Featurette: Burton + Depp + Carter = Todd
• Interview: Sweeney Todd Press Conference, November 2007
• Featurette: Sweeney Todd is Alive: The Real History of the Demon Barber
• Featurette: Musical Mayhem: Sondheim's Sweeney Todd
• Featurette: Sweeney's London
• Featurette: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
• Featurette: Grand Guignol: A Theatrical Tradition
• Featurette: Designs for a Demon Barber
• Featurette: A Bloody Business
• Interview: Moviefone Unscripted with Tim Burton and Johnny Depp
• Featurette: The Razor's Refrain
• Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery
• Trailers: Theatrical Trailer
Midas said:
There's no high-def version being released at this point.
The Main Event
Member
Cosmic Bus said:
I'm really anticipating that one.
The Main Event
Member
Just got American Gangster (HD Movie Source are fast).
Never saw the movie in theater, so I don't know what to expect.
Just checked out a couple of scenes. The transfer seems to be alright, nothing mind blowing. After a quick glance at the DVD side, it's a definite improvement though.
Never saw the movie in theater, so I don't know what to expect.
Just checked out a couple of scenes. The transfer seems to be alright, nothing mind blowing. After a quick glance at the DVD side, it's a definite improvement though.
distantmantra
Member
Still no Run Lola Run (BR) reviews yet?
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