73 replies to this topic

[DLibrasnow]

There is an enormous difference between watching a movie on DVD and watching a movie on Blu-ray. As was pointed out earlier DVD has about 300,000 pixels of information whereas blu-ray has over 2 million, which is sharper than most 35mm theatrical release prints.

The only thing is that once you have gone down the high definition route with Blu-ray it's hard to go back to standard definition DVD.

I've read one reviewer state that watching a DVD is like smearing vaseline over the screen because the picture is fuzzy in comparison to sharp and crystal clear Blu-ray.

[scaramunga]

There is an enormous difference between watching a movie on DVD and watching a movie on Blu-ray. As was pointed out earlier DVD has about 300,000 pixels of information whereas blu-ray has over 2 million, which is sharper than most 35mm theatrical release prints.

The only thing is that once you have gone down the high definition route with Blu-ray it's hard to go back to standard definition DVD.

I've read one reviewer state that watching a DVD is like smearing vaseline over the screen because the picture is fuzzy in comparison to sharp and crystal clear Blu-ray.

That is a great way to explain the difference. I often think of it as a layer or filter has been removed from the picture and it creates a whole new clarity. Plus the color is better as well.

Can't say enough about the DTS HD Master Audio tracks that the blu ray discs have as well. The best the Bond films have ever sounded.

[Dekard77]

bond 16.05.72, I will put a disclaimer on every post I make in the future saying "This post is not directed towards bond 16.05.72" and shall do a search on your name on every subject I discuss to ensure I dont discuss anything you've mentioned. How that be?

All points noted, but it doesn't change my points that:

1. Some films look terrible on Blu-ray.

2. Some films aren't deserving (for want of a better word) of being issued on the format.

1. But that has nothing to do with Blu Ray as a format or the movie, it has to do with publishers putting dodgy versions of movies onto the format. Its like the early days of DVD when we were getting crappy DVDs that looked as though someone transferred them from a bad quality VHS. Its the same thing now. Its kind of like saying some films look terrible on DVD based on the likes of he original release of 'Heat' which looked awful. Theres been quite a few bad transfers. But whether the movie is a B grade film from 1935 or Avatar, the potential advantages of Blu Ray are equal for both.

2. Remember, film is far superior in resolution to any home format yet. Blu Ray is about high resolution. So any movie, no matter the era or genre, has the same advantage from being viewed in high definition. Blu Ray wont be as good as film, but as far as the human eye can distinguish, its close. Theres really no such thing as a movie not being deserving of Blu Ray, a Blu Ray transfer done properly has the same advantages for every movie. Even an Ed Wood monster movie from the 50's would look better on blu ray, as you're watching it closer to how it looked in the cinema.

As for the washed out look, sometimes it helps the movie to look more vintage but honestly it's quite easy to see a lazy transfer. There is also nothing wrong with updating a movie with the right team to enhance viewing pleasure.

I could not disagree more. That sort of thing is no different than George Lucas messing with the Star Wars OT in my book. Worse when the original director isnt involved. Where does it end?
There is nothing lazy about about presenting the movie in its original form, thats the hardest thing there is to do. Look at the millions they spent on the old Bond movies and the Godfather to get them looking how they're supposed to.

Your right, showing a film as director intended is actually the end game. I have made a mistake when I typed, what I meant to say was there is nothing worse than a lazy grainy,uneven transfer similar to a bad VHS.
I don't agree with Lucas additions to some parts, but overall had he not upgraded the spfx and certain continuity scenes like Emperor dialogue and new actor and the asteroid chase/death star battle scenes the trilogy would have seem outdated. If we want we can still watch the original . Blade Runner Dir Cut was also improved from original release and gave Ridley Scott a brilliant introduction in the mid 90's. Today we get to see more than 3 versions of the movie.
The Bond's are slightly upgraded in terms of sound and picture. I guess the new generation of fans do expect some form of relevance when watching the series to the new movies.
Highlander 2 final directors cut version was an improvement in every sense, not that I had a problem with original cut but I was glad to see the directors idea of the movie.
QOS in a digital screen had much better detail than normal screen. It was nice though to watch it on a normal screen which was a bit soft.

[Loomis]

There is an enormous difference between watching a movie on DVD and watching a movie on Blu-ray. As was pointed out earlier DVD has about 300,000 pixels of information whereas blu-ray has over 2 million, which is sharper than most 35mm theatrical release prints.

The only thing is that once you have gone down the high definition route with Blu-ray it's hard to go back to standard definition DVD.

Heck, it's hard to go back to cinema after Blu-ray!

[Vauxhall]

A question: does anyone have any recommendations of the best brand or model of Blu-ray player? I'm considering investing and whilst I probably won't be going straight to the top end of the market, I'm interested to know if there's any particular brands that are better than others. Thanks in advance.

[Lachesis]

A question: does anyone have any recommendations of the best brand or model of Blu-ray player? I'm considering investing and whilst I probably won't be going straight to the top end of the market, I'm interested to know if there's any particular brands that are better than others. Thanks in advance.

The PS3 is still very highly regarded, regular firmware updates, fast disc loading (some blu players take an age) and its other entertainment features make it difficult to ignore.

Most big brand name's have a quality machine in their aresenal however I am using a Panasonic DMP80 modded for multi region...not all blu ray discs are region coded today but its nice to know if its out, you can play it etc ^^.

[Professor Dent]

I have the Oppo BDP-83. It's load times are on par with the PS3 which was my prior Blu-ray player. Firmware updates are easy - I use a USB thumb drive. Just insert the thumb drive, the player auto detects the file & starts the process. You could also burn the firmware file to a CD & install it that way. There are a lot of other bells & whistles on the video & audio processing ends like letting you play PAL format discs on NTSC TVs (assuming no copy restrictions). The price is on the higher side but it consistently gets great reviews.

[Loomis]

My Blu-ray player is the Sony BDP-S350. I've had it almost a year and it's never failed to play a single Blu-ray disc. What's more, I've never needed to give it any firmware updates - not one.

[DLibrasnow]

My Blu-ray player is the Sony BDP-S350. I've had it almost a year and it's never failed to play a single Blu-ray disc. What's more, I've never needed to give it any firmware updates - not one.

Sony (which of course produces the highly regarded PS3 Blu-ray player) is generally considered to be the premier BD manufacturer. They may cost a few more pennies, but they are quality players.

[scaramunga]

I have a Panasonic BD 55. Bought it initially for the analog outs so I could get the DTS HD Master Audio tracks..

I ended up upgrading my receiver anyway though to on that has HDMI connections.

I've never upgraded the software and haven't had any problems with playback.

I'd recommend Panasonic for blu ray players. The PS3 is a great player and also has wireless internet connect as well. Sony and LG have introduced a few stand alone players that make use of wireless internet connect.

There's quite a few options for players.

[jamie00007]

Yeah, cant really go wrong with a Playstation. Even if you're not into games the PS3 is a fantastic player with myriad of other features such as the internet stuff, wi-fi, its music and MP3 capabilities. As well as a hard drive.

Edited by jamie00007, 05 April 2010 - 05:20 AM.

[Joe Bond]

I have a Panasonic BD 55. Bought it initially for the analog outs so I could get the DTS HD Master Audio tracks..

I ended up upgrading my receiver anyway though to on that has HDMI connections.

I've never upgraded the software and haven't had any problems with playback.

I'd recommend Panasonic for blu ray players. The PS3 is a great player and also has wireless internet connect as well. Sony and LG have introduced a few stand alone players that make use of wireless internet connect.

There's quite a few options for players.

I agree that Panasonic is the way to go since I have the Panasonic BD60 which has played everything I have thrown at it especially Universal Blu-ray's which some people have had trouble playing with other players. Personally, I agree that the PS3 is a great player since my older brother has one but it was just too expensive for me especially if I wasn't going to use it as a gaming console. I paid around $130 for the BD60 on sale and I have upgraded the firmware but I didn't really need to since with the previous firmware it worked just as well. My recommendation would be if you want to go with a great budget Blu-ray player you can't go wrong with any of the Panasonic models.

[jaguar007]

Whatever you do, stay away from Samsung Blu Ray players. My 1st was a Samsung BD-1400 and was slow and had several problems. Samsung has also been slow with firmware updates leaving many new titles unplayable. About 6 months ago I switched to a Panasonic and could not be happier.

[scaramunga]

Whatever you do, stay away from Samsung Blu Ray players. My 1st was a Samsung BD-1400 and was slow and had several problems. Samsung has also been slow with firmware updates leaving many new titles unplayable. About 6 months ago I switched to a Panasonic and could not be happier.

I heard Samsung had some issues. It's important to do research on the player one intends to buy for sure....