Are the audio tracks on U2's Rattle & Hum on Blu-Ray improved over the DVD version of the movie?

High Def Digest doesn't give the video quality a great review. I figure I'd just pick up the cheaper DVD version if the audio isn't worth the Blu-Ray upgrade.

Thanks for feedback!

Are the audio tracks on U2's Rattle & Hum on Blu-Ray improved over the DVD version of the movie?

High Def Digest doesn't give the video quality a great review. I figure I'd just pick up the cheaper DVD version if the audio isn't worth the Blu-Ray upgrade.

Thanks for feedback!

Quite honestly, this is one of the poorest quality blu-ray releases to date on all fronts and perhaps not too coincidently was also one of the first batch of movies released on blu-ray (and HD-DVD).

I'm a longtime U2 fan, owned "Rattle and Hum" on vhs, the 2 laserdisc releases, the dvd release and finally the blu-ray release. The blu-ray release has a very timid audio soundtrack mix (both DD 5.1 and DTS 6.1), especially compared to the old AC3 laserdisc which I'd call the best sounding home video release of the movie to date. When I say "timid," I mean the bass never really stands out, the overall audio has a flat, lifeless sound to it and the overall volume is significantly below just about any other live concert blu-ray release I've owned thus far.

The video quality which is always going to be problematic to begin with due mostly to the poorly lit and filmed live color and b/w segments is a step downwards on the blu-ray version from almost all previous home video releases except the vhs release. I'd almost say a 480p source was upscaled or just a really terrible transfer was done for this release. The beginning sequence featuring the band introduction interview and "Desire" looks like it was filmed in a digital sandstorm due to the terrible encoding coupled with the intentionally grainy b/w photography.

Top that off with no extras except the original trailer in 1080p and I'd would honestly say stick with the dvd or find the remastered AC3 laserdisc if you have an LD player.

T.B.

First of all, the audio is MUCH better than the DVD which had virtually no bass at ALL.

Secondly, much of rattle and hum was shot on 16mm film THEN cropped and blown up to 35 mm. The other concert scenes shot in 35 were shot with VERY fast film stock so you could see details in the dark scenes and is very grainy. Looks exactly the way it did in the theater. Much better and more faithful to the print than the DVD, just not very pretty. But it was SUPPOSED to look gritty.

I’m content with the region 2 DVD it offers creative six-track Dolby stereo mix particularly with the chapter 13 “where the streets have no names” is my favourite demo track where it goes from Black & White into Colour is dazzlingly cool with rich tone of hue red on the backdrop behind the Edge.

I feel that sometimes the consumer is getting milked and stitched up robed blind by lazy a$$ people who really don’t care how well they can produce a DVD or in this case a Bluray.

“The more things change the more they stay the same”.

Since I read though a few pages of this thread, I’ve popped in U2 Rattle and Hum DVD region 2. It was also produced in Dolby stereo SR type that is the best analogue sound one would hear in the cinema, with THX!

An old friend mentioned how great this sounded at the CIC High Wycombe THX voted best 5th or 8th THX cinema in the world. This was about 17 years, ago when he mentioned this the film not sure how many films he saw at CIC High Wycombe more than me, I’ve only seen one film in THX at this cinema and the low end bass and sub bass felt like what those Apollo astronauts describe upon launch. It was on my chest any louder I’d be coughing, Arachnophobia (1990).

DVD region 2
http://img.tesco.com/pi/entertainment/DVD/LB/443742_DV_L_B.jpghttp://img.tesco.com/pi/entertainment/DVD/LF/443742_DV_L_F.jpg

Bluray region 2

http://img.tesco.com/pi/entertainment/DVD/LB/788760_DV_L_B.jpghttp://img.tesco.com/pi/entertainment/DVD/LF/788760_DV_L_F.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk123/IndianaJones34/U2rattleandhumDVDmainmenu.jpg

Here is screen capture bonanza from the region 2 DVD knock yourselves out looks great to me remember this, its video not film!

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk123/IndianaJones34/U2rattleandhumDVD1.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk123/IndianaJones34/U2rattleandhumDVD2.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk123/IndianaJones34/U2rattleandhumDVD3.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk123/IndianaJones34/U2rattleandhumDVD4.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk123/IndianaJones34/U2rattleandhumDVD5.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk123/IndianaJones34/U2rattleandhumDVD6.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk123/IndianaJones34/U2rattleandhumDVD7.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk123/IndianaJones34/U2rattleandhumDVD8.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk123/IndianaJones34/U2rattleandhumDVD9.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk123/IndianaJones34/U2rattleandhumDVD10.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk123/IndianaJones34/U2rattleandhumDVD11.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk123/IndianaJones34/U2rattleandhumDVD12.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk123/IndianaJones34/U2rattleandhumDVD13.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk123/IndianaJones34/U2rattleandhumDVD14.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk123/IndianaJones34/U2rattleandhumDVD15.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk123/IndianaJones34/U2rattleandhumDVD16.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk123/IndianaJones34/U2rattleandhumDVD17.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk123/IndianaJones34/U2rattleandhumDVD18.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk123/IndianaJones34/U2rattleandhumDVD19.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk123/IndianaJones34/U2rattleandhumDVD20.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk123/IndianaJones34/U2rattleandhumDVD21.jpg

If you what direct readings of the LCRS ask me and bare in mind the surrounds are monaural on this film documentary musical tour. The LCRS will have slightly different bass content.

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk279/SpectrumsubbassLFE13417/U2rattleandhumLFE1part1.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk279/SpectrumsubbassLFE13417/U2rattleandhumLFE1part2.jpg

The UK R2 PAL dvd also has PAL speed up so all the music is 1/2 step higher in pitch though. And 4% faster in tempo. If the music is the most important thing than the R2 PAL dvd is NOT the way to go. The new mix on the Blu Ray is superb.


R1 Run Time: 98 minutes

R2 Run Time: 95 minutes

http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/172/u2rattleandhum.html

..."Anyway, 'Rattle and Hum' sounds great. Dynamic range is excellent. U2 have always been a great live band (as they should be after years of incessant touring), and the power and force in which the instrumentation and Bono's vocal delivery comes through on this disc is pretty kick-ass. This is first-rate stuff, with a sense of great presence and realism across the entire frequency range. Low bass also really chugs -- the percolating rhythms of 'Exit,' 'Pride' and 'Where the Streets Have No Name' handedly outshine their original recorded versions. I also was happily pleased at how well balanced Bono's vocals are in the mix -- too often on live recordings these days the singer's voice is place solo in the front center channel, which often sounds artificial and unreal.. Not here -- this mix sounds like one cohesive, organic wall of sound emanating from the front three channels, as if you are really right there in front of the stage..."

The UK R2 PAL dvd also has PAL speed up so all the music is 1/2 step higher in pitch though. And 4% faster in tempo. If the music is the most important thing than the R2 PAL dvd is NOT the way to go. The new mix on the Blu Ray is superb.


R1 Run Time: 98 minutes

R2 Run Time: 95 minutes

http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/172/u2rattleandhum.html

..."Anyway, 'Rattle and Hum' sounds great. Dynamic range is excellent. U2 have always been a great live band (as they should be after years of incessant touring), and the power and force in which the instrumentation and Bono's vocal delivery comes through on this disc is pretty kick-ass. This is first-rate stuff, with a sense of great presence and realism across the entire frequency range. Low bass also really chugs -- the percolating rhythms of 'Exit,' 'Pride' and 'Where the Streets Have No Name' handedly outshine their original recorded versions. I also was happily pleased at how well balanced Bono's vocals are in the mix -- too often on live recordings these days the singer's voice is place solo in the front center channel, which often sounds artificial and unreal.. Not here -- this mix sounds like one cohesive, organic wall of sound emanating from the front three channels, as if you are really right there in front of the stage..."



You beat me to it about the R2 dvd. AVOID this if you want the true musical quality and get the BR. I have the HD-DVD version and the sound is awesome on both the DD+ and DTS track.:)

Low bass also really chugs -- the percolating rhythms of 'Exit,' 'Pride' and 'Where the Streets Have No Name' handedly outshine their original recorded versions. I also was happily pleased at how well balanced Bono's vocals are in the mix -- too often on live recordings these days the singer's voice is place solo in the front center channel, which often sounds artificial and unreal.. Not here -- this mix sounds like one cohesive, organic wall of sound emanating from the front three channels, as if you are really right there in front of the stage..."
God I love that version of Exit. When I throw in that movie that's the first scene I jump to.

The disc will never look like Iron man, but the source is what it is, like with Predator for instance. I can't complain as it was one of my five free HD DVDs.

Having seen this in 35mm, VHS, Laserdisc, R1 DVD, HD DVD, and Blu-ray, I have to say the soundtrack on the HD versions of this film are nothing less than astounding! You'll find the picture quality on the Blu-ray to be an only slight improvement on the R1 DVD version, as the film was purposely shot on mixed film formats, mostly fast speed black and white, and some 16mm. The audio, although not lossless, makes this blu-ray worth the purchase alone, however. the DTS-ES 6.1 really rounds out the soundfield and puts you in the middle of the most convincing concert mix I've heard! The perspective in the audio is from the audience, with cheering and sing-along coming from all sides, and the music presented on a wide front stage. I also like the attention to details: Bono breathing into the mic and then trowing it down with an audible thump and a slight feedback whistle after. It makes a huge rock show a little bit more intimate. Also, the bass is present in full-force. It doesn't overpower the mix, but it lets you know it's a rock concert, and rounds out the sound with great presence. That's a definite step-up from the DVD, in which the bass was just about inaudible.

If you're looking for a sound upgrade, the Blu-ray is the best I've heard this film, or just about any concert film. Picture-wise, it's not much of an upgrade. But then again, Rattle and Hum was not intended to be a sleek, shiny film. It was meant to be gritty.

-my 2 cents.

The UK R2 PAL dvd also has PAL speed up so all the music is 1/2 step higher in pitch though. And 4% faster in tempo. If the music is the most important thing than the R2 PAL dvd is NOT the way to go. The new mix on the Blu Ray is superb.


R1 Run Time: 98 minutes

R2 Run Time: 95 minutes

http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/172/u2rattleandhum.html

..."Anyway, 'Rattle and Hum' sounds great. Dynamic range is excellent. U2 have always been a great live band (as they should be after years of incessant touring), and the power and force in which the instrumentation and Bono's vocal delivery comes through on this disc is pretty kick-ass. This is first-rate stuff, with a sense of great presence and realism across the entire frequency range. Low bass also really chugs -- the percolating rhythms of 'Exit,' 'Pride' and 'Where the Streets Have No Name' handedly outshine their original recorded versions. I also was happily pleased at how well balanced Bono's vocals are in the mix -- too often on live recordings these days the singer's voice is place solo in the front center channel, which often sounds artificial and unreal.. Not here -- this mix sounds like one cohesive, organic wall of sound emanating from the front three channels, as if you are really right there in front of the stage..."

Yes, I know I used to be a projectionist and I can hear the difference with side by side comparison. It’s the NTSC version that is the closest form to the international theatrical release of film 24fps.

When monitoring the Dolby 4.1 mix because that’s the way I see it the surrounds are monaural and that is not uncommon for that time. Most 70mm films Dolby stereo came in several flavours Dolby format 41 LCR(MS)(BB) monaural surround, baby boom. Dolby format 42 LCR (SS) split-surrounds, baby boom.

Lyrics as well as few bass note drum hits have different beat of rhythm when muting L/R/MS/LFE.1. If you where to listen to this in Dolby stereo 4:2:4 form the L/R will folding on top of the C masking or crosstalk.

Yes the Dolby 4.1 mix sounds wonderful.

To be honest I only brought the film because it played in THX so my friend says, why should I doubt him. I also remember seeing the trailer years back in cinema I think it was screen 3 Cannon cinema Westover road Bournemouth, not sure if it was Poltergeist III I went to see, the screen 3 at the time was monaural with Dolby NR while screens 2 was Dolby stereo / screen 1 35/70mm Dolby stereo.

Oh, I have good memory at times.


I got an idea if one of the formats is not to the liking and really you are only whining about a small tiny detail sigh.

Then play the format that has the best image on one player!
Then play the format that has the best sound on the other player and sync them up!
You now have perfect picture on HD-DVD and perfect sound on Bluray…or was it the other-way around I forget which??:D

I am hoping for a special edition of this somewhere down the road with releted scenes. They shot a lot of material for this movie and I imagine some of it would be prime for a special edition cut or even just extras. The video collection for the Best of 1980-1990 includes a clip of One Tree Hill that is clearly from the Rattle and Hum cutting room floor. Unfortunately, this has only been released on VHS.

Having seen this in 35mm, VHS, Laserdisc, R1 DVD, HD DVD, and Blu-ray, I have to say the soundtrack on the HD versions of this film are nothing less than astounding! You'll find the picture quality on the Blu-ray to be an only slight improvement on the R1 DVD version, as the film was purposely shot on mixed film formats, mostly fast speed black and white, and some 16mm. The audio, although not lossless, makes this blu-ray worth the purchase alone, however. the DTS-ES 6.1 really rounds out the soundfield and puts you in the middle of the most convincing concert mix I've heard! The perspective in the audio is from the audience, with cheering and sing-along coming from all sides, and the music presented on a wide front stage. I also like the attention to details: Bono breathing into the mic and then trowing it down with an audible thump and a slight feedback whistle after. It makes a huge rock show a little bit more intimate. Also, the bass is present in full-force. It doesn't overpower the mix, but it lets you know it's a rock concert, and rounds out the sound with great presence. That's a definite step-up from the DVD, in which the bass was just about inaudible.

If you're looking for a sound upgrade, the Blu-ray is the best I've heard this film, or just about any concert film. Picture-wise, it's not much of an upgrade. But then again, Rattle and Hum was not intended to be a sleek, shiny film. It was meant to be gritty.

-my 2 cents.

Since you have heard both the BR and HD-DVD, is there any sound dif between these 2? I thought I read they were identical in the sound dep....:confused:

Johno, there was TONS of B roll footage from this film. Joanau followed them for months I believe. There were several different bootleg VHS's, 2 hours apiece of outtakes!

:)

I am hoping for a special edition of this somewhere down the road with releted scenes. They shot a lot of material for this movie and I imagine some of it would be prime for a special edition cut or even just extras. The video collection for the Best of 1980-1990 includes a clip of One Tree Hill that is clearly from the Rattle and Hum cutting room floor. Unfortunately, this has only been released on VHS.

You may get your wish next Christmas.

There are strong rumors that the band will release remastered cd/dvd releases of "The Unforgettable Fire" and "Rattle and Hum" during the 4th quarter of 2009 while they are touring to promote the new untitled studio album coming out in early Spring, 09. No one knows exactly what would comprise bonus tracks and live footage, although the large number of b-sides both album singles had would be obvious picks for additional songs. But a extended/recut RaH home video would be a very likely part of the album release.

BTW, I went back tonight and A/B'd the blu-ray and remastered AC3 encoded laserdisc release. I will conceed the overall sound mix on the blu-ray is much better than I originally commented on my first post in this thread, although I still stand by my comment that the bass has significantly more low end on the laserdisc. In fact, Adam Clayton's bass seems to be EQ'd/mixed drastically different on the blu-ray (and I presume the HD-DVD) than any of the dvd/laserdisc/vhs home video releases. You hear much more of his fingers "plunking" the strings which sounds more "raw" or demo-like but at the sacrificing of bottom end of his tone.

One other thing I never noticed before, the widescreen versions of the movie post-laserdisc crop a significant image off the top and bottom image area from the fullscreen home video versions with no additional width in the image. However, I'd guess this is because the full screen versions are simply unmatted open frame presentations as the widescreen "matted" presentation(s) rarely lose critical composition information.

T.B.

Hiya Party. Laserdisc audio was usually WAY better than DVD.
I never saw R+H on LD, just the r1 dvd so you're probably right. Compared to the r1 dvd, the BD is much better though.

:)

Although I only have R&H on HDDVD, I believe the sound tracks are exactly the same on HDDVD and BR...and yes, they ARE better than the R1 DVD. I have had this on LD, DVD, and now HDDVD. I prefer the DTS (a little lower bass) but both are still good. A must own for the U2 fan. Joshua Tree is the best album ever recorded IMHO and R&H captures the mood brilliantly!