Battlestar Galactica Complete Series [Text View] - Page 3

shadowrage

07-30-09, 02:44 AM

I'm not sure what you mean - they're not out yet, so how would we know? And why would a UK release have stuff in 480p, not 576p?
Here's a post I put up earlier. If they are 480p that means they are the US discs with BBFC logos.

According to this site the first 14(they didn't get the last 6) discs are the exact same, 480p extras and all.
http://www.homecinemachoice.com/playback/blu+ray/exclusive+hands+battlestar+galactica+complete+series+blu+ray +01+07+09
DISC ONE - Miniseries
Deleted Scenes (21 minutes/480p)
Sketches and Art animated gallery (4 minutes/480p)
From Miniseries to Series featurette (9 minutes/480p)
Change is Good, Now They're Babes featurette (7 minutes/480p)
The Cylon Centurion featurette (5 minutes/480p)
Future/Past Technology featurette (8 minutes/480p)
The Doctor is Out (Of His Mind) featurette (8 minutes/480p)
Production featurette (9 minutes/480p)
Visual Effects featurette (9 minutes/480p)
Epilogue featurette (8 minutes/480p)
Miniseries, Part 1 commentary with director Michael Rymer and executive producers David Eick and Ronald D Moore
Miniseries, Part 2 commentary with director Michael Rymer and executive producers David Eick and Ronald D Moore
U-Control: The Oracle
U-Control: Picture-in-Picture
Just need confirmation that it's region free. I'm going to email them and hopefully they can find out. Are there any other establishments that might have hands-on time with the UK set. I really want to know what's in that booklet.
For example, I'm going to order Season 4.5 at Deep Discount using the 25% coupon code, which will bring its cost down to $33.
UK set for me is $170 shipped. For 5 (4.0+4.5)seasons,it comes to $34 each, that's not even including Razor into the equation.

BTW - some of you have pointed out that the UK set resembles a particular Star Trek DVD set, could you please post a picture of it?

claytown

07-30-09, 03:03 AM

I also seriously considered getting the UK version, since the packaging looks so much nicer -- and it appears to have a booklet, too. But--although I can't confirm this 100%--I have seen from 2 different sources now rumors that the UK set is missing some stuff - including the extended version of the series finale. Keep in mind that these are rumors, but that's a pretty big omission.

JakiChan

07-30-09, 04:30 AM

Rutgar

07-30-09, 06:51 AM

Just a heads-up...amazon has it for $199.49 now. Looks like they price-matched Wal-Mart.

As for DD, aside from extremely slow shipping at times, and a less than intuitive website, I haven't had much issues with them.

That's good. I pre-ordered this when it was first announced. So that will end up as a fairly hefty discount from what I thought I was going to pay when I first ordered it!

As far as the packaging goes, it doesn't really bother me. But what is it with BSG Series and odd packaging. I also have the original series in the big Cylon Head packaging that doesn't fit on my regular shelves either.

dargo

07-30-09, 06:54 AM

Well, even the extra special packaging is gonna look too outta place on my shelf. My friend down under is gonna send me a few of those 6-disc BD cases, I'll print up some custom covers, and then keep the box "on display" somewhere without messing up my pretty shelves. :)

I hear you, I love the sound and picture of the set but the guy who approved the package should be fired and the guy who designed it should be castrated so he can't make anymore copies of himself, all we want are nice blu-ray cases that match all the other blu-ray cases we have.

ss9001

07-30-09, 06:58 AM

Well, even the extra special packaging is gonna look too outta place on my shelf. My friend down under is gonna send me a few of those 6-disc BD cases, I'll print up some custom covers, and then keep the box "on display" somewhere without messing up my pretty shelves. :)

Do you have a link to the vendor/store that sells them?
It'd be nice if we could find them....:)

All I could find was 3 disc cases

TyrantII

07-30-09, 08:49 AM

The way I see it, being from a Star Trek background, BSG would almost be like Voyager, whereas SG-1 would probably be like DS9, if I got that analogy right.

That couldn't be further from the truth. Maybe BSG should have been Voyager, but it is most certainly nothing like Voyager.

I can attest to that, as I'm currently rewatching Voyager and in late season 2. It's worse then I remembered it from tv.

ss9001

07-30-09, 09:09 AM

I can attest to that, as I'm currently rewatching Voyager and in late season 2. It's worse then I remembered it from tv.

I gave up on it after s.2 when it was on air. I read the post, refrained from commenting......but I agree, comparing BSG to Voyager is a very big stretch in every way. Voyager was the weakest of all the Star Treks.

TyrantII

07-30-09, 10:12 AM

I gave up on it after s.2 when it was on air. I read the post, refrained from commenting......but I agree, comparing BSG to Voyager is a very big stretch in every way. Voyager was the weakest of all the Star Treks.

From what I remember, it'll get better as it goes on.

But the first three season were the same damn story, over and over. It's funny how bad a captain Janeway is when you realize 40% of the first two season involve a lone shuttle mission getting into trouble. The rest are technobabble problems fixed in the last 5min with technobabble solutions.

Enterprise, while it had it's own failings, was vastly superior.

Still Adama was the best captain I've seen in a series to date.

Rutgar

07-30-09, 10:38 AM

From what I remember, it'll get better as it goes on.

But the first three season were the same damn story, over and over. It's funny how bad a captain Janeway is when you realize 40% of the first two season involve a lone shuttle mission getting into trouble. The rest are technobabble problems fixed in the last 5min with technobabble solutions.

And don't forget that they kept running into the same Kazon jerks for the first couple of years, over and over (Janeway even lost Voyager to them for a while). Funny how the inferior Kazon ships were able to keep up with Voyager while it was supposedly Warp 8'ing a bee line towards the Alpha Quadrant.

ss9001

07-30-09, 10:49 AM

You guys made the case. BSG rules over at least one Star Trek :cool:
There just is no comparison, not even close, not even in the same league....

And I don't need to see any more seasons of Janeway pacing the deck & chewing ass ;)
2 seasons was enough for me. I have caught newer episodes here & there on TV and it's the same story over & over & over. That's why I gave up on it in the 1st place. 7 yrs of it? No thanks :p

TNG & to a lesser extent DS9 were far superior but neither tops BSG. And that's from a Trekkie going back to the original series watching it in the 60's. Call it Star Trek overload.....

I think we'd all agree that no matter how much we may like other SF series, there's nothing been done quite like BSG, before or since. And that's a good thing :D

TyrantII

07-30-09, 11:19 AM

I think we'd all agree that no matter how much we may like other SF series, there's nothing been done quite like BSG, before or since. And that's a good thing :D

Agreed from another trek enthusiast. They all have a special place for different reasons.

Now, the question is, did Brandon cave in and buy BSG?

:)

Xae

07-30-09, 11:26 AM

Agreed from another trek enthusiast. They all have a special place for different reasons.

Now, the question is, did Brandon cave in and buy BSG?

:)

Of course he did. AVS isn't for light weights! =P

rr6966

07-30-09, 11:27 AM

I think Babylon 5 and Farscape were excellent shows that beat alot of the ST shows, and I'm a ST fan.

ss9001

07-30-09, 11:31 AM

I think Babylon 5 and Farscape were excellent shows that beat alot of the ST shows, and I'm a ST fan.

How could I forget about Farscape? Dumb me :o
Yes, it was also very good. Top notch. Held my interest for its complete life span & I could have watched a 5th full season

I actually just finished watching the whole show again this winter on DVD. That's why it was pretty lame for me to forget it. My Farscape sets are the Canadian released ones. I read where A&E is bringing out the whole thing for the US in one of their megasets later this yr.

And I have B5 on my list to re-watch starting in 2010. It's been about 4 yrs or so since my last cycle thru it.

Gosh, ain't it great to have these phenomenal SF shows to watch!

ss9001

07-30-09, 02:47 PM

Back to the BSG Set

Just got it today :D
And Amazon did send the BD's not DVD's ;) :)

I'll start at the top & work my down.

Cylon Figure

Overall impression is that it's acceptable if you like memorabilia & have a use for it. It has quasi-joints but limited range of motion - just enough to place arms & legs slightly differently. I did have to work a few minutes to get the thing to stand upright & not topple.

Keeper value - It's definitely a cheapish toy & not hi quality movie or display memorabilia you can find.

Packaging

At first glance, it actually looked pretty decent. But once I took off the wrapper & opened it up, all its shortcomings became very obvious.

1. After removing the cylon figure, there's the large hole in the top that serves no value at all and detracts from the look of the box if sitting on a shelf. The only way it half-way looks good is to re-insert the clear plastic cover in the hole.

2. Cardboard box is actually sturdier than I thought it would be from the photos. But the blue Blu-ray band is not a printed image on the bottom section; it's a real cardboard sleeve that can be moved about, like something meant to be discarded once the box was opened.

Lift the box up by its top & the Blu-ray sleeve with all the artwork slides right off the bottom staying on a shelf. If you do discard it, the box is totally bare black with no artwork. Stupid

3. Now to the main course....the season cases :p

Kind of flimsy cardboard that *could* be set on a shelf or rack as DVD cases. But they may not hold up to repeated openings/closings. The cylon head flap is not child-proof sturdy, and while it does have a neat look, it's only held in place by a smallish velcro dot. Once there's wear from repeated or clumsy use, the flap could get torn or conceivably not close.

Now for the big disadvantage......they are not as wide as std. BD & DVD cases. Which means that you cannot just replace them with blank cases & use in the complete set box. The spines on each side that the cardboard cases slide between are not wide enough for plastic BD/DVD disc cases.

So...if you were thinking of getting blank BD cases and re-using the set box for storing them.....forget it. You either go for total replacement or accept the box as is.

Discs are nearly hidden inside the cardboard pockets so you have to insert fingers to remove them & potentially cause abrasion & certainly put finger smudges on the discs :p

Packaging:
Display value potential - C-/D+
Practicality - F

The reviewers, like Bill Hunt (Digital Bits) who stated he thought the box was cool but replaced it anyway, and Dave Vaughn who sort of pointed out some shortcomings but excused it as "better than the HD-DVD case" ----- they are doing potential buyers a disservice by not calling Universal out on it.

It is one of the cheapest looking, worst made & impractical ways I've ever seen for packaging discs. Bottom line is it's just plain cheap. It might look great on a retailers shelf but pretty useless for people with standard media racks/shelving. As a comparison, Fox used an awkward sized box for the Planet of the Apes films but it is sturdy, came with a nice book about the films, and the discs were placed solidly inside. And you could visualize it as a nice showpiece box on a shelf or table. The BSG box has no or very little lasting value for use or storage.

Just for grins I set it on one of my $250 Boltz racks....while it fits height wise, it sticks out so far it looks like ass. For now I have the box on a credenza but I'll be getting replacement cases & do the series right the way it should have been done.

Shame on Universal for approving this turkey for such a wonderful show!

ss9001

ss9001

07-30-09, 03:07 PM

Hopefully, I'll get a chance to look at several discs this weekend.

I just want to say that despite my dislike for the box, I'm sure the episodes will look & sound fabulous! :D

BrandonJF

07-30-09, 03:11 PM

Back to the BSG Set
It is one of the cheapest looking, worst made & impractical ways I've ever seen for packaging discs.

It just boggles my mind how this keeps happening. Does market research show that this is what sells sets? Impractical packaging? They just keep doing it, though.... and getting worse.

Personally, I had low expectations, so I did not think it was as bad as I originally did. However, it took me awhile to pull the top of the box up. It seemed pretty tight and I had to inch it up bit by bit.

And if you think this one is cheap looking and poorly made, check out the thread for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles box set. Just jaw dropping.

Pugnax555

07-30-09, 03:31 PM

I wouldn't be surprised if these things started as some product manager having some grand design planned out, but then gets cut off by an accountant somewhere saying "That's great! Now make it for 15 cents." By that point it's too late to go back and rework the package and we're stuck with the POS we get. Imagine how some of these (not all of course) would work if they were actually made with decent materials. I could see quite a few of them actually being pretty nice.

xradman

07-30-09, 04:02 PM

I think Warner did it right with the Blade Runner Briefcase package. Make all the fancy packages you want, but include the discs in a regular amaray case so that it can be taken out and displayed with all the other Blu-rays in your collection. It's also much easier to take discs in and out. I wish all TV shows and mini-series would use those cases than using foldout digipaks. Those are a pain.

Neo_Reloaded

07-30-09, 04:14 PM

I like to think I have a pretty high tolerance for these kinds of things. It's just packaging after all. But not having disc trays is pushing the limits of my tolerance. Sliding discs into and out of sleeves is unwieldy and just asking for trouble. I'll be making my own cases when/if I get this.

peterlee

07-30-09, 04:22 PM

I wouldn't be surprised if these things started as some product manager having some grand design planned out, but then gets cut off by an accountant somewhere saying "That's great! Now make it for 15 cents."

I don't think that's very realistic. The cost of the packaging would have been front-and-center and considered from the very beginning. If it was too expensive, it would have never been approved.

No one person is responsible for this packaging. It passed through many hands, all of whom approved it. It's a collective failing. I think this is the case of the folks at Universal which genuinely like the show getting carried away by their enthusiasm. No one stepped back and took a dispassionate look at the mundane practicality of the set. Or they thought the people who are going to buy it were willing to live with the inconvenience and those who weren't willing to compromise would buy the individual seasons or wait until Universal released a no-frills complete set like Warner did with Harry Potter Years 1-5.

God, I hope so. I just bought a BSG boomerang. Tomorrow, I'll grab S4.5 and be done with it until the individuals come out. What a frakkin' waste.

After the back-and-forth we had about the complete set many pages back, it's funny that we should ultimately arrive at the same decision to get the individual seasons.:) Sorry to hear about your scratched discs.

classical

07-30-09, 04:23 PM

1. After removing the cylon figure, there's the large hole in the top that serves no value at all and detracts from the look of the box if sitting on a shelf. The only way it half-way looks good is to re-insert the clear plastic cover in the hole.

You could cover the hole with some black paper then tape or glue it in place, or get some black spray paint and apply it on the clear plastic.

Lift the box up by its top & the Blu-ray sleeve with all the artwork slides right off the bottom staying on a shelf. If you do discard it, the box is totally bare black with no artwork. Stupid

I would just tape or glue the sleeve to the box.

Yeah, I know these are obvious makeshift solutions that ought not to be necessary in the first place, but you know what they say about when life hands you lemons. :)

Discs are nearly hidden inside the cardboard pockets so you have to insert fingers to remove them & potentially cause abrasion & certainly put finger smudges on the discs :p

I don't have the Complete Series yet myself, but a poster named Ken Brown over at Blu-ray.com forums mentioned this (not sure if this has been mentioned here before):

Hey all. A helpful tip for those having difficulty pulling the discs out of each season's case. The multi-layered black sleeve that houses the discs actually pulls out of each case (the first time requires a firm tug, every time thereafter is much easier). Once it's removed, you can unfold the black accordion sleeve, access the discs quite easily, put them back into place, and slide the sleeve back inside its season's case for semi-safe keeping.

And in case anyone was wondering if the sleeve was meant to come out at all, Ken states:

I'm pretty sure they're designed to come out. I had the same thought after I removed the first sleeve, but there wasn't any adhesive residue or damage to indicate the sleeve had been glued in. Plus, the manner in which the sleeve unfolds seems to suggest a deliberate design intention.

Edit: Call me clued out--turns out that Ken is one of the reviewers at Blu-ray.com. Here's his review of the Complete Series (http://uk.blu-ray.com/movies/movies.php?id=5280&show=review).

ss9001

07-30-09, 04:24 PM

..And if you think this one is cheap looking and poorly made, check out the thread for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles box set. Just jaw dropping.

You mean this -

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g225/Movieman-123/turtles01.jpg
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g225/Movieman-123/turtles03.jpg

This is the real box & I started laughing....

ss9001

Dave Vaughn

07-30-09, 04:25 PM

The reviewers, like Bill Hunt (Digital Bits) who stated he thought the box was cool but replaced it anyway, and Dave Vaughn who sort of pointed out some shortcomings but excused it as "better than the HD-DVD case" ----- they are doing potential buyers a disservice by not calling Universal out on it.

I personally don't care about the packaging, it's the content that matters to me. If you're paying this much for the set, spend a few extra dollars and get your own cases or send a message to Universal and not buy them. I'll contact their VP of PR and explain the uproar from people on the packaging and maybe they'll offer some type of upgrade (probably for a fee) in the future. Who knows.

Is the packaging ideal? No. Is it a deal-breaker? Absolutely not when you consider the quality of the series. I don't buy discs because of their packaging, I buy them for the content on the discs.

Dave Vaughn

07-30-09, 04:26 PM

You mean this -

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g225/Movieman-123/turtles01.jpg
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g225/Movieman-123/turtles03.jpg

This is the real box & I started laughing when I saw these pics.....

ss9001

Now THAT'S bad packaging.

ss9001

07-30-09, 04:28 PM

....then I saw this one & couldn't stop laughing for 5 min!

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/2504/lotrbag.jpg

And I'm still laughing....cracks me up!

coati858

07-30-09, 04:30 PM

ss9001

07-30-09, 04:34 PM

...I don't buy discs because of their packaging, I buy them for the content on the discs.

Understood & and normally I completely agree with you. Trust me, I don't get on a tirade everytime a new BD comes out...I'm not a lunatic! I don't even care if the dam thing comes in a boxed set or plastic cases. And of course it's not a deal breaker. I just spent $210 for mine. I'm just an ordinary joe spending my money on movies I want to own, like everyone else.

But is it too much to ask, Dave, for these studios to get their heads out of their asses?

Just look at that Mutant Turtle box!! :p
Unbelievable, man....

At least I have the intellectual honesty to objectively point out what's wrong with it so people realize what they're getting for their $200+. Bill Hunt pointed all these out too, but said it was "cool". WTF? He must be thinking with his 'nads (oooh, cool ray guns! which there's nothing wrong with ;)) Just don't let it influence calling a spade a spade so maybe someone in the studios reading a review of their product can learn something & not make the same mistake. Or is that asking too much?

But I do give Bill Hunt a lot of credit for providing everyone his artwork, covers & episode lists for replacement cases. That's a class act...

Too bad Bill Hunt had to spend his valuable time & resources to do Universal's job for them :p

You reviewers have the unique opportunity with your industry connections & reviews to influence buying decisions & effect change by strokes on a keyboard. I read one of your colleague's reviews on the Pioneer SC-09 receiver, the one you reviewed yourself. He made an out & out incorrect statement in his review of an Integra saying it had THX Loudness Plus & the SC-09 didn't. I pointed his error out on a blog comment and you know what? The lazy ass didn't have the courtesy to thank me, acknowledge his mistake or even correct his mistake......and people use your reviews as resources in making buying decisions. :rolleyes:

Sorry for the rant but it's one of those days...I'm on the rag ;)

ss9001

peterlee

07-30-09, 04:34 PM

I personally don't care about the packaging, it's the content that matters to me. If you're paying this much for the set, spend a few extra dollars and get your own cases or send a message to Universal and not buy them.

I don't have a quibble with your focus on content but I do think it's ridiculous to say that people who spent $200 on a box set should be expected to make their own halfway decent cases with all the compromises that would entail. That's the studio's job, not mine. I don't sew my own clothes after I buy them in the store. It's one thing if the studio wants to sell me downloaded versions or naked discs at a reduced price. It's quite another when they sell a high-priced item with an elaborate, fussy case.

As for the Turtle box set, I prefer it to the Battlestar box. At least the Turtle box is the approximate size of a regular Blu-ray case and would fit pretty easily on a shelf. The pizza box also looks like it will open and close easily and allows easy access to the discs. In other words, the design of the box doesn't interfere with its practicality. Yes, it's over-the-top kitschy but that's deliberate and always been part of that show's appeal (mutant turtle ninjas who live in the sewers of NYC and are trained by a ninja master rat?). I have to admire New Line for designing a case that looks like it's dirt cheap, practical and in keeping with the jokey spirit of the Ninja Turtles.

ss9001

07-30-09, 04:39 PM

Well Seven of Nine shows up at the end of 3rd/beginning of 4th seasons (cliffhanger), so the scenery gets better at that point!:D;)

That's true :D

classical

07-30-09, 04:44 PM

I also actually think that the TMNT packaging is kind of cool, with the faux pizza-box look and all (the turtles love pizza, for the one or two people who might be wondering, "What's with the pizza thing?"). At least, the discs seem to be held properly in place and are easy to access.

Ghostface1701

07-30-09, 05:17 PM

I'm going back and forth on whether to buy the US or UK version. In the end, the box it comes in means little to me - it's all about the content. I cancelled the US set because I remembered the dull (IMO) Season 1 opening theme, and ordered the UK box, even though it means waiting another two months. Now one of the posts above mentions the rumour of the extended finale not being included in the UK set. This would be a massive deal-breaker if true!

What are the sources for this rumour, and can anyone with the US set confirm that it has the alternate opening theme in Season 1?

shadowrage

07-30-09, 05:29 PM

Now for the big disadvantage......they are not as wide as std. BD & DVD cases. Which means that you cannot just replace them with blank cases & use in the complete set box. The spines on each side that the cardboard cases slide between are not wide enough for plastic BD/DVD disc cases.

You can remove the black cardboard from the inside of the cylcon face. Will a standard BD case fit in that? In that case it would essentially be a slipcover.

What are the sources for this rumour, and can anyone with the US set confirm that it has the alternate opening theme in Season 1?
IDK where that rumor comes from. The only UK preview I've seen reports 480p extras, the same extras as the US set too. And extended episodes included(at least for the first 14 discs). I think it's highly unlikely they would include extended episodes for the early seasons and not the last one. The UK set is also a 20 disc set, probably the same 20.

The US set is reported to have the alternate theme for Season 1.

bplewis24

07-30-09, 05:31 PM

Now, the question is, did Brandon cave in and buy BSG?

Actually, I had to hold off on the purchase. Not because the deal wasn't acceptable to me or lack of want, but I decided I can't do any more non-essential spending for the next month :(. I just bought a new set of golf clubs and built a new PC :cool: and that has set me back a bit.

*TMNT Box Set Photos*

LOL...

Brandon

moob

07-30-09, 05:38 PM

I personally don't care about the packaging, it's the content that matters to me. If you're paying this much for the set, spend a few extra dollars and get your own cases or send a message to Universal and not buy them. I'll contact their VP of PR and explain the uproar from people on the packaging and maybe they'll offer some type of upgrade (probably for a fee) in the future. Who knows.

I don't have a quibble with your focus on content but I do think it's ridiculous to say that people who spent $200 on a box set should be expected to make their own halfway decent cases with all the compromises that would entail. That's the studio's job, not mine. I don't sew my own clothes after I buy them in the store. It's one thing if the studio wants to sell me downloaded versions or naked discs at a reduced price. It's quite another when they sell a high-priced item with an elaborate, fussy case.
Peter covers it well.

And I suppose I did send a message by not buying it. Had they packaged it properly, I would have ran to the nearest store to get it on Tuesday (instead of waiting for it to be shipped). They lost at least one sale with me.

ss9001

07-30-09, 05:48 PM

You can remove the black cardboard from the inside of the cylcon face. Will a standard BD case fit in that? In that case it would essentially be a slipcover.

I just checked the box. The slots (or spines) I'm referring to are in the main cubical box. The ones where the season boxes fit between. And no, BD or DVD cases will not fit between them - not wide enough. And the cylon faces are not in the cubical box itself but are actually embossed on the individual season boxes on each side.

While you could pull out the slotted core inside the cube & just toss the cases inside the cube, I don't think there'd be any support for the central core telescoping part with the actors pics on it. The whole thing would just slide around, fall apart, or result in 2 halves with nothing to hold the whole thing together. Even if you did this & end up with just a storage box with 2 halves, you might as well toss the seasons in a shoebox or that Mutant Ninja box & be done with it ;) And it still won't fit on a rack.

It's really a rube goldberg contraption.

I can't dispute what you say about the UK version's extras being 480p because I have no idea. But why would the studio do that in a PAL country?

Does Universal expect all UK buyers to own region-free NTSC-PAL converting players or displays if this is true?? Am I missing something here?

ss9001

eric.exe

07-30-09, 05:56 PM

I'm pretty sure SD extras on UK/Euro releases from the major studios are always 480i. Only the smaller UK/Euro exclusive studios do 576i extras.

ss9001

07-30-09, 06:07 PM

Peter covers it well.

And I suppose I did send a message by not buying it. Had they packaged it properly, I would have ran to the nearest store to get it on Tuesday (instead of waiting for it to be shipped). They lost at least one sale with me.

Yeah, his was a less emotional reply ;)
Good for you. I'm in a situation where buying the whole thing now is easier than waiting 6 months or more for all the seasons to come out. I'm trying to complete a large collection of personal must-haves b4 end of the yr. when my wife retires from the workforce. Got to get it while I can. So I compromised my principles, I'm sorry to say :o

ss9001

07-30-09, 06:08 PM

I'm pretty sure SD extras on UK/Euro releases from the major studios are always 480i. Only the smaller UK/Euro exclusive studios do 576i extras.

Interesting...didn't know that. Thanks! :)

Neo_Reloaded

07-30-09, 06:14 PM

All major studio Blu-ray releases are entirely NTSC for standard def content. UK TVs are able to display both NTSC and PAL, so there are never any problems. This is convenient for UK importers, as all region free titles will work with their hardware - no concerns about PAL, 1080i50, etc. It is the US importers that have to beware of this, as US TVs, by and large, do not support PAL.

ss9001

07-30-09, 06:20 PM

^^
Thanks for the info. I learned even more & it makes sense now. I never knew euro displays handled both formats.

Ghostface1701

07-30-09, 07:23 PM

IDK where that rumor comes from. The only UK preview I've seen reports 480p extras, the same extras as the US set too. And extended episodes included(at least for the first 14 discs). I think it's highly unlikely they would include extended episodes for the early seasons and not the last one. The UK set is also a 20 disc set, probably the same 20.

The US set is reported to have the alternate theme for Season 1.

Thanks, now I just have to wait until September :(

I hope someone posts some nice screencaps to tide me over 'til then...

Stinky-Dinkins

07-30-09, 08:12 PM

I thought people were just bitching for the sake of bitching (not like it'd be a first for the internet) about the packaging after taking a few quick glances of pictures of it.

I got the thing today. The packaging is friggin' garbage. It comes with this goofy toy stuck into the top of it in some clear plastic coffin, and it's too large to fit on any of my Blu Ray shelves, and the box itself feels awkward and cheap (the top of the box sort of "lifts up" so you can yank out the individual sets.) I was hoping it'd be like the Blade Runner briefcase, meaning that if you didn't like all the external fluff you could just take out the movies inside the case and stick them on the shelf (like how the Blade Runner set came with the regular case inside.) The square "packets" that the Blu Rays themselves come in are so cheap and flimsy that they can't be taken out of the ridiculous box and stuck on the shelves by themselves. I don't know why they did this, it would've been a lot cheaper for them to just release the set in standard cases and I imagine a lot of people would've preferred them that way.

Total crap.

ss9001

07-30-09, 08:28 PM

^^
Now you know.

"clear plastic coffin" - that's a great description for what it's used for :D

So far, I can only find the 6 disc blank BD Amaray cases from a vendor in Australia. I can only find a couple of vendors in the US that sell the multi-disc BD cases & they only go up to the 3 disc case.

Get 4-6 disc cases & it's done. Just have to find them....

scowl

07-30-09, 09:06 PM

My season one discs came in a season two box. Anyone with two season one boxes out there?

scowl

07-30-09, 09:15 PM

In the full set breakdown, disc 15 is listed as "Battlestar Galactica: Razor". You tell us if it's included or not...

I haven't found it yet. There's no "disc 15" in the set I got.

8IronBob

07-30-09, 09:38 PM

I agree about the packaging. It was a great concept, but not very user-friendly. Perhaps it was meant to be more gimmickal than functional (if gimmickal is even a word).

Neo_Reloaded

07-30-09, 09:51 PM

I haven't found it yet. There's no "disc 15" in the set I got.

The Razor disc is labeled "Razor."

ss9001

07-30-09, 10:42 PM

I just checked all my discs. They seems to be in correct order in the correct boxes.

But in checking, I tried pulling out & un-folding the accordian style sleeves that the discs sit in. And when it's pulled out, the discs just fall out on the floor! Plus, the folds have to be bent over and stuffed back in to replace in the box :mad:

The other option as several have noted is to insert fingers, grab disc on both sides & pull out, rubbing against the sleeve. I'm not happy at the prospect of damage or smudges.

The more I work with this box, the more I realize how retarded it really is.

It being described as "cool" makes one wonder at the reviewer's sanity & as "non-ideal" is a wee bit of under-statement :rolleyes:

At this point, I would strongly disagree that it's somehow better than the one Universal did for the HD-DVD's. It may actually be worse.

ss9001

Jedi2016

07-30-09, 11:23 PM

Finally got my set today. The box is... okay. I don't mind it terribly except that it will never go onto my shelf the way it is, the shelf simply won't hold it.

Bill Hunt's idea was interesting, but again.. won't fit the shelf. I did, however, download his episode listings. If anything, I might see about getting some cases on my own and making custom sleeves for them. I'm pretty handy with Photoshop, I'm sure I can come up with something.

I've only watched the miniseries so far. Overall, not too shabby. Seemed a bit soft sometimes, but other times was nice and crisp. Good color in some spots (although I'm aware a lot of the ship scenes were intentionally drab). Six's red dress really pops due to that, it's an interesting effect that I never really appreciated before. I'm sure I would have seen a much bigger difference had I watched the DVD recently. Waiting for Xylon to do his thing.

scowl

07-30-09, 11:51 PM

The Razor disc is labeled "Razor."
Which box is it in? I might be missing it.

joey791

07-30-09, 11:56 PM

Cashed in some points from hotel stays(I work out of town alot) and received 200 dollars in Best Buy gift cards, unfortunately it looks like I'll be waiting to get the individual seasons:mad:

rolltide1017

07-31-09, 12:06 AM

Yea, I'm waiting as well. Not going to touch that piece of junk box. I went ahead and bought the season 4.5 BD and will just buy the others as they come out.

scowl

07-31-09, 12:10 AM

gilbertv21

07-31-09, 12:17 AM

you guys got me thinking-now I have to go check each disc. Didn't realize there was a lot of room for error in a 20 pack set!! :eek:

Neo_Reloaded

07-31-09, 12:37 AM

My second season two box actually contains five discs: the first disc of season one and the last four discs of season two. The other season two box has all five of season two. This thing is going back to Amazon. Someone was in a hurry when they built this one.

No sign of a disc called "Razor". Season three box contains the five discs of season three and the season four box contains the five discs of season five.

Wow, you got a pretty messed up set! I haven't heard of anyone else getting one like that, hopefully your replacement from Amazon will be fine.

Here is how the discs are supposed to be distributed:

- Season One box - Discs 1 through 4 of Season One
- Season Two box - Discs 1 through 5 of Season Two
- Season Three box - Discs 1 through 5 of Season Three
- Season Four box - Razor, Discs 1 & 2 of Season 4.0, and Discs 1 through 3 of Season 4.5 (6 total discs)

4+5+5+6 = 20

shadowrage

07-31-09, 12:39 AM

you guys got me thinking-now I have to go check each disc. Didn't realize there was a lot of room for error in a 20 pack set!! :eek:
You know what the problem is right? There's no way to easily check that all the discs are in the right place before they go to shipping, because of the stupid cardboard sleeve design. ROFLMFAO.

If the manufacturer has issues with it.... you guys know the rest. That's funny...and sad.:(

dargo

07-31-09, 01:36 AM

Which box is it in? I might be missing it.

season 4

geekyglassesgirl

07-31-09, 02:07 AM

My second season two box actually contains five discs: the first disc of season one and the last four discs of season two. The other season two box has all five of season two. This thing is going back to Amazon. Someone was in a hurry when they built this one.

No sign of a disc called "Razor". Season three box contains the five discs of season three and the season four box contains the five discs of season five.

:eek: That's pretty amazing, right there.

j/k j/k I'm sorry your set is so messed up. I've still been able to resist buying this, I am hoping maybe Amazon.ca will have it on sale for after christmas and I can get it for cheaper, like they did with the Bond/Matrix/Firefly boxed sets last year.

Either that or I get a fairy godmother who bestows it upon me. ;)

Beta Tester

07-31-09, 02:09 AM

I had purchased the HD-DVD season 1 set about a week before the format's demise, but luckily I didn't have time to open it. I would probably have kept it had it not been for the crunched spine and the lip sync issue on some of the episodes. I can't believe they are messing up twice in a row.

It seems that in 2009 the highly desirable titles (for me anyways) are getting messed up:

- Amedeus - no oscar winning cut
- Ronin - a god awful old transfer
- Pretty Woman - another awful transfer, from Sony no less!
- Ghost - another awful transfer
- Let the Right One In - dumbed down subtitles
- And now this, my favorite television series!

So far in 2009, if it is a title that I want, it is a death kiss. I wouldn't be surprised if Heat and Manhunter now gets royally messed up. What is wrong with these studios? I am glad I adopted a no blind-buy policy.

Stinky-Dinkins

07-31-09, 02:20 AM

HD 335

07-31-09, 02:41 AM

moob

07-31-09, 03:21 AM

- Let the Right One In - dumbed down subtitles
- And now this, my favorite television series!

So far in 2009, if it is a title that I want, it is a death kiss.

Dude...stop liking good tv/movies. You're ruining it for the rest of us. :p

I put all the blame for these horrible releases solely on your shoulders now.

ss9001

07-31-09, 05:30 AM

I don't know about the other ones, but at least the Let the Right One In is right on the cusp of getting its subs redone on BD, the corrected DVD has been around for what feels like a month or two now so the BluRay can't be that far off.

I bought the BD when it came out but haven't watched it yet. What exactly is wrong with the subtitles?

ss9001

ss9001

07-31-09, 05:40 AM

People should log in complaints about this set at their website.
http://www.universalstudios.com/contact_form.php?email_id=10

I didn't mind the outer box too much, but the individual season boxes is terrible.

Great idea! I'll post an abbreviated list of my issues & general complaint later this AM. If we all did this, maybe someone at Universal will get the message they screwed the pooch.

Thanks for the link! :)

Tspeer

07-31-09, 10:00 AM

People should log in complaints about this set at their website.
http://www.universalstudios.com/contact_form.php?email_id=10

I didn't mind the outer box too much, but the individual season boxes is terrible.

Complaint sent. After reading about the disc numbers in each season, I think my season 3 is missing a disc. Mine had 4,5,4,6 discs. *sigh*

Can someone expand more on the UK version opening theme, and how it is different exactly?

Neo_Reloaded

07-31-09, 10:04 AM

Complaint sent. After reading about the disc numbers in each season, I think my season 3 is missing a disc. Mine had 4,5,4,6 discs. *sigh*

Can someone expand more on the UK version opening theme, and how it is different exactly?

The US release has one theme for Season 1 episodes, and a different theme for all the other seasons. In the UK (for live airings and the DVDs at least, time will tell if the BDs are like this), the theme song the US had for seasons 2 thru 4 was there from the start - so every single season has that theme.

TyrantII

07-31-09, 10:24 AM

Complaint sent. After reading about the disc numbers in each season, I think my season 3 is missing a disc. Mine had 4,5,4,6 discs. *sigh*

Can someone expand more on the UK version opening theme, and how it is different exactly?

The UK theme was used from season 2 onward in the US.

Basically, Season 1 used a different theme, and intro in the US. So the intro/theme on all the UK disks will be same as US season 2-4.5.

Guess Bear ended up liking it more after season 1.

Dave Vaughn

07-31-09, 10:59 AM

scowl

07-31-09, 12:05 PM

Wow, you got a pretty messed up set! I haven't heard of anyone else getting one like that, hopefully your replacement from Amazon will be fine.
Yeah, whoever put this one together must have eyesight even worse than mine. It is a little hard to tell on the disc which season it's from (the number of the disc is clear however) but you'd think a second person would inspect each box to make sure it had the right discs.

My season four box has no empty slots. It has the five disc accordion like the season two and three boxes. In my case all of the boxes have five disc accordions including a "hybrid" season 1/2 collection in the second season two box. Crazy.

Good thing Amazon is good with exchanges. I can't wait to see Razor in HD for the first time.

Stinky-Dinkins

07-31-09, 12:16 PM

I bought the BD when it came out but haven't watched it yet. What exactly is wrong with the subtitles?

ss9001

The translation is terrible apparently and the words don't match up with what was actually said occasionally. Rather than put the [correct] theatrical subs on it they put some hackjob on there instead.

They're correcting it though, corrected DVD's have already been found in retail stores.

ss9001

07-31-09, 12:20 PM

The translation is terrible apparently and the words don't match up with what was actually said occasionally. Rather than put the [correct] theatrical subs on it they put some hackjob on there instead.

They're correcting it though, corrected DVD's have already been found in retail stores.

Do you know if there's a plan to exchange the BD discs or do we have to do a 2X dip?

ss9001

gorthocar

07-31-09, 01:04 PM

... maybe someone at Universal will get the message they screwed the pooch.
Or do you mean "fraked the dagget"? :)

Stinky-Dinkins

07-31-09, 03:29 PM

Do you know if there's a plan to exchange the BD discs or do we have to do a 2X dip?

ss9001

They said they won't do an exchange program, so you'll have to double dip when the version with the correct subs is released.

vläd

07-31-09, 04:21 PM

They said they won't do an exchange program, so you'll have to double dip when the version with the correct subs is released.

Just to be 100% clear, you are speaking of Let the Right One In, correct?

8IronBob

07-31-09, 04:26 PM

Perhaps I should be getting a quick look at my package to make sure Universal didn't goof mine up. Never given that any thought...

Stinky-Dinkins

07-31-09, 04:41 PM

Just to be 100% clear, you are speaking of Let the Right One In, correct?

Yep.

Pugnax555

07-31-09, 05:12 PM

I wanted to chime in as someone who just got his Season 4.5 package in the mail today. As far as 3-disc digipaks go, this one is pretty nicely done. Basic, but nice. If they do the rest of the season packages like this, it'll make for a nice series collection. Just throwing that out there for anyone who's on the fence about the complete series packaging.

HD 335

07-31-09, 05:15 PM

ss9001

07-31-09, 05:27 PM

or do you mean "fraked the dagget"? :)

lol:D

ss9001

07-31-09, 05:28 PM

Deviation

07-31-09, 05:41 PM

I haven't seen pictures of the digipack yet, so it is cardboard foldouts with a plastic hub to hold the discs?
Yes, that's digipak.

Pugnax555

07-31-09, 05:42 PM

I haven't seen pictures of the digipack yet, so it is cardboard foldouts with a plastic hub to hold the discs?
Pardon my quick crappy photography, but this should help.

HD 335

07-31-09, 05:57 PM

Pardon my quick crappy photography, but this should help.

Thanks for posting, still wish it were standard cases but the digipack is much better than the complete series season packaging.

Again, I urge everyone who hates the complete series packaging to contact Universal about it, maybe they can offer something for us :)
http://www.universalstudios.com/contact_form.php?email_id=10

moob

07-31-09, 06:05 PM

I just got my 4.5 in the mail as well. Peter said that it didn't have an episode guide, but there is one on the back...unless our definitions of what constitues an episode guide are different. :p

I just took a few shots:

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn105/moobg/BSG1.jpg (I switched discs 2 and 3 around)
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn105/moobg/BSG2.jpg (What I'd call an episode guide O_o)
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn105/moobg/BSG3.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn105/moobg/BSG4.jpg (Just as a size comparison)

ss9001

07-31-09, 06:42 PM

Hey, that season 4.5 case looks pretty nice to me :)
I would have been very happy with those in a nice box. Thanks Universal - losers.

Maybe some of us should have waited for the season sets. In all these yrs, I've never contemplated chucking what the discs came in. This will be the very 1st time :mad:

Paulidan

07-31-09, 07:34 PM

after blowing through the last half of the last season in the past couple of days, I'm now seriously regretting I purchased the complete set.
I came to the series late, watching the first two seasons in 2006 and waiting for the dvd releases to watch the rest.
This was my first time seeing the final half season and you are going to have to add me to the rest that feel very disappointed with the resolution here.
While I enjoyed it as immediate entertainment, and felt the last few eps worked as far as providing emotionally satisfying closure- in retropsect the series as a whole is revealed to be nowhere near the intricate, well plotted, epic story most of us felt it was as it was chugging along.

It's like Moore turned into George Lucas overnight. It was all seat-of-his-pants the whole time, and its wrapped up with foolish and absurd contrivances both on the human level and divine.

I'm bummed.
I sunk all this money (well, credit) into a set that is lacking both functionality and efficiency, and worse, I'm so bummed out now, I only want to put distance between it before I can even begin to think of investing all that time in watching it again.
These other 17 discs could be riddled with defects that I won't know about for years, if ever until I finally go to watch them.

I feel profoundly stupid.

ss9001

07-31-09, 08:40 PM

^^
Wow

OK - each has to evaluate a show based on his/her own tastes.

Let me say that I understand where you are coming from as to the last episode & conclusion of the story. There are plot holes & I share your sentiment that some of the turns the story took had a on-the-fly feeling. I don't want to spoil it - so the 1 big twist (you should know which 1 :)) I wasn't really happy with the explanation at the end, not for a "hard" sci-fi show, meaning not fantasy. But after I watched it twice, I just accepted the explanation as just one more thing tying the straight-forward rational aspects of the show to the religious ones :) In the end, while I wouldn't say the explanation was brilliant, I accepted it as pretty neat. It's only a story.....;)

The last episode felt rushed to me, exactly like they knew they only had so many minutes to wrap it up. I haven't seen the extended version in the set yet, but my feeling when I watched it on TV was that if they had 30 more minutes, some of the holes could have been dealt with better. Before it aired, I read comments by Moore & others to just run with it & not dwell on details. He must have known that the direction they took the story left a few things not answered logically & couldn't be wrapped up in 1 episode.

That said, IMHO, how Moore ends the story is beautifully elegant, symmetrical. Remember the phrase - this has happened before & will happen again :) And I absolutely love where he took Hera's "destiny" :cool:

Some of the Plan & religious overtones kind of get explained if you watched Caprica. I know - sucks you into another show ;)

No matter how you view the ending, I would hope you'll admit its brilliantly acted with neat characters & amazing plot twists to keep us all off guard.

You could always sell it to recoup a large portion of what you spent :)

ss9001

moob

07-31-09, 09:01 PM

I wonder if that's why some of us loved the finale so much more than others? I've never really considered BSG scifi (hard or soft or something squishy in between). I always thought of it as a drama, with scifi being nothing more than the backdrop.

It's hard to find fault with the fantasy/religious aspects when they've been there from the very beginning (For example, 6 calling herself an angel of god in season 1 and many times since). Granted, at the time it was said, it was unknown if it was the truth, but the possibility was always there, and became the more likely explanation as the seasons progressed. Obviously the fact that they actually went that route is what irks some, but I thought it fit perfectly well. I also loved the fact that Starbuck just disappeared. I know that's another point folks didn't like, but I would have hated it if they had really tried to explain it. I like that it's ambiguous.

But like I said, I'm not a fan of most scifi shows (Star Trek, Star Wars, Stargate - I liked it when I started watching it as a kid, but can't really stand most of it now - Farscape, B5...the list goes on). I think the only other scifi show I really liked was Firefly, but like BSG, there wasn't much scifi there either.

But back to the 4.5 set...I gotta say, if they release the rest of the seasons in a box like this, I'll be very happy. But they better combine 2.0 and 2.5 and not release them separately.

Beta Tester

07-31-09, 09:06 PM

I came to the series late, watching the first two seasons in 2006 and waiting for the dvd releases to watch the rest.
This was my first time seeing the final half season and you are going to have to add me to the rest that feel very disappointed

I agree with your assessment. IMO the first 2 seasons are excellent, the last 2 just average.

ss9001

07-31-09, 09:14 PM

..I know that's another point folks didn't like, but I would have hated it if they had really tried to explain it. I like that it's ambiguous.

I came to same conclusion. I decided it added to the overall feel of the show. It took 2 viewings of the finale but I got there :)

I'm probably slow, but in all the episodes, I never considered your 1st spoiler would end up being the way it was ;) That took me by surprise, but I liked it.

ss9001

peterlee

07-31-09, 09:24 PM

I just got my 4.5 in the mail as well. Peter said that it didn't have an episode guide, but there is one on the back...unless our definitions of what constitues an episode guide are different. :p

Huh, good catch. I didn't even notice that, I was looking for an insert. I guess printing it on the back of the inner case works just as well so I stand corrected. Season 4.5 does have an episode list that's printed on the inner case.

Paulidan

07-31-09, 10:39 PM

No matter how you view the ending, I would hope you'll admit its brilliantly acted with neat characters & amazing plot twists to keep us all off guard.

Nothing negative to say about the performances whatsoever. They were stellar from the mini-series through to the final curtain. And I think more than a couple were robbed vis a vis the Emmys.

And yes, the whole run of the last half season was fun in a 'page turing, can't wait to see where this goes next' way. And there were aspects of the finale that, despite my depression now, still feel righteous and beautiful- in fact, I absolutely loved the

You can't always get what you want, but sometimes you get what you need aspect of where they wound up.

And my major beefs aren't necessarily with the metaphysical nonsense- which as Moob points out, has been there early on.

My real big problem is for a show that wasn't afraid of embracing conflict of all kinds (and conflict being the soul of drama), it lets itself peter out with a very simple minded, hippy dippy expediency.

They are going to give up all technology? all 40,000 or however many are left are in perfect accord with this?
99% of these people, in an alien environment with no technology, will be dead inside a year. Baltar might be ok because he at least has a scientific mind coupled with an agrarian background , but what about the people who were trained to perform in one specialized, highly technical field? Suddenly these people can live like rustic pioneers? This is moronic.
This whole pioneer conceit needed two things to not set off my BS detector
1) there would have been people that wouldn't have given up the tech for anything- or would have seen Adama's desire to get off the merry-go-round and plant roots as an opportunity to stage a bloodless coup. This should have been addressed in some fashion. Rather than sending the ships into the sun, the ones that were space worthy should had pushed on back into space with the proviso that they don't come back and let the new colonies develop without interference.
For much of its run, this show made it a point to dive in the nitty gritty of maintaining a representative government and it's necessity to preserve social order and purpose. Something that was so fundamental to the fabric of the show is conspicuously absent in it's conclusion. Not even a nod in the direction. To spends dozens of hours on that aspect during it's run, and not even try to put some kind of coda on it is a HUGE sin to me.
2) they also needed to keep at least a rudimentary amount of tech with them to get started with. We would then would need either a flash forward of several generations to see how they are getting along with some it no longer functioning, and how they compensate- or a few lines of expository dialogue from a character like Cottle philosophizing/theorizing how long and what shape any weening off process would take.
To me, this is non negotiable- this stuff should have been budgeted into the storytelling time left, from the start of the season- or back to season 3.

Now I don't see any other way to take it other than that they abandoned all this stuff and immediately went neanderthal. Again, even if they chose to do this, the vast majority would not last even one generation, let alone be productive enough to seed the globe.

The stuff that is bothering most people- such as the Kara Thrace element, I see as fairly minor and I'm generally apathetic about it. If I dwell on it, the mixing of concrete physical reality (the viper) with the divine is sloppy and undisciplined, but it doesn't grate on me nearly as much as the failures with basic character motivation and logic.

In that sense, the wrap up reminded me- oh God how I hate to say it- of the perfunctory, pat way George Lucas wrapped up the OT with Return Of The Jedi.
After a great first film, and a follow-up that expanded the mythos while at the same time maturing and embellishing the characters, we got a resolution that was depthless and trite. In ESB, as in the majority of BSG, actions had direct consequences. In ROTJ, every thing was reduced to a childish simplicity- if you were a good guy, you were left standing to celebrate with only a few scratches- if you were the bad guys, you were utterly vanquished.
BSG, in it's desire to go out on a positive note (something I don't object to in and of itself), has to dumb down so much down for expediency's sake.

That tells me that this was not as well planned out as we thought it was- which makes the thought of revisiting it so much less appealing now.
So much sturm und drang that seems in retrospect, flabby and pointless and takes up screen time that should have been budgeted for other matters.

bferr1

07-31-09, 10:46 PM

That tells me that this was not as well planned out as we thought it was- which makes the thought of revisiting it so much less appealing now.
So much sturm und drang that seems in retrospect, flabby and pointless.I fear this is where Lost is headed. I pray that I'm wrong.

Paulidan

07-31-09, 11:24 PM

And that's the reason I'm not touching Lost until the end is a known quantity and I know if the consensus is yay or nay. Still haven't seen one ep of it yet.

Hopefully by that point the existing sets will be much cheaper as well :)

ss9001

07-31-09, 11:32 PM

I fear this is where Lost is headed. I pray that I'm wrong.

Yeah, after all the paradoxes this yr's season the last season could be really good or a real mess of disconnected dots. The Dharma initiative stuff adds enough complexity but I fear adding the mythology aspect to the whole thing could bog it down in its own pretentiousness. With season 5, the whole thing is transforming from a neat mystery with all its clues to almost becoming a convoluted mess of a story.

Edit - I removed several things which could have been a spoiler. Posted this at same time as Paulidan :)

BTW - how do u put the spoiler tags in a post :o

mumbles3k

08-01-09, 12:30 AM

The UK theme was used from season 2 onward in the US.

Basically, Season 1 used a different theme, and intro in the US. So the intro/theme on all the UK disks will be same as US season 2-4.5.

Guess Bear ended up liking it more after season 1.

From what I've heard, this was more of a Ron Moore thing. As I understand it, the UK theme was what everyone on the show preferred, as they were going for a somber, end-of-the-world tone. However, the network was looking for something a little more militaristic, and made them change it to the US theme.

Moore was not a big fan of the US music, and asked for permission to switch back to the UK theme for season 2. The network said OK, so long as Moore agreed to omit the second half of the title sequence, in which we see clips from the episode we're about to watch.

I guess sooner or later Moore won both battles, because later episodes have both the UK music and the preview clips.

Paulidan

08-01-09, 01:26 AM

BTW - how do u put the spoiler tags in a post :o

spoiler text in here [/SPOILER (just remove this space, of course)]

[SPOILER]Voila!

Garman

08-01-09, 03:03 AM

JakiChan

08-01-09, 05:50 AM

Do you have a link to the vendor/store that sells them?
It'd be nice if we could find them....:)

http://www.pcx.com.au/products/detail.asp?item=1456

Are you prepared to pay for them? When they did a group buy on another forum they were still almost $10 each. The store requires an international money order (that's $20 right there) and they use an expensive form of international post. So if you don't know someone in Australia who can get them and reship then be prepared to pay...

ss9001

08-01-09, 05:51 AM

Let me rephrase my last post since some one was over sensitive to a word.. Geez, the mods have gone over the top on free speech. ;)

The new packaging is very "Crappy" indeed and very cheaply done in my opinion. I should have came here first before buying as I usual do. But now I am stuck with the crappy packaging.

Edit - the above post beat me to it upload button so I edited mine -

Several are seeking blank Blu-ray cases that hold up to 6 discs. I did find PCX & yes it'll be expensive. That's why I'm continuing to do some searching to find an alternative. But I haven't found one yet for 6 disc cases.

I know vläd (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/member.php?u=7495263) is also checking into this.

On the word issue, didn't you use some of these ***? ;) :D

ss9001

ss9001

08-01-09, 07:06 AM

Also, Bill Hunt from digitalbit has posted his own cover are & episode lists online on his site. But these are for binder inserts so the dimensions are not for cases.

I know this will take some time, months to wait for each season to come out, but if some of you who get the season sets would scan the case cover as jpg, gif, pdf, or some other files & upload them here in this thread......man, they'd be great!!! :eek:

Correct dimensions, exactly what's on the season cases. All of us fellow AVSForum BSG owners would be really appreciative & say wonderful things about you ;)

ss9001

stumlad

08-01-09, 10:14 AM

BrandonJF

08-01-09, 11:55 AM

That tells me that this was not as well planned out as we thought it was- which makes the thought of revisiting it so much less appealing now.

It definitely wasn't planned out. Ron Moore likes to be able to make it up as he goes along (kinda like "24", but Ron Moore still cares if stuff works). He's put things in the series that he likes visually, then they figure out a way to somehow fit it into a story. They definitely created plot points without knowing where they were going. And the elements that make up the final season were not "created" until it was time to plot out an ending (which was not until some way into season 3, I believe).

None of that is necessarily a criticism. I DO prefer shows with a strong roadmap - they know where they are going in the beginning and you can re-watch episodes later and see the signposts that showed where it ended up. But, at the same time, I think Ron Moore and his writers were smart enough to make sure what they came up with "fits".

Granted,

The significance of the opera house was silly and I'm surprised Moore is happy with what they came up with. It's one of those things that was visually interesting and down the road they had to actually explain it. Gaius and Caprica Six's destiny was to hold Hera's hand for 25 feet and open a door for her? Wow.

I'm not sure the show can't be rewatched after seeing where they ended up and have it be valid. Again, I do believe the writers were smart enough to make sure it would fit. And now they've gone back and created this "The Plan" movie to make sure we see how it fits. :)

ss9001

08-01-09, 12:32 PM

Again, I do believe the writers were smart enough to make sure it would fit. And now they've gone back and created this "The Plan" movie to make sure we see how it fits. :)

I would agree with that. I think The Plan will be a necessary addition to the series. Plus it assures SyFy (silly new name - same girl/new dress) of an audience that night ;)

stumlad

08-01-09, 01:48 PM

My BSG just came in from DD. It's the blu-ray set, and all the discs appear to be correct:
Season 1: Discs 1-4
Season 2: Discs 1-5
Season 3: Discs 1-5
Razor
Season 4.0: Discs 1-2
Season 4.5: Discs 1-3

Yes, they split up Season 4, but not season 2.

Okay, I seriously believed many of you were overreacting about the box set... I owned the HD DVD set and refused to believe any packaging would ever be as bad.....until I opened this.

I thought accordian style packaging meant that -- at the very least -- they were attached to something -- they aren't. This is basically a bunch of discs inside of McDonald's French Fry holder... only it's missing the grease. These discs are not placed on a rubber nub or anything. They are just loose. I'm sure others have mentioned this, but damn... you cant believe it until you see it.

Anyway, I refuse to let this stop me from enjoying the set, but now I'm on the lookout for some 5-6 disc blu-ray case holders (ala Blade Runner, Lost season sets, etc). Anyone know of any -- all i heard about were the 3 disc cases.

brentsg

08-01-09, 03:02 PM

http://www.pcx.com.au/products/detail.asp?item=1456

Are you prepared to pay for them? When they did a group buy on another forum they were still almost $10 each. The store requires an international money order (that's $20 right there) and they use an expensive form of international post. So if you don't know someone in Australia who can get them and reship then be prepared to pay...

I would suggest that people send an e-mail to Bags Unlimited, who carries a lot of products like these. I sent them an e-mail directing them to the 6 Blu-ray case product and suggesting that there is a demand for these. It would be nice to have a vendor for these in the USA.

http://www.bagsunlimited.com/

No, I have no affiliation but I'm a happy customer and love their storage products for CD and DVD sized media. Their plastic corrugated boxes are awesome.

geekyglassesgirl

08-01-09, 03:06 PM

Hrm. If I ever do get this boxed set, I may have to implore upon my parents to get me some of those 6-disc cases (they live in Australia from September - May & in Canada June-August). They already were nice enough to bring me back the Aussie version of "American Psycho", so they know my Blu Ray quirks as it is... ;)

An alternative would be to get a bunch of the 3 disc cases and just make your own half-seasons the way they did, with assistance from the talented folks in the Custom Covers thread. 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 etc... Would be a PITA but then at least they would match.

The more I think about this, the more it irritates me & makes me sympathize with those of you who have purchased this already. Having to go and spend more money in order to have the discs fit without that stupid packaging, and protect the discs in a better way really is unacceptable. I think that stores would get in more of them if it was a standard-type box. The big set up at my local Walmart is HIDEOUS, and like.. six units (5 dvd, 1 blu ray) are taking up a large amount of floor space.

ss9001

08-01-09, 03:30 PM

Interesting new comments

Yes, the "accordian" packaging really is quite dumb. Comparing to french fry holder is an apt description.

I could almost live with the box as a tablepiece set if it weren't for the poorly designed cardboard season sleeves. What a dumb idea to store discs! Just fold up some cardboard & plop the discs in loose. Only if they had made the box for standard case width, we could put the discs in multidisc BD or even DVD cases and use the box to store the season cases! But that's not an option.

One has to wonder how much Universal invested in designer time, finding a vendor to create the box & sleeves, design & make the cylon figure, pay for human labor or a packaging line to put the discs in the sleeves & the figure in the coffin top, insert top, add it all up.....

...and compare the total to what it would have cost to just put the discs in multi-disc cases, photoshop the cover inserts, go to the printers, insert discs & over art, & bundle them up in a glossy box...

Some people were actually paid good money to dream this up & execute it.

Hey, maybe Universal hired some laid off GM designers to do this ;)
I'd believe it!

ss9001

ss9001

08-01-09, 03:36 PM

Hrm. If I ever do get this boxed set, I may have to implore upon my parents to get me some of those 6-disc cases (they live in Australia from September - May & in Canada June-August).

You may get some people asking you for a group buy ;)

stumlad

08-01-09, 06:49 PM

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn26/gvjm2007/HDSDCOMP/th_bsg.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/albums/nn26/gvjm2007/HDSDCOMP/bsg.jpg)

On the top is the HD DVD foldout that holds the discs. On the bottom, the box on the left houses the disc holder on the bottom right. There is nothing to secure the discs.

qz3fwd

08-01-09, 09:24 PM

For god's sake, dont they market test these things or at least let some of their Uni. workers take them home & provide feedback to the "creative designer" who created this and doesnt understand a thing about useability/practicality.

This is unacceptable & worse than when the studios were putting 3 of the damn security stickers from hell, one on each side of the jewel case.

ss9001

08-01-09, 09:27 PM

...worse than when the studios were putting 3 of the damn security stickers from hell, one on each side of the jewel case.

At least the Blu-ray Association restored sanity on that one. And the one on top is actually easy to get off :)

jlaavenger

08-01-09, 10:36 PM

So would you suggest buying season 4.5 and waiting on the rest to be individually released sometime in the future?

mumbles3k

08-01-09, 11:25 PM

So would you suggest buying season 4.5 and waiting on the rest to be individually released sometime in the future?

No. If all you are concerned about is the packaging, I would suggest buying the complete series now.

Personally, I think that this whole packaging thing is being blown way way way out of proportion. I have not had a chance to be bothered by the box, because I have been too busy watching the discs that came inside of it.

I've said this before, but I feel the need to reiterate that we are talking about containers. Who gives a frak about containers?

Is the box inconvenient? Yeah. Who cares? Aside from the Season One music and the missing webisodes (which are way bigger issues, btw), that is the only thing they got wrong. I would take the worst packaging in the world over a bad transfer or missing content any day of the week.

This set is almost as flawless as the show itself.

EDIT: I will say that I was disappointed that commentaries weren't recorded for the handful of episodes which did not have them to begin with. It would have been nice (and fairly easy, I presume) to have commentaries on every single episode.

jlaavenger

08-01-09, 11:33 PM

Are the 4.5 disks in the complete series set any different than the stand alone 4.5 season set? Is there any reason to think that the complete season set will have extras that individual seasons won't have when they come out? Because I really can't afford the complete series right now.

mumbles3k

08-01-09, 11:57 PM

The way the discs are labeled in the complete series, it seems that everything in the complete series will also be on the individual seasons, whenever they come out, so you should be safe if you wait.

Deviation

08-02-09, 12:33 AM

I've said this before, but I feel the need to reiterate that we are talking about containers. Who gives a frak about containers?Obviously a lot of people who aren't you.

peterlee

08-02-09, 12:34 AM

Personally, I think that this whole packaging thing is being blown way way way out of proportion. I have not had a chance to be bothered by the box, because I have been too busy watching the discs that came inside of it.

I've said this before, but I feel the need to reiterate that we are talking about containers. Who gives a frak about containers?

That's your opinion, which of course you're entitled to. Other people do care about the case. Rather than belittling them, you might respect their difference of opinion by stating your opinion without the dismissive tone.

I would take the worst packaging in the world over a bad transfer or missing content any day of the week.

When did it become an either-or choice? I expect that the studio produce both a good transfer and a decent case for what it bills and charges as a collector's set.

classical

08-02-09, 12:53 AM

I went to a Japanese two-dollar store (yep, two bucks--times are tough) and bought a package of those vinyl CD/DVD sleeves with a translucent front and soft backing. The package fortuitously included 20 sleeves. I'm going to remove the accordion-like cardboard holder in each season box and use the vinyl sleeves instead.

I still don't have the Complete Series yet, so I'm presuming the sleeves will fit in the season boxes. I'm not too concerned about it since the sleeve isn't all that much wider than a disc itself, although there is about 1.5 cm of extra material that protrudes from the top of the sleeve where the disc is inserted (how's that for obsessive attention to detail?). I'll probably just stack the season boxes on the shelf after I become bored of looking at the Big Box of Doom.

If you guys are looking for vinyl sleeves or DVD cases, check out www.effectuality.com (http://www.effectuality.com/). Unfortunately, they have only single-disc Blu-ray cases, but they do have multiple-disc black DVD cases. I'm not claiming that this is the best place to buy sleeves and cases--it's just a site I found that some might find useful.

BTW, contrary to what it may seem, I also think the whole packaging thing is overblown. I do, however, understand the thinking of those who are upset.

Let me rephrase my last post since some one was over sensitive to a word.. Geez, the mods have gone over the top on free speech. ;)

That someone was me (unless others also chimed up).

mumbles3k

08-02-09, 01:07 AM

That's your opinion, which of course you're entitled to. Other people do care about the case. Rather than belittling them, you might respect their difference of opinion by stating your opinion without the dismissive tone.

You're right. I should not belittle people because I disagree with their priorities. I apologize.

I just find it to be very frustrating that all of the positive attributes of this set (which, in my opinion, vastly outweigh the negatives) are being ignored because people are more concerned with what they're going to do with the set when they're not using it. This thread is no longer about a disc. It's about a box. Personally, I'm much more interested in discs than boxes.

Jedi2016

08-02-09, 01:26 AM

You're right. I should not belittle people because I disagree with their priorities. I apologize.

I just find it to be very frustrating that all of the positive attributes of this set (which, in my opinion, vastly outweigh the negatives) are being ignored because people are concerned with what they're going to do with the set when they're not using it. This thread is no longer about a disc. It's about a box. Personally, I'm much more interested in discs than boxes.
I agree. In regards to the discs, I've been pretty impressed (most of the way through S1). Like you, I bought the set for the convenience of a single box with the whole series.

I had a bit of a love/hate thing going with the DVDs back in the day. I never watched the show on TV, but I rented the miniseries, then ran out and bought S1 on DVD, and loved every minute of it. But, Universal really pissed me off with their treatment of S2 on DVD.. the whole 2.0/2.5 thing, especially considering that each half-season cost about the same as a full season. As such, I refused to buy them, preferring to wait for a proper full-season release that never came. I only saw the first few episodes of S2 on DVD with a friend who'd rented it. I kept waiting for Universal to un**** the S2 release, at which point I would have started buying it again. Then I recently saw they did the same thing with 4.0/4.5. Then the announcement came of the complete series on Blu-ray.. exactly what I've been waiting for for the last few years. Seemed like a win-win, considering I never bought anything except S1 on DVD. Hell, I'll be watching almost three seasons of the show for the very first time.. what better way to do it than in high-def?

Like I said earlier, the packaging doesn't bother me so much, and I won't be going to extremes to try to "fix" it. I did count through all of the discs in my set, and everything is as it should be. Although I would point out that they got exceptionally lazy with S4.. they really should have just numbered them like the other seasons, discs 1-5, instead of "Season 4.5 Disc One", which is really just "Season Four Disc Three". I know they only did it to save money, using the same discs as the half-season releases. But we are paying a premium for this set, I would have expected at least that small consideration. But again, that's nitpicking.. the episodes are all there, and they look and sound fantastic.

Let me repeat... they look and sound fantastic. I second what Mumbles said... this is a software discussion forum. Perhaps the packaging discussion can be moved elsewhere, and we can spend our time here talking about the content.

bplewis24

08-02-09, 09:10 AM

this is a software discussion forum. Perhaps the packaging discussion can be moved elsewhere, and we can spend our time here talking about the content.

This is the software discussion forum, and this is the thread for the complete set of BSG. Currently, the complete set only comes in this packaging which isn't just aesthetically unpleasing but also appears to be functionally problematic (discs falling out, not held in place, no EG, etc).

While I agree that 1,000 consecutive posts talking about how bad it is only clutters up the thread and may be unnecessary, it's no less relevant than 1,000 consecutive posts saying this is the most awesome sci fi series of all time. At least that's my view on it. If this were a cinemaphile or movie forum I might think differently.

Nevertheless, it would be useful if all of the complaining eventually turned into a collaborative resolution endeavor. Finding a relatively cheap alternative packaging solution in the form of after-market BD cases that could house the discs with some cover-art and an EG would give the discussion some value. It's better than just complaining about it, anyway.

Brandon

mzupeman

08-02-09, 11:33 AM

I think packaging is ABSOLUTELY relevant to a thread like this. If THIS many people are complaining about the packaging, it at least stands as a message to the studios that are becoming more and more careless with their packaging standards. Let's look at the TMNT Blu-ray boxed set. Let's take a look at the crappy accordion cardboard packaging of The Simpsons now. Let's look at the cardboard sleeve system that's being used on certain titles. Let's also take a look at the seven disc Blu-ray cases that are being used where the hubs aren't large enough to ensure the discs stay on. Now we have this?

I've wanted to get into this series for a very, very long time. I waited for this boxed set. Now... I'm taking a pass until the price comes down quite a bit, or the individual seasons become available to the format. The numerous and lengthy discussions I've found on here and other forums on the web have educated me on this particular release in great depth. I've been able to hear user opinions and see pics to try and judge for myself. I think that when a studio comes up with bad packaging, there NEEDS to be tons and tons of posts about it. Studios need to get the message. It needs to be well known that consumers aren't happy. Sure, we can all write to the studios, but the internet voice can be just as strong at times.

dukerock12

08-02-09, 08:51 PM

moob

08-02-09, 09:18 PM

So would you suggest buying season 4.5 and waiting on the rest to be individually released sometime in the future?

Because I really can't afford the complete series right now.

In this case, I'd say wait. Since you can't afford the whole set now anyway, if you wait, not only could you see a price drop later on, but you could also see how they decide to release the other seasons. All things considered, this is a must-own tv show for me...and I will own all of it, just not right now. :p

Garman

08-02-09, 11:56 PM

Edit - the above post beat me to it upload button so I edited mine -

Several are seeking blank Blu-ray cases that hold up to 6 discs. I did find PCX & yes it'll be expensive. That's why I'm continuing to do some searching to find an alternative. But I haven't found one yet for 6 disc cases.

I know vläd (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/member.php?u=7495263) is also checking into this.

On the word issue, didn't you use some of these ***? ;) :D

ss9001

Thanks for the reasonable post as some people are pissed because some of us think if you spend 200+ on this you should get some type of packaging that will last! Also we will be able to access your discs in a easy manner. Hence this is a Blu-Ray thread about the "Complete Series" and it is relevant to some of us that we are stuck with crap packaging when we paid good money for this... I would have thought they would have used some thing similar to season 4.5 on Blu-Ray which is much more sane of a choice. ;)

qz3fwd

08-03-09, 12:18 AM

PQ during the mini-series started off as horrible during the intro just after the blu dialog box disclaimer
(with the overdose of artificial grain reducing observable detail immensly), to impeccable (even with grain).
Its been a few years since I watched the mini-series-when I rushed home for delivery of the (then newly marketed)
Sharp LC-45GX6U 45" LCD 1080p Flat Panel & watched the mini-series DVD twice that night.
Now watching on a 52" XBR6.
I'll pop the HD-DVD I just ordered from Inet in the HD-XA2 to compare just how "awefull" the VC1 HD-DVD S1 encode really is.
Looks like I'll be up late tonight.

I'll be calling Uni in the morning asking for std plastic 6 disc plastic BD cases.

jlaavenger

08-03-09, 12:19 AM

In this case, I'd say wait. Since you can't afford the whole set now anyway, if you wait, not only could you see a price drop later on, but you could also see how they decide to release the other seasons. All things considered, this is a must-own tv show for me...and I will own all of it, just not right now. :p

I agree. I love the show. But I just read a user review on the Blu Ray forums saying that Battlestar Galactica Season 4.5 had crappy packaging as well. That the disks came in a card board box and all attached to one tab or post instead of paged tabs like Firefly: The complete series. Can anyone confirm?

shadowrage

08-03-09, 12:32 AM

I agree. I love the show. But I just read a user review on the Blu Ray forums saying that Battlestar Galactica Season 4.5 had crappy packaging as well. That the disks came in a card board box and all attached to one tab or post instead of paged tabs like Firefly: The complete series. Can anyone confirm?
It's 1 or 2 pages back in this thread.
True Blood is solid cardboard, but it feels expensive, and it doesn't suck...go figure.

mumbles3k

08-03-09, 12:44 AM

PQ during the mini-series started off as horrible during the intro just after the blu dialog box disclaimer
(with the overdose of artificial grain reducing observable detail immensly), to impeccable (even with grain).

I think a lot of the inconsistency of the mini-series came from them trying to figure out what worked and what didn't as far as the look is concerned. I'd be interested to know the shooting order of the scenes to see if there was any correlation between that and the photography.

You can also see a bit of inconsistency in the first regular episode, 33, which was the first episode to be shot in HD and by Stephen McNutt.

But regardless of specifics, it seems that whatever problems the episodes may have from a visual standpoint are a result of the production.

moob

08-03-09, 12:49 AM

I agree. I love the show. But I just read a user review on the Blu Ray forums saying that Battlestar Galactica Season 4.5 had crappy packaging as well. That the disks came in a card board box and all attached to one tab or post instead of paged tabs like Firefly: The complete series. Can anyone confirm?

I posted a few pics here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16922191#post16922191

I like the 4.5 box myself. It's sturdy and it's nice and compact...I hope they release all seasons in something similar.

jlaavenger

08-03-09, 02:24 AM

I posted a few pics here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16922191#post16922191

I like the 4.5 box myself. It's sturdy and it's nice and compact...I hope they release all seasons in something similar.

Thanks. I think I agree.

rolltide1017

08-03-09, 02:25 AM

JakiChan

08-03-09, 05:04 AM

I agree that the material on the discs is great as I believe this is one of the best TV shows ever. With that said, the sole reason I am not buying this set is because of the packaging therefore I see it's discussion as very important to this thread.

I'm not saying you're wrong to do so, but I do think it depends on how much you value the content. This is what I wanted - all of BSG in HD. (Well, *almost* all.) And as the price kept dropping it became a "must have" for me. Personally, the packaging can be replaced. I've seen some good custom covers out there and as soon as I see ones I like enough I'll print 'em and slap 'em in some 6-disc holders and call it a day.

mzupeman

08-03-09, 06:47 AM

Personally, I don't feel spending $200 on something just so I can replace the packaging myself is worth that much money.

Rutgar

08-03-09, 06:52 AM

I got mine on Saturday. I don't have a problem with packaging, other than like others have mentioned, I would have preferred at least an episode guide.

Can anyone tell me if Razor is included in this set? And if so, where (what season is it tucked in)?

ss9001

08-03-09, 07:48 AM

Razor is there in the season 4 box. Should be the 1st disc. I believe both versions are on the disc..broadcast & extended.

Rutgar

08-03-09, 08:04 AM

Razor is there in the season 4 box. Should be the 1st disc. I believe both versions are on the disc..broadcast & extended.

Ah, okay. Thanks!

erwos

08-03-09, 10:51 AM

Am I the only person who wants to hear about how the audio, visual, and "extras" aspects are improved or not over the DVD and HD-DVD releases? I've already bought it, but I'd like to know what I should be expecting when it gets delivered (other than awful packaging, which has been discussed to death).

Pugnax555

08-03-09, 10:56 AM

RDarrylR

08-03-09, 10:57 AM

I don't own any other version but I have to say that the Blu-rays look and (more noticeably) sound very good. The soundtrack is not reference and more front heavy but I'm loving it in my theatre. Bear did a great job on the sounds in this series and they really shine with DTS HD MA.

The PQ gets better as you work your way though. The miniseries is very grainy and does not have a lot of detail (relative to other things on Blu) but this is just the way it was intended to be. S1 has more detail and then it gets really good in the last 2 seasons.

Overall the most important part of this release (the content and the AQ/PQ) is top notch. I don't think they could have done much better at all.

Yes it's expensive but it is close to 70 hours of the best show ever made :)

I'd advise to wait for a sale if you can't afford it or maybe wait for individual seasons if you already have some but I can't see them being as top notch as these are on Blu-ray so it may be worth the upgrade if you're a big fan like me.

PWNKAKE

08-03-09, 12:31 PM

Well i just got my set from DeepDiscount and they incorrectly shipped me the DVD versions instead of the Blus. I called, had a guy tell me they were "THE SAME THING" and finally got a manager who after a 25 minute wait to get to her, TOLD ME i had to call BUY.com. I informed her, they sent me to her. She got my email, told me she would send me a label to ship it back and that was a while ago. I have recieved no such email still.

I requested a full refund. I love BSG and thought i had scored a deal at DD, but alas no. I'll just have to wait. :(

It's $20 more at Amazon than what i paid. Trying to be patient, but i'm off work this week and i had planned to sit and watch four episodes a day lol. Oh well, guess my fat ass can go running. lol.

erwos

08-03-09, 12:47 PM

The PQ gets better as you work your way though. The miniseries is very grainy and does not have a lot of detail (relative to other things on Blu) but this is just the way it was intended to be. S1 has more detail and then it gets really good in the last 2 seasons.
I'm extremely happy to hear this. My wife was upset with the image quality in the HD-DVD version, but if there's steady improvement, she should be fairly satisfied with the BR-Ds. Anyone want to comment on whether the BR-Ds are using a new recode of the mini-series and S1 or not? HDD has, strangely, not put up their review yet...

scowl

08-03-09, 12:50 PM

ss9001

08-03-09, 12:54 PM

PWNKAKE

08-03-09, 01:23 PM

Sorry to read about your troubles. Hopefully, they'll make it right for all the people who bought into this "sale".
Hate to say I told y'all so :rolleyes:

Check some of my earlier posts on these guys, who is behind the company and how they handle order processing.

Buyer beware

ss9001

You were right. :( And you told us so too.. You know i know that people on this forum usually are credible, i chalk this one up to me being a "Cheap Bastard" and wanting it for $20 cheaper. I had a bad feeling when i saw the other posts of peeps getting DVD versions from DD.

That being said, i ordered it from Amazon. I took the three day thinking i'd get it before the weekend, then thought i might want to call and change it to two day, so i called, explained how i had been owned by DD and out of nowhere, the guys says... lets see it won't be a problem we can get it overnighted to you...they waived the overnight fee just to say they were glad i was a customer. I should preface all this by saying i had a bad experience trying to get a refund about three months ago and i'm sure that guy could see that on his screen. I didn't set out for it, the guy literally just offered it! OMG. GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE. This makes three times that Amazon has gone WAY above and beyond the call when ordering. Just wanted to share my good expereience. Anyway, props to Amazon, i knew better.

I'll shut up now and let the converstation get back on Topic. Sorry. Can't wait to veg and watch this on Blu Ray tomorrow! WOOT!

qz3fwd

08-03-09, 03:54 PM

Nope, that was real film grain, Kodak Vision 500T pushed two stops. Nothing artificial about it.

Doesnt mean it looks good though.
The inconsistentency in grain is distracting form the show in my opinion.
One shot it is a bloddy mess, and the next shot there is little or no noticeable grain present. Regardless, I am happy with the set (minus packaging) and cherish this show.

It is the show that got me back into watching scripted recurring shows on broadcast TV and pushed me into Digital TV.

I didnt have a chance to open the HD-DVD set from Inet last night but will pop the first disc in the HD-XA2 tonight to see for myself how they compare.

Can anyone recommend specific timecodes to watch to see just how bad the HD-DVD set is compared to the new Blu set during the mini series? (Or any season 1 episode)

BTW-It is basically impossible to talk to a physical human being at Universal Studios to ask about replacement blu 6 disc standard jewel cases.

sensui

08-03-09, 03:56 PM

My set got here today from DD (I'm in CA, so took longer). Same 5-6 year track record for me, flawless shape great packing. Not the DVD set.....it's the BD set I ordered. I don't have any new comments really in regards to the packaging that hasn't been said.....it is just completely horrendous...I think the plastic coffin and french fry holder sums it up quite well. The plastic Cylon figure is a joke.....I mean...really really sad. Mine can't even stand on its own...might play with it later but it seriously looks cheesy and I don't see much purpose other than either shoving it back in the coffin or stick it in storage somewhere. What I want to know (out of curiosity) is if the DVD complete set suffered the same packaging. Because if it did, it is going to be disastrous as DVDs don't have the same coating BDs have and judging from the BDs I examined....they have been sliding up and down and around for some time during transit...but the BD coating keeps the surface looking flawless. But all my discs are checked off (all 20 received) and everything looks to be in pristine shape (thank god for BD coating)....for $151 (didn't use bing), you can't really beat this imo for early gratification. Now off to finish off the series to watch 4.5.

P.S. These discs are definitely going into cases on their own...they're not staying in this packaging....only good thing this package has is it looks decent on display ON TOP (since it won't fit most shelves) on a shelf.

peterlee

08-03-09, 04:09 PM

Doesnt mean it looks good though.
The inconsistentency in grain is distracting form the show in my opinion.
One shot it is a bloddy mess, and the next shot there is little or no noticeable grain present.

If inconsistency is genuinely what bothers you, then it seems like you'd be satisfied with having an entire episode look grainy, all grainy = no inconsistency. Also, you must also dislike the episodes that have Rosaline's visions and dreams, with their blown out colors and highlights and half the image out of focus. Those sequences are far more inconsistent and distracting than a scene that has some grain in it. An episode like "Faith," which switches back and forth between normal scenes and Rosaline's dreams must, by your definition, be an absolutely terrible looking episode. Ditto episodes that have scenes on the Cyclon baseship, which have a very different look that's very inconsistent with the scenes on the battlestar. Also, let's throw in "Someone to Watch Over Me" where Starbuck is having visions about her dad. Very inconsistent-looking = doesn't look good, right?

But something tells me you have no complaints about the "distracting" inconsistency of the visions or Cylon baseship nor would you accept an episode that was all grainy. I suspect your complaint about the grain has really nothing to do with its inconsistency with non-grainy scenes but stems from the simple fact that you don't like grain, period.

lvthunder

08-03-09, 04:09 PM

When do you think Netflix is going to carry these?

seggers

08-03-09, 04:12 PM

And when are they going to start appearing in the 2nd hand shops....

It may well have been covered, but does anyone know if the UK versions will be region free and if there are any real differences?

Seggers

qz3fwd

08-03-09, 04:17 PM

Maybe we could do a group buy for these replacement cases:
http://www.pcx.com.au/products/detail.asp?item=1456

ss9001

08-03-09, 04:23 PM

^^
PM vlad :)

PWNKAKE

08-03-09, 04:33 PM

Maybe we could do a group buy for these replacement cases:
http://www.pcx.com.au/products/detail.asp?item=1456

I like these, and wouldn't mind pictching in on a group buy. Interested, let me know!

bferr1

08-03-09, 04:54 PM

i like these, and wouldn't mind pictching in on a group buy. Interested, let me know!+1

claytown

08-03-09, 05:03 PM

I'd be interested in a group buy as well. :)

lvthunder

08-03-09, 05:03 PM

I don't think you all are going to save any money by doing a group buy. If you get 50 of them what do you think postage is going to be for 49 of these.

claytown

08-03-09, 05:16 PM

On the blu-ray.com forums, I saw a thread about a group buy from the very same Australian website. I recall that they were able to save money by doing a group buy. I think part of that is because there's a bank processing fee involved.

bferr1

08-03-09, 05:23 PM

Has somebody already whipped up custom artwork for this?

PiratesCove

08-03-09, 07:32 PM

Nothing negative to say about the performances whatsoever. They were stellar from the mini-series through to the final curtain. And I think more than a couple were robbed vis a vis the Emmys.

And yes, the whole run of the last half season was fun in a 'page turing, can't wait to see where this goes next' way. And there were aspects of the finale that, despite my depression now, still feel righteous and beautiful- in fact, I absolutely loved the
The stuff that is bothering most people- such as the Kara Thrace element, I see as fairly minor and I'm generally apathetic about it. If I dwell on it, the mixing of concrete physical reality (the viper) with the divine is sloppy and undisciplined, but it doesn't grate on me nearly as much as the failures with basic character motivation and logic.

In that sense, the wrap up reminded me- oh God how I hate to say it- of the perfunctory, pat way George Lucas wrapped up the OT with Return Of The Jedi.
After a great first film, and a follow-up that expanded the mythos while at the same time maturing and embellishing the characters, we got a resolution that was depthless and trite. In ESB, as in the majority of BSG, actions had direct consequences. In ROTJ, every thing was reduced to a childish simplicity- if you were a good guy, you were left standing to celebrate with only a few scratches- if you were the bad guys, you were utterly vanquished.
BSG, in it's desire to go out on a positive note (something I don't object to in and of itself), has to dumb down so much down for expediency's sake.

That tells me that this was not as well planned out as we thought it was- which makes the thought of revisiting it so much less appealing now.
So much sturm und drang that seems in retrospect, flabby and pointless and takes up screen time that should have been budgeted for other matters.

Everything you says makes sense except for two items of intrest to consider.

1. The humans were fighting Cylons, themselves over government power, and for moral clarity for over 4 straight years with horrific results. So a fresh start / second chance would definately be without technology as the unchecked use of technology (invention of Cylons) was the cause of their Holocaust.

2. The whole show is about Myth, Spirituality and the Hero's Journey. Its not supposed to "make sense" its supposed to teach, challenge, provoke emotional responses and ultimately have you the viewer choose to identify with the characters as a metaphor for you own life or reject the whole concept.

Its seems the show succeded as many have identified with, as well as completely rejected, BSG.

Xylon

08-03-09, 07:36 PM

This will be $100 at Fry's :D

RDarrylR

08-03-09, 07:45 PM

This will be $100 at Fry's :D

So when't that sale start?

hpreston

08-03-09, 08:32 PM

Maybe we could do a group buy for these replacement cases:
http://www.pcx.com.au/products/detail.asp?item=1456

I am in too, really wish we didn't need to do this to protect the discs, but.....

erkq

08-03-09, 09:03 PM

So a fresh start / second chance would definately be without technology

Please use "spoiler" tags!

peterlee

08-03-09, 09:14 PM

Please use "spoiler" tags!

Why? The show has finished its run, the last episode was broadcast in March, five months ago. I don't see any reason anyone has to use spoilers to discuss this show any longer. How long are we obliged to keep up the spoilers for folks who haven't seen the show yet? Months? Years? There's always new people who have not yet seen old movies, not read the book with the shocking twisters. So are spoilers obligatory forever? Is Skywalker's family lineage taboo without spoilers? We can't discuss if Dorothy gets back home to Kansas with spoilers? No Rosebud discussion?

I think spoilers are a courtesy extended for contemporaneous or near-contemporaneous release with the original airing of a show or movie. The need for it expired the second the final credits rolled; it's certainly long past expiration now that months have passed. If you haven't seen it by now, well, tough.

jd213

08-03-09, 09:16 PM

This is the Blu-ray Software forum, where many people such as myself do not watch broadcast TV and will be watching it for the first time on Blu-ray.

erkq

08-03-09, 09:21 PM

If you haven't seen it by now, well, tough.

That's not a decision for you to make.

peterlee

08-03-09, 09:25 PM

That's not a decision for you to make.

Sorry but it most certainly is my decision how I choose to write my posts. You certainly don't have a veto.

This is the Blu-ray Software forum, where many people such as myself do not watch broadcast TV and will be watching it for the first time on Blu-ray.

This may be a Blu-ray software forum but the material in question is not originally released on the format. It was broadcast and discussion of it has been circulating in the culture for months now. I don't mean to sound harsh but because some people chose not to watch the show when it was originally available, that doesn't mean everyone else who did watch it must alter their own behavior to accommodate those who didn't in perpetuity. Please articulate when the need for spoilers expires, if it ever does, since there's always going to be people who have never been exposed to something before.

As I said, I personally think spoilers can be tossed the second a show is broadcast but I would use spoilers to discuss something for a couple days or a week or two after. But it's simply unreasonable to expect spoilers almost half a year later. At this point, the risk of running into revealing information must be borne by those who haven't seen the show yet. The obligation for me to mitigate that risk for them has long since passed.

erkq

08-03-09, 09:32 PM

Sorry but it most certainly is my decision how I choose to write my posts. It's certainly not yours.

Very true. Good luck with your decisions.

jd213

08-03-09, 09:39 PM

Sorry but it most certainly is my decision how I choose to write my posts. You certainly don't have a veto.

Spoilers are a courtesy but the need for the courtesy doesn't run forever. This may be a Blu-ray software forum but the material in question is not originally released on the format. It was broadcast and discussion of it has been circulating in the culture for months now. I don't mean to sound harsh but because some people chose not to watch the show when it was originally available, that doesn't mean everyone else who did watch it must alter their own behavior to accommodate those who didn't in perpetuity.

AVS is not a forum limited to the US. BSG hasn't even aired in all of the countries of members reading this forum.

peterlee

08-03-09, 09:53 PM

Very true. Good luck with your decisions.

Spoilers are a courtesy and the courtesy extends both ways. The person asking for it shouldn't ask for an unreasonable courtesy and they shouldn't throw tantrums when they don't get their way.

AVS is not a forum limited to the US. BSG hasn't even aired in all of the countries of members reading this forum.

I simply don't think it's my obligation to have to track the release date of movies or television shows in foreign markets and tailor my remarks accordingly. Quite frankly, that notion is bananas. This forum is US-based and focused and the vast majority of members are in the U.S. and the vast majority of the threads are devoted to U.S. releases or broadcasts of movies or television shows or games or products. If you choose to participate in the forums here from outside the U.S, you bear the risk.

And to be clear, this is not jingoism. I sometimes post in Digital Spy Forum, a popular UK-based forum and they have plenty of threads and discussions of UK shows that take months or years and sometimes never available in the U.S. I certainly don't expect UK forum members to tailor or limit their discussions in deference to U.S.-based members. Once it's broadcast on the BBC or ITV or Sky over there, they discuss it freely in their spoilers allowed threads. And I learn to live with it.

This is not a thread that has "no spoilers" in its title. Therefore, there is no obligation for anyone to use them in this thread.

PiratesCove

08-03-09, 09:58 PM

Please use "spoiler" tags!

Sorry..... I wasn't thinking about the possiblity.

scoogs

08-03-09, 10:11 PM

Is there anything besides the last batch of webisodes missing from this set?
Perhaps someone could point me to a list?

Thanks.

peterlee

08-03-09, 10:34 PM

You disagree with me, then respond with an argument instead of a personal insult. I may be no nonsense but I've stated why I don't think spoiler tags are necessary after six months. You don't agree, then articulate your reasons why.

mumbles3k

08-03-09, 10:34 PM

Is there anything besides the last batch of webisodes missing from this set?
Perhaps someone could point me to a list?

Thanks.

Not in terms of canon (unless you count CAPRICA and THE PLAN). There are a couple of documentaries here and there, but nothing outrageous. I think there's a list in the review over at The Digital Bits.

erkq

08-03-09, 10:38 PM

The person asking for it shouldn't ask for an unreasonable courtesy and they shouldn't throw tantrums when they don't get their way.

"Very true. Good luck with your decisions." is not a tantrum. "Tantrum"... hmmm... and what's your word count on this subject so far?

erkq

08-03-09, 10:41 PM

I may be no nonsense but I've stated why I don't think spoiler tags are necessary after six months. You don't agree, then articulate your reasons why.

Long standing thread edicate. It's not anything "a bull in a china shop" would care about.

peterlee

08-03-09, 10:46 PM

Still waiting for argument why spoiler tags are necessary at this point. So far, all you've offered is a command that everyone use them and then snippy followup remarks.

And "edicate" (sic) - I assume you mean etiquette - has long since passed, which is my point. Until you have something to say, there doesn't seem to be any further point to responding.

Stinky-Dinkins

08-03-09, 10:52 PM

peterlee

08-03-09, 11:11 PM

Your point is that this thread is for technical talk about the Blu-ray, not discussion about the show. I agree. Then the problem with the plot discussion isn't that they didn't have spoiler tags but that it shouldn't be in this thread at all. But it's inevitable that some non-technical stuff gets posted in these technical threads. And when that happens, "Because I'm one of those people who haven't watched the show yet" is not a reasonable argument to me why spoiler tags must be used six months after a show ended.

The tags are a nuisance to use and they're a pain to read so there should be a good reason why they should continue. I really am not trying to be rude but because some people haven't seen the show yet isn't a good reason anymore. It was five months ago, it isn't now. If you're saying that the tags should be used forever, then at least that has the virtue of being consistent. But I'm repeating myself so I think I'm done.

Stinky-Dinkins

08-03-09, 11:19 PM

The Blu Ray was just released.

I have not yet watched the show because I did not want to watch the show in standard def when it originally aired and the HD broadcasts were not available to me. This is true for a lot of people. This is an A/V forum, and the show was just within the last couple of days released on an HD format. Given where we are it's not exactly unreasonable to expect that a large amount of people haven't seen it yet because it wasn't yet available to them in HD.

If you don't mind ruining parts of the show I would really not rather have ruined because you don't want to take the extra .23 seconds to wrap them in spoiler tags (huge nuisance) that's fine.

I like reading this thread, I won't read this thread if people throw around spoilers. That's what the tags are for. Some of us haven't seen it all yet. You might not be "trying to be rude," but you are. I'm not saying the tags "Should be used forever." The show was just released on HD, as in the past couple of days. Not everyone sees movies in the theater where they originally play either, that's not a reasonable excuse to spoil those movies on these forums the days the Blu Rays are released.

erkq

08-03-09, 11:33 PM

peterlee

08-03-09, 11:50 PM

The Blu Ray was just released.

We'll just have to agree to disagree because I think the clock starts ticking when it's released theatrically or broadcast. If you're really concerned with reading plot discussions, then you should avoid threads that don't have "no spoilers" in the title. That may sound draconian but the default practice is that a thread that doesn't have such a prohibition may have plot discussions without spoiler tags. I'm sorry to say but you have fair warning and you shoulder the risk for reading this thread. I think it's rude to post in a thread and then literally demand another member conform to your personal preference. Not you personally. I don't think it's rude to defend my ability to post in conformity with forum rules and practices.

Dave Mack

08-03-09, 11:54 PM

Gotta support Stinky on this one. There's no reason to talk spoilers anyways since this is the software forum and not a TV show discussion forum.

That is here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=492989&highlight=galactica

And the set did just come out. I myself rarely watch anything on TV. Too many commercials, station bugs, often much less quality with re: to PQ. I am much happier to wait til' the DVD or BD release.

Jedi2016

08-04-09, 12:02 AM

Why? The show has finished its run, the last episode was broadcast in March, five months ago. I don't see any reason anyone has to use spoilers to discuss this show any longer. How long are we obliged to keep up the spoilers for folks who haven't seen the show yet? Months? Years?
I have to agree with the others here.. I've already stated that I never watched the show on TV, and I'm seeing the last three seasons for the very first time with this set. I'm barely halfway through season two.

If you really want a timeline, I'd recommend waiting a decent amount of time for us to actually watch the show before offering up any surprises. Since we generally don't discuss plot details in this forum, I'm not quite sure how it works on AVS, but on other forums, people typically don't start dropping spoilers about films just because it's already been released in theaters. And they likewise don't start dropping spoilers as soon as the DVD is released. And given that this is the equivalent of a hundred hour movie, you might think about offering a little consideration.

Yes, there is a "statute of limitations" on these things.. but there is no way you can realistically expect us to have watched all four seasons of the show in a matter of days. I work for a living, and I sleep at night.

Dave Mack

08-04-09, 12:07 AM

It also looks like quite a few members who ordered from DDD got the DVD set by accident so I'm sure they haven't even watched any yet. With my job and my kid, I see very very little either in the cinema or in real time on TV anymore. It's much easier to either netflix or just buy something and do some marathons on the weekend or late at night. That's how we did LOST and Mad Men. I stayed out of the TV discussion threads of those in real time because I expected plot discussion there.

But most people check in here to compare pricing, read some PQ and AQ reviews, discuss the packaging, extras... Not to discuss the plot. That's not really what the software forum is generally for.

I fully agree that after awhile, there shouldn't be an issue, but these did just come out.

:)

peterlee

08-04-09, 12:13 AM

Gotta support Stinky on this one. There's no reason to talk spoilers anyways since this is the software forum and not a TV show discussion forum.

I made the same point and I respect that, which is why I don't discuss plot in this thread at all. Plot discussion in a software thread is a no-no because it's off-topic. I'm not making the case that off-topic subjects are OK. But plot discussion is inevitable in a software thread and the question is when that happens, are spoiler tags necessary?

Dave Mack

08-04-09, 12:17 AM

But plot discussion is inevitable in a software thread and the question is when that happens, are spoiler tags necessary?

I think if it's something that would "spoil" the movie, show for someone who hasn't seen it. Like, "Vader is Luke's..." or So and so does x to y and gets z as a result. The last season of BSG had plenty of these. I don't think a general description of the plot like you would find on the packaging or an amazon.com synopsis would be an issue.

:)

Stinky-Dinkins

08-04-09, 12:23 AM

I don't know about "Necessary," but the fact is a lot of us haven't seen the entire series yet. We want to read this thread for the technical stuff, but we don't want or expect the show to be spoiled either (we don't because points of plot are not what this section is for.)

The Spoiler tags really aren't that much a nuisance or an eyesore. Threads like this are what the tags were designed for; this is exactly why they're there.

It's a waste of space in this thread to talk about the spoiler tags any more than we have, but I (and obviously quite a few others) would prefer that they be used if plot points "have" to be discussed here. I don't know man, using them isn't really a big deal and for people like me it would be nice not to have things about the show spoiled without warning. It was just released on HD, and it's a long series, I haven't got a chance to get through it yet. I don't know what to tell you. I'd like to read this thread for technical talk about the show, and I haven't seen it yet. I'd appreciate it if the tags were used.

Stinky-Dinkins

08-04-09, 12:24 AM

Like, "Vader is Luke's..."

Wait, what?

That's impossible.

Dave Mack

08-04-09, 12:28 AM

...barber. Vader is Luke's barber.

:)

Stinky-Dinkins

08-04-09, 03:01 AM

...barber. Vader is Luke's barber.

:)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v387/Dinkins/MS%20PAINT/VADERbarber.jpg

classical

08-04-09, 04:55 AM

Stinky-Dinkins is a CYLON.

It's really really true. Like, peterlee told me so.

I cried like a banshee while watching The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Parts one AND two.

The mouth breathers in this forum will never find out, either, thanks to this super-cool Invisible tag . . . wait, I did use the Invisible tag, didn't I?

PooperScooper

08-04-09, 06:28 AM

There's no spoiler rules in this forum because "supposedly" talk is to involve PQ/AQ discussion and possibly other issues relating to the discs. We can't stop storyline discussions because people rarely listen to what we (mods) say and policing would take too much time, so enter at your own risk. The story has already been discussed in depth in the HDTV programming forum and that's where storyline discussion should take place.

larry

RDarrylR

08-04-09, 09:13 AM

Did anyone else get a chance to check out what's on the Blu-ray discs in this package yet? ;)

Maybe there wasn't any time left to do that after organizing "group buys" for new disc holders? :D

I guess not.

TyrantII

08-04-09, 11:31 AM

I haven't seen the show completely yet. I wanted to wait until it was out on BluRay before I watched it, I didn't want to watch the show on standard def DVD. I read this thread for technical talk, to make sure there are no errors with the discs, and to talk about the visual quality and quality of the overall package, not to get plot details spoiled (luckily I didn't see whatever was posted up there, if there even was anything.) I think there's a separate section for that, to talk about the movies and shows themselves rather than the A/V aspects of them.

That's why the Spoiler Tags are there. They aren't just for shits and giggles.

On AVS (TV Specifically), if it's aired (released), it's fair game.

Ask a quick question, or do some browsing, but be aware of this if you want to stay spoiler free.

After all, even in a technical thread we'll still be getting things such as:

There's DNR S2E12 @ 2:00:34 Where Caprica Six dies and Baltar turns into a little whiny bollock.

cardaway

08-04-09, 11:46 AM

erkq

08-04-09, 12:23 PM

I completely agree that the spoiler problem has got out of hand. And the idea that a TV show released on BD is any different than a new release movie is BS. Numerous people buy these discs and "blind" buys and should be able to follow threads on this specfic area of the forum without having plot points spoiled.

Not using the spoiler tags is also only hurting the forum because people have jgiven up reading because of all the spoilers. The spoilerific a-holes are turning away folks that have valuable input, but just can't stand the spoilers anymore.

This spoiler discussion has gotten out of hand, though I appreciate everyone's passion about it. I'm the guy who originally complained about the spoiler. I complained because it's the only one I ever saw here and I follow this thread religiously. The original authour already said "oops" in a nice one sentence apology long ago. And, even though we're all ganging up on peterlee, he hasn't actually written a spoiler. I appreciate that almost everyone seems to agree on this point, though.

cardaway

08-04-09, 12:43 PM

This spoiler discussion has gotten out of hand, though I appreciate everyone's passion about it. I'm the guy who originally complained about the spoiler. I complained because it's the only one I ever saw here and I follow this thread religiously. The original authour already said "oops" in a nice one sentence apology long ago. And, even though we're all ganging up on peterlee, he hasn't actually written a spoiler. I appreciate that almost everyone seems to agree on this point, though.

What I'm describing wasn't specific at all to this thread. There are many threads now filled with spoilers and people that all but tell others that they don't have any right to complain about the spoilers - Don't read the thread if you have not seen the movie/TV show. The Watchmen thread is a great example.

erkq

08-04-09, 01:21 PM

What I'm describing wasnt specific at all to this thread. There are many threads now filled with spoilers and people that all but tell others that they don't have any right to complai about the spoilers - Don't read the thread if you have not seen the movie/TV show. The Watchmen thread is a great example.

IC, thanks. Then this is a pretty well-behaved thread!

peterlee

08-04-09, 03:10 PM

This debate is over. The mod has posted that though shows shouldn't be discussed here, there's no rule requiring spoiler tags when it does happen and you enter this thread at your own risk. You don't like it, take it up with the admins.

HDMe2

08-04-09, 03:14 PM

I agree the point of this thread is about the Blu/DVD releases and not the content of the show...

But I think the no-spoilers thing gets out of hand sometimes.

Spoiler tags make sense in a thread where the show/movie hasn't aired on TV or in the theater yet... but when DVDs are coming out months (and sometimes years) after airing... how long must one keep a secret?

I've taped (in the olden days) NBA playoff games and avoided the news that day to avoid spoiling the ending before I got home to watch... but I wouldn't expect people to walk on eggshells around me for months or years about a game I hadn't yet watched from long ago.

Seems something similar should apply with regards to spoilering movies/tv shows when the dvd/blu releases happen.

Neo_Reloaded

08-04-09, 03:21 PM

cardaway

08-04-09, 03:41 PM

Because it takes a mod's ruling to be courteous :rolleyes:

At least for many here.

And again, it doesn't matter when something originally aired on TV the previous season or in theaters earlier in the year. Many people now have home theaters and don't watch first run TV or go to theaters anymore. Pretty much everything they watch on BD is new to them so spoilers are very damaging.

peterlee

08-04-09, 03:43 PM

Neo_Reloaded

08-04-09, 03:48 PM

The discourtesy is to enter an open thread and start complaining that everyone isn't willing to indulge and accommodate your preferences.

I don't go into a Starbucks and start sshing everyone and telling them to whisper because I want to drink my coffee in silence. This thread is the equivalent of a Starbucks, not a library. You don't like it, don't enter.

Those are fundamentally different examples, and I would certainly hope you are already aware of that. There are many things that are not explicitly against any rule but are obviously very rude. Making strawman arguments with ridiculous examples does nothing to uphold your self-centered point of view.

peterlee

08-04-09, 04:17 PM

On the contrary, those are good analogies as you well know because they highlight the bubble of entitlement behind your attitude. I'm absolutely amazed that you think if you said to me at a Starbucks "I know it's not against the rules here but I'd really like to drink my coffee in silence so out of courtesy to me, I expect you to turn off your cellphone and speak in whisper" that I should say "OK.". You would be out of line, not me for ignoring you.

You have a preference, I have a preference. Because I don't accede to your preference, you are outraged. I ask why your preference should trump mine when mine is in keeping within the forum rules. At the end of the day, if there's a diff of opinion, we turn to the rules to settle the matter, not appeal to some vague "rules beyond the rules" that boils down to: obey me.

You don't like how the forums work, take it up with the mods.

Pugnax555

08-04-09, 05:06 PM

RDarrylR

08-04-09, 05:32 PM

DNR, EE, banding, filtering, wax city, and bit-starvation.

qz3fwd

08-04-09, 05:48 PM

OK-so it turns out I WAS WRONG, and my bitching was due to the poor PQ during the immediate intro segment of the Mini-Series Part I (first 5 minutes or so).

I had the BD disc in the Sammy 1500, and the HD-DVD disc in the HD-XA2, both hooked up to the 52" XBR6 and I have to say I was pleasently surprised and happy with the PQ on both :D(after the first few minutes).
I didnt see really any difference between the BD & HD-DVD encodes, though maybe on a small 52" set it would not be evident like some claim on a 100"+ screen.

It seems Part I is an entire disc on the HD-DVD set, and maybe the BD's extra capacity allowed the entire Mini-series to be put on a single disc for us lazy folks?
No dialog box before the show starts about the PQ like on the BD, and no intro by RDM.
I enjoyed it very much and luckily there is pretty much nothing else good to watch on prime time, so I can go through the series the next few weeks.

I noticed no banding, no artifacts, no glitches during playback.

The thermonuclear missle detonating on the Galactica was pretty cool.
I expect the Ragnar Anchorage scenes to be pretty cool.
I cannot wait to see the Galactica ram into the colony-that scene must look damn good on BD!

Nevertheless, I finished Part I last night at around 11 pm and decided not to put the second disc in and watch Part II, but decided to wait till tonight to watch Part II.

Now, what to do with my NTSC R1 & PAL R2 DVD Sets?
Doesnt mean it looks good though.
The inconsistentency in grain is distracting form the show in my opinion.
One shot it is a bloddy mess, and the next shot there is little or no noticeable grain present. Regardless, I am happy with the set (minus packaging) and cherish this show.

It is the show that got me back into watching scripted recurring shows on broadcast TV and pushed me into Digital TV.

I didnt have a chance to open the HD-DVD set from Inet last night but will pop the first disc in the HD-XA2 tonight to see for myself how they compare.

Can anyone recommend specific timecodes to watch to see just how bad the HD-DVD set is compared to the new Blu set during the mini series? (Or any season 1 episode)

BTW-It is basically impossible to talk to a physical human being at Universal Studios to ask about replacement blu 6 disc standard jewel cases.

cardaway

08-04-09, 06:40 PM

The amazing thing about all this is that there have been maybe 10 or 15 posts total (out of 725) that actually make any mention on the quality of the encodes themselves. The vast majority of posts are either pre-release anticipation or packaging disappointment.

Because it's one of those rare cases where the majority of people are happy with the quality of the disc content.

Of course it really hasn't been long enough for everybody to watch every episode. It's possible there is a glitch in a Season 3 episode that will cause this thread to go on for a dozen more pages.

bplewis24

08-04-09, 07:07 PM

Because it takes a mod's ruling to be courteous :rolleyes:

It should never require a moderator's ruling for fellow forumers to extend each other a common courtesy, granted. However, I asked that a moderator chime in and (hopefully) politely recommend we use spoiler tags so as to silence the continued conversation about it and get things back on topic.

Unfortunately that backfired and now the perception is that since this isn't a movie discussion thread spoiler tags aren't necessary. Oh well, I tried. I still suspect that 90% of forumers will respect their brethren enough to be courteous, as it is undeniably the right thing to do. No reasonably intelligent and ingenuous person would suggest otherwise.

Logic Ruling: Suggesting that spoiler tags are only needed until the final episode airs reduces their intrinsic value to a negligible amount, as a very small percentage of the population will have anything to spoil until after it has aired anyway.

Brandon

PooperScooper

08-04-09, 07:36 PM

It should never require a moderator's ruling for fellow forumers to extend each other a common courtesy, granted. Correct. If somebody asks that spoilers be used there's no reason why others can't do that. It's only a few more characters to type. In the end, the forum is only as good as its members. However, if others don't do it or forget, there's also no reason to be nasty to them.

larry

whitestang06

08-04-09, 07:55 PM

It seems Part I is an entire disc on the HD-DVD set, and maybe the BD's extra capacity allowed the entire Mini-series to be put on a single disc for us lazy folks?

They were well under capacity for the HD DVDs, for some reason. Left a bit of empty space. Odd that they would split the miniseries up again, instead of having it altogether like the DVD. Guess the split is how they intended it to be seen.

Ghostface1701

08-04-09, 08:10 PM

Wha-?! The miniseries is split? That sucks! I know it aired in two parts originally, but I like watching the whole thing in one go, without a second set of credits in the middle.

Hope to see more posts about the actual content, and for frak sake, someone post some screenshots! :)

peterlee

08-04-09, 09:35 PM

Correct. If somebody asks that spoilers be used there's no reason why others can't do that. It's only a few more characters to type. In the end, the forum is only as good as its members. However, if others don't do it or forget, there's also no reason to be nasty to them.

larry

I am more than happy to accept this. I have never criticized anyone for using spoiler tags. Do what you want. I have defended the right to post without them. Ironic that those who claim to be courteous have no hesitation tearing into fellow posters for not agreeing with their orthodoxy.

gorthocar

08-04-09, 11:30 PM

My BSG set arrived today from amazon, and the packaging is just as crappy as I was expecting. It is the worst packaging of everything in my collection. They went out of their way to make sure it was all kinds of awkward and dysfunctional, even though it looks kinda cool... if I can find a shelf that can hold it. Now to find some spare time to rewatch all the episodes...

Ken H

08-04-09, 11:34 PM

Enough of the off topic discussion. Further off topic comments will result in suspensions.

Stinky-Dinkins

08-04-09, 11:58 PM

I'll probably do custom covers and you're more than welcome to use mine if you like.

On the case order, I need to get a few details from USPS this afternoon, then I should have a final price. I will request that you order in multiples of five cases.

Same here man. Just let me know about the order info.

The friggin' box is cheap and goofy looking and doesn't fit on my shelf anyway.

greyrocket

08-05-09, 12:43 AM

i have all ready watched season 3 and 4.0 and on the 2nd disc of 4.5 looks great it kills my dvd sets :D

Nathan Webel

08-05-09, 09:59 AM

Same here man. Just let me know about the order info.

The friggin' box is cheap and goofy looking and doesn't fit on my shelf anyway.

I, also would be committed to this group buy for cases. Please let me know.

docmal

08-05-09, 12:57 PM

I, also would be committed to this group buy for cases. Please let me know.

I'm in for a group buy!

Tspeer

08-05-09, 01:05 PM

I, also would be committed to this group buy for cases. Please let me know.

I'm in for a group buy!

Send a PM to vläd asap. I think today he is finalizing the quantity and placing the order.

hpreston

08-05-09, 01:47 PM

In anticipation of the replacement cases being purchased by vlad (thanks btw!!!)

Does anyone have custom covers ready to go?

geekyglassesgirl

08-05-09, 04:51 PM

Nathan Webel

08-05-09, 05:04 PM

Send a PM to vläd asap. I think today he is finalizing the quantity and placing the order.

Done, but no response. Hope I'm not too late. :(

docmal

08-05-09, 05:39 PM

Done, but no response. Hope I'm not too late. :(

Me too...

I missed the discussion of a group buy between trying to avoid spoilers and avoid all the stupid discussion about Spoiler Tags!!!

8IronBob

08-05-09, 08:02 PM

It's nice to see Ronald D. Moore moving on up in the world. I remember when he was still working with Rick Berman doing ST:TNG, and all the 24th Century Trek. I'm just glad to see what he's put together with the competition with BSG, it's amazing.

PWNKAKE

08-05-09, 08:28 PM

omg!

As I had previously posted, I had no intention of buying this right now since it's so expensive, hoping for a sale later on.

My husband knows the key to my heart is not jewelry or flowers or candy (like most stereotypical females would prefer)... and he just walked in the house and got my 5 year old to deliver this over to me. He's apologizing b/c he is golfing too much this summer.

If he continues to come home with expensive blu ray boxed sets, he can golf all he wants!

*squee* Since I've missed out on the 6-disc cases order, I'll definitely be asking my folks to send me some with their Christmas package for the kids.

I'm screwed, cause i play too much golf AND i love BSG. My wife hates both.. hmmm...

Back on topic...Watched the first part of the mini-series last night and i have to say, i'm impressed. I watched the first two seasons on SD and i had no idea it would look this good. I actually only caught season 4.5 on HD and i missed all of season 3 and most of season 4.0. I was just floored with the great sound and visuals. Usually HD shows just how shotty a sci-fi set is, but in BSG's case, it completely enhances it!

Totally loving this set!

RDarrylR

08-05-09, 08:31 PM

Yep the PQ and AQ in this set are top notch. I am most of the way through S1 now - hoping to move on to S2 by the weekend.

darkedgex

08-05-09, 09:27 PM

Maybe we could do a group buy for these replacement cases:
http://www.pcx.com.au/products/detail.asp?item=1456
This looks like the Planet Earth / Blade Runner / Star Trek TOS Season 1 style case with the flippable trays inside a large-ish case. I'm not such a big fan of these cases as inevitably the discs seem to come loose (especially from the insert trays) and rattle about inside.

Has anyone found a vendor for the thin-pack cases used in the Ultimate Matrix Collection or the Star Trek movie collection (or Austin Powers collection, etc)? I'd go for the thin-cases in a heartbeat (as this is what Universal should have used in the first place).

Thoughts or links? =)

sonofachung

08-05-09, 10:59 PM

Checkoutstore.com has slim cases available for sale I believe.

darkedgex

08-05-09, 11:10 PM

Checkoutstore.com has slim cases available for sale I believe.
Thanks, this sounds like the cases I had in mind:

http://www.checkoutstore.com/PREMIUM-SLIM-Blu-Ray-Single-DVD-Cases-7MM-p/brcases.htm

Hopefully someone does artwork up for these. =)

Garman

08-06-09, 01:36 AM

Thanks, this sounds like the cases I had in mind:

http://www.checkoutstore.com/PREMIUM-SLIM-Blu-Ray-Single-DVD-Cases-7MM-p/brcases.htm

Hopefully someone does artwork up for these. =)

More cases here....

http://www.sleevetown.com/blu-ray-hd-dvd-case.shtml

wormraper

08-06-09, 01:38 AM

More cases here....

http://www.sleevetown.com/blu-ray-hd-dvd-case.shtml

However those aren't the slim ones he was talking about. Those are 12mm, the slim ones are 7mm

Bill C.

08-06-09, 01:39 AM

Nuts, I missed the group buy. :( Those slim cases, though...tempting...it'd eat less shelf space than the box, but then you'd have to track down or make some nice custom cover art for 20 cases (or ten double cases). Ow.

shadowrage

08-06-09, 02:07 AM

It's absurd that anyone has to pay more for secure packaging. I might buy some cheap plastic cd sleeves and put them in the cardboard. Then I would just need an episode guide booklet.

That or I buy the UK set too and decide which one is better, or should I say "not as useless".

from homecinemachoice

Bonus features
Anton van Beek - 30 July 2009 - 4:05pm
Anton van Beek's picture

Okay, I've still not had a chance to check out the music from the first season, but I'll try and get onto that ASAP - and yes, it is Region-free.

Additionally, I've now had in the final six discs, so there will be a major update to this review soon. However, I can confirm that with the possible exception of the Battlestar Galactica: Ultimate Battle BD-Live Card Game (it's not listed on the menus of any of the discs, but it may still be accessible through the standard BD-Live link when the UK servers are up and running) all of the bonus content from the US set is included in the boxset.

Codecs and things
Anton van Beek - 31 July 2009 - 12:22pm
Anton van Beek's picture

With regards to the codecs, things only get weirder with the last six discs. Razor is encoded with AVC, the two discs for Season 4.0 are both VC-1, and then the first and last discs of Season 4.5 use AVC, while the middle one is VC-1! Very curious - but as I mentioned in the original review, I've not spotted any difference in image quality between the two in this set.

As for the US set, I presume the codec situation is the same, but haven't been able to check it for myself, as that would mean buying one. Which I won't do simply because it's more expensive than the UK release and the packaging look bloody awful.

Do the codecs change? And while on the subject - Why the hell is Universal switching back to VC-1 for new titles? AVC was working fine for them.

whitestang06

08-06-09, 03:43 AM

Do the codecs change? And while on the subject - Why the hell is Universal switching back to VC-1 for new titles? AVC was working fine for them.

What's it matter? It isn't like the codec itself is going to have any impact on video quality.

darkedgex

08-06-09, 05:34 AM

What's it matter? It isn't like the codec itself is going to have any impact on video quality.
Actually yes, the codec used can impact video quality. See MPEG-2. FWIW, I prefer H.264/AVC over VC-1.

erwos

08-06-09, 10:42 AM

Actually yes, the codec used can impact video quality. See MPEG-2. FWIW, I prefer H.264/AVC over VC-1.
If you were to say "the codec used can impact video quality keeping bitrates the same", yes, I'd agree with that. But it's not at all hard to have a top-notch VC-1 or MPEG-2 encode if you're willing to up the bitrate as needed.

In any event, it sounds very much like the codec choice isn't really an issue in terms of image quality here, just a weird design decision.

RDarrylR

08-06-09, 11:00 AM

If you were to say "the codec used can impact video quality keeping bitrates the same", yes, I'd agree with that. But it's not at all hard to have a top-notch VC-1 or MPEG-2 encode if you're willing to up the bitrate as needed.

In any event, it sounds very much like the codec choice isn't really an issue in terms of image quality here, just a weird design decision.

Yeah it is strange that codecs are mixed but I haven't noticed anything when spot checking those parts which are different codecs.

Disc 1 of Season 4.5

Disc Title: BSG_S4_AND_A_HALF_D1
Disc Size: 46,971,141,166 bytes
Protection: AACS
BD-Java: Yes
BDInfo: 0.5.2

VIDEO:

Codec Bitrate Description
----- ------- -----------
MPEG-4 AVC Video 0 kbps 1080p / 23.976 fps / 16:9 / High Profile 4.1

Disc 2 of Season 4.5

Disc Title: BSG_S45_D2
Disc Size: 46,024,627,735 bytes
Protection: AACS
BD-Java: Yes
BDInfo: 0.5.2

VIDEO:

Codec Bitrate Description
----- ------- -----------
VC-1 Video 0 kbps 1080p / 23.976 fps / 16:9 / Advanced Profile 3