http://www.amazon.co.uk/Highlander-Immortal-Limited-Steelbook-Blu-ray/dp/B0027P9BJC?tag=bluraycom-21

There can only be one. Will defintely be importing this one however the big cloud hanging over this release is the name Optimum whose quality control is all over the shop :( -


- Escape From New York- Poor Blu-Ray transfer (some say an upconvert). Dialogue missing.

- They Live (Upconvert)

- Cliffhanger- Rear surround channels are mixed up

Fingers crossed they get this one right.

Well, it's coming out in Germany in June through Kinowelt. I can now cancel my order for that and buy cheaper locally. They look to be identical.

Is there a site you know of that compares specs on German and UK specs. Kinowelt generally has very good quality, but of course it depends on many factors.

Kinowelt, Optimum and Studio Canal (France, Spain, Australia, Brasil) are the same thing. Just variant names for same parent company (Studio Canal).

Depending on each country you select on initial menu, you get different logos and different audio/subtitle languages.

I hope it is a good release. I'd consider importing if they do it right. Steelbook no less!

Oh God. One can only hope they get it right. But will it be regoin coded?

In case you didn't know, I am the biggest HIGHLANDER (original) film fan in the universe.

Oh God. One can only hope they get it right. But will it be regoin coded?

In case you didn't know, I am the biggest HIGHLANDER (original) film fan in the universe.
I'll fight you for that title. ;)

Originally Posted by Matt_Stevens
Oh God. One can only hope they get it right. But will it be regoin coded?

In case you didn't know, I am the biggest HIGHLANDER (original) film fan in the universe.

I'll fight you for that title. ;)

There can be only one;)

There SHOULD have been only one?

Did you guys ever see any of Highlander The Source on sci-fi? WOW! That was as bad as any low budget sci-fi channel flick. Just beyond terrible in so many ways that it is unwatchable after 30 seconds.

There SHOULD have been only one?

Did you guys ever see any of Highlander The Source on sci-fi? WOW! That was as bad as any low budget sci-fi channel flick. Just beyond terrible in so many ways that it is unwatchable after 30 seconds.

I watched that on the BBC just last week where they actually showed it in 2.35:1 format which is unusual for the BBC as they usually show films 1.78:1. Mind you it was on digital satellite smoothavision with less detail than a DVD.

Terrible movie. It seems with each new Highlander movie the worse it gets and the cheaper it gets and the less sense it all makes. I also think they should have ended it at one and not added the alien stuff into the second movie. At least the second movie had some style and the partnership of Connery and Lambert was fun but it should never have been made.

Didn't they remove some of Connery's lines for the quickening sequence in the first movie just to make the second movie make more sense ? I hate when they do that just to make the sequels flow better. For example i hate Boba Fetts new Australian voice in The Empire Strikes Back which was added just to flow better with the prequels. The original Fett voice was so much more menacing and perfect.

What's the chances of finally getting a decent version of this movie and in high definition ? Slim to none but fingers crossed for this one. I have a feeling grain reduction will be applied it's just a question of how much. If they apply a little then i may still buy but i just don't trust Optimum or Canal Plus to do this right.

Alex, thanks for the info!

Highlander 2 is my favorite.
People bash it but it's awesome.

Highlander 2 is my favorite.
People bash it but it's awesome.

:eek:

Highlander 2 is my favorite.
People bash it but it's awesome.

The Renagade cut is pretty good

There SHOULD have been only one?

Did you guys ever see any of Highlander The Source on sci-fi? WOW! That was as bad as any low budget sci-fi channel flick. Just beyond terrible in so many ways that it is unwatchable after 30 seconds.
Unfortunately. I thought that The Guardian had a great look at first, but once he took his neck piece off and started spouting sh*t, it was all over for me. Truly rancid.

Highlander: The Source is even worse(!) if you can find the earlier cut released in Russia and Brazil, which I'm assuming we can consider Brett Leonard's original cut.

It runs a total of 13 minutes longer. Fights are even more ridiculous, there's plenty of additional bad jokes and some more needless explanation to already needless subplots (European biker cannibal gangs? The hell?), and there's not even any tacked-on narration trying in vain to make it all even slightly comprehensible. Words alone can't do the extended cut of Highlander 5 justice... it's just the sort of horrific thing you just can't ever un-see.

Don't get me wrong, the "Sci-Fi Original" producer approved re-cut is still crap. But the original cut is so jaw-droppingly terrible that you could have told me they handed the franchise to Ed Wood's reanimated corpse and I'd have believed you. :eek:

But anyway, the original Highlander on Blu-ray is good news. Did the UK get the Director's Cut version on DVD?

The funny thing about the Highlander movies, is that they really makes a mess(plot holes) of the franchise for every new movie that has been released.

But the second one must be one of the funniest of them all.

Why would a alien be called McLeod/Highlander and by pure convinience be reborn on earth in the McLeod clan?

But anyway, the original Highlander on Blu-ray is good news. Did the UK get the Director's Cut version on DVD?
No such thing as The Director's Cut here in the UK,(and most of Europe). We got the film as it was meant to be seen, not like the butchered US release.

I ordered Highlander the Source BD from Amazon.de, I saw the film already it's awful- but I'm a completest.

Yes I do think Highlander 2 is awesome, in my mind it's the worthy sequel to Highlander.
Each successive director's cut is nice as well.
If your protagonist is an immortal, then you must set the sequel in the future. See Highlander 2 is everything a sci fi sequel needs.
Dystopian cyber punk future, Michael Ironside, cackeling flunkies with jet packs, and a storming of the evil base for the finalle. Not to mention turning Sean Connery's Ramirez into Obi Wan Kenobi.
Point for point it works. If you don't love Highlander 2, then you just don't understand that it's a kind of magic.
Nuff Said.

Except it isn't in the future.

God I hope they do a much better job than the THX Dvd version. One of the most shocking picture quality Dvd's i've seen. Awful doesn't describe just how bad it was.

- They Live (Upconvert)

Fingers crossed they get this one right.

To be fair, they never released this one after the backlash of the EFNY upconvert. I don't think they would try to pass this one off if its upconvert quality.

To be fair, they never released this one after the backlash of the EFNY upconvert. I don't think they would try to pass this one off if its upconvert quality.
Studio Canal are still palming off EFNY on Universal in certain territories.

•Feature Commentary with Director Russell Mulcahy
•A Legend is Born: Interview with Gregory Widen and Peter Bellwood on the Highlander Script
•The Visual Style: Interview with Cameraman Gerry Fisher and Architect Allan Cameron on the Highlander Look
•A Strong Woman: Interview with Roxanne Hart
•Interview with Christopher Lambert
•Deleted Scenes (HD)
•Trailer (HD)

http://www.dvdactive.com/news/releases/highlander-special-edition.html

VERY worried about this one. My all time favorite film, by far. I want it one right.

I can't imagine this looking that great in hidef. The source always seemed a little rough.

Any word on this release's region coding?

I got my copy today, and it's a bit of a mixed bag.

1.85:1 ratio has not been changed to 1.78:1, which is a good thing.
Colour reproduction and contrast were good to very good, the clarity impressed me on the whole. Grain has been preserved but fluctuates heavily, some DNR has definitely been applied - there are occasional moments of frozen grain and edge enhancement.
I'd say the overall look is quite similar to Saturday Night Fever.

The DTS-HD 5.1 and DTS-HD 2.0 tracks sound good but nothing in the extraordinary.
Region coding is AB, this is the Universal/Canal release.

Hmmm... Interesting.

The U.S. theatrical has been shown in HD on the INHD cable channel and looked nice, with obvious grain (the film is grainy) and some occasional minor EE. Very minor. No DVNR that I can remember.

I got my copy today, and it's a bit of a mixed bag.

1.85:1 ratio has not been changed to 1.78:1, which is a good thing.
Colour reproduction and contrast were good to very good, the clarity impressed me on the whole. Grain has been preserved but fluctuates heavily, some DNR has definitely been applied - there are occasional moments of frozen grain and edge enhancement.
I'd say the overall look is quite similar to Saturday Night Fever.

The DTS-HD 5.1 and DTS-HD 2.0 tracks sound good but nothing in the extraordinary.
Region coding is AB, this is the Universal/Canal release.

Thanks for the report. I assume you received the French version? Is there any reason to suspect that the French version would be differently region coded than the UK one being released on 7/6?

Thanks for the report. I assume you received the French version? Is there any reason to suspect that the French version would be differently region coded than the UK one being released on 7/6?

Indeed. It's the French/Belgian/Dutch release by Paramount/Canal. I wouldn't know about the UK release having the same region coding - but presuming Optimum is part of Canal, it might just turn out the same.

About the DNR, it's minor and random but definitely there. I wonder though what's causing the fluctuation of grain. Is it in the original master? Especially early scenes (such as in the parking lot) change from very heavy grain to virtually none.

Indeed. It's the French/Belgian/Dutch release by Paramount/Canal. I wouldn't know about the UK release having the same region coding - but presuming Optimum is part of Canal, it might just turn out the same.

About the DNR, it's minor and random but definitely there. I wonder though what's causing the fluctuation of grain. Is it in the original master? Especially early scenes (such as in the parking lot) change from very heavy grain to virtually none.

Scenes shot in darkness will always have more grain than scenes shot during daytime. Nowadays they can shoot during the day and turn the scene into a night scene using a computer but back then they couldn't do that. So could you be seeing increased grain during scenes set at night in the movie or set in dark places such as the parking lot fight ? If so then i would find that natural and be pleased its retained for the Blu Ray rather than them attempting to DNR it to match daytime scenes.

Could that be the reason ?

You could do it without a computer, alot of movies are shot day for night, I think its more down to low budgets

Scenes shot in darkness will always have more grain than scenes shot during daytime. Nowadays they can shoot during the day and turn the scene into a night scene using a computer but back then they couldn't do that. So could you be seeing increased grain during scenes set at night in the movie or set in dark places such as the parking lot fight ? If so then i would find that natural and be pleased its retained for the Blu Ray rather than them attempting to DNR it to match daytime scenes.

Could that be the reason ?

No, it's more that the grain fluctuates heavily within scenes (rather than between scenes), varying between different camera angles (such as within the parking lot fight, and heavily lit scenes like the interrogation).

I 'love' grain so I'm not bothered by the way it looks - I just wonder wether some digital manipulation might have come in to play here, or that this is part of the way it was shot.

Indeed. It's the French/Belgian/Dutch release by Paramount/Canal. I wouldn't know about the UK release having the same region coding - but presuming Optimum is part of Canal, it might just turn out the same.

Thanks. May I ask where you bought it? I was unable to find it listed on Amazon.fr.

Thanks. May I ask where you bought it? I was unable to find it listed on Amazon.fr.

I have a review copy. After watching this release again today, I have to adjust my earlier comments somewhat. The second time around I found the moments of DNR to be far less intrusive and frequent. On the whole I'd say these moments take up about 5-10 minutes of the entire film.

Grain is preserved on a both fine and more intrusive level (which I was glad to see). I'm also quite sure now that the fluctuation of grain is part of the original master. Despite it shortcomings (EE, flickering), I'd say this release does a fine job of recreating an often clear, detailed and - most importantly - filmlike image.

Is this release and the upcoming UK release the LONGER cut ? :confused:

It's 116 minutes.

BsRoz, do you know if this is the same transfer as the Starz/Anchor Bay Immortal Edition DVD done a few years ago? If possible, take a look at the color timing and grain structure between this blu-ray release and the DVD. How is the audio quality? I remember the DVD having a 'distant' sound mix as if the microphone was far behind the camera, but as I was too young to see this gem in theaters, I don't know what it's supposed to sound like.

Are the wires visible during the final quickening sequence?

BsRoz, do you know if this is the same transfer as the Starz/Anchor Bay Immortal Edition DVD done a few years ago? If possible, take a look at the color timing and grain structure between this blu-ray release and the DVD. How is the audio quality? I remember the DVD having a 'distant' sound mix as if the microphone was far behind the camera, but as I was too young to see this gem in theaters, I don't know what it's supposed to sound like.

It's somewhat difficult distinguishing the transfers. I'd say the colour reproduction doesn't look very close to either the Kinowelt (sepia tint) or Anchor Bay (blue tint) versions. The image looks a lot clearer and free of any hues, it looks as though some contrast boosting might have been applied in certain scenes. Grain structure seems to be closer to the Kinowelt version, but it varies.

The sound does have a distant character from time to time, but it seems to be intentional. Wires can indeed be seen during the quickening scene.

It's somewhat difficult distinguishing the transfers. I'd say the colour reproduction doesn't look very close to either the Kinowelt (sepia tint) or Anchor Bay (blue tint) versions. The image looks a lot clearer and free of any hues, it looks as though some contrast boosting might have been applied in certain scenes. Grain structure seems to be closer to the Kinowelt version, but it varies.

The sound does have a distant character from time to time, but it seems to be intentional. Wires can indeed be seen during the quickening scene.

Here is whats in the altered directors cut. Can you take a look and perhaps tell us what version this is.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091203/alternateversions

By all accounts this sounds like the original uncut European edition which the UK got ( i think )

I think when Connery is training Lambert he utters a line saying this is the quickening which was removed from later versions to tie in more with the sequel. I wonder if those lines are still here. I hope so as i prefer that version even with the wires being visible.

Here is whats in the altered directors cut. Can you take a look and perhaps tell us what version this is.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091203/alternateversions

By all accounts this sounds like the original uncut European edition which the UK got ( i think )

I think when Connery is training Lambert he utters a line saying this is the quickening which was removed from later versions to tie in more with the sequel. I wonder if those lines are still here. I hope so as i prefer that version even with the wires being visible.

Judging from the IMDB link, I'm fully sure it's the Uncut European version.

Wires can indeed be seen during the quickening scene.

OH CRAP!!!:mad:

I hate those wires as it really sticks out during the quickening scene.
It´s not like it´s only visible in one angle for a second, it´s visible throughout the ENTIRE sequence. How the hell did the filmmakers make such a huge goof.

"Let´s just light the scene so all the wires are clearly visible. DOH!!!!" :D

Guess it´s even worse in HD ;)
I loved the Anchor Bay DVD when they digitally erased the wires with NO traces at all from the removal.

Oh well......still gonna buy it though ;)

Any extras on this release?

Any extras on this release?

Same extras as the UK release:

•Feature Commentary with Director Russell Mulcahy
•A Legend is Born: Interview with Gregory Widen and Peter Bellwood on the Highlander Script
•The Visual Style: Interview with Cameraman Gerry Fisher and Architect Allan Cameron on the Highlander Look
•A Strong Woman: Interview with Roxanne Hart
•Interview with Christopher Lambert
•Deleted Scenes (HD)
•Trailer (HD)

When Connery and Lambert are running up the hill to the cliff, just before they jump to the ocean below Ramirez yells out, "MacLeod! This is the Quickening!" Then they jump.

That line was stupidly removed bythe producers in the Director's cut released in Laserdisc and DVD in the United States. It ruins the scene completely and for me, that is a disaster because it is my favorite scene in the entire film. i love that training sequence.

So can you check for that line?

Salt to the wound: On the DVD commentary track you can hear that line as the director and producers are talking! They were watching the film with the original soundtrack.

When Connery and Lambert are running up the hill to the cliff, just before they jump to the ocean below Ramirez yells out, "MacLeod! This is the Quickening!" Then they jump.

That line was stupidly removed bythe producers in the Director's cut released in Laserdisc and DVD in the United States. It ruins the scene completely and for me, that is a disaster because it is my favorite scene in the entire film. i love that training sequence.

So can you check for that line?

Salt to the wound: On the DVD commentary track you can hear that line as the director and producers are talking! They were watching the film with the original soundtrack.

The line is definitely included.

:cool: Guess I am importing this RIGHT FRICKING NOW!!!!

Well, actually, does it have any PAL stuff to go through prior to the film? U.S. PS3's cannot handle PAL at all. They just crash, so even if it's Region A compatible, it needs to be completely PAL or 50i free.

I'm going to just order regardless because any USA version will be the screwed with version. If my PS3 cannot handle it, I'll go so far as to buy a BD player that can. That is how important this film is to me.

I wouldn't know about the PAL/50i material. There are some studio logos and copyright warnings present, prior to the menus, which seem to be in SD.

I think it's time to thank BsRoz for being beyond helpful in this thread.
That's nearly all my favorite movies available on one HD format or another. Frickin sweet!

And one final thing... ORDERED!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D:D:D:D

Matt when you get your copy please update us and let us know if it works with your PS3. Highlander is one of my all time favorite films as well and the PS3 is my only BD player.

The church confrontation sequence between The Kurgan and Connor is one of my favorite moments in film.

"I see my cut's improved your voice!"

I'm betting I will get a big fat FAIL! :( I sure as hell hope not, but it's ordered.

What U.S. players can bypass PAL and 50i material without crapping out?

I'm betting I will get a big fat FAIL! :( I sure as hell hope not, but it's ordered.

What U.S. players can bypass PAL and 50i material without crapping out?

The LG BH200 (With a quick remote hack).

Way too old and out of date for my tastes. Expensive too.

Same extras as the UK release:

•Feature Commentary with Director Russell Mulcahy
•A Legend is Born: Interview with Gregory Widen and Peter Bellwood on the Highlander Script
•The Visual Style: Interview with Cameraman Gerry Fisher and Architect Allan Cameron on the Highlander Look
•A Strong Woman: Interview with Roxanne Hart
•Interview with Christopher Lambert
•Deleted Scenes (HD)
•Trailer (HD)

Thanks, looking forward to my import arriving.

BsRoz,

If you play the disc in English are there forced subtitles like there are on some other Studio Canal Br discs?

Thanks!

That's a sculpture? Now you are being ridiculous!


Highlander 2 is my favorite.
People bash it but it's awesome.

The most recent directors cut of Highlander 2 is a decent flick. Much better than the other sequels. It wasn't simply a rehash of the first film like Highlander 3 turned out to be and the production values were solid. Stewart Copeland's score is pretty solid as well.

"Ashes to ashes. Dust to dust. If you don't take it out and use it. It's going to rust."

Highlander 2 is one of the best movies ever.
It is the kind of popcorn adventure swashbuckler that we treasure in our hearts.
Lionsgate needs to stamp out some Highlander 2 on BD!

There are no forced subtitles.

Highlander 2 is one of the best movies ever.
It is the kind of popcorn adventure swashbuckler that we treasure in our hearts.
Lionsgate needs to stamp out some Highlander 2 on BD!
They don't own it anymore. Paramount does...

There are no forced subtitles.

Excellent!

Thanks for the info.

Chris

They don't own it anymore. Paramount does...

I think Highlander 2 reverted back to Lionsgate, the proposed Paramount release of the HL2:Special Edition port was cancelled and the current Lionsgate DVD release of HL1 starts with trailers including that of their HL2:Special Edition release. Lionsgate appears to distribute Highlander, Highlander 2 and Highlander: The Source in North America now.

I think Highlander 2 reverted back to Lionsgate, the proposed Paramount release of the HL2:Special Edition port was cancelled and the current Lionsgate DVD release of HL1 starts with trailers including that of their HL2:Special Edition release. Lionsgate appears to distribute Highlander, Highlander 2 and Highlander: The Source in North America now.
Thanks for that. I just noticed on Amazon that Lionsgate put out Highlander quite recently.

I think Highlander 2 reverted back to Lionsgate, the proposed Paramount release of the HL2:Special Edition port was cancelled and the current Lionsgate DVD release of HL1 starts with trailers including that of their HL2:Special Edition release. Lionsgate appears to distribute Highlander, Highlander 2 and Highlander: The Source in North America now.

Makes sense -- Lionsgate is basically Studio Canal's major distributor in the US now, so that would explain the connection.

You'd imagine a HIGHLANDER BD would be sourced from Lionsgate in the US at this point, not Anchor Bay.

Thanks for that. I just noticed on Amazon that Lionsgate put out Highlander quite recently.

Yes, although the Lionsgate disc is pretty much a straight port of the Anchor Bay single-disc release of Highlander. Menus, content, bitate and all are the same except for the start-up trailers which arent accessible through the menus.

Highlander 2 is one of the best movies ever.

For real?

I think it's still one of the all-time worst movies I've ever paid to see in a theater. Even the longer "renegade" cut was unintentionally funny...but I'd still see it on BD just for that reason. :D

BRD top Dvd Bottom

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/3332/41806459.png
http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/3751/66452658.png

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/966/57702014.png
http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/1247/60629897.png


720p is the best I can do taken from the BRD

Dvd is the R1 Immortal Edition

Obvious improvement. Hugely so.

How did you get your copy weeks before the release? I am going insane waiting for this thing.

Probably from a *cough* review copy *cough*

Looks like the same *cough* review copy I watched on my projector last weekend.

It looks fantastic...and the sound mix is not the mix from the Immortal Edition DVD. It has the "Quickening" line from Connery when he jumps off the cliff and there are no added tv show "swoosh" sound effects when an immortal is sensed.

My UK copy just shipped from BlahDVD. Look forward to receiving it.

Probably from a *cough* review copy *cough*

Looks like the same *cough* review copy I watched on my projector last weekend.

It looks fantastic...and the sound mix is not the mix from the Immortal Edition DVD. It has the "Quickening" line from Connery when he jumps off the cliff and there are no added tv show "swoosh" sound effects when an immortal is sensed.

I only get samples of reviews I never aquire the full review copy.
My disc has shipped from play.com tho :)

I have never imported from Europe. If I where to play this release on an American TV and Playstation 3 would I have any PAL issues? Is this not an issue with Blu-ray releases?

/Looking to import this and Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon

It does look nice, doesn't it? I keep buying this damn film over and again but I rarely watch it. Here I go again...

I keep buying this damn film over and again but I rarely watch it. Here I go again...

+1

The same goes for a lot of the classics ;) hehe

Great improvment though compared to the DVD :)
The DVD looks like VHS in comparision!

If this thing plays in my PS3 then it will be the Holy grail I have been wanting for decades. I am barely able t contain myself waiting for this thing.

If this thing plays in my PS3 then it will be the Holy grail I have been wanting for decades. I am barely able t contain myself waiting for this thing.

:)

http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/movies.php?id=5417&show=review

(Note: Even though the disc has been marketed as Region-B, it is in fact Region A/B. Therefore, you will be able to play it on your North American PS3 or SA without a problem. You could also set up the main menu in one of the following languages: English, Portuguese, Danish, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Norwegian, Finnish, or Swedish).

Seriously Highlander 2 is the best, all the incarnations of it are awesome.
It's movie escapisim at its finest.

:)

http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/movies.php?id=5417&show=review

(Note: Even though the disc has been marketed as Region-B, it is in fact Region A/B. Therefore, you will be able to play it on your North American PS3 or SA without a problem. You could also set up the main menu in one of the following languages: English, Portuguese, Danish, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Norwegian, Finnish, or Swedish).

Be aware that after the latest PS3 firmware updates, many region free BDs won't play anymore like "The Descent" if the opening warnings, menus whatever are PAL. Before the update, the PS3 would just skip over those. After, it locks up and gives an error code...

Seriously Highlander 2 is the best, all the incarnations of it are awesome.
It's movie escapisim at its finest.
If you say so... :p

I just made a mess in my pants. :D

I'm on this like a fat kid on a Kit-Kat.
Picking this and Bronson up on Monday.

Credit card just charged, so I should have this in a week.

Picking this and Bronson up on Monday.

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/5451/balki.jpg (http://img183.imageshack.us/i/balki.jpg/)

?????

If this plays on a US PS3 I'll have to import it.

Got mine :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/dvdmike/DSC00234.jpg

There SHOULD have been only one?

Did you guys ever see any of Highlander The Source on sci-fi? WOW! That was as bad as any low budget sci-fi channel flick. Just beyond terrible in so many ways that it is unwatchable after 30 seconds.

I downloaded both the SciFi cut and the Russian cut before it was released. Gawd that was awfull. :eek:

[QUOTE=dvdmike007;16778116]Got mine :)

where did you import it from?

I'm in the UK

Them 720 caps really look nice when compared to the dvd, good moments to compare really shows the improvments. They may have convinced me to get it now :D

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/5451/balki.jpg (http://img183.imageshack.us/i/balki.jpg/)

?????


http://www.play.com/DVD/Blu-ray/4-/9005129/Bronson/Product.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAxOUyVs3O0 (NSFW)

Review in German:

http://www.hd-reporter.de/blu-ray-reviews/highlander-blu-ray/

Apparently the disc is encoded in VC-1 at an average video bitrate of 21.8 Mbps. Here is a poor Babelfish translation of the relevant parts:

Picture/video: 79%
The image quality is better around lengths than feared….The film begins quite granular is however nevertheless highly detailed. Contrary to the DVNR Matsch (DVNR = digitally video Noise Reduction) of the DVD versions one can describe the picture of the strongly granular scenes as nearly clear. The scenes in 16. and 17. Century are substantially less granular and offer also a very high image definition and an enormously high detail dissolution, whereby also a pleasant impression of picture depth develops. The image quality of these scenes can quite measure with substantially newer films from the 90's. The picture has altogether a changing granulation, which is from completely finely to quite roughly present. In a few (usually dark) scenes one can unfortunately recognize that the film grain was worked on with digital tools, whereby the film grain became less visible, but at the same time also fewer details remained remaining. At the beginning of the film the Bildstand is not particularly stable and the picture wackelt on and off. One could have corrected this problem-free digitally. Contrast, Schwarzwerte and colors are balanced and better than with the previous versions on DVD. The image quality is altogether better than e.g. with “Ghostbusters” and one can say that “Highlander” looked better never than on this Blu ray Disc.
English (outline):
The picture quality OF “Highlander” is extremely inhomogeneous. The amount OF film grain is changing almost from scene ton scene; from fine ton quite very heavy grain. The 16th and 17th century scenes more offer less grain and A much better details resolution. This of scenes offer A pleasant three-dimensional scythe OF depth. Unfortunately there acres (mostly more darker) scenes where it is quite obvious that DVNR which used ton reduce the amount OF grain. This thus resulted in A small reduction into the amount OF detail. All into all the picture quality is more better than the picture quality OF e.g. “Ghostbusters” and this BD is probably the best version OF “Highlander” on the home cinema market.

That review is pretty close, sometimes its waxy others its grain central

Just got the Blu-Ray from Amazon UK today. [It says Region B, but works fine in my US spec player]

Watched the first 15 minutes...it looks FABULOUS.

The Remastered LaserDisc was awesome back in the day--this is great upgrade. Highlander fans should not be disappointed.

The grain? It's intentional dammit! :)

What player do you have?

What player do you have?

Samsung BD-UP5000

Movie arrived today from Amazon UK. It works just fine in my PS3. No issues at all.

Amazon.uk emailed me saying my shipment's been delayed so I won't get it till the end of the month. No Kurgan for me:(

Mine shipped last week. Still not here. I am hoping it arrives in time for this weekend.

Amazon.uk emailed me saying my shipment's been delayed so I won't get it till the end of the month. No Kurgan for me:(

I got the same email. Checked today and it now says it has been dispatched. Estimated delivery is July 21. :D

I got the same email. Checked today and it now says it has been dispatched. Estimated delivery is July 21. :D

Mine is too. Great news:D

Mine is here! YAY!!! Too bad the bulb in my DLP died yesterday and I have to order a new one! AARRGGHH!!! The timing!!! :mad:

Mine is here! YAY!!! Too bad the bulb in my DLP died yesterday and I have to order a new one! AARRGGHH!!! The timing!!! :mad:

Great but sucky at the same time. Let us know what you think and enjoy...!

:)

I skimmed through it last night. I thought it looked outstanding. Completely demolishes the Immortal Edition DVD. This is a must-own for any Highlander fan.

This BD more than makes up for the THX edition dvd I purchased back in 99 with my first dvd player.

Waiting for the bulb replacement to arrive. Should be here today or tomorrow. Hoping for today. Having the darned thing here and being unable to view it for days now is driving me stone cold crazy.

Does Play.com deliver to the US?

No idea. All I know is I am royally peeved. My DLP needs a new power supply, so I will be waiting at least two weeks total before I can view this BD. I want to punch something right now.

Pretty inconsistent. Some shots show fully intact grain while others look like they were hit with a bad Photoshop filter:

http://www.hundland.org/hd/h/h.htm#highlander

Pretty inconsistent. Some shots show fully intact grain while others look like they were hit with a bad Photoshop filter:

http://www.hundland.org/hd/h/h.htm#highlander

I agree with the inconsistent but it's not to the point that it's unwatchable. I watched it last night and imo if your a fan of this movie it's a must have. The audio was also very good the Queen songs sounded great as did the sword fights. I think it's well worth the 30+ to import. I'd give the pq 3.5/4 out of 5(my tv is only 42) but audio I'd give 4/5. I'll have to check the 2.0 DTSHD I watched it with the 5.1 DTSHD.

Those screen-caps look exactly like HIGHLANDER should. It's a grainy looking film. Especially interiors. This waiting is torture.

Those screen-caps look exactly like HIGHLANDER should. It's a grainy looking film. Especially interiors. This waiting is torture.

Not even close I would say. It's both filtered and filled with digital noise from artificial sharpening.

I won't be able to find out on my own setup until at least Tuesday. :mad:

Heres a review of it.

http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/CapsuleReviews/Blu-ray/2009/07#p71023

From the review the reviewer says....

As a result of the grain you are going to see compression noise in the image at times (mosquito, blocking), and you are going to see fine detail obscured in places, but for the most part the grain and its side effects are quite nicely contained.

Sounds pretty ignorant to blame the mosquito noise or blocking on the grain structure of the movie and to say the fine detail is being obscured by the grain when the grain is part of the image because of the film stock used at the time it was made and the grain structure is responsible for all that fine detail. It sounds to me like the reviewer thinks that if you get rid of the grain there will be more detail in this release. How very wrong and everyone should know by now that grain removal usually always removes fine detail and i wish i was a member and could tell the reviewer how wrong they are.

I'm sick of reading such ignorant bull**** about film grain.

Still a darn good review. I have the bloody thing right here on my desk. Dammit, I want my TV fixed!! This is torture.

Still a darn good review. I have the bloody thing right here on my desk. Dammit, I want my TV fixed!! This is torture.

Matt, we live in NYC. You could watch it here!

I actually split my time between NC and NYC now. I am in NC until mid-august. Then it's back to NYC. Will be happy to bring Highlander with me and share it with you.

With a little digging I'll bet you could find some Tarheel who would be more than willing to watch it with you. Lots of old money in that state, which should translate into high end everything.

I actually split my time between NC and NYC now. I am in NC until mid-august. Then it's back to NYC. Will be happy to bring Highlander with me and share it with you.

Cool, Matt! The wife is a big fan too...

:)

The TV is scheduled to be repaired today. Lord have mercy, I hope they show up and can actually fix this bloody thing because enough already!!!

good luck, man! And let us know how it looks!

:)

Well, they won't be here today. Full story here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=16874744&postcount=1688

Only read if you want to hear me vent, but suffice to say, they ****ed up and had the part send Ground and it is scheduled to arrive next week, a full 14 days after it was ordered. I am ready to KILL right now.

They just called me back while I was typing this and said they will try and have the part sent next day for tomorrow morning, but cannot guarantee Samsung will do it. We shall see.

Anyone have some aspirin?

Matt's going to turn into The Incredible Hulk. Man with that bad luck did you run over a unicorn or something? I hope you get it resolved nothing sucks more then getting something and not being able to use it. Happened to me with my 360:mad:

Yeah, well get this... My new Shuttle PC came in today and the box had clearly been hit by something. Took pictures. When I opened it up, I saw that there was a huge dent in the computer case. It took a major hit. Didn't boot up ptoperly and have been seeing how great the damage is.

The seller did not insure the item! I paid for insurance. But this was purchased through Pay-Pal Buyer's Credit, which has good consumer protection, so I'll be OK. But it is so so so annoying.

This month sucks. Flat out SUCKS! :mad: Will post a picture later.

Wow. WOW! TV was fixed today and my eyes can only shout out, it was worth the wait.

HIGHLANDER at home has never come close to looking like the 35mm print I saw at a revival screening. Never.

That has now changed with the Blu-Ray, I think, as I have only sampled it. But what I saw was jaw dropping.

Watched the trailer first, then the extended scenes and then ten minutes of the film. Most impressive.

Saturday night is going to be HIGHLANDER night. 71 inch 1080p set + Conner MacLeod = Yeah, baby!

Thank God, Matt. I haven't put mine in the player yet, out of sympathy. ;)

Wow. WOW! TV was fixed today and my eyes can only shout out, it was worth the wait.

HIGHLANDER at home has never come close to looking like the 35mm print I saw at a revival screening. Never.

That has now changed with the Blu-Ray, I think, as I have only sampled it. But what I saw was jaw dropping.

Watched the trailer first, then the extended scenes and then ten minutes of the film. Most impressive.

Saturday night is going to be HIGHLANDER night. 71 inch 1080p set + Conner MacLeod = Yeah, baby!

I watched this disc a couple of weeks ago. It is indeed great looking. You're in for a treat.

Wow. WOW! TV was fixed today and my eyes can only shout out, it was worth the wait.

HIGHLANDER at home has never come close to looking like the 35mm print I saw at a revival screening. Never.

That has now changed with the Blu-Ray, I think, as I have only sampled it. But what I saw was jaw dropping.

Watched the trailer first, then the extended scenes and then ten minutes of the film. Most impressive.

Saturday night is going to be HIGHLANDER night. 71 inch 1080p set + Conner MacLeod = Yeah, baby!

Glad you got your tv fixed. Enjoy Highlander;)

Didn't they remove some of Connery's lines for the quickening sequence in the first movie just to make the second movie make more sense ?

I don't think so.

Can someone clarify a couple of things for me? The movie itself plays fine on U.S. BR players, correct? What about the extras? Do they play as well?

Can someone clarify a couple of things for me? The movie itself plays fine on U.S. BR players, correct? What about the extras? Do they play as well?

I can confirm that the movie and trailer play fine on US BR players. I have tried any of the other content yet.

My PS3 has handled everything so far, including the shot on video documentary, so no 50i for sure. :)

Damn electrical storm is suring the hell out of the house, so I had to unplug the system and will just wait it out before finishing the extras. Tonight I will watch the film, followed by Watchmen.

My PS3 has handled everything so far, including the shot on video documentary, so no 50i for sure. :)

Damn electrical storm is suring the hell out of the house, so I had to unplug the system and will just wait it out before finishing the extras. Tonight I will watch the film, followed by Watchmen.That sounds good...I like this film, and would like to have it on BR.

My thanks to everyone here who recommended this UK Steelbook. I watched the BD with my family last night and it is easily the best version of this film ever on video. We were consistently impressed with the PQ although it had a few 'rough' spots clearly tied to the source. Our only disappointment was with the 5.1 dts-MA audio which we were hoping would be an improvement over previous versions. I had to crank up the volume quite a bit higher than usual for a DTS encoded title but even then the sound quality seemed very flat. Perhaps I should have listened to the 2.0 soundtrack so I am planning on rewatching this film later this week.

Last night I watched this thing uninterrupted. I think it's been three+ years or more since I last watched HIGHLANDER on DVD. That was somewhat a conscious decision on my part as I wanted to wait until HD to enjoy it again. That has translated into a real hunger to view the film and boy oh boy, I was not disappointed.

HIGHLANDER has never looked great at home. Even the THX Laserdisc Director's Cut and later DVD release, which were vastly both superior to the older cropped LD and VHS transfers, could not capture what was on the 35mm prints. Now, for the first time, HIGHLANDER looks like HIGHLANDER. Let me tell you, my jaw dropped to the floor more times than I could count.

There is an astonishing amount of detail in this transfer, with color vibrancy that really pops. Numerous modern films do not have the level of detail on this BD release. I was just blown away, despite some minor flaws due to encoding. At times the heavy grain does mix with some mosquito noise. That does not happen all that often, but on a large screen (I viewed at 71 inches) you can spot the imperfect compression from time to time.

Again, it is minor and much preferred to the noise reduced and filtered crap many studios want to give us. Few BD releases are perfect, so I don't expect perfection. This was as good as one could hope for and unlike Dark City or Patton or The Good, The Bad & The Ugly, I never got mad at what I was viewing. Fact is, I wasn't even thinking about the PQ. I was just enjoying the hell out of my all time favorite film.

Some of the exteriors during the training sequence, especially on the beach, were mind blowing. Grain levels differed from shot to shot, but that's how it looked on the big screen. Man, was Lambert young in this move.

Audio quality of the 2 channel track is superior to that of the PCM laserdisc (original mix) and in many ways sounds more natural than the Director's cut remix (on DVD and Laserdisc). I did not listen to the remix. Don't expect modern levels of sound mixing and bass. This thing was shot in 1985 on an 18 million dollar budget (or was it only 12? I forget now, but suffice to say, it was a a barely medium level budget at the time it was shot).

Extras are nice, especially the interview with Roxanne Hart, who still looks good at age 54 (the interview was made in 2006). By the way, Hart is five years older than Lambert. Today, that kind of casting would never take place. No way would they cast an actress who is older than the male lead.

It is a shame that Clancy Brown could not be interviewed, but it's well known he was not happy with how his character was written in the final draft. Maybe he just doesn't like to talk about it,. A shame, as he was fricking awesome.

Anyone who loves this film needs to import this release. No way will a U.S. release compare. Ain't gonna happen.

Last night I watched this thing uninterrupted. I think it's been three+ years or more since I last watched HIGHLANDER on DVD. That was somewhat a conscious decision on my part as I wanted to wait until HD to enjoy it again. That has translated into a real hunger to view the film and boy oh boy, I was not disappointed.

HIGHLANDER has never looked great at home. Even the THX Laserdisc Director's Cut and later DVD release, which were vastly both superior to the older cropped LD and VHS transfers, could not capture what was on the 35mm prints. Now, for the first time, HIGHLANDER looks like HIGHLANDER. Let me tell you, my jaw dropped to the floor more times than I could count.

There is an astonishing amount of detail in this transfer, with color vibrancy that really pops. Numerous modern films do not have the level of detail on this BD release. I was just blown away, despite some minor flaws due to encoding. At times the heavy grain does mix with some mosquito noise. That does not happen all that often, but on a large screen (I viewed at 71 inches) you can spot the imperfect compression from time to time.

Again, it is minor and much preferred to the noise reduced and filtered crap many studios want to give us. Few BD releases are perfect, so I don't expect perfection. This was as good as one could hope for and unlike Dark City or Patton or The Good, The Bad & The Ugly, I never got mad at what I was viewing. Fact is, I wasn't even thinking about the PQ. I was just enjoying the hell out of my all time favorite film.

Some of the exteriors during the training sequence, especially on the beach, were mind blowing. Grain levels differed from shot to shot, but that's how it looked on the big screen. Man, was Lambert young in this move.

Audio quality of the 2 channel track is superior to that of the PCM laserdisc (original mix) and in many ways sounds more natural than the Director's cut remix (on DVD and Laserdisc). I did not listen to the remix. Don't expect modern levels of sound mixing and bass. This thing was shot in 1985 on an 18 million dollar budget (or was it only 12? I forget now, but suffice to say, it was a a barely medium level budget at the time it was shot).

Extras are nice, especially the interview with Roxanne Hart, who still looks good at age 54 (the interview was made in 2006). By the way, Hart is five years older than Lambert. Today, that kind of casting would never take place. No way would they cast an actress who is older than the male lead.

It is a shame that Clancy Brown could not be interviewed, but it's well known he was not happy with how his character was written in the final draft. Maybe he just doesn't like to talk about it,. A shame, as he was fricking awesome.

Anyone who loves this film needs to import this release. No way will a U.S. release compare. Ain't gonna happen.Thanks for your thoughts on this one, Matt. Can't wait to get it. Love this movie.

Very cool. Are all the pevious extras on it? Like the Queen vids? Thanks!

I don't think so.

Yes they did as has already been explained by Matt earlier in the thread.

This UK version is the original unaltered edition and thats why it's gold to some of us.

I watched Highlander and it's overall pretty good. They unfortunately used DNR a couple of times and these shots look processed and not good. The rest looks like film, sometimes better and sometimes worse, like the film was shot. The sound is dated.

Compared to the original US DVD we are probably looking at the biggest improvement ever. It looks fab.

Thanks for the reviews! The screen cap showing Eilean Donan castle looked real close to reality and that sold it completely.

Compared to the original US DVD we are probably looking at the biggest improvement ever. It looks fab.


Finally got my copy... WOW.

Just wondering, any differences between the steelbook release and the standard case "special edition" release?

Just wondering, any differences between the steelbook release and the standard case "special edition" release?
No, the steelbook is just a limited run like the UK T2 Skynet release, then they revert to a standard case.

Fellas-

I've been a small fan of Highlander, but I've recently got the striking urge to see this in High Definition, as I think it's a power-horse of a low budget film.

I ordered the UK Copy, and it should be arriving in the near future. I just can't wait to watch it.

Going by the little screenshots we have of it, it looks to be a solid transfer.

However, I'm curious as to discuss the DTS-HD audio that's included. I've heard mixed things about it, such that the fidelity isn't as high as it should be for the music and such. I've also heard that it's very reverby, and that some people actually chose the 2.0 track over the DTS-HD track.

Is the audio that bad? Are you guys happy enough with it?

I watched it and the PQ is great. It was a few months back, but I recall the 5.1 sounding "funny". I switched it over to the 2.0 mix and then put Pro Logic II Movie mode on my receiver and it sounded much better. If the 5.1 mix bothers you, I would just do what I did. I am guessing that when they mix most older movies to 5.1, its really just processed in a similar way to PLII so it's not like you are missing anything.

I've also heard of another person using the Pro Logic II processing on the DTS 2.0 track.

I take it, that once I turn this on, it's going to "emulate" 5.1.

Interesting. Glad to hear that this has worked for more than one person for this title.

Just got my copy from the UK. All I had before was the Immortal THX edition. The blu in the outdoor daylight scenes are incredible. Never saw it look that good. However, some of the indoor scenes have a lot of grain that I'm not used to seeing. Like the first fight scene in the beginning and other scenes here and there. I assume the regular dvd has had that removed, because it in not present. I replayed the dvd to make sure. Does everyone prefer to see all that grain? I'm ready to get rid of this disc because of it.

Just got my copy from the UK. All I had before was the Immortal THX edition. The blu in the outdoor daylight scenes are incredible. Never saw it look that good. However, some of the indoor scenes have a lot of grain that I'm not used to seeing. Like the first fight scene in the beginning and other scenes here and there. I assume the regular dvd has had that removed, because it in not present. I replayed the dvd to make sure. Does everyone prefer to see all that grain? I'm ready to get rid of this disc because of it.

The grain is beautiful IMO, because it's more of an indication that it's in 1080p.

How one can be upset with the grain, and not with the actual flaw of the disc, which is the DTS-HD audio is beyond my comprehension.

Just got my copy from the UK. All I had before was the Immortal THX edition. The blu in the outdoor daylight scenes are incredible. Never saw it look that good. However, some of the indoor scenes have a lot of grain that I'm not used to seeing. Like the first fight scene in the beginning and other scenes here and there. I assume the regular dvd has had that removed, because it in not present. I replayed the dvd to make sure. Does everyone prefer to see all that grain? I'm ready to get rid of this disc because of it.

I notice your handle says "I hate film grain." To hate something as integral to film as grain is, you are kinda in the wrong hobby. It also shows a fundamental ignorance of why it is there. Stick to DVD if it bothers you. Round these parts, we don't advocate studios removing grain from their movies.

I notice your handle says "I hate film grain." To hate something as integral to film as grain is, you are kinda in the wrong hobby. It also shows a fundamental ignorance of why it is there. Stick to DVD if it bothers you. Round these parts, we don't advocate studios removing grain from their movies.

Especially when it makes stuff look waxy and un-filmlike.

DNR should be used sparingly, if at all. Look at how much more detail Highlander is in HD because it hasn't been DNR molested. This movie has some of the best high resolution prints I have ever seen in a Blu-ray.

The audio on the other hand.....most annoying.

How I wish I could speak out what I really feel about grain haters. Alas, I don't want to get banned.

This BD is the most accurate presentation of HIGHLANDER ever for home viewing. I have had the pleasure of seeing a lovely 35mm print of this film more than once and I actually own the 35mm trailer (which I have been able to view four times so far). The grain that Mr. Grain Hater is seeing is part of the celluloid. It cannot be removed without removing detail. The film stock used was chosen because of the director's wish to shoot with natural light, quickly, allowing for fast camera setups. At the time that type of stock was inherently grainy.

As for the audio, it is easily the best it has sounded at home. The remix is kind of shrill (so I don't use it), but the 2 channel audio presentation of the original stereo surround mix is spot on accurate and actually sounds better than what I experienced via normal dolby stereo via 35mm.

This Blu-Ray release is my most cherished of all time. It's the Holy Grail to me.

How I wish I could speak out what I really feel about grain haters. Alas, I don't want to get banned.

This BD is the most accurate presentation of HIGHLANDER ever for home viewing. I have had the pleasure of seeing a lovely 35mm print of this film more than once and I actually own the 35mm trailer (which I have been able to view four times so far). The grain that Mr. Grain Hater is seeing is part of the celluloid. It cannot be removed without removing detail. The film stock used was chosen because of the director's wish to shoot with natural light, quickly, allowing for fast camera setups. At the time that type of stock was inherently grainy.

As for the audio, it is easily the best it has sounded at home. The remix is kind of shrill (so I don't use it), but the 2 channel audio presentation of the original stereo surround mix is spot on accurate and actually sounds better than what I experienced via normal dolby stereo via 35mm.

This Blu-Ray release is my most cherished of all time. It's the Holy Grail to me.

Agreed 100% on the video.

However, the audio could have still faired much better, especially the 2.0 mix. I would have much preferred the 5.1 mix if it was actually done properly because I think Highlander needs a 5.1 mix due to the intrinsic nature of the movie. As it turns out, the 5.1 mix is one of the worst I've ever heard on a Blu-ray. It's just unlistenable because it sounds like I'm in a fish bowl.

The 2.0 is very shrill, and Queen should NOT sound better using my CD player over the blu-ray, but it should sound the same (lossless). The fact is, it sounds worse on the Blu-ray. The 2.0 is the only listenable track on Highlander, and I still think it could have been better.

And the LFE....I really don't think there is an LFE with either track..

I notice your handle says "I hate film grain." To hate something as integral to film as grain is, you are kinda in the wrong hobby. It also shows a fundamental ignorance of why it is there. Stick to DVD if it bothers you. Round these parts, we don't advocate studios removing grain from their movies.

I don't collect movies for a hobby. I love watching movies,I buy them to watch as i see fit. - I just don't care for film grain. I also don't like chocolate milkshakes. Each to their own I always say. There are alot of people who do not like film grain. There are a lot that do. On any forum, I have never put down anyone who likes it. Everyone sees things differently. At our house, we love torch mode on the tv. So go ahead and flame me. Insist that everyone like the same as you. I am not ignorant. I know why film grain is there. Anyone that calls someone else a fool is less than a fool

You are acting like a flame baiter, coming in here, knowing this is a forum for technical types and spouting out, "I hate grain!" Not very smart. Not so nice.

I don't collect movies for a hobby. I love watching movies,I buy them to watch as i see fit. - I just don't care for film grain. I also don't like chocolate milkshakes. Each to their own I always say. There are alot of people who do not like film grain. There are a lot that do. On any forum, I have never put down anyone who likes it. Everyone sees things differently. At our house, we love torch mode on the tv. So go ahead and flame me. Insist that everyone like the same as you. I am not ignorant. I know why film grain is there. Anyone that calls someone else a fool is less than a fool

You asked if everyone here preferred the film grain, I gave you an answer. If you like torch mode, more power to you, I don't care how you watch movies in your home. What I DO care about is studios degraining and torching movies right on the disc, and so does pretty much everyone else in here. Also, for the statement "anyone that calls someone else a fool is less than a fool" does not logically make sense. Just because you say so, doesn't make it true. Lots of people have criticized fools over human history, and they were smarter men for doing so. And besides, I never called you a fool.

You asked if everyone here preferred the film grain, I gave you an answer. If you like torch mode, more power to you, I don't care how you watch movies in your home. What I DO care about is studios degraining and torching movies right on the disc, and so does pretty much everyone else in here. Also, for the statement "anyone that calls someone else a fool is less than a fool" does not logically make sense. Just because you say so, doesn't make it true. Lots of people have criticized fools over human history, and they were smarter men for doing so. And besides, I never called you a fool.

As much as I love a light layer of grain, I have found it to be distracting in a some cases (well, really just one case out of my 80 Blu-rays). That case is Friday the 13th (1980).

Many of the dark scenes have this ugly ass layer of blue/white grain that really detracts from the picture. This was the only time where I looked at grain and said "man, this is actually distracting. What we have is a pitch black dark scene with big blue and white speckles all over it".

I guess my point is, grain is awesome in a vast majority of cases, and resembles the characteristics of actual film. However, as shown in Friday the 13th, it can be very distracting. I'm not asking for grain to be completely removed from the entire movie so much that people turn into waxy figures, but there should be some way to hide most of that grain during the night scenes. It's pretty bad when you can see more grain than visible objects and detail.

I don't collect movies for a hobby. I love watching movies,I buy them to watch as i see fit. - I just don't care for film grain. I also don't like chocolate milkshakes. Each to their own I always say. There are alot of people who do not like film grain. There are a lot that do. On any forum, I have never put down anyone who likes it. Everyone sees things differently. At our house, we love torch mode on the tv. So go ahead and flame me. Insist that everyone like the same as you. I am not ignorant. I know why film grain is there. Anyone that calls someone else a fool is less than a fool

One argument about grain removal is that it gives films more visual depth. Take a look at the Alliance version of A Nightmare on Elm Street, and it looks very 3D like, unlike the superior US release which has a fine layer of grain that resembles more of the actual film. That's one reason to like the Alliance copy more than the US, but in all seriousness, a less tampered movie is almost always better without the nasty digital after-effects which happen in almost all of the grain-removal cases.

To me, there is nothing more visual stunning than a very light layer of grain that just pulsates on the screen, creating the building blocks for the detail. That is film, and it looks absolutely stunning. There are several scenes in Highlander that just have my jaw dropped on the floor. Even though Highlander has some VQ consistency issues, it has some damn nice raw footage. If you can't seriously enjoy the VQ of the Highlander Blu-ray, then maybe you should stick to DVD all together. It's all about the detail man, and that's what grain is. I promise you that grain doesn't remove detail, but amplifies it.

Besides, Highlander on Blu-ray is about a 4000% increase over the DVD. Anyone will attest to that.

And yes, I'm playing devil's advocate somewhat here.

How about using the UK video encode of the restored elements and redoing the audio for the U.S. version? How about that? Take the original stems and do a really careful 7.1 mix? For the Queen music go back to the original multi-tracks and mix the songs for discrete surround as Mi Casa did for the James Bond film "Live And Let Die." The title song from Paul McCartney and Wings was remixed for 5.1 audio on the Blu-ray.

Given that Anchor Bay/Starz will probably release this... who knows what will happen.

Given that Anchor Bay/Starz will probably release this... who knows what will happen.

Anchor Bay (or Starz) no longer has distribution rights in North America, Studio Canal titles are now handled by Lionsgate. Yes, Lionsgate... prepare for the worst.

The Lionsgate DVD release of Highlander last year was just a straight port of the Anchor Bay single-disc DVD with some Lionsgate trailers added on start-up.

The BD release is supposedly scheduled to be released around the time the remake of the original comes which may or may not be in 2012. Contents of it are unknown at this point.