Any early recipients of this 80's classic with some feedback? As long as it's an upgrade from the DVD I'm all in.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b212/iamjackspictures/5037_front.jpg

Two reviews:

http://www.highdefdiscnews.com/?p=25398

http://www.dvdtown.com/review/silverado/blu-ray/7299

Two reviews:

http://www.highdefdiscnews.com/?p=25398

http://www.dvdtown.com/review/silverado/blu-ray/7299

The second link didn't talked mostly about the film itself but the first review sounds promising... looking forward to getting my copy!

This looks really good on HDnet Movies as I have seen it several times through my fiber cable co. Grain is intact and PQ and sound are very good, IMO very film like. I can only imagine the BD looks every bit as good and better if done right. In fact the reviews sound like a similar description to what I have seen on HDnet as it was just on last night again.

The second link didn't talked mostly about the film itself but the first review sounds promising... looking forward to getting my copy!

Did you click on page 2? DVDTown always discusses the film on page 1 and the BD's audio/video/supplements on page 2.

Did you click on page 2? DVDTown always discusses the film on page 1 and the BD's audio/video/supplements on page 2.

oops, missed that there was a second page to that, thanks! Looks a little less impressive based on that review but still sounds like a decent upgrade from the dvd so I'm picking it up:p

Holy s#!t, it's only $14.96 at Wal-Mart! That's a whopping 62% off of SRP! Even at the original SRP of $28.96, it's nearly half off! Thank God I hadn't preordered it from anywhere!

Holy s#!t, it's only $14.96 at Wal-Mart! That's a whopping 62% off of SRP! Even at the original SRP of $28.96, it's nearly half off! Thank God I hadn't preordered it from anywhere!
The website lists it for $19.86.
Is that a store only price?

Yes, but it's been reported elsewhere on the web at multiple locations, not just mine in Broken Arrow, OK.

I just grabbed a copy for $15 at a Wal-Mart in Florida (thanks for the heads-up, Filmmaker).

Note to studios...at under $20, Blu-ray may actually begin to live up to the hype you have been spouting for over three years now.

This looks really good on HDnet Movies as I have seen it several times through my fiber cable co. I can only imagine the BD looks every bit as good and better if done right. .

Unfortunately not always true. All things considered, I am very impressed by HDnet's work.

OTOH, BD is pretty much yes and no, Braveheart and Gladiator, No Country for Old men and Untouchables, yadadada

And now, a few thought on the disc...

First off, the picture in the first post is not representative of the actual disc package. Sony has sent out Silverado in one of the nice book type cases with multiple pages of liner notes and artwork. This is but the first of the pleasant moments of experiencing this new Blu-ray. There is much more.

Grain, or lack of, has become a hot topic on this and other enthusiast forums of late. Every studio and post house seems to have their own idea of what looks good on video and how film should be prepared for the electronic medium. With the extremely limited range afforded by the DVD format, digital processing was routinely used to attempt to achieve a satisfactory result on that format. High definition, and specifically the Blu-ray format, does not require excessive digital processing of film transfers as the increased resolution and color gamut allow for film transfer that can still retain the look of film without the severe artifacting that would have occurred under the severe compression constraints of DVD. Unfortunately, there remains a certain mindset in the production business that consumers want to see squeaky clean, degrained images in hi-def. Even more unfortunately, to some extent, that happens to be true. In light of this, how a transfer like the one on this new BD release of Silverado made it to Blu-ray is clearly a testament to the commitment of someone at Sony Pictures Entertainment to preserving the look of film on video.

Yes, there is fairly prominent grain visible throughout this transfer. Enough that there will be some that will not be particularly pleased with this disc. However, there is something almost magnetic about the look of this disc. I will preface by saying I have been a fan of this film since the first moment I saw it the first time. That was many years and many formats ago (has it already been 24 years?). Yet, last night I found myself reveling in what was very nearly a brand new experience with this film. Then it dawned on me. I was seeing the film Silverado for the first time.

What this new transfer reveals is at once subtle and revelatory. Along with the natural grain structure of the film medium itself, there is texture and subtle shadings of light and color that have simply never been present before. I cringe at the use of the cliché, "pulling back the veil", but that is exactly how it felt watching this disc on a very large screen (106" diagonal). I was immediately drawn into the visual sumptuousness of the photography, but also the subtleties of performance that I simply do not recall ever feeling before. I don't want to sound like I am overselling this transfer, but the combination of a favorite film seen many times before and this striking new transfer truly was "like seeing it again for the first time".

Equally awe inspiring is the film soundtrack with its terrific score by Bruce Broughton. The lossless TrueHD audio format has never been put to better use on any disc I have heard than right here. Frequency response is exceptional from the slightest jingle of the spurs to the much improved low end of the score. This soundtrack gets everything right which serves to further the illusion created by John Bailey's beautiful cinematography.

There are some supplemental features on the disc, but my time was limited last night, so I am limiting my comments to that which has got me the most excited. Silverado is as much an homage to the western movie as it is a western movie itself. Lawrence Kasden obviously spent too many afternoons in dark auditoriums with the likes of John Wayne, Randolph Scott, and Gary Cooper. Fortunately for us he did, and then learned how to make a rousing adventure film. Sony gives us a beautiful rendering of the sights and sounds of Silverado. Enjoy it. It doesn't get much better.

Great review Robert. After the 'Gladiator' Blu-ray screw-up, this sounds refreshing. Will have to stop by my crappy Wal-Mart in hopes they have it for $15. Can't wait to grace my 2.35:1 screen with this film.

Thanks. I was having an "Obi" moment, but I'm all better now. ;)

Great write up thank you for the impressions! I'm looking forward to watching this and share your sentiments on this film, it has been a long time favorite of mine as well.

The review at DVD Times mentions excessive edge enhancement.

http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/CapsuleReviews/Blu-ray/2009/09#p71470

Did you notice this Robert or has the reviewer got their sharpness controls set up too high ?

And now, a few thought on the disc...

First off, the picture in the first post is not representative of the actual disc package. Sony has sent out Silverado in one of the nice book type cases with multiple pages of liner notes and artwork. This is but the first of the pleasant moments of experiencing this new Blu-ray. There is much more.

Grain, or lack of, has become a hot topic on this and other enthusiast forums of late. Every studio and post house seems to have their own idea of what looks good on video and how film should be prepared for the electronic medium. With the extremely limited range afforded by the DVD format, digital processing was routinely used to attempt to achieve a satisfactory result on that format. High definition, and specifically the Blu-ray format, does not require excessive digital processing of film transfers as the increased resolution and color gamut allow for film transfer that can still retain the look of film without the severe artifacting that would have occurred under the severe compression constraints of DVD. Unfortunately, there remains a certain mindset in the production business that consumers want to see squeaky clean, degrained images in hi-def. Even more unfortunately, to some extent, that happens to be true. In light of this, how a transfer like the one on this new BD release of Silverado made it to Blu-ray is clearly a testament to the commitment of someone at Sony Pictures Entertainment to preserving the look of film on video.

Yes, there is fairly prominent grain visible throughout this transfer. Enough that there will be some that will not be particularly pleased with this disc. However, there is something almost magnetic about the look of this disc. I will preface by saying I have been a fan of this film since the first moment I saw it the first time. That was many years and many formats ago (has it already been 24 years?). Yet, last night I found myself reveling in what was very nearly a brand new experience with this film. Then it dawned on me. I was seeing the film Silverado for the first time.

What this new transfer reveals is at once subtle and revelatory. Along with the natural grain structure of the film medium itself, there is texture and subtle shadings of light and color that have simply never been present before. I cringe at the use of the cliché, "pulling back the veil", but that is exactly how it felt watching this disc on a very large screen (106" diagonal). I was immediately drawn into the visual sumptuousness of the photography, but also the subtleties of performance that I simply do not recall ever feeling before. I don't want to sound like I am overselling this transfer, but the combination of a favorite film seen many times before and this striking new transfer truly was "like seeing it again for the first time".

Equally awe inspiring is the film soundtrack with its terrific score by Bruce Broughton. The lossless TrueHD audio format has never been put to better use on any disc I have heard than right here. Frequency response is exceptional from the slightest jingle of the spurs to the much improved low end of the score. This soundtrack gets everything right which serves to further the illusion created by John Bailey's beautiful cinematography.

There are some supplemental features on the disc, but my time was limited last night, so I am limiting my comments to that which has got me the most excited. Silverado is as much an homage to the western movie as it is a western movie itself. Lawrence Kasden obviously spent too many afternoons in dark auditoriums with the likes of John Wayne, Randolph Scott, and Gary Cooper. Fortunately for us he did, and then learned how to make a rousing adventure film. Sony gives us a beautiful rendering of the sights and sounds of Silverado. Enjoy it. It doesn't get much better.

Greetings,

This disc arrived today from Sony (better late than never ;)) along with The quick and the dead. I hope to have a review done in the coming days. Thanks for posting your impressions Robert as I look forward to checking this one out.


Regards,

The review at DVD Times mentions excessive edge enhancement.

Did you notice this Robert or has the reviewer got their sharpness controls set up too high ?

I do not see any obvious "ringing", at least not in the 30-40 minutes of scenes I looked at last night. I have set aside enough time for a full viewing tonight, but I don't think I will find anything I did not already see. I can't say what that reviewer is seeing that he is interpreting as edge enhancement.

For reference I am using a PS3 (Slim) via HDMI to a calibrated Pioneer Elite PRO-FPJ1 LCoS projector. Hardware based ringing is not an issue on this projector.

Thanks for the impressions Obi. :) You should go back to doing reviews. ;)

I'm really surprised that there hasn't been more of a discussion about this release. I thought this movie had a big fan base.

I'm really surprised that there hasn't been more discussion about this release. I thought this movie had a big fan base.

It isn't Watchmen or Dark Knight so the typical buyer of a title like this isn't necessarily the typical Internet poster. Even so, Sony was late getting this out, it seems. Only a couple of Wal-Marts in my area had it on Tuesday, and no other retailer I can tell. Best Buy didn't get it in on time and FYE actually told me it was delayed until Oct. 22nd :rolleyes:. As a few more folks find this on the shelves, or get their Amazon orders in, I expect there will be a bit more discussion. But, like I said above, this is not the type of transfer that will elicit strong praise from the typical consumer. People that understand what film should look like, and like 25 year old movies, make up a small part of the demographic.

Thanks for the impressions Obi. You should go back to doing reviews.

Thanks for remembering. But, I don't think so. ;)

Thanks for remembering. But, I don't think so. ;)

Ha. I hate to read that. Maybe if I get a petition going.... I'm sure there are plenty here that still remember your reviews and would like to see Obi back in action. ;)

Plus you've got a really nice PJ and having a nice display makes doing reviews mandatory. OK I'll stop now. LOL.

Okay folks, I thought this looked damned good. The 1st ten minutes is a bit shoddy, almost like they forgot to clean up the transfer or used a different dvd master but from then on it looks great. Sony is overall doing great work on their catalog titles unlike other studios. Oh and $15 at walmart, steal!

Yes, there is fairly prominent grain visible throughout this transfer. Enough that there will be some that will not be particularly pleased with this disc. However, there is something almost magnetic about the look of this disc. I will preface by saying I have been a fan of this film since the first moment I saw it the first time. That was many years and many formats ago (has it already been 24 years?). Yet, last night I found myself reveling in what was very nearly a brand new experience with this film. Then it dawned on me. I was seeing the film Silverado for the first time.



I saw this film in the theater and have since watched it innumerable times on DVD and on the HD channels, most recently HD Net Movies via Fios. It is one of my all time favorite movies.

Just watched parts of it on the new BD. I felt exactly as you did. I was simply mesmerized. It was truly as if I was watching a new movie. As good as it looked on HDNet Movies, the BD is very significantly better.

And add to the video quality the Dolby True HD sound and you have added another new dimension to watching this film. The sound has never been better.

The BD has already become one of my favorites and will be watched many times.

Holy s#!t, it's only $14.96 at Wal-Mart! That's a whopping 62% off of SRP! Even at the original SRP of $28.96, it's nearly half off! Thank God I hadn't preordered it from anywhere!

Unfortunately, the two Wall-E Marts in the Canadian city where I reside do not carry this title....even if they did, it would likely be listed at around $25 or higher....Bestbuy here has it listed @ $37.99 (!), altho I was able to get them to price-match Amazon.ca's price of $28.95, and picked it up.

Great review Robert 'Obi' George! Can't wait to view my copy....the New Mexican backdrop should look resplendently desolate on the hidef scope frame :cool:

Just finished watching this... after receiving my UK imports today of Goonies, Let The Right One in, Gladiator steelbook, and then this title, and Creepshow I reached for Silverado first without question.

The verdict... well others with more experience and better writing skills have already beat me to it and I agree with both Robert and Ralph although I thin I may have give PQ a couple more points... maybe around 87. Detail was fantastic especially in the darker scene and the colors were just fantastic. The scene where Mal's father is down by the creek you can see an incredibly colorful rock bed just beneath the waters surface. Great color and detail but I again agree with the others that have said the score shines brightest with the BD, simply amazing!

frankly one of the best western ever made
together on same shelf as UNFORGIVEN, ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST
WYATT EARP (1993) (imho), BIG JAKE (i like it), THE WILD BUNCH
http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/movies.php?id=5037&show=review

no dnr, etc it seems
kuddos to SONY

besides perhaps with war movies, the best genre to fit a cinemascope screen if the film is shot of course in "scope" (generic term)
not enough people today "can" appreciate the grandiosity of western

add on the same shelf 3:10 TO YUMA remake also

i could a few more to add of course

SILVERADO is however perhaps the most "engaging", "riding" thanks also to that wonderful score by Broughton

frankly one of the best western ever made
together on same shelf as UNFORGIVEN, ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST
WYATT EARP (1993) (imho), BIG JAKE (i like it), THE WILD BUNCH
http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/movies.php?id=5037&show=review

no dnr, etc it seems
kuddos to SONY

I recommend The Professionals, Vera Cruz and Red River although the latter two aren't out on Blu Ray yet.

I found Silverado to be everything Obi and Ralph eluded to and more. “Gate weave” has almost been completely removed. This movie looks great and the sound is pretty amazing for a 1985 movie. If you remotely like westerns then this is a easy recommend.

If anyone knows about modern gate weave removal then please post a comment (or links) about the process. I am a tech person but have been retired for more than five years.

Just wanted to add that I have owned Silverado on LaserDisc and DVD. Seeing it on Blu-ray was almost like watching the movie for the first time.