and you can see the issue with 2.35:1 on the openTwo notes:

1) The curves in the corner were present in theatrical prints as well; it's a stylistic choice as the film opens with a dream sequence.
2) The Island was shot at 2.40:1.

Too bad the movie was so awful it was hard to sit through.Actually, The Island was one of my favorite films of the past year, and IMHO is destined to become a SciFi staple.

Phone Booth

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/8487/phoneboothoar5tx.th.png (http://img155.imageshack.us/my.php?image=phoneboothoar5tx.png)

HDTVFanatic,

I believe that D* may still be showing this one on HD PPV and open matte. Who showed it as OAR? At that bitrate I was thinking CMoreHD but I don't see their logo.



I caught the BEV PPV and it was cropped:

http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/5687/islandcrop5ww.png
http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/3842/island042jj4gt6qk.jpg

Actually, The Island was one of my favorite films of the past year, and IMHO is destined to become a SciFi staple.

Well, to each his own. I like a lot of movies other people hate and vice versa. I have to admit Scarlett looked WAY hot in this one.

Man of the House in OAR.

Man of the House in OAR.When and where? Last time I caught it on Starz (a few weeks ago) it was cropped. OAR is 2.35, this was not shot in Super35.

Thats what you get for watching StarzHD.

I know what OAR and 2.35.1 is.

You might be interested in this link.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0331933/technical

Hmmm....not shot in 35mm? Your source?

Thats what you get for watching StarzHD.

I know what OAR and 2.35.1 is.

You might be interested in this link.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0331933/technical

Hmmm....not shot in 35mm? Your source?No, what I said was it wasn't shot in Super35. You need to learn how to read before you start spouting off.

I really understand why you suggest people ignore you. I think I will follow your advice.

DaveFi-

i have learned it's much better to ignore HDTVFanatic's often vitriolic posts. he is a Starz-HD hater (no matter WHAT we are discussing about the channel) and just can't believe some of us enjoy seeing things like SIN CITY in perfect HD presentations. But it seems like on EVERY issue around here he gets a holier-than-thou attitude and makes snide jabs at other people's posts.

When and where? Last time I caught it on Starz (a few weeks ago) it was cropped. OAR is 2.35, this was not shot in Super35.

No, what I said was it wasn't shot in Super35. You need to learn how to read before you start spouting off.



Wow!!! OAR is 2.35:1 and has to be shot in Super35 according to your post.

Maybe you should learn to read as well.

Technical Specifications for
Man of the House (2005/I)
Camera
Panaflex Cameras and Lenses by Panavision

Laboratory
DeLuxe

Film negative format (mm/video inches)
35 mm

Printed film format
35 mm

Aspect ratio
2.35 : 1

Spin it however you want. The film is in 2.35:1 OAR and you are trying to spin your response because you were wrong. That's very apparent.


http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/5773/manofthehouseoar2gs.png (http://imageshack.us)

DaveFi-

i have learned it's much better to ignore HDTVFanatic's often vitriolic posts. he is a Starz-HD hater (no matter WHAT we are discussing about the channel) and just can't believe some of us enjoy seeing things like SIN CITY in perfect HD presentations. But it seems like on EVERY issue around here he gets a holier-than-thou attitude and makes snide jabs at other people's posts.

Funny how I got a PERFECT HD of Sin City from the same source that gave me a PERFECT copy of Man of the House - both in OAR - StarzHD could not deliver both.

If you want to overpay for the worst value in true HD in america, then keep it up with Starz - giving you the least amount of true HD films per month and thus the highest cost per true HD Movie of any of the movie channels. Of course, 75% of americans buy a HDTV and then can't afford a HD source - so why should I find your love affair with StarzHD should be any different.

The only time I get a vitrolic post and holier than though is when people make dumb and stupid posts that are incorrect - as DaveFi and you often exhibit.

Please keep me on ignore.

You have proven in your case, ignorance is bliss.

Beverly Hills Cop 2

Spin it however you want. The film is in 2.35:1 OAR and you are trying to spin your response because you were wrong. That's very apparent.
Boy, are you nasty! How old are you? Why don't you go back and reread my original post.

What I was doing was asking for information. All I said was the last time I watched it on Starz it was cropped. And it was. Apparently they got an OAR transfer, or are running two different transfers- 1 OAR, the other cropped.(Not the first time Starz-HD has done this)

You really need to bone up on your reading comprehension skills. There is absolutely nothing in my original post that anyone with a sane mind could find offensive.

HDTVFanatic -

you are doing a great job proving that not only are you ignorant, but also a complete jerk.

SIN CITY *WAS* shown in OAR on Starz and it looked PHENOMENAL. In your post you seem to suggest it wasn't.

I'm also curious about how old you are - your posts seem like and angry 17 year old.

I've had several PM's from people telling me to ignore you as they do..... I need to start taking that advice more seriously now.

PS - weren't you also the one who was vehement about National Treasure being an upconvert on Starz when it turned out you were 100% wrong?

You got pretty nasty in those enchanges, too, and you turned out to be completely incorrect.

PS - weren't you also the one who was vehement about National Treasure being an upconvert on Starz when it turned out you were 100% wrong?

You got pretty nasty in those enchanges, too, and you turned out to be completely incorrect.

That was me...and yes, he was nasty towards me. And yes, I do ignore him... ;)

Mickey -

thanks for the clarification.

it's one thing for people to have strong opinions around here, it's another for people to be outright nasty, mean, and insulting.

he accused me and DaveFi of "dumb and stupid posts" yet I read nothing but misinformation and opinion-stated-as-fact in his rants and diatribes (which makes his signature quote even more laughable).

oleus

I sense he might be dyslexic.

In any event, after going back and rereading his posts, I guess his answers are that he got an OAR transfer from some nameless source (probably off the internet), and couldn't quite grasp the fact that I was talking about Starz, which ran this cropped.

Is there a way I can block someone's posts so they don't show up? For me he contributes absolutely nothing to this forum except frustration and aggravation.

I sense he might be dyslexic.

In any event, after going back and rereading his posts, I guess his answers are that he got an OAR transfer from some nameless source (probably off the internet), and couldn't quite grasp the fact that I was talking about Starz, which ran this cropped.

Is there a way I can block someone's posts so they don't show up? For me he contributes absolutely nothing to this forum except frustration and aggravation.

What about his completely useless screencaps he loves to post?

You wouldnt wanna miss out on any of that useless information would you?

since his screencaps tend to never actually prove his claims (i.e. - Starz NEVER gets it right, UHD is ALWAYS horrible looking, posting a motion-blurred screencap from a low-res source to make his point.....etc etc), i could definitely live without them if i could block his posts from showing up on my screen.

i am no big fan of Starz or UHD but it's like none of us are allowed to praise them when they do something right, he just goes beserk with insults.

in the past week UHD has shown two of my favorite movies in HD, 2.35:1 OAR (David Lynch's LOST HIGHWAY and Brian DePalma's SCARFACE).

Lost Highway seemed like the 5.1 track I have heard on imported dvds of the title. Center channel dialogue is mixed VERY low in the beginning, music in all channels mixed very high. Scarface, although broadcast as a 5.1 signal, sounded like 2.0 to me.

I keep reading that Universal HD seems to always show OAR but they showed THEY LIVE at 2.35:1, slightly windowboxed (black bars on the sides too) during the credits, but cropped during the film. Tonight, FRIGHTENERS looks cropped, so maybe UHD isn't all OAR all the time after all....after LOST HIGHWAY and SCARFACE (along with other comments here) I was hoping OAR was the norm for them....guess that's not entirely the case.

-oleus

PS to Fanatic - I have no "love affair" with Starz, I just don't blindly hate them with every ounce of my being, as you seem to. For me it's worth paying for the HD they provide, what bothers you so much about how I spend my money?

The only time I get a vitrolic post and holier than though is when people make dumb and stupid posts that are incorrect - as DaveFi and you often exhibit.
.

is it piling on to point out the glaring spelling errors in a post claiming others are "dumb and stupid"?

holier-than THOUGH?
Vitrolic?

Is there a way I can block someone's posts so they don't show up? For me he contributes absolutely nothing to this forum except frustration and aggravation.

If you go to his profile, right under his name on the right, there is a link to add him to your "ignore" list...it works great...I have several people on it.

Mickey -

thanks. just did it.

as much as i would like to read his graceful and insightful repsonses to all this, i'll just be glad i don't have to bear his holier-than "THOUGH" attitude anymore, as he puts it.

-oleus

PS - four years here and that's the first time i've ever even considered blocking someone's posts. what a jerk!

Tonight, FRIGHTENERS looks cropped, so maybe UHD isn't all OAR all the time after all....



Hmmm, after reading this I checked out a little more of my recording. It does indeed look cropped. Which is odd because it was shot in Super 35 (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116365/technical). But just looking at the opening scene, the framing looked way too tight to be an open matte Super 35 transfer.

Damn, why does every HD channel have to be so inconsistent? Is there a signal channel that has a consistent OAR policy? I mean these suits in the programming department need to do some market research... there is no doubt that most HDTV customers prefer OAR. Someone mentioned Showtime does a good job with OAR... are there any others?

Man, I hate having to wait for this whole Blu-Ray - HD-DVD thing to sort itself out so I can have some control over what I watch in HD. Having HD these days sometimes feels like a premature ejaculation (pardon me for the analogy, but I find it fits).

Tonight, FRIGHTENERS looks cropped

Actually, it was open matte.

Edit: here (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs69&d=06080&f=fri.jpg) is a screen shot comparing to the DVD.

I often get the impression when looking at an open matte transfer that the movie is cropped. Matting the projection gives it back its cinematographic look.

PS - weren't you also the one who was vehement about National Treasure being an upconvert on Starz when it turned out you were 100% wrong?

You got pretty nasty in those enchanges, too, and you turned out to be completely incorrect.

Why don't you go check out the thread? And nothing was ever proven.

That was me...and yes, he was nasty towards me. And yes, I do ignore him... ;)

And most know Mickey is full of FUD stating that CBS had ordered to downcovert their signal at affiliates Nationwide and to run 4 SD Subchannels during the NCAA Tourney next month.

It was so off base, the Moderators had to step in and stop him.

I sense he might be dyslexic.

In any event, after going back and rereading his posts, I guess his answers are that he got an OAR transfer from some nameless source (probably off the internet), and couldn't quite grasp the fact that I was talking about Starz, which ran this cropped.

Is there a way I can block someone's posts so they don't show up? For me he contributes absolutely nothing to this forum except frustration and aggravation.

There's $100,000.00 waiting for you to show me a transport stream of Man on Campus on the internet prior to the earlier mention.

More FUD from the ignorant.

And, who is talking about breaking laws:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7201102#post7201102

Why its DaveFi - less than 5 hours earlier

Jealousy rears its ugly head that DaveFI is jealous I have good sources that I pay for and he doesn't - so he assumes it has to be illegal over the internet.

Mickey -

thanks. just did it.

as much as i would like to read his graceful and insightful repsonses to all this, i'll just be glad i don't have to bear his holier-than "THOUGH" attitude anymore, as he puts it.

-oleus

PS - four years here and that's the first time i've ever even considered blocking someone's posts. what a jerk!

Ignorance will continue to be bliss for you..

The attic fan's behavior is typical of people who can not be happy on their own. They need to make others miserable in order for them to feel fulfilled. I would read his posts for their entertainment value, but they are clearly getting old. He is now on my ignore list as well.

BTW, don't forget that everyone who has Kill Bill in 720p really has an upconvert. :rolleyes:

The attic fan's behavior is typical of people who can not be happy on their own. They need to make others miserable in order for them to feel fulfilled. I would read his posts for their entertainment value, but they are clearly getting old. He is now on my ignore list as well.

BTW, don't forget that everyone who has Kill Bill in 720p really has an upconvert. :rolleyes:


Thank god we live in a country that allows you to be wrong and ignore me. It still doesn't make you right - but it proves we live in a great country. Thank goodness your FUD isnt forced on people.

it's nice to see all those posts by Fanatic and not know what they say.

maybe he was right - ignoring IS bliss, as long as it involves ignoring HIM....

oleus

back on topic, did the UHD Frighteners have a real 5.1 track?

going back and listening to LOST HIGHWAY it was definitely 2.0 (which is what the original theatrical release was), but it was sent out/flagged as 5.1. The 5.1 import DVD's had a very aggressive soundmix, this track sounds similar.....in the theater i, i really don't remember how the sound mix was.

SCARFACE was also shown in "5.1", but all the sound was coming from the L/R....that movie definitely has a recent 5.1 mix, and I believe they were just downmixing the newer mix to 2.0 instead of using the original stereo track. It had all the recent audio tweaks to the mix from the remastered dvd, just downconverted to 2.0 stereo, which i think is what also might have happened with LOST HIGHWAY.

UHD may be showing uncropped/open-matte, but they may have some audio issues.

It wasn't even proper 2.0. There was no center channel at all. It's completely screwed up sound, just like SCARFACE and MIDNIGHT RUN and every other damned film shown on that stupid channel.

UNIVERSAL-HD is aware of their 5.1 problem and will hopefully be fixing it shortly. I spoke with a rep from the technical department and was told that this issue is being worked out. How long will it take, I wish I had that answer...

Just a reminder, anyone with Bel Expressvu

Spider-man 2 5.1 235:1 ltr today

it's nice to see all those posts by Fanatic and not know what they say.

maybe he was right - ignoring IS bliss, as long as it involves ignoring HIM....

oleus

Now, if people would just stop "quoting" him I would never see what he has to say. Enough about that...

Anyone want to guess or even bet if Armageddon will be OAR in three weeks. There is a huge piece of cheese-flick that I would love to see in OAR.

Forest Gump looked OAR on ABC last night...

of course I was watching it in a bar, with no sound, from 25 feet away on a 40" Samsung DLP...

Forest Gump looked OAR on ABC last night...

of course I was watching it in a bar, with no sound, from 25 feet away on a 40" Samsung DLP...

I switched over for a moment and it was cropped showing full frame.

I switched over for a moment and it was cropped showing full frame.

wow seriously? it looked 2.35:1 on the TV...but again, it was a bar, with no audio :)

Looked good from far away ;)

It was OAR and the HD image was stunning. Too bad it wasn't on a movie channel without commercials.

I only glanced for a moment but swore it was cropped. It was a scene where Gump was jogging and had a beard and long hair and all the reporters where around him.
Sorry for the miss information. Maybe I had my settings on the wrong ratio :(

When I watched 10 seconds it was 2.35:1.

oelus commented:
> I keep reading that Universal HD seems to always show OAR... <

Unfortunately, that's incorrect. :(

> but they showed THEY LIVE at 2.35:1, slightly windowboxed (black bars on the sides too) during the credits, but cropped during the film. <

Yes, and that hurt it quite a bit. I have it from when HDNet Movies aired it, and the 2.35 presentation was vastly superior (IMO).

> Tonight, FRIGHTENERS looks cropped, so maybe UHD isn't all OAR all the time after all....after LOST HIGHWAY and SCARFACE (along with other comments here) I was hoping OAR was the norm for them....guess that's not entirely the case. <

It doesn't help until it's actually airing, but if you check the pre-roll, they normally put up a slate with "This is the original Theatrical version, presented in it's original format." or similar words to that effect. Lacking that, it's usually a cropped, or open matte presentation.

HDTVFanAtic added:
> Beverly Hills Cop 2 <

I appreciate the contributions (especially good to know those providers actually offering OAR), but it would be more helpful if you also added the source. As it is, it's a bit of a mystery, since most have no clue where these are coming from.

I believe most of your recent comments pertain to channels available only on BEV (Bell Express-View), and if you indicated that BHC2 was on City-HD/BEV, or some of the others were Movie Central/BEV, or TMN/BEV, that would be good info to have (wake folks up to the quality of the Canadian offerings), and potentially avoid having angry folks erroneously assuming your source was feeds.

- Tim

It doesn't help until it's actually airing, but if you check the pre-roll, they normally put up a slate with "This is the original Theatrical version, presented in it's original format." or similar words to that effect. Lacking that, it's usually a cropped, or open matte presentation.


They actually had this disclaimer in front of "They Live", then showed it cropped anyway. And it was completely obvious even if the viewer wasn't aware of the film's OAR that it was cropped because the opening credits were OAR.

Just a reminder, anyone with Bel Expressvu

Spider-man 2 5.1 235:1 ltr today


Well they had this listed as letterboxed but it is playing in 16x9. I see on IMDB it is listed in several formats one of being super 35mm. I wonder if this is the same transfer shown on HBO and if that was open matte or zoomed. Anyone know which version the HBO was shown in. Thanks.

Anyone know which version the HBO was shown in. Thanks.

From what I remember it was open matte for the regular shots (non-f/x) and cropped on the f/x shots...there was some screen caps on a thread somewhere here...can't find them now.

First,

Alan Gouger, thanks for your amended post on FORREST GUMP.

Your humility in acknowledging a possible mis-statement
could perhaps serve as an example.

RE: SPIDERMAN TWO

Don't have all the answers, but have one.

The live action was all Super 35 as DOP BILL POPE
is not a fan of anamorphic.

The bigger question is how was it FINISHED ie were the effects
finished with additional top and bottom . . . .

Matt Stevens -

The center channel dialogue for both LOST HIGHWAY and SCARFACE were coming from the L/R channels, i.e. there didn't seem to be anything actually missing. It might have sounded like it early on in LOST HIGHWAY but that's how every stereo and 5.1 track of that film has ever sounded, it's a strange sound mix.

But that is great news that UHD is working on getting their 5.1 worked out.

But that is great news from mickey that UHD is working on getting their 5.1 worked out.

That was hd4ever that posted that...

noted, and edited....

hopefully they will show LOST HIGHWAY and SCARFACE again after they fix the 5.1 audio issue, although I hear it could be a LONG time judging by UHD's past programming patterns.

plus i don't even know if my local Comcast is even keeping UHD after tomorrow morning.

Matt Stevens -

The center channel dialogue for both LOST HIGHWAY and SCARFACE were coming from the L/R channels, i.e. there didn't seem to be anything actually missing. It might have sounded like it early on in LOST HIGHWAY but that's how every stereo and 5.1 track of that film has ever sounded, it's a strange sound mix.
Yes I understand this. I am not saying the dialogue is missing. I am saying that these soundtracks are COMPLETELY SCREWED UP! And as for LOST HIGHWAY, the DVD I rented had dialogue in the center speaker.

Anyway, whatever. They will fix is eventually, one would think.
:eek:

Anyway, whatever. They will fix is eventually, one would think.
:eek:
Unfortunately, many of us are looking down the barrel of our cable companies pulling it out from under us at the end of this month. :-(

yeah, our Comcast pulled it this morning so no more UHD for me.

I'm curious why they offered it, then pulled it? Seems a little strange.

- Tim

it was added for the Olympic coverage.

Ahh. Thanks. That makes sense, I guess, but kinda peaks your interest with all their other offerings, then it's gone. :(

- Tim

The Golden Bowl on HBO-HD. Stars Uma Thurman.

The Golden Bowl on HBO-HD. Stars Uma Thurman.

Largo: Thanks. The U.S. Distributor is Lions Gate.

FEARLESS on Cinemax is OAR right now and what a terrific transfer!

HARD RAIN is OAR and 5.1 on The Movie Channel (9:45pm).
Crisp-looking transfer with an excellent 5.1 mix. Nice job TMC!

hideaf -

did you ever see INHD's FEARLESS transfer? i remember it being ok, but i skipped recording this on Cinemax. Maybe i should look to see if Cinemax is playing it again?

it's a great movie. very underrated.

oleus, I never saw the INHD transfer, but the one that I just
recorded off Cinemax was extremely clean-looking and the DD 2.0
mix sounded very good. It's on again: 3/22 @ 1:10am.

Lord of War is listed on BEV. Scope. This was just at the theaters.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0399295/

FEARLESS on Cinemax is OAR right now and what a terrific transfer!

Well OAR in this case is only 1.85:1.

Kurt

1.85:1 is the OAR for FEARLESS and what a terrific transfer it was.

Hey, Alan;

What is BEV.scope????


[QUOTE=Alan Gouger]Lord of War is listed on BEV. Scope. This was just at the theaters.

Titanic in OAR on HBO, even though it's a Super 35 film. Obviously another tranfer that predates HBO's decision to hack up anything they aren't contractually obligated to keep in tact. And of course, it's 2 channel sound. You just can't win with HBO...

Hey, Alan;

What is BEV.scope????


[QUOTE=Alan Gouger]Lord of War is listed on BEV. Scope. This was just at the theaters.


he means its on Bell Express Vue satellite in 2.35:1 (scope) :)

Yeah, it's been mentioned before, but National Treasure really does look impressive in OAR on Starz! HD whenever it runs…

Those who care about good OAR info, don't miss Cliffhanger on SHO in OAR and 2.35:1, though 2.0 Audio.

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/2558/ch2wx.png (http://imageshack.us)

Those who love ignore can just believe the TitanTV listing of no HD while watching your 5 HDTV movies a month on Starz or screwed up audio on UHD.

Titanic in OAR on HBO, even though it's a Super 35 film. Obviously another tranfer that predates HBO's decision to hack up anything they aren't contractually obligated to keep in tact. And of course, it's 2 channel sound. You just can't win with HBO...

Hunt for Red October was also OAR 2.35:1 today, although with a 2.0 Soundtrack.

Those who care about good OAR info, don't miss Cliffhanger on SHO in OAR and 2.35:1, though 2.0 Audio.

Those who love ignore can just believe the TitanTV listing of no HD while watching your 5 HDTV movies a month on Starz or screwed up audio on UHD.

This was originally listed on Sho site as NO HD, then I see they changed it. I really like this one and am glad to see it in HD, especially oar.

Interesting Timing considering last night.


Crash had its debut on the Canadian outlets this morning in OAR.

Hunt for Red October was also OAR 2.35:1 today, although with a 2.0 Soundtrack.

looked up-scaled...

Just because it is an oddity in the other direction.

Duel (1971, Steven Spielberg) is airing OAR (1.33:1) on HDNet Movies this month ;)

Lax -

Hunt For Red October was definitely HD. It's not the sharpest HD transfer but it blows the DVD away!

this movie's effects shots have always been murky and soft (even in the theater), and the movie itself is rather dark and muted. i think this lends itself to a presentation that might not jump off the screen as "great hd", but it's a fairly accurate representation of how the movie should look and definitely HD resolution.

This was originally listed on Sho site as NO HD, then I see they changed it. I really like this one and am glad to see it in HD, especially oar.

this is one reason i usually record a movie I want to see in HD, whether TitanTV's listings (or the channel's website's listing) indicate it's in HD or not.

Cliffhanger's transfer was REALLY nice. This is one of the great underrated popcorn action flicks of all time. It also has one of the best trailers of all time, it would be nice to get that in HD sometime in the future.

I think it was the template for countless other action trailers for about 3 or 4 years after it came out....


oleus

Lax -

Hunt For Red October was definitely HD. It's not the sharpest HD transfer but it blows the DVD away!

this movie's effects shots have always been murky and soft (even in the theater), and the movie itself is rather dark and muted. i think this lends itself to a presentation that might not jump off the screen as "great hd", but it's a fairly accurate representation of how the movie should look and definitely HD resolution.

alright...I only jumped to it for like 15 seconds and turned it off since it didn't look TrueHD

The Pelican Brief on Showtime HD this afternoon in 2.35:1 OAR. Looks great!

Well this is not 235:1 news but still exciting.

Next month on Bel Expres Vu, Back to the Future 1,2,3

Took a quick peak at my recording of "The House of Flying Daggers" on Starz... it's OAR 2.35:1!

Speed 2 on HBO was 2.35.

Took a quick peak at my recording of "The House of Flying Daggers" on Starz... it's OAR 2.35:1!But is it still just an upconvert like the last time they showed it?

Here are some earlier screen capture comparisons:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6726790&&#post6726790
and a close-up comparison of HD vs upconvert:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6729043&&#post6729043

Andromeda Strain on UHD.

But is it still just an upconvert like the last time they showed it?

Here are some earlier screen capture comparisons:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6726790&&#post6726790
and a close-up comparison of HD vs upconvert:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6729043&&#post6729043


I looked at a little more of it.... it does look like an upconvert. I'd only watched the credits before to see if it was OAR. That sucks.

SMALL SOLDIERS is OAR (2.35:1) on HBO right now! Solid transfer and 5.1 sound.

SMALL SOLDIERS is OAR (2.35:1) on HBO right now! Solid transfer and 5.1 sound.

I see this Im shocked. I sware I saw this on HBO a month ago and it as full screen :eek:

I see this Im shocked. I sware I saw this on HBO a month ago and it as full screen :eek:

Small Soldiers goes way back. I almost certain this was on HBO in 1999 when they still had their OAR policy. That's why it's in OAR now. I hope no one thinks this represents a change in HBO's anti-OAR stance.

Sahara on Movie Central

I see this Im shocked. I sware I saw this on HBO a month ago and it as full screen :eek:

I can state with 100% certainty that you must have seen it on another service as it has not been on HBO-HD or Cinemax-HD in 2005 or 2006.

In fact, despite what another know it all posted, I can find no evidence that it has ever been on HBO in HD. The long time collectors who have recorded things since 1999 and have multiple thousands of HD movies do not have a copy of this from any past showings - all indicating that this has not been shown previously on HBO in HD.

The fact that you saw this in the past few months on another service (or possibly a HBO speciality channel) and it is on 3 days this month show that something is up with this movie and it is most likely a new transfer.

I would not read into this that this is a change in HBO policy, but I am relatively sure this is not old stock that has been around HBO since their "No-OAR" policy. To think otherwise is just silly as the facts do not support it.

Well this is not 235:1 news but still exciting.

Next month on Bel Expres Vu, Back to the Future 1,2,3


:eek:

Im trying to remember what ch I saw this on. It was recently within a few months. I wanted to grab it but it was not OAR. Old news now anyway. Glad to see its on again later this month. Fun movie.

FYI, i just scanned it and noticed it DreamWorks.

Wasn't Dreamworks just sold in last few months?

That could possibly explain why this movie is making the rounds all of the sudden as they open up some vault stuff.

Also to note, their first 3 DVDs from Dreamworks were Mouse Hunt, The Peacemaker and Small Soliders.

Mouse Hunt continues to make appearances on HBO cropped. The Peacemaker had several showings on HBO in OAR over the past few months - so Peacemaker and Small Soliders might have been in the same rights package.

Mouse Hunt continues to make appearances on HBO cropped.

I think Mouse Hunts theatrical ratio was 185:1

As far as the Dreamworks deal. Good explanation and would make sense. I love their movies and hope they keep them coming especially in OAR :)

I didnt check the release of Mouse Hunt. I had it listed on my spreadsheet as 16:9 and not widescreen. My mistake for not checking if it was originally in 2.35:1.

Again, its just speculation on the Dreamworks titles, but seems logical.

Was surprised that WHAT LIES BENEATH was on ABC in 2.39 Saturday.

Kinda slow but in a low level Hitchcockian kinda way . . . good for a sleepy Saturday.

It did look sort of soft . . . I recall it being almost TOO sharp in the theatre.

Does ABC do upconverts?

Is there any source to tell if a net movie is an upconvert?

On the other side of the coin . . .

Watched snippets of BAD BOYS TWO on Fox during Oscar commercials
and while not 2.39 [ looked like open matte common center ] the
PICTURE QUALITY WAS AMAZING . . . . much better than the other nets.

AND better than the theatre -- I recall the prints had crushed blacks and the
color was so hot that it plugged up the mid range. NOT attractive.

Interesting.

Too bad the film wasn't all that good.

There have been several times people have suspected ABC of doing upconverts, but considering the other FUD that gets posted - I would not deem that as any valid confirmation.

Well this is not 235:1 news but still exciting.

Next month on Bel Expres Vu, Back to the Future 1,2,3

Which channel?

Amazing they would have it while Universal-HD which has it in its vault would not.

Then again, no its not....

lol.

Which channel?

Amazing they would have it while Universal-HD which has it in its vault would not.

Then again, no its not....

lol.

http://www.digitalhomecanada.com/forum/showthread.php?t=38895

Heres the schedule.
http://www.moviecentral.ca/content3/schedule3/schedule2/

http://www.digitalhomecanada.com/forum/showthread.php?t=38895

Heres the schedule.
http://www.moviecentral.ca/content3/schedule3/schedule2/


Wierd - that pdf is for March, not April - and doesnt show Back to the Future. Neither does the other link :confused:

I realize you are just reposting, but I wish the original documented it instead of a link that doesnt.

I hate to bring it up here, but I saw Riddick on HBO-HD (was 1.85:1 not 2.35:1, so it was cropped) but it looked DAMN GOOD...probably one of the better HD movies I've seen. I only mention this because I think Alan said he also saw it on BEV but it was 2.35:1? So I guess there is two different transfers out there of it...

Wierd - that pdf is for March, not April - and doesnt show Back to the Future. Neither does the other link :confused:

I realize you are just reposting, but I wish the original documented it instead of a link that doesnt.

http://www.moviecentral.ca/cgi-bin/schedule2/2006/scheduleMC.cgi

You can see the movies listed on the schedule on the RHS of this page.

Clicking reveals the schedule and that they are HD.

Cheers!

Looked to be OAR to me -- Anthony Hopkins, Alec Baldwin, and Elle MacPherson. I didn't stick around on it for very long, so I can't say anything about the quality of the content of the film.

THE EDGE was HD/OAR and it looked really good. I made a D-VHS of it a few months back off Cinemax.

Steven Spielberg's Sugarland Express was 2.35:1 OAR today on UHD.

Steven Spielberg's Sugarland Express was 2.35:1 OAR today on UHD.A pleasant suprise.

It really does seem like any newer transfer on UHD is OAR.

Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy on Starz-HD. Thanks Starz!

The Jackal was in OAR on UHD and looked spectacular! Im loving UHD lately.

Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy on Starz-HD. Thanks Starz!Weeeeeeeeeeeeee!

A pleasant suprise.

It really does seem like any newer transfer on UHD is OAR.

maybe because their gearing up for HD DVD?

cliffhanger is on showtime hd oar, aired tonight at 10:30, but i believe it airs again in the next few days.

The Animatrix on TNT-HD, in OAR!!!!!!

I am hearing RIDDICK aired OAR somewhere. Is this true?

I am hearing RIDDICK aired OAR somewhere. Is this true?

That's the cap I have :D

Armageddon in OAR HD....arg, it was, during the credits...wow I got exctied...

Dariin, where did it come from? Theatrical cut? :( or director's cut? :)

The Paper is listed as an upconvert but I swear that its HD...the bit rate is insane at over 15mbps (where I usually get 13-14mbps). The PQ is incredible...the movie, not so good...lol.

Dariin, where did it come from? Theatrical cut? :( or director's cut? :)

No, sorry only Theatrical :(

That's the cap I have :D

720p ?

720p ?

Nope, 1080i.

Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy was 2.35:1 TrueHD on Starz-HD

Geronimo: An American Legend on Cinemax this afternoon in 2.35:1 OAR. PQ is superb.

Life or Something Like It - CityHD

THE WITCHES (1990) is True-HD/OAR right now (3/25 @ 7am) on Cinemax. The full-frame DVD looked awful, but the Cinemax transfer does the film justice; rich colors, deep blacks, and fine details are rendered beautifully.

Took a quick peak at my recording of "The House of Flying Daggers" on Starz... it's OAR 2.35:1!I'm puzzled about this one. It certainly was 2.35:1, and it certainly was DD5.1, and it certainly looked GORGEOUS!!! Oh, that "stones" game about 10 minutes in on a 5.1 sound system turned up loud is absolutely astonishing. When all those stones fall on the hard floor after hitting all of the drums, MY WORD!!!

This is probably the most gorgeous looking film I've ever seen (even topping "Days of Heaven"). The fight scene in the bamboo forest is just spectacular... the remarkably pure green is hypnotic.

Anyway, having seen it on my cousin's setup in NY this week, I just converted my Comcast (Digital Silver + SHO) to Digital Platinum (which provides ALL premium channels), for less money than I was paying for (Digital Silver + SHO)! This was done so that I could record "Daggers" to D-VHS when it gets played again on 3/31. But when looking at the Starz schedule, it does NOT show that this movie is in "TrueHDTV". Only "widescreen", and DD5.1. In fact, even TitanTV does not indicate "HD" (perhaps based on the Starz Guide info).

How can that be? The movie looked fabulous. What else could it be?

In fact, I was going to post a "heads up" for any who missed it, to catch the replay on 3/31. But I held back because it was not listed as "TrueHDTV".

So, what's the story here?

(I will still record it to D-VHS, because it still looked and sounded amazing.)

...it was not listed as "TrueHDTV".

So, what's the story here?
Upconvert...
"House of Flying Daggers on Starz! HD":
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6728912&&#post6728912

A High Def version was shown in Canada. Unfortunately, all versions in Borth America are digitally altered to remove blood, whic ruins a key scene. The foreign DVD's are all in-tact and the full bit DTS tracks on them are astounding. PQ suffers from artifacting though. Hopefully there will be a Blue-Ray release overseas with English subtitles.

Dante's Peak in 2.35:1 OAR and DD 5.1 on UHD. No commercial interruptions on a non-pay station. This movie is one of my favorites ... a lot of fun. Acceptable for teenagers as well.

Dante's Peak in 2.35:1 OAR and DD 5.1 on UHD. No commercial interruptions on a non-pay station. This movie is one of my favorites ... a lot of fun. Acceptable for teenagers as well.Already listed in the thread, and the 5.1 is the faux stuff they always broadcast. Hopefully they'll stop this one of these days...

Every movie shown on UHD is unedited/uninterrupted.

Already listed in the thread ...

DaveFi: Thanks. I see that Dante's Peak was shown on January 13th, before the Olympics, and thus before many of us "joined" UHD.

I also found the old discussion about faux DD 5.1.

Crocodile Dundee was on HBO this morning in OAR. Must have been the same transfer they used for Cinemax last month.

I believe Matt or someone else said they were really interested in it and missed the only showing on Cinemax. It apparently repeats on HBO the 5th, 16th and 21st.

Longest Yard - 2005 - Movie Central

"King Of The Hill" (Steven Soderbergh, 1993) on UHD is being shown OAR. And in an absolutely beautiful transfer, to my eyes....

CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER on Cinemax-HD right now (7:30pm).

Crocodile Dundee was on HBO this morning in OAR. Must have been the same transfer they used for Cinemax last month.

I believe Matt or someone else said they were really interested in it and missed the only showing on Cinemax. It apparently repeats on HBO the 5th, 16th and 21st.decent transfer...
http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/5127/dundee9gq.jpg

CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER could use a new transfer - this one looks murky and soft.
http://img461.imageshack.us/img461/8085/danger19xb.jpg

http://img461.imageshack.us/img461/586/danger23oz.jpg

DUNDEE has a good transfer, but suffer from some EE at times.

Please search the thread before posting. A lot of the recent posts are reposts.

The Great Escape looked incredible OAR HD on MPXHD

S1M0NE was on HDNET Movies last night in OAR and DD 5.1

great looking film. the colors are superb.

Its on again tonight if anyone cares to watch. 6:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM PT - Sat, Apr 8th

I wish my Cablevision service offered HDNET, instead they just added INHD2!

Clarence -

those screencaps for "Danger" look great, a lot better than what i was seeing.

PS - REPO MAN and FIELD OF DREAMS were both shown in HD/OAR this week on Cinemax.

FIELD OF DREAMS looked amazing!

Blade : Trinity was just on in scope and 5:1 Bel Vu

Clarence

That G90 is making those caps look darn good :)

Crocodile Dundee looked good on my 50" plasma but it looked like an up convert on my FP at 8 feet wide. The transfer just feel apart on the big screen.

Blade : Trinity was just on in scope and 5:1 Bel Vu

Alan, I forget the answer to this all the time...BEV 720p or 1080i?

Isn't BLADE 1 supposed to air somewhere this month or next?

BLADE airs on Starz in May starting on 5/21 @ 9:15am & 5pm.

Alan, I forget the answer to this all the time...BEV 720p or 1080i?

This is better answered by the experts but from what I have read it is 720. I do not know if all the channels on Bel or 720?

This is a good question, anyone ?

Con Air is being shown in Starz HD in OAR and DD5.1. 4/9/06 5:17pm

Con Air is being shown in Starz HD in OAR and DD5.1. 4/9/06 5:17pm

It's an upconvert. It is marked as such on their schedule.

yeah just saw that. Thanks for pointing it out. At least it's OAR even though not HD.

yeah just saw that. Thanks for pointing it out. At least it's OAR even though not HD.

No worries...the upconvert is still way better than the non-anamorphic dvd that is out.

This is better answered by the experts but from what I have read it is 720. I do not know if all the channels on Bel or 720?

This is a good question, anyone ?

http://img461.imageshack.us/img461/4683/blade4xr.th.png (http://img461.imageshack.us/my.php?image=blade4xr.png)

HARD RAIN was shown on Showtime OAR and 5.1. Nice addition tomy DVHS recordings.

As referenced in its own thread, Crash was shown 2.35:1, DD5.1 over the week-end on Showtime-HD. Strangely the debut of Crash on Showtime was cropped just a week earlier.

Was a little soft for a modern release but still a worthwhile addition to ones library until the BD release becomes available.

> Strangely the debut of Crash on Showtime was cropped just a week earlier. <

Interesting. Did they ever correct the similar problem with Godzilla?

- Tim

> Strangely the debut of Crash on Showtime was cropped just a week earlier. <

Interesting. Did they ever correct the similar problem with Godzilla?

- Tim

Nope. Nor did they for Terminal Velocity.

Anastasia on HBO


http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/1641/anastasia012nt.th.jpg (http://img89.imageshack.us/my.php?image=anastasia012nt.jpg)

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/8974/anastasia029fd.th.jpg (http://img89.imageshack.us/my.php?image=anastasia029fd.jpg)

http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/7690/anastasia038bq.th.jpg (http://img238.imageshack.us/my.php?image=anastasia038bq.jpg)

HFA, thanks for the captures.

But these have me wondering if I was hallucinating? When this first started airing, I caught a bit by chance, and it was 4x3. I was surprised, so I checked the website to confirm the "True HD" tag, and set up a recording anyway.

When I did a quick check afterwards, I would have sworn it was 4x3. I didn't bother to check if it was actually HD, or an upconvert. This would have been the airing just before your 6:15am airing yesterday, which would have been ~the 8th or 9th. I know, because my info for that version indicated 3 more airings in this cycle, and now there are just 2 left.

I'll have to go back and pull my tape to check this, because it's peaked my curiosity.

- Tim

HFA, thanks for the captures.

But these have me wondering if I was hallucinating? When this first started airing, I caught a bit by chance, and it was 4x3. I was surprised, so I checked the website to confirm the "True HD" tag, and set up a recording anyway.

When I did a quick check afterwards, I would have sworn it was 4x3. I didn't bother to check if it was actually HD, or an upconvert. This would have been the airing just before your 6:15am airing yesterday, which would have been ~the 8th or 9th. I know, because my info for that version indicated 3 more airings in this cycle, and now there are just 2 left.

I'll have to go back and pull my tape to check this, because it's peaked my curiosity.

- Tim

Here's a thread on that topic:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=666051

As noted above, HBO pulled the wrong transfer first time out.

Not defending them, but I have seen it happen on Showtime (think Stargate) as well.

Won't be the first or the last time I am sure.

Thanks guys, especially for the link. My bad. :o

Other than a few watched threads, I don't check the HDTV Programming forum every day, and I probably should, considering how much time I spend on it.

Appreciate the info. I would have missed this otherwise.

- Tim

HFA commented:
> I have seen it happen on Showtime (think Stargate).. <

Interesting! I had Showtime-HD for about a year and a half (eventually dropped it due to rerun-itis), but every time I checked (at least 3 cycles) their airings of Stargate were always upconverts. Your implication is that they actually aired it at least once in HD.

I'll have to keep my eyes open if it comes back around again. Thanks!

- Tim

Nope - always been Upconvert or 4:3

Geronimo: An American Legend

HBO

HFA wrote,
> Geronimo: An American Legend, HBO <

Yep, Max-HD aired this back in March at 2.35.

- Tim

Seabiscuit on ABC, OAR 2.40. Shocking. :eek: :eek: :eek:

Die Hard on Starz! HD

Is 'Die Hard' in HD, or just an upconvert? Starz's website seems to indicate it isn't HD.

Is 'Die Hard' in HD, or just an upconvert? Starz's website seems to indicate it isn't HD.

Upconvert from what I can tell and it looks like it was not 5.1DD.

The D-Theater transfer is amazing!

I saw this on the HBO-HD schedule last week and set it to record on my Dish R5000-HD modded receiver for this morning hoping it was OAR, and it was. No 5.1 but still, one of my favorite movies, Fire in the Sky was shown this morning in OAR on HBO-HD, sweeeet! looked excellent on Dish.

FIRE IN THE SKY looked excellent.

FIRE IN THE SKY looked excellent.Who, where, when?

i was responding to the post directly above it - it was on HBO-HD this morning in OAR 2.35:1. One of the best transfers I have ever seen, actually. DD 2.0

i was responding to the post directly above it - it was on HBO-HD this morning in OAR 2.35:1. One of the best transfers I have ever seen, actually. DD 2.0
Notting Hill on SHO-HD looked to be OAR.

Stealth premiers on a few movie channels tonight on Bel ExpressVu.

Will have to see if its OAR. Im disappointed in that everything is 720 and while the quality is good it is softer then 1080 content off HBO and Showtime. Still better then DVD though.
Ive noticed everything hitting Bel hits HBO or Showtime a few months later.

Stealth premiers on a few movie channels tonight on Bel ExpressVu.

Will have to see if its OAR. Im disappointed in that everything is 720 and while the quality is good it is softer then 1080 content off HBO and Showtime. Still better then DVD though.
Ive noticed everything hitting Bel hits HBO or Showtime a few months later.

Either way it will be better than what we get here in the US since StarzHD is showing this as an upconvert only.

HBO finally got it right! CHICKEN RUN is in TrueHD OAR not HD/4x3!!!
It looks incredible...on right now 11:30am (5/20).

HBO finally got it right! CHICKEN RUN is in TrueHD OAR not HD/4x3!!!
It looks incredible...on right now 11:30am (5/20).

The chickens must of complained :D


Either way it will be better than what we get here in the US since StarzHD is showing this as an upconvert only.

Unfortunately it was a blow up. Very soft. You can really tell its zoomed.

Unfortunately it was a blow up. Very soft. You can really tell its zoomed.

Bummer...even when StarzHD shows upconverts they are at least OAR. I will cap it and report on PQ.

Who, where, when?

FIRE IN THE SKY is to be shown again Thursday May 25th 1:30pm est. OAR :)

Bummer...even when StarzHD shows upconverts they are at least OAR. I will cap it and report on PQ.

Not this time....it was cropped.

FIRE IN THE SKY is to be shown again Thursday May 25th 1:30pm est. OAR :)

It was OAR on HBO! It did look good but I couldn't handle the "operation" scene. Yuk!

Animatrix: Last Flight of the Osiris was in OAR this morning on TNT-HD. Looked awesome, but damn Zap2It time was off for the ending when I set it up to record on my Dish modded Vip211 RHD-5000 mod. So I'm missing the last 3-4 minutes, if anyone has this, P.M. please!!

Notting Hill on SHO-HD looked to be OAR.Yes it was, and DD 2.0.

BTW, Die Hard on Starz! HD is definitely an upconvert, but at least it is OAR...

It was OAR on HBO! It did look good but I couldn't handle the "operation" scene. Yuk! ha, ya, that is a creepy scene.

June 2nd, 2006 - Clear and Present Danger - HBOHD, 2:35:1, Dolby Digital Surround 2.0
June 2nd, 2006 - Lara Croft: Tomb Raider - FoxHD, 2:35:1 Dolby Digital 5.1

Collateral was in OAR on Cinemax a couple of days ago.

What?!?!?!

Collateral was in OAR on Cinemax a couple of days ago.


Hmmmm, it was cropped like shiiiit on HBO-HD, I would think Cinemax would use the same transfer.

Collateral was in OAR on Cinemax a couple of days ago.
I saw that as well, was at my mother's so I didn't catch what channel, but I guess it must have been Cinemax.

Shawshank Redemption will be OAR today at 5pm on ShowtimeHD.

Shawshank Redemption will be OAR today at 5pm on ShowtimeHD.

1.85:1...not much of a stretch there...no pun intended.

Props to FOX for showing Tomb Raider OAR, negative props to KCPQ-DT for showing the first 30 minutes in SD. :rolleyes:

Star Wars Ep II Revenge of the Sith on HBO!! :eek:

Add Revenge of the Sith on HBO.

Add Revenge of the Sith on HBO.As I mentioned in the other thread, I think this is the DVD (upconvert). That is probably why it is OAR. EDIT: Or maybe it is just DIRECTV and their HD-Lite.

--Darin

I saw that as well, was at my mother's so I didn't catch what channel, but I guess it must have been Cinemax.


It was Cinemax. I was surprised, to say the least, because I remembered HBO cropped it. Hopefully the next showing will be OAR as well.

June 2nd, 2006 - Clear and Present Danger - HBOHD, 2:35:1, Dolby Digital Surround 2.0I just started watching a recording of Clear and Present Danger; while OAR, it was definitely not an HD transfer. If it was, it was an incredibly bad one. I think that a DVD of the film would look better.

Maybe it was an HD transfer; it's marked on the schedule on HBO's site as being "True HDTV". Again, it's pretty wretched, and other things I've watched on HBO HD recently (Batman Begins, Alexander) have been fine. Well, the PQ of Alexander was fine--the content sucked big time :).

hdtvmaniac wrote:
> Collateral was in OAR on Cinemax a couple of days ago. <

That's just one of the reasons I appreciate this Forum so much. I recorded Collateral from HBO long ago, and though I logged it as "cropped 1.78" (as virtually everything there is), I simply don't check to see, or expect it to be any different when it later airs on Cinemax. Same thing in the other direction. There are just so many new films to keep up with each month that there's not enough time to "double-check" everything I've already recorded, every time it shows up again. It (seems to be?) a fairly rare occurrence.

So I would have missed the OAR airing completely, which would have been a real shame.

Thanks, maniac!

- Tim

actually, the older HBO showings of COLLATERAL were open-matte, not cropped.

after archiving the latest OAR showing on Cinemax, i have to commit an avsforum sin and say i prefer the open-matte version even if it isn't OAR......

the digital photography just works better here in the 16:9 open-matte framing if you ask me, and composition looks good.

oleus commented:
> ...the older HBO showings of COLLATERAL were open-matte, not cropped. <

Thanks for the info.

> i have to commit an avsforum sin and say i prefer the open-matte version even if it isn't OAR...... the digital photography just works better here in the 16:9 open-matte framing if you ask me, <

Actually, I wouldn't argue with that preference, and it may even be more reasonable for those with FPDs (IIRC, you have an IF?) without anamorphic lenses, or constant width CRT setups.

Those using CRTs have the option of doing constant-height (which is really cool), or my preference... which is constant-area. So when I'm viewing 16:9 material my display is only 78x44" (viewed from a fairly close 9'), but when I shift to scope it expands to 90x38.x", for a more panoramic feel. In any case (from 1.33, 1.66, 1.78, 1.85, 2.0, 2.2, to 2.35), I'm always watching a 24 sq-ft display, which makes a fixed viewing position optimal.

Thus my preference is for OAR scope, when I can get it, but at least open-matte preserves that option.

- Tim

Last Action Hero on HBO in OAR.

So is this a new one or is this an old one?

Last Action Hero on HBO in OAR.

So is this a new one or is this an old one?Old.

Last Action Hero on HBO in OAR.

So is this a new one or is this an old one?A thread search shows that it was first mentioned in September, here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6139738&highlight=last+action+hero#post6139738).

As I mentioned in the other thread, I think this is the DVD (upconvert). That is probably why it is OAR. EDIT: Or maybe it is just DIRECTV and their HD-Lite.

--Darin


This was most definitely not an upconvert. It was one of the best transfers I've seen to date. I'm guessing Lucas made HBO do something right.

I use my HTPC for a superior upconvert over Upconverting DVD players and this was far superior (not a little but far superior.)

But from what I'm reading the D* and E* viewers got the shaft. Note I was watching on TWC Houston.

CCourtney

This was most definitely not an upconvert. It was one of the best transfers I've seen to date. I'm guessing Lucas made HBO do something right.

That was certainly true HD, far superior to any DVD.

But it's also far from that it should look like. Compared for example to the Japanese airing of Episode 2 at 22 Mb/s, all the texture is gone. It may look good compared to a DVD, but it's quite drab and flat compared to the real deal.

The Rounders tonight in 1080i, 2.35:1 OAR, and DD 5.1 (or faux DD 5.1) on STARZ-HD.

The Rounders tonight in 1080i, 2.35:1 OAR, and DD 5.1 (or faux DD 5.1) on STARZ-HD.

Good head's up. I'll grab it in a couple of weeks when it's on again (16th, I think)

oleus commented:
> ...the older HBO showings of COLLATERAL were open-matte, not cropped. <

Thanks for the info.

> i have to commit an avsforum sin and say i prefer the open-matte version even if it isn't OAR...... the digital photography just works better here in the 16:9 open-matte framing if you ask me, <

Actually, I wouldn't argue with that preference, and it may even be more reasonable for those with FPDs (IIRC, you have an IF?) without anamorphic lenses, or constant width CRT setups.

Those using CRTs have the option of doing constant-height (which is really cool), or my preference... which is constant-area. So when I'm viewing 16:9 material my display is only 78x44" (viewed from a fairly close 9'), but when I shift to scope it expands to 90x38.x", for a more panoramic feel. In any case (from 1.33, 1.66, 1.78, 1.85, 2.0, 2.2, to 2.35), I'm always watching a 24 sq-ft display, which makes a fixed viewing position optimal.

Thus my preference is for OAR scope, when I can get it, but at least open-matte preserves that option.

- Tim

good memory! i am indeed using an Infocus 7200. after watching both this weekend i am 100% sure I perfer the open matte 16:9 version of Collateral (although the 2.35:1 transfer looked incredible as well).

i just felt much more thoroughly transported into the LA nighttime world of COLLATERAL in the older open matte version...

oleus

I just started watching a recording of Clear and Present Danger; while OAR, it was definitely not an HD transfer. If it was, it was an incredibly bad one. I think that a DVD of the film would look better.

Maybe it was an HD transfer; it's marked on the schedule on HBO's site as being "True HDTV". Again, it's pretty wretched, and other things I've watched on HBO HD recently (Batman Begins, Alexander) have been fine. Well, the PQ of Alexander was fine--the content sucked big time :).

i have recorded this three times and agree with you 100%. it's really soft and murky looking although still better than the dvd. i posted some comments on this a month or two ago and seemed like people generally disagreed with my assessment.....

Mr. and Mrs. Smith on HBO isn't OAR, but it looks REALLY sharp and crisp and doesn't look like a zoom/crop job. anyone know is this is indeed open-matte or not?

thanks

I know its been said already...but god damn does Episode 3 look really good on HBO-HD...too bad the movie is garbage

The opening scene actually held my attention just because of the picture quality

Mr. and Mrs. Smith on HBO isn't OAR, but it looks REALLY sharp and crisp and doesn't look like a zoom/crop job. anyone know is this is indeed open-matte or not?

thanks
Im pretty sure that Mr. and Mrs. Smith has never been shown on HBO.

must have cinemax then, my mistake...

must have cinemax then, my mistake...
yep.

http://www.cinemax.com/apps/schedule/ScheduleServlet?ACTION_DETAIL=DETAIL&FOCUS_ID=614968

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock was OAR Sunday morning (6/11) on Cinemax.

seldenpat,

yes (no 5.1 sound, though), and there's one more HD airing on June 21st.

- Tim

Whoa! That's a keeper!!

Im pretty sure that Mr. and Mrs. Smith has never been shown on HBO.

so, can anyone here who has seen it on Cinemax confirm whether it was open matte or not?

thanks

I know its been said already...but god damn does Episode 3 look really good on HBO-HD...too bad the movie is garbageYour opinion; to me it's the second best film of the six.

Your opinion; to me it's the second best film of the six.

I actually agree with you on this point. III stands amidst the originals in terms of content and quality.

Possession (Gwyneth Paltrow) was 2.35:1 OAR tonight on UHD !

dneily noted:
> Possession (Gwyneth Paltrow) was 2.35:1 OAR tonight on UHD ! <

Yep, just like it was the last 10 times they've aired it.

- Tim

MI:II on CBS is OAR in 1080i! Looks absolutely incredible

dneily noted:
> Possession (Gwyneth Paltrow) was 2.35:1 OAR tonight on UHD ! <

Yep, just like it was the last 10 times they've aired it.

- Tim

was that really needed? This is a great thread...... lets not ruin it.

MI:II on CBS did look pretty good. It said it was formatted for TV, so I was expecting it to blow up after the credits, but thankfully it never did.

Bumptacular.

Practical Magic on ABC...appears to be 2.35/1

Damn fine job ABC, as usual. The Italian Job fiasco tonight on NBC I won't mention. Oops I guess I just did. Hehe.

ABC leads the broadcast networks in giving viewers HD in OAR. I am convinced of this.

Sliver on HBO is OAR on right now.

Every film shown on Sky's 10 movie channels (including the 2 HD ones) are OAR, watched Grease in HD OAR at the weekend

Beverly Hills Cop II was on in a 2.35:1 OAR on Cinemax last night. Audio was Dolby Matrixed Surround (2.0).

It (BHC II) looked fantastic for such an old movie.

The original BHC movie preceded it and as it was filmed at a 1.85:1 was therefore pretty close to OAR. However, this one was was very grainy with a somewhat dark and flat picture.

I've got both on my DVR though and will transfer them to D-VHS as they're some of my favorite action-comedies.

BEVERYLY HILLS COP looked quite good for its age and the "film grain" present is due to the stock that it was captured on. This transfer blows away the DVD edition on every level. BEVERLY HILLS COP II looked FANTASTIC; brilliant color, great shadow detail and pristine contrast. My D-VHS transfers of these films are superb! Kudos to Cinemax!

According to Showtime's website, Silverado premieres at 12:45pm EDT this Saturday in OAR and DD5.1.

Premieres? Silverado has been on either HBO or Showtime several times last month.

Can anyone tell me if Serenity is OAR on MAXHD? If HBO doesn't play Serenity in HD, I'm going to be VERY unhappy

Can anyone tell me if Serenity is OAR on MAXHD? If HBO doesn't play Serenity in HD, I'm going to be VERY unhappy

Its mostly cropped with some open matte scenes.

BEVERYLY HILLS COP looked quite good for its age and the "film grain" present is due to the stock that it was captured on. This transfer blows away the DVD edition on every level.

Yes, I watched a bit more of the original BHC movie last night and the grain was not really evident in outdoor scenes, just in the darker (visually) parts of the movie. The image was sharp throughout.

Without Limits was OAR on HBO. I hope they show MR & Mrs Smith in OAR

Terminator 2 is in OAR on Starz-HD, but I'm watching it on E* and since it is one of the MPEG4 channels, looks a little fuzzy. Can anyone else verify if it's True-HD?

It is True-HD!

Terminator 2 on Starz in OAR...says TRUE-HD...watching on Comcast HD...looks absolutely perfect! Exciting!

T2 looked amazing. WOW, my D-VHS recording blows away the pre-recorded D-Theater transfer.

argh....wish it was 5.1 instead of 2.0!

Fascination was ~2.35:1 on showtime, DD2.0.

It got very poor reviews though.

Anyone know if The Incredibles is OAR on Starz-HD?

Anyone know if The Incredibles is OAR on Starz-HD?

it's been OAR the last few times they have aired it.

it's been OAR the last few times they have aired it.


Thanks for the info!

T2 looked amazing. WOW, my D-VHS recording blows away the pre-recorded D-Theater transfer.

Looked amazing earlier tonight. This one goes to DVHS!

Can someone please add 5.1 to TERMINATOR 2? Please? :D

Can someone please add 5.1 to TERMINATOR 2? Please? :D

Now THAT would be sweet.

How would you go about merging (syncing) the 5.1 soundtrack from the DVD to the TS stream captured from StarzHD? I have a bunch a remuxed TS streams where people added the 5.1 soundtrack (5th Element, Titantic, Forrest Gump, Ghostbusters, etc.). Not sure how this was accomplished. Anyway to add a DTS track to the TS stream?

How would you go about merging (syncing) the 5.1 soundtrack from the DVD to the TS stream captured from StarzHD? I have a bunch a remuxed TS streams where people added the 5.1 soundtrack (5th Element, Titantic, Forrest Gump, Ghostbusters, etc.). Not sure how this was accomplished. Anyway to add a DTS track to the TS stream?

There are several tutorials on how to synch up a 5.1 track to a .ts file...most of it (if not all) can be done with free/shareware. As far as DTS, Manzanita MP2TSMM can do it but you will not like the price tag.