AVS › AVS Forum › Blu-ray & HD DVD › Blu-ray Software › Early Facts/Rumors concerning "The Dark Knight" Blu-ray Master Thread
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Early Facts/Rumors concerning "The Dark Knight" Blu-ray Master Thread  

post #1 of 712
7/7/08 at 10:51am
Thread Starter 
Quote:


Nolan and Thomas both brought up the anticipated Blu-ray version and its capabilities. Nolan summed it up by saying, "The Blu-ray, in particular, will be able to actually use the shifted aspect ratios as it appears on the IMAX screen because the 16:9 aspect ratio is sufficiently different from the 2:4 that you'll actually see a shift on the Blu-ray. The resolution on the Blu-ray is clear enough that you can actually see difference in grain structure and sharpness. So I think it will be quite spectacular."

There are a couple of elements that fans will not be seeing. Thomas said that it's "unlikely" that the DVD will contain alternate takes of Heath Ledger as the Joker [during the junket, the filmmakers and fellow cast members mentioned how Ledger would occasionally riff or improvise some of his dialogue], but pointed out that they have not decided anything for sure yet.

Another popular feature that THE DARK KNIGHT DVD won't have according to Roven: deleted scenes.

"We know there won't be any deleted scenes because there never are," says Roven, noting director Nolan puts everything of importance in the actual movie. "There weren't any on BATMAN BEGINS and there weren't any on this one."

Apart from that, Nolan promised us some "very interesting extras". The man hasn't failed us thus far, so we'll be waiting in excited anticipation.

http://www.ifmagazine.com/new.asp?article=6466

The bolded part sounds verrrry interesting.

AVS Top Picks

post #2 of 712
7/7/08 at 10:54am
I want this movie on Blu-Ray now!
post #3 of 712
7/7/08 at 10:57am
Fantastic news - I was asking myself how they will threat the beginning of this movie - the vertical resolution/definition of the Imax prologue will be astounding (given Warner does a proper job (for once )).
post #4 of 712
7/7/08 at 11:14am
Can't freakin' wait for this and to see it at the theater!!!
post #5 of 712
7/7/08 at 11:41am
Hopefully they just seamlessly branch the IMAX scenes and allow you to watch that version separately. I would prefer the movie maintain a consistent 2.40:1 aspect ratio. To me, the IMAX version is a gimmick. I remember seeing "Attack of the Clones" in IMAX with the constantly switching aspect ratios and it was distracting... in my opinion.

I understand that the IMAX screen is taller than a 35mm scope screen... but in order to maintain consistency with the first film, they should preserve the 35mm 2.40:1 version of the movie on Blu-ray.

For instance, 35mm anamorphic "scope" films with lots of VFX have always used the bigger VistaVision format for FX plates... but they always cropped the 1.50:1 VistaVision negative to 2.40:1 for use in the film. The movies never switched aspect ratios whenever there was an VFX shot.

I suppose that in the event that they lock us into a Blu-ray that switches aspect ratios, I could always use the 2.35:1 crop feature on my projector... as long as they composed the 16x9 IMAX stuff in-camera with the intent of using the same amount of "scope" cropping on the top and bottom. If they used a "common top" off center framing, I'm screwed.
post #6 of 712
7/7/08 at 11:58am
I once discussed Nolan's first movie with one of the stars - she said that he was on such a tight budget he shot each scene only once to save on film stock costs.

It sounds like he is a master of planning and vision, and that is possibly why there are no deleted scenes.

Apparently Hitchcock was like that too...
post #7 of 712
7/7/08 at 12:47pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Maxwell Everett View Post

Hopefully they just seamlessly branch the IMAX scenes and allow you to watch that version separately. I would prefer the movie maintain a consistent 2.40:1 aspect ratio. To me, the IMAX version is a gimmick. I remember seeing "Attack of the Clones" in IMAX with the constantly switching aspect ratios and it was distracting... in my opinion.

I understand that the IMAX screen is taller than a 35mm scope screen... but in order to maintain consistency with the first film, they should preserve the 35mm 2.40:1 version of the movie on Blu-ray.

For instance, 35mm anamorphic "scope" films with lots of VFX have always used the bigger VistaVision format for FX plates... but they always cropped the 1.50:1 VistaVision negative to 2.40:1 for use in the film. The movies never switched aspect ratios whenever there was an VFX shot.

I suppose that in the event that they lock us into a Blu-ray that switches aspect ratios, I could always use the 2.35:1 crop feature on my projector... as long as they composed the 16x9 IMAX stuff in-camera with the intent of using the same amount of "scope" cropping on the top and bottom. If they used a "common top" off center framing, I'm screwed.

+1. The IMAX stuff should be via branching. This isn't Dr. Strangelove, I want a constant aspect ratio.
post #8 of 712
7/7/08 at 1:13pm
Great find! I can't wait for this release both theatrically and on blu-ray.
post #9 of 712
7/7/08 at 1:17pm
What Nolan stated sounds the oppossite, folks. Won't bother me.
post #10 of 712
7/7/08 at 1:18pm
Hell, just give me the blu-ray. I'm so tired of public theaters.
post #11 of 712
7/7/08 at 1:21pm
It's rumored to be released on Nov. 18 or Dec. 9.
post #12 of 712
7/7/08 at 1:21pm
Glad to hear that the IMAX scenes will be offered in 16:9. Although I agree that a branching feature allowing you to watch the entire movie in 2.40:1 should be included.
post #13 of 712
7/7/08 at 1:46pm
I don't understand what is meant by 'shifted aspect ratios'. Are they saying that the movie changes aspect ratio throughout the viewing of the film?
post #14 of 712
7/7/08 at 1:49pm
I'll be getting the DVD if this is true.
post #15 of 712
7/7/08 at 1:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by sharkcohen View Post

Hell, just give me the Blu-ray. I'm so tired of public theaters.

+1

Quote:
Originally Posted by tauheel05 View Post

It's rumored to be released on Nov. 18 or Dec. 9.

I will be outside my Best Buy on that chilly Tuesday morning.
post #16 of 712
7/7/08 at 7:20pm
The way I understood it, Nolan filmed the scenes with just Imax cameras, not both. Just there isn t enough detail in the DVD to notice a difference.
post #17 of 712
7/7/08 at 8:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Maxwell Everett View Post

Hopefully they just seamlessly branch the IMAX scenes and allow you to watch that version separately. I would prefer the movie maintain a consistent 2.40:1 aspect ratio. To me, the IMAX version is a gimmick. I remember seeing "Attack of the Clones" in IMAX with the constantly switching aspect ratios and it was distracting... in my opinion.

I understand that the IMAX screen is taller than a 35mm scope screen... but in order to maintain consistency with the first film, they should preserve the 35mm 2.40:1 version of the movie on Blu-ray.

For instance, 35mm anamorphic "scope" films with lots of VFX have always used the bigger VistaVision format for FX plates... but they always cropped the 1.50:1 VistaVision negative to 2.40:1 for use in the film. The movies never switched aspect ratios whenever there was an VFX shot.

I suppose that in the event that they lock us into a Blu-ray that switches aspect ratios, I could always use the 2.35:1 crop feature on my projector... as long as they composed the 16x9 IMAX stuff in-camera with the intent of using the same amount of "scope" cropping on the top and bottom. If they used a "common top" off center framing, I'm screwed.

While I understand your comments this title is NOTHING like SW. SW was recomposed for the IMAX presentation. TDK was actually shot with IMAX cameras. This results in FAR more detail than what 35mm is capable of. I'm delighted they are offering this solution for BD, especially after seeing how well IMAX footage translates to onscreen detail in the prelude presented on the BD of Batman Begins.

But I agree, this should be via seamless branching. There is no reason they couldn't accommodate it.
post #18 of 712
7/8/08 at 8:28am
Quote:
Originally Posted by sharkcohen View Post

I don't understand what is meant by 'shifted aspect ratios'. Are they saying that the movie changes aspect ratio throughout the viewing of the film?

On Imax screens sections of the film will be actual IMAX in ratio. It will go back and forth from 2.35:1 to IMAX ratio and so far all reviews say it is beyond fantastic. I've read a dozen reviews and no one has made a single complaint. It's the reverse. Those who saw it in Imax were blown away.

Hopefully if there is a 3rd film they can do it all in IMAX, or the non Imax sections can be shot with 65mm cameras for extra clarity. 65mm is expensive, but still less so than Imax.

I think it's kind of pointless to worry about the BD. The film isn't even out yet. And those of you who will wait for BD, good grief, get the hell out of your and find an Imax screen because no home viewing experience is going to come close.
post #19 of 712
7/8/08 at 8:54am
I hope they have footage of the producer's reading Michael Bay's script
http://my.spill.com/profiles/blog/sh...gPost%3A355506

give it a read and be happy they kept him out of this.
post #20 of 712
7/8/08 at 9:04am
Quote:
Originally Posted by sharkcohen View Post

Hell, just give me the blu-ray. I'm so tired of public theaters.


So funny that you said that, I was just talking about that with my wife the other night. I really wish someone would experiment, with a large release, a simultaneous release in theater and home video. I would GLADLY pay the extra to get the movie in a store, so I don't have to watch it in a theater.
post #21 of 712
7/8/08 at 1:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by raoul_duke View Post

+1. The IMAX stuff should be via branching. This isn't Dr. Strangelove, I want a constant aspect ratio.

+2.

I think this route is a bad idea too. For me and other projector owners. And if you have a constant image height set-up you're really stuffed! Shifting aspect ratios by altering the screen height is ok for HDTVs, but not for a carefully masked projection screen...
I know Enchanted and The Simpsons probably looks a bit odd for their first few minutes on a conventional HDTV, but on a big projector rig, it all works really well. I'd hope that WB at least give us an option, of staying in the 'scope ratio for the entire film, and thus how it will be presented in regular theatres.
Here's hoping that this kind of option is also offered for another fave film of mine comming soon to Blu-ray: JFK, the title sequence is in 4:3 as opposed to the rest of the film presented in full 'scope.
post #22 of 712
7/8/08 at 1:17pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt_Stevens View Post

I think it's kind of pointless to worry about the BD. The film isn't even out yet. And those of you who will wait for BD, good grief, get the hell out of your and find an Imax screen because no home viewing experience is going to come close.

Huh? What about the millions of people who don't have an Imax theater anywhere close to them?

Okay, I'll admit I'm still fuzzy on what exactly this means, but my mental picture is this: The Imax screen is 1.33:1. Most of TDK will be "letterboxed" into a 2.35:1 aspect ratio in the middle of the screen, but select "big" scenes will be shot in 1.33:1 aspect ratio to fill the Imax screen?

I'm a HUGE proponent of preserving OAR, so how would you be able to do that at home? On my 1.77:1 RPTV, I'd have a 2.35 letterbox for part of the movie, and a 1.33:1 windowbox for the "big" scenes. It doesn't make much sense to me. If they crop the 1.33:1 scenes to 1.77:1, then the OAR is not preserved, correct?

If I'm right in my assumptions, then the biggest concern is for those who have 2.35 CIH setups (of which I would like to be a member one day). They are going to be totally out in the cold.

I'll add my vote for seamless branching, since the shifting aspect ratios just sounds like a gimmick to me rather than an artistic choice.

Let me just add that I thought the aspect ratio shift in Enchanted, while rather gimmicky, was at least mostly consistent in conveying the difference between the "tidy" animated world at 1.85:1 and the "huge" real world at 2.35:1.
post #23 of 712
7/8/08 at 1:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jamie E View Post

Huh? What about the millions of people who don't have an Imax theater anywhere close to them?

Okay, I'll admit I'm still fuzzy on what exactly this means, but my mental picture is this: The Imax screen is 1.33:1. Most of TDK will be "letterboxed" into a 2.35:1 aspect ratio in the middle of the screen, but select "big" scenes will be shot in 1.33:1 aspect ratio to fill the Imax screen?

I'm a HUGE proponent of preserving OAR, so how would you be able to do that at home? On my 1.77:1 RPTV, I'd have a 2.35 letterbox for part of the movie, and a 1.33:1 windowbox for the "big" scenes. It doesn't make much sense to me. If they crop the 1.33:1 scenes to 1.77:1, then the OAR is not preserved, correct?

If I'm right in my assumptions, then the biggest concern is for those who have 2.35 CIH setups (of which I would like to be a member one day). They are going to be totally out in the cold.

I'll add my vote for seamless branching, since the shifting aspect ratios just sounds like a gimmick to me rather than an artistic choice.

Let me just add that I thought the aspect ratio shift in Enchanted, while rather gimmicky, was at least mostly consistent in conveying the difference between the "tidy" animated world at 1.85:1 and the "huge" real world at 2.35:1.

The problem Jamie, is the way in which the aspect ratio changes in the IMAX presentation. Unlike Enchanted, which gets wider, TDK gets taller instead! IMAX is a huge, vision filling screen. So the jump from 2.40:1 letterbox to 1.4:1 IMAX will no doubt be very impressive. But in the home I dont quite see the point. You wont get a 'whoa' moment when you shift from 2.40:1 to 1.85:1 on a HDTV really? I'd be very much hoping that WB uses some kind of branching feature for this, so as to preserve the 2.40:1 'scope ratio for the entire film. I wont hold my breath though, I've yet to come across a subtitled BD that caters for projection enthusiasts...
post #24 of 712
7/8/08 at 5:56pm
The point of the IMAX footage is not to be bigger when you see it in an IMAX theater. They shot sequences with IMAX cameras because IMAX cameras capture CONSIDERABLY more resolution. The difference isn't just size. Anyone who saw the prelude footage in an IMAX theater before I Am Legend got a taste of what I'm talking about.

True IMAX camera footage is incredible and the fact that this film has several sequences shot with these cameras makes it a MUST SEE in an IMAX theater for that alone. I can't wait to see it on BD down the line with the option for increased resolution as well!!!
post #25 of 712
7/8/08 at 5:59pm
Simple search finds:

Quote:


The intent of IMAX is to dramatically increase the resolution of the image by using much larger film stock at a resolution comparable to about 10000 x 7000 pixels (70 megapixels). To do this, 70 mm film stock is run "sideways" through the cameras. While traditional 70 mm film has an image area that is 48.5 mm wide and 22.1 mm tall (for Todd-AO), in IMAX the image is 69.6 mm wide and 48.5 mm tall. In order to expose at standard film speed of 24 frames per second, three times as much film needs to move through the camera each second.

Considering that Meridian's new flagship 5K x 2K projector is only about 10 megapixels and costs almost $200K and it is nowhere near this amount of resolution. 70mm turned sideways, yummy.
post #26 of 712
7/8/08 at 6:30pm
Wait, so you'll actually see a shift in picture quality?

Oh boy, I can't wait. Thanks Nolan.
post #27 of 712
7/8/08 at 7:26pm
The TDK Prologue on the Batman Begins Blu-ray looks AMAZING I can't wait to see all the scenes when TDK hits Blu-ray later this year.
post #28 of 712
7/8/08 at 8:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt_Stevens View Post

On Imax screens sections of the film will be actual IMAX in ratio. It will go back and forth from 2.35:1 to IMAX ratio and so far all reviews say it is beyond fantastic. I've read a dozen reviews and no one has made a single complaint. It's the reverse. Those who saw it in Imax were blown away.

Hopefully if there is a 3rd film they can do it all in IMAX, or the non Imax sections can be shot with 65mm cameras for extra clarity. 65mm is expensive, but still less so than Imax.

I think it's kind of pointless to worry about the BD. The film isn't even out yet. And those of you who will wait for BD, good grief, get the hell out of your and find an Imax screen because no home viewing experience is going to come close.

I see, so only some scenes were filmed with the IMAX cameras on this one. That was the key thing that had me confused.
post #29 of 712
7/8/08 at 8:43pm
The opening IMAX filmed prologue is about the best images I have seen yet on Blu Ray. There is so much detail that it's astounding! I can't wait for The Dark Knight Blu Ray later this year to see the other five scenes that were shot in IMAX on my 60 inch Sony SXRD.
post #30 of 712
7/8/08 at 9:40pm
Can't wait. I have seen the first 5 minutes and it was awesome.
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Blu-ray Software
This thread is locked  

AVS Top Picks

AVS › AVS Forum › Blu-ray & HD DVD › Blu-ray Software › Early Facts/Rumors concerning "The Dark Knight" Blu-ray Master Thread