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The New PQ Tier thread for Blu-Ray - Discussion - Page 651

post #19501 of 20362
7/20/12 at 12:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by djoberg View Post

I may rent this title again to see if I'm more impressed with a second viewing, but I specifically remember being let down by the shots with a "softer focus." They were such a contrast to the shots that were sharp and oftentimes they occurred without any notice, which served to heighten the contrast between the two (sharp vs. soft) all the more.
Patrick, if you have seen this title I'd love to get your take on it. I know you've been very critical of Warner Releases and in particular for their softness, so I want to see if those shots bothered you as much as they did me.

Denny, I hated everything about the first movie, including the PQ, so I have not been inclined to waste any time or money on the sequel. It is hard to imagine that the PQ would be much better on the sequel than it was on the first movie.
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post #19502 of 20362
7/21/12 at 6:50pm
The Collector (1965)

recommendation: Tier 3.5*

Image licensed this newer transfer from Sony's catalog to produce the BD. The Collector was first released in 1965 and the BD looks appropriately film-like with strong color saturation. Image has provided a satisfactory AVC video encode that handles the filmic grain nicely, though not perfectly. The picture is reasonably sharp with only sporadic softness. A good portion of the film might qualify for the middle of Tier 2, but some interior shots are noticeably worse in quality. The Collector runs for 119 minutes on a BD-25.

Print damage is nonexistent for a catalog title of this vintage. All things considered it's a solid remastering of an older film, where the image's faults lie mostly at the feet of the original cinematography. Solid contrast levels and generally healthy flesh-tones dominate most of the time. A recent scan of high-quality film elements will typically produce solid results on Blu-ray and The Collector fits neatly into that paradigm.
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post #19503 of 20362
7/22/12 at 9:05pm
Samurai Girls: Complete Collection

recommendation: Tier 1.25*

Fantastic linework with a thick pen stroke and a very innovative animation technique where multiple layers of cells seemingly float on top of one another, producing incredible dimensionality for 2-D animation. Interesting cel shading gives a subtle twist to the color palette, creating an ephemeral appearance in select scenes. Perfect demo material for anime fans.



Legend Of The Legendary Heroes: Part I

Legend Of The Legendary Heroes: Part II

recommendation: Tier 2.25*

Bland animation and simple character designs don't help the picture quality, which does have nice color saturation. Nothing grossly bad here, Legend's video quality simply does not stand out.
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post #19504 of 20362
7/24/12 at 7:05am
Lockout

This is a tricky one. In close, it's top tier material, even right up there with the CG stuff. Facial detail is immense. That's about it though. Medium shots suffer from heavy filtering and clear edge enhancement. The color grading is gaudy, sickly, and widely unappealing. Aliasing runs rampant in certain scenes, while the black levels will take a spill now and then. Real potential here too, so it's a shame.

Tier 2.25*
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post #19505 of 20362
7/26/12 at 7:33am
Clue

Well done catalog effort. Colors have a natural brightness to them, and black levels are incredibly dense. There's loss of shadow detail now and then, but it's manageable. Grain loses out on a few battles, but wins the war with a nicely layered, textured quality. Fine detail is precise when called upon, and the print is just about perfect.

Tier 2.75*
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post #19506 of 20362
7/27/12 at 3:00pm
The Story Of O

recommendation: Tier 4.5*

Possibly the softest movie I've ever watched in HD. Every scene from the 1975 movie is filmed in a diffuse, fuzzy manner with romantic lighting befitting a soap opera. Frequent bouts of optical ringing occurs in-camera, producing fringing around some of the actors. The transfer is largely film-like, but a film lacking definition and clarity. The AVC video encode mostly hovers around 17 Mbps, which is just barely adequate in dealing with the dated HD master. Over the course of 104 minutes, only a few scenes display enough clarity for even Tier 3.

The film elements appear to be from an older scan of somewhat gritty materials, possibly an internegative. It displays a number of worn-out areas, including some minor film damage on the right side of the frame in the last act. A hint of detail will sneak out in close-ups and a few exterior shots, but at times it's hard to distinguish from a top-notch DVD. Probably the best it's going to look on BD, as I doubt it's going to receive a new restoration anytime soon. The color timing has been shifted toward magenta, making flesh-tones noticeably reddish.
Edited by Phantom Stranger - 7/27/12 at 3:09pm
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post #19507 of 20362
7/27/12 at 3:06pm
Contest

The first person whom posts the top three ranked discs in Tier 0 here will receive $5 in Hollywood Movie Money for The Dark Knight Rises. The code does expire on 8/5/2012.

This shouldn't be a difficult question to answer.
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post #19508 of 20362
7/27/12 at 5:37pm
Toy Story 3
Avatar
Legend Of The Guardians: The Owls Of Ga'Hoole
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post #19509 of 20362
7/27/12 at 5:46pm
Congratulations to OBXDIVER, you have a private message.smile.gif I might have movie money for The Amazing Spider-Man posted as a prize, later this weekend.
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post #19510 of 20362
7/28/12 at 3:15am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Phantom Stranger View Post

Congratulations to OBXDIVER, you have a private message.smile.gif I might have movie money for The Amazing Spider-Man posted as a prize, later this weekend.
Thanks very much. What a wonderful thread
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post #19511 of 20362
7/29/12 at 7:13am
Get the Gringo

Generally a great looking disc with superb definition. Striking facial detail is everywhere, and the warmly tinted colors are stunning. A little noise isn't much of a downer. Black levels are superb. What's odd is a rather constant smearing with motion that goes beyond motion blur. The image doesn't hold together very well.

Tier 1.75*
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post #19512 of 20362
7/29/12 at 11:14am
$10 Worth of e-Movie Cash, Valid for One Movie Ticket to See The Amazing Spider-Man


Another day, another giveaway. The first person who names their favorite movie from Tier 3.25 in this thread can have the prize, which expires on 8/13/2012. Instead of a movie ticket, the code can be used for $5 in e-Concession Cash. If you aren't a big fan of Spidey, I hear movie theaters aren't that strict about which movie you see on these type of vouchers.
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post #19513 of 20362
7/29/12 at 2:22pm
There are too many to pick from. I'll let someone else win today's prize biggrin.gif
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post #19514 of 20362
7/29/12 at 2:59pm
The Last Samurai
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post #19515 of 20362
7/29/12 at 3:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by tcramer View Post

There are too many to pick from. I'll let someone else win today's prize biggrin.gif

Agree!...Shocking how many good titles there are in that 3.25
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post #19516 of 20362
7/29/12 at 3:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hughmc View Post

The Last Samurai
Congratulations, you have a PM with your prize information. It would be interesting to ponder if The Last Samurai got newly remastered today, where it would place in the Tiers. It's a victim of being an early release on the format, when WB was churning out many mediocre transfers with poor video encodes. I believe it still only has lossy audio on the domestic issue.
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post #19517 of 20362
7/29/12 at 3:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Phantom Stranger View Post

Congratulations, you have a PM with your prize information. It would be interesting to ponder if The Last Samurai got newly remastered today, where it would place in the Tiers. It's a victim of being an early release on the format, when WB was churning out many mediocre transfers with poor video encodes. I believe it still only has lossy audio on the domestic issue.

Thanks, Phantom. I would be curious as well...as I was looking at the list many titles caught my eye, especially Last of the Mohicans. Another one of my favs, like Last Samurai, that if I see it on cable, I can't help but watch no matter how many times I have seen it.
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post #19518 of 20362
7/29/12 at 3:45pm
Boss: Season One

recommendation: Tier 0* (#1 above both Toy Story 3 and Avatar)

While reviewing the first season of Boss for DoBlu, I became increasingly convinced over its eight episodes that I was seeing the best live-action material ever presented on Blu-ray. Stunning consistency and outrageous resolution, from the purest digital video presented in 1080p that has been released to date. It lacks the jacked-up contrast and hot colors of a fantasy movie like Avatar, but the lack of CGI and digital enhancements (a few backgrounds have been digitally filled, but nothing you would notice unless it was pointed out by the production staff) means the video receives one less round of processing than normal practice in the standard big-budget movies of the Hollywood summer. That works in the image's favor, adding that extra bit of fine detail lacking in other discs found in Tier Zero.

The subdued color palette works better for the drama but does leave flesh-tones a bit paler than natural. Production values are as high as the best theatrical features. Every shot has a laser-like clarity and focus, producing fantastic dimensionality and demo material in practically every scene. Exterior and aerial shots of Chicago look bright and beautiful. The picture is a vibrant, living window into the world of dirty politics inside Chicago.

It's hard to compare to other movies at the pinnacle of the Tiers, due to the lack of CGI and its pedigree from digital video. Given enough care and skill, the best digital video has now surpassed 35mm for picture quality. Boss sets a new reference standard that will make it hard to usurp its crown in the future.
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post #19519 of 20362
7/30/12 at 12:01am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Phantom Stranger View Post

Boss: Season One
recommendation: Tier 0* (#1 above both Toy Story 3 and Avatar)
While reviewing the first season of Boss for DoBlu, I became increasingly convinced over its eight episodes that I was seeing the best live-action material ever presented on Blu-ray. Stunning consistency and outrageous resolution, from the purest digital video presented in 1080p that has been released to date. It lacks the jacked-up contrast and hot colors of a fantasy movie like Avatar, but the lack of CGI and digital enhancements (a few backgrounds have been digitally filled, but nothing you would notice unless it was pointed out by the production staff) means the video receives one less round of processing than normal practice in the standard big-budget movies of the Hollywood summer. That works in the image's favor, adding that extra bit of fine detail lacking in other discs found in Tier Zero.
The subdued color palette works better for the drama but does leave flesh-tones a bit paler than natural. Production values are as high as the best theatrical features. Every shot has a laser-like clarity and focus, producing fantastic dimensionality and demo material in practically every scene. Exterior and aerial shots of Chicago look bright and beautiful. The picture is a vibrant, living window into the world of dirty politics inside Chicago.
It's hard to compare to other movies at the pinnacle of the Tiers, due to the lack of CGI and its pedigree from digital video. Given enough care and skill, the best digital video has now surpassed 35mm for picture quality. Boss sets a new reference standard that will make it hard to usurp its crown in the future.
Holy crap!eek.gif I will definitely have to check this series out.
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post #19520 of 20362
7/30/12 at 10:11am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hughmc View Post

Thanks, Phantom. I would be curious as well...as I was looking at the list many titles caught my eye, especially Last of the Mohicans. Another one of my favs, like Last Samurai, that if I see it on cable, I can't help but watch no matter how many times I have seen it.

Though I am a day late in this little contest, I would have voted for Fantasia followed by Music Man.
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post #19521 of 20362
7/31/12 at 6:04am
The Three Stooges (2012):

A bit of a looker, if not for super fine detail. Texture can be fierce, but not always. This one wins on contrast, black levels, and depth. Colors prove striking too, intense and rich. Grain is well resolved without any noted dips in how it looks.

Tier 1.75*
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post #19522 of 20362
7/31/12 at 10:41am
Another contest for $10 Worth of e-Movie Cash, Valid for One Movie Ticket to See The Amazing Spider-Man


The first person to name their favorite movie from Tier 1.5 in the thread will get a $10 code to see Spidey.
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post #19523 of 20362
7/31/12 at 10:59am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Phantom Stranger View Post

Another contest for $10 Worth of e-Movie Cash, Valid for One Movie Ticket to See The Amazing Spider-Man
The first person to name their favorite movie from Tier 1.5 in the thread will get a $10 code to see Spidey.

se7en for sure........
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post #19524 of 20362
7/31/12 at 11:09am
Quote:
Originally Posted by reisb View Post

Quote:
Originally Posted by Phantom Stranger View Post

Another contest for $10 Worth of e-Movie Cash, Valid for One Movie Ticket to See The Amazing Spider-Man
The first person to name their favorite movie from Tier 1.5 in the thread will get a $10 code to see Spidey.

se7en for sure........
Congratulations, you have a private message.
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post #19525 of 20362
7/31/12 at 4:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Phantom Stranger View Post

Boss: Season One
recommendation: Tier 0* (#1 above both Toy Story 3 and Avatar).

Okay, Phantom, you really have me curious now! As I mentioned earlier, this looked GREAT on satellite, but I never would have suspected that it would rival live action Blus such as Avatar or The Thin Red Line. I'm either going to rent this or (Gasp!) buy it to see if it really does set a new standard for live action Blu-ray.
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post #19526 of 20362
7/31/12 at 6:35pm
I had never seen the series before the Blu-ray and was blown away by the impeccable detail, the best I've ever seen at 1080p. Starz must have sunk a huge budget into the production of Boss, because every episode is filmed with the care of a large-scale theatrical drama. I recently watched Strike Back for a review, shot on the same digital cameras used for Boss, and the results were nowhere nearly as good. Boss is the first non-CGI material I've thought that consistently matched up with the best CGI has to offer on BD.
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post #19527 of 20362
8/3/12 at 9:39pm
Real Steel

I'm late at rating this title....and it's late at night, so I'll make this "short and sweet." In SHORT, this is a real LOOKER, with CLARITY and SHARPNESS in nearly every scene. DETAILS are off the charts in most shots. BLACK LEVELS are to-die-for, with exquisite SHADOW DETAILS. FLESH TONES falter a bit at times, but for the most part they were spot on. COLORS were punchy and CONTRAST was strong. What more can I say? Oh, yeah, there was DEPTH on top of all the other virtues. EYE CANDY all the way through, so SWEET is the word I'll end with.

Tier Recommendation: Tier 0 (At about .75)*

Pioneer 60" KURO Elite (1080p/24)....Pioneer Elite 05....Viewed from 7.5'
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post #19528 of 20362
8/4/12 at 8:10am
Total Recall: Mind-Bending Edition

Controversy over this one due some changes from previous editions, but during viewing, it's solid stuff. Biggest change is color timing, which warms up the flesh tones inconsistently. Black levels waver too, but the sheer amount of detail within the frame - at almost all times - is just jaw dropping. The film has never looked this textured before. Grain is thick and controlled.

Tier 2.0*
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post #19529 of 20362
8/4/12 at 7:59pm
Let Me In

recommendation: 3.25

A dark, gloomy movie has a dark, gloomy look for its entire length. Currently ranked in the middle of Tier Three, the limited lighting in most of the film obscures the image much of the time, enveloping the actors in shadows and crushed black levels. There is also a strong hint of edge enhancement in select scenes. The choices seem to be a conscious part to set the mood and tone, and not a technical problem or lack of budget. Let Me In looks okay but the subdued color palette adds no pop to the picture. The solid AVC video encode holds up without macroblocking or banding in the darkest scenes.
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post #19530 of 20362
8/5/12 at 6:58am
Hijacked

Low rent straight-to-video flick with some decent close-ups and not much else. Lighting is sub-par and the black levels can't hold up to what they need to be. Colors are bland and the stock footage (although brief) is a mess of artifacting.

Tier 3.0*
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