[gordong11]

Does anyone out there own an XA2 and have LOTR extended 4 disk sets, AND the newer Dual Layer Limited Edition versions?


As a huge LOTR fan and an XA2 owner, I was curious to see how well they played. It absolutely unreal the PQ. The four disk sets play super, but what's weird is that the dual layer version look even better. For some reason they absolutely, without a doubt, play better on the XA2. I own both versions for all 3 movies, and soon will own the HD versions.


I was just curious if anyone had noticed this? I actually thought the opposite would be true, that DL DVD's may be not as good, as they are the only DL DVD's I own. My 4 disk collections have gotten much more use, maybe that has something to do with it, but for whatever reason these DL versions really perform super fantastic on the XA2(they also play quieter in the XA2).


I am on a XA2 high, just love it!

 

[HD PERFECTO]

Can't to get this player.

 

[gooki]



Quote:
newer Dual Layer Limited Edition versions?

I think you answered the question right there. Newer disc may well mean a new encode and possible from a new master (not as likely), which is probably the cause of the quality difference you are seeing.

 

[gordong11]

You're probably right, but I was thinking the opposite true for some reason. That DL would sacrifice quality.


If anyone is a LOTR fan and have an XA2 on a 1080P TV, I recommend picking up one of the the three films on DL Limited edition format. It does make difference, and is as good as it gets!


Note: On the DL disks you do NOT get a DTS option, but I'm not missing it, the PQ is so outstanding.

 

[augerpro]

Maybe I'm missing something but most movies are on DL discs. Maybe this new set is like the old superbit, with nothing but the movie on the disc so they wouldn't have to compress as much. That's probably why there is no DTS track either.

 

[hd nOOb]

Someone post some compairson pics.

 

[obispo21]



Quote:
Originally Posted by augerpro /forum/post/0


Maybe I'm missing something but most movies are on DL discs. Maybe this new set is like the old superbit, with nothing but the movie on the disc so they wouldn't have to compress as much. That's probably why there is no DTS track either.

You're not missing anything. Most current DVDs are dual layer "DVD 9" discs (~8.5 GB). I think the OP was accidentally posting DL when he meant double sided.


I believe the recent LOTR LE releases were dual layer - double sided "DVD 18" discs (~17.1 GB). They do have a new encode when compared to the original release and the extended editions - so they could very well look different.

 

[lyris]

The LOTR DVDs - especially the NTSC versions - have always had average quality video transfers that are lacking in detail. This is perhaps partly necessary to fit these long films onto a single disc.


Most people who rave about the picture quality of these titles are in fact confusing picture quality with cinematography. They are unbelievably filtered and lacking in detail.

 

[gordong11]



Quote:
Originally Posted by obispo21 /forum/post/0


You're not missing anything. Most current DVDs are dual layer "DVD 9" discs (~8.5 GB). I think the OP was accidentally posting DL when he meant double sided.


I believe the recent LOTR LE releases were dual layer - double sided "DVD 18" discs (~17.1 GB). They do have a new encode when compared to the original release and the extended editions - so they could very well look different.

Yes, correct! Normally LOTR extended movies are on two disks...one movie 2 Disks( about 4 hours). These DL releases are 2 Movies, on 1 disk. They have both the Extended Version and the theatrical release. This totals about 7 hours of movies on 1 disk! using both sides. That is why I thought the quality would be less..but it's better. I assure it, there is a difference.


As fas sound options go, you have a choice of Dolby Digital EX 5.1 and Dolby 2.0, plus english and spanish subtitles.


Added: I got " The Fellowship of the Ring" on DL format as a birthday gift last year, but never watched it because I already had both versions on seperate releases. I then got the XA2 and wanted to see if there was any difference, so I unwrapped the celaphane?, put it in the XA2, and got a big surprise on the PQ. I honestly had no idea what to expect from it.

 

[DavidHir]

The extended versions issued a few years back still have the best video quality of any LOTR DVD release.

 

[pulserate]

I disagree.


The upconverted extended editions look horrible on my calibrated 60" SXRD.


Well, watchable, but definitely not the best upconvert.


I would say that the recent Apocalypse Now disc and Se7en are the best upconverted movies I've watched on the HD-A1.

 

[gordong11]



Quote:
Originally Posted by DavidHir /forum/post/0


The extended versions issued a few years back still have the best video quality of any LOTR DVD release.

Possibly in theory, but again, the extended version on the DL release is better. I now have all 3 movies, wouldn't have spent $50 this week on ROTK and TT dual layer releases if there was no difference. Especially since I own all other releases. On the XA2 it's just better. I'll have to compare them on my Oppo 971.

 

[eapleitez]

I was enthralled with the sublime ROTK EE transfer when it first came out. I think it looks great. THough, I havn't seen it yet on my new big screen.

 

[gordong11]



Quote:
Originally Posted by pulserate /forum/post/0


I disagree.


The upconverted extended editions look horrible on my calibrated 60" SXRD.


Well, watchable, but definitely not the best upconvert.


I would say that the recent Apocalypse Now disc and Se7en are the best upconverted movies I've watched on the HD-A1.

Were Talking about the XA2 and LOTR. I can say without hesitation that on my Sony 40" 1080P LCD, that LOTR's DL editions play the best at 1080P, and I have watched about 30 movies. I choose my words carefully; One of the best HD experience I have ever had.


I did not post this post this for agreement or disagreement, proof or no proof, it doesn't matter. This thread was meant to possibly understand why these DL disks play so well and/or bring up other titles that people have had great experiences with on the XA2. I can only go by what my eyes have seen, and what they have seen is sensational. Unless you or anyone owns an XA2, 1080P TV and all versions of LOTR can we get into a" is or isn't" issue. I apologize for being blunt, no offense intended, just that LOTR DL format is that spectacular on my setup. I wanted to share my experience.

 

[Trackman]



Quote:
Originally Posted by pulserate /forum/post/0


I disagree.


The upconverted extended editions look horrible on my calibrated 60" SXRD.


Well, watchable, but definitely not the best upconvert.


I would say that the recent Apocalypse Now disc and Se7en are the best upconverted movies I've watched on the HD-A1.

They rock on my Mits 831 upconverted from a Zenith DV-318 to 1080i. Tommorrow I will try the Tosh XA2 at 1080p.

 

[PeterS]

The 1080 versions which were broadcast look AMAZING too