The Imperial Shipyards
Imperial Entertainment TV and Movies => Star Wars Movies => Topic started by: hangarbay94 on September 13, 2011, 08:01:19 AM
-
Hi everyone! well I don't know about you but I eagerly collected my triple Blu-Ray pack containing Ep IV, V & VI yesterday and I thought I'd give you my first impressions before I give a more indepth review later this week.
I had to forgo the expense of purchasing the entire series after my wife told me how much we'd spent on the kids shoes prior to school starting, and when she saw the price of the entire series she gave me "the look"... you know, the one that says "Go ahead and do it and no sex for a very long time" (no change there methinks)....Knowing that life is so much simpler if I do as my wife tells me I purchased the OT on it's own.
Ok, first off the Original Trilogy pack cost £35 (UK money), the pack only contains the movies and no extras. As a long time Star Wars fan I am beginning to feel a little used as I feel that not including the extras relating to these movies is an exploitive move.
I am watching the film on an 8ft projector screen, images are fed via a Hitachi HD projector, sound is piped through a Cambridge Audio HD Amp. I have watched about 30 minutes of the Empire Strikes Back to sample this release and I have come to the realisation that Lucas Film cannot perform miracles. Sure the image is clearer and you can certainly hear the difference, but the movie was made in 1981, so the crystal clear image seen in modern films is not there. Saying that I realise that this is as close as I'm ever going to get to watching the original movie, so for that I am grateful for my Blu-ray box of tricks. After 30 minutes I stopped the film as I want to go back and see all films in order...let's see if I can re-live the magic...
This evening it is the big one...Star Wars A New Hope (or should I say Ep IV). I will update this post once I've viewed the film in its entirety.
***UPDATE*** I've just spoken to Wraith9 who's purchased the whole box set and I now feel sick after he told me that the extras are excellent....DAMN! It seems as though the box set truly is better than sex!
-
LOL. Had a good laugh reading this Jules.
Sounds like I had better get the box set, even with possible wifey entanglements.
-
So wait, you only get the extras with the big boxed set, I was unaware of this, this just kind of makes me mad because the only reason I was thinking of getting it was the deleated sceanes from the originals which I hoped would be in the Original Trilogy boxed set. That feels like a huge gip to say the least.
-
Z, I can confirm that the triple set is as basic as it gets... Saying that, I'm pretty happy with the bonus stuff that came with the DVD's. I an just hoping for the difinitive image quality when watching my favourite films.
-
Isnt it about like that for every blue ray release of an older movie. The image quality just doesn't compare to the newer stuff. You would think that Lucas with his resources could have found a way.
-
well, really, the first three wernt filmed with High Def cameras so it will only get "so" good and thats all.....I would be surprised if they have much of an improvement over the latest DVD release.....
-
I think the point is, Lucas Film already did a major touch up of the films when they released the Special Edition, however Blu-ray does have subtle differences that become even more apparent when you go back and watch the film on DVD. Background and close up detail is clearer, for example numbers on binocular HUD's are clear and readable, ship detailing is also very much improved... which can be a bad thing when you realise that a greebley on the Millennium Falcon is in fact the top of an old cooker.
Oh one other very annoying thing about this Blu Ray disc... it screwed up my PC's Blu-Ray player, so now it won't play Blu ray discs at all...So, if you've got an HP machine with HP Mediasmart pre-loaded be warned!
-
Daggone Jules thats stinks!
First you find out you don't have all the extra scenes from the box set and now it screws up your PC!
-
We still have to wait another 3 days here in the States to get them, and I'm eagerly awaiting that morning!
-
Isnt it about like that for every blue ray release of an older movie. The image quality just doesn't compare to the newer stuff. You would think that Lucas with his resources could have found a way.
Actually, I was simply amazed by the original Halloween, the picture was super-sharp and clear, I actually doubted for a minute it was shot way back in 1975. You can even see John Carpenter's cigerette smoke drift into a sceane (LOL, one of the major flubs of that movie, but also makes it great).
If Halloween (which was shot for next to nothing of a budget) can be brought up to a satisfactory level, what's wrong with Star Wars (which was shot the following year and with a much larger budget, thus probably better cameras ect).
-
Well, I picked up the Complete Saga this afternoon for a crisp $80, and have no idea where to start! Do I start with the extras, checking out the 45 deleted scenes? Do I start where it all began, with A New Hope? Or do I go from Episode 1 on up? Decisions, decisions...
-
Well I've just watched Return of the Jedi and WOW! the image is wonderful, you can see all of the stars... Yep, this is as good if not better than the original cinema experience. This is what Blu-ray was made for!
-
Oh one other very annoying thing about this Blu Ray disc... it screwed up my PC's Blu-Ray player, so now it won't play Blu ray discs at all...So, if you've got an HP machine with HP Mediasmart pre-loaded be warned!
If you uninstall the drive, restart your computer, and then when the computer recognizes the drive, re-install it, it should work alright.
-
Ok...will give it a go.
-
Well, I started to watch A New Hope last night, before my sleepiness got the best of me. I have to say, I'm very impressed thus far. I felt that the picture was brilliantly more clear, with noticeable enhancement to overall picture quality. The sound was phenomenal, which is to be expected. I seriously may go out and buy a rear center channel speaker just so I can experience it in the true 6.1 surround. My receiver is a 7.1 surround, but I know the new trend is a rear center speaker. That said, I spent the time to look for any differences in the movie, be they big of small...
Obi-Wan's Krayt Dragon call was not so subtle. It was a glaring change, and not necessarily a bad one. Different, but not bad. I'd say 95% of the digital graphics have been enhanced and altered ever so slightly to look more brilliant, life-like, and dynamic throughout the film. Watching Alderaan blow up was a point where you can most definitely see the enhancements. Bravo, in my opinion. The sound, from simple voices to loud explosions and everything in between, is simply fantastic. Crisp highs, deep basses, rumbling engines...all so great.
Like I said, I probably made it through 60% of the movie before I had to crash, but just that disc alone has me totally stoked that I bought this set. The Blu-Ray treatment is well applied to our favorite film franchise, and is definitely noticeable.
-
Someone has got to let me know how the Battle of Hoth looks now.
I don't have blu-ray or an HDTV yet (I know, don't even get me started on that as my wife tells me I have whined enough this week), but plan to rectify that situation shortly. It was a choice right now of that or snow tires and dummy me had to be daggone realistic. I hate the real world sometimes.
Anyway, I am eagerly checking this thread so I can go ewww and ahhhhh when you folks tell me new things.
-
Actually the Hoth scenes I've watched so far don't seem to different from the DVD version. I'm watching the film in full next week so will let you know what I think...
Star Wars A New Hope is sublime!
-
You should like this, Shawn. 0/
I have been in Branson on vacation since wed but still managed to go looking for the BD yesterday.
The goal was to find it at a walmart so I could get the exclusive Boba Fett poster. Now B ranson has two walmart stores in town and the first larger one didnt have any copys of the full 9 disc set like I wanted or, any posters for that matter. What they did have was this interesting atat walker display towards the front of the store.
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6202/6158049275_ae60daa001.jpg)
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6084/6158591666_4c9930e7a0.jpg)
Now, the smaller walmart in town not only had the full boxed set for $10 cheaper than the larger store had it tagged as but they had the posters as well. The guy running the register at the electronics dept was kind enough to give me an extra one and I will let it go here in exchange for 15 working upcs. It measures 23"X36"
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6072/6158049119_1e51b55f1b.jpg)
no, I havent been able to watch em yet but this big box includes over 40 hours worth of extras
-
Daggone Bummer on the Battle of Hoth Scenes, but thanks for looking for me Jules.
Clint, I saw a similar pic on ebay and man wouldn't it be cool to get that store display to put my figs in! I bet someone already has called dibs on it, if it is even at one of my walmarts. It would be cool though. Thanks for the images. That poster looks awesome.
I need to make sure I get the nine disc set. If someone has the chance to put up the graphic for the case for this I would appreciate it. I am thinking it is the set with the Lars Homestead on it.
-
here you go, Shawn.............
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6073/6158138103_50cf9a0e50.jpg)
-
Thanks Clint. I used that pic to whine to my wife and low and behold we saw one lone six disc pack left at walmart after lunch today. She bought it for little ole me. I then remembered that there were posters for walmart and they didn't seem to know what I was talking about. They went back to look and found some. They even gave me an extra (which I already gave to Chad).
Now all I need is an HDTV and a Blu Ray Player. My mom demanded she buy me the blu ray player of my choice for xmas. Now to just find the right TV!
-
Blu-Ray players have REALLY come down in price lately. I saw a Sony Blu-Ray player at H.H. Gregg the other day for only $100. That's the good news. For a TV, it's all about your space. If you have a large living room, you'll need a larger TV. My Living room is 16' wide by 9' deep, with us really inhabiting only 11' of that width. We have a 42" Vizio 1080P with 120Hz processing, and it's a perfect size. I could go larger to about 47", but any larger and it's taking up too much space. For value, I'd suggest a Vizio. I'm very happy with mine, the picture is stellar. Samsung probably makes the best LCD/LED picture in any price range. I saw a 70" LED Samsung at HH Gregg for just shy of $3000. It was so beautiful, I honestly considered not paying the mortgage and car payments for a month and live off of ramen noodles. When I got mine, I got it from Sam's Club because they provided lifetime warranties on anything you buy from them except for computers or generators. I believe they no longer offer that lifetime guarantee, but the prices are still pretty good. I browsed there the other day online and saw 47" Vizios for less than I paid for my 42" at the time. If you have the opportunity for a short-term part time job or tutoring or something, I say go for it and get your TV! It's so worth it. And Laura will be amazed by it too, though she'll loathe to admit it.
-
They also had that Walker Blu Ray Set up even at my smaller walmart. I will go on record as saying this would make a great xmas present for me too. I don't know where I would put it, but for cardboard it sure comes about as close to three and three quarter scale for one of these vehicles I have ever seen. It would make a cool playset.
-
Wow Pat, excellent tips thank you.
I have about 11 feet deep to deal with so I am thinking 50 inch or around there. I did see a Samsung and Interent Ready Vizio that I liked so it was good to hear you talk about those two brands. Also, I am ready to buy one, just want to make the right choice. I will do a bit more research but plan on watching this before or by Xmas this year.
-
Blu-Ray players over here go for as low as £39.99 :)
-
Blu-Ray players over here go for as low as £39.99 :)
Now that would be nice. I might try to wait and get an xmas sale maybe.
-
i bought the blu-rays but i dont even have a player yet! (watching at my mates house at the mo ) will be inheriteing a 40" philips LCD screen from my parents with £600 's worth of Sony Surround sound equipement as well as the £250 stand as well :) ) at last i am having some good luck ! the only bummer is that the telly is awesome but is preHDMI so i will have to connect using the DVI connector :-\ but hey ho "never look a gift horse in the mouth" as we say over here...
-
I agree Jay, I can't wait to get mine. Heck with interent TV connectivity now I won't need my laptop!
-
luckily the TV IS HD and has an awesome picture ,i tell you shawn i am lovin the special features discs on this set!
-
luckily the TV IS HD and has an awesome picture ,i tell you shawn i am lovin the special features discs on this set!
LOL. Well whining got me my Blu Ray Set, perhaps more will get me my TV.
-
luckily the TV IS HD and has an awesome picture ,i tell you shawn i am lovin the special features discs on this set!
LOL. Well whining got me my Blu Ray Set, perhaps more will get me my TV.
lol perhaps if you crank it all the way up to "Anakin" whiney the boss might crack ....
-
Guys forget LCD TV's save up and get a projector...link it up to a Blu-Ray player and you've got an image that's better than anything you'll see in the cinema...A few years back I wanted to upgrade my old Sony 28in CRT with a funky LCD TV that was until went to visit my brother-in-law who had a digital projector.I've still got the old CRT TV for watching regular television shows and I've got this for watching movies!
(http://i683.photobucket.com/albums/vv191/hangarbay94/Imperial%20Shipyards%20Stuff/100_0819.jpg)
So, anyone for Star Wars!!!!
-
hello everybody. i have been eagerly waiting all week for the release of the complete saga on blu ray, and guess what, my mom told me she wasnt even going to get it . but she tossed it to me this morning and revealed she was hiding it since friday..............................god star wars fan parents are the best DH
-
I did watch the episode 1 disc tonight and as expected was pretty much blown away by the added clarity and depth of color. Nice tight and crisp lines and details, especially in any scene where cgi was used which was most of em. I seen little visual tweaks all over the place and dont seem to mind em much. I did notice that some of the scenes were so much tighter that it became easier to tell which background was a matte painting and which was not.
I can expect at least the same clarity from episodes 2 and 3 but might be spoiled when I get to 4-6 after being subject to such high resolution.
-
Jules, I can't disagree with you on how awesome some of these projectors can be. They also make a paint specifically for painting a section of wall instead of buying a screen to watch it on, called "projector paint." My buddy has it in his bar/game/movie room, and it works awesome.
-
I saw these over the weekend along with the huge AT-AT. The head has already been knocked off of ours. The full set was $90 at my walmart, I had heard it would be $80, what is the story? I tried to get that AT-AT but they said a vendor puts them up and takes them down and they could not give them away. DOH!
-
It was knocked down to $80 at the store where I got mine but the tag on the display read $90. Run it under a scanner and see what your store's price is.
-
I can't wait to get my big tv and blu ray player and see TESB in its highest clarity and in HD Quality. This winter is going to be awesome. I can't wait for some snow days!
-
I watched TESB today, and was quite happy with it. The sound was once again amazing, which really contributes to the overall movie. Even the video was much improved. The digital effects, even as primitive as they were then, were markedly better. I think you'll be plenty happy with it when you get to watch it.
I did find one thing interesting, something that only occured to me today after watching this movie for who knows how many times... Do you think Wampas are Force-sensitive? In that scene, Luke is grunting and moving around, trying to get loose from his iced bindings, and yet the Wampa is none the wiser. It's only when Luke calms himself and uses the Force to call his lightsaber to him that arouses the Wampa's attention. Perhaps that is what attracted the Wampa to Luke to begin with? Just some food for thought...
-
Sorry to say this, but having bought the films on Betamax, widescreen VHS, 3 times on Laserdisc, and on DVD, I have no interest in this Blu Ray release. I'm far more interested in the eventual release of Adywan's Empire Strikes Back as he seems to be far more in tune with the original aspirations of the saga than its creator, which is beyond madness. His Star Wars Revisited DVD was remarkable and restored my love of the film that I have adored since I say it first at the Leamington Spa Regal cinema on its initial release in early 1978. All power to you Adywan, the Force is with you!
-
JDB,
I can't disagree with you about looking forward to Ady's TESB release.
I just got my big screen and blu-ray player hooked up so I will be able to add my two cents on this real soon. Some of Ady's comparison shots to the blu-ray release sure does make Ady's version look a hundred percent better.