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Post by Sehlat Vie on Feb 22, 2024 1:30:31 GMT
Sorry I've been away so long; lots of repairs and other things going on at the old homestead. All good.  Anyway, since US electronics retailer Best Buy announced its decision to discontinue selling physical media, I've finally gotten around to upgrading a lot of my favorite DVD titles to Blu-Ray; partly for panic over their imminent rarity ( I've already seen huge price hikes on eBay & Amazon), and partly due to my latest model digital projector--a new Epson laser projector that shows a lot more brightness and detail than my previous model, which almost mandates a visual upgrade of my favorite titles. Physical media has already become a niche market, but I still prefer it over having a few dozen streaming services ( subject to license whims of the studios and platforms making space for new stuff). However, I worry about LP-style price hikes on old collectible titles, like ELO's original press of "Out of the Blue," which I recently saw online for $400. I bought it at age 11 in 1977 with my allowance money for a whopping $8.95. Now to the issue at hand. I recently upgraded some of my Star Trek titles to Blu-Ray; including TMP's Director Cut (which I bought on the first week of release), TWOK, TSFS, TVH, TUC, GEN and FC (sorry, but STV just isn't worth it). Most of the releases look great, with more natural new color timing, more film grain, etc. Also, the prices for these upgrades has been generally reasonable; Barnes & Noble is currently hosting a 50% off sale on Paramount movies through February 26th. However, my new 2022 remaster copy of "The Undiscovered Country" ( ST VI review: DigitalBits.com) looks kinda...well, kinda crappy. The colors look a lot more dull-brownish and overly warm than the film has ever looked; either theatrically or on previous video versions ( at least in my experience). Also the new color timing of the Rura Penthe sequence got rid of the cool purple tint it had in the movies and on DVD; now it just looks like...well, Alaska. Not to mention that this new version lacks the director's cut, which I preferred ( yes, I even liked the Scooby Doo Col. West ending....sue me). It's also framed in 2.39:1, as opposed to my DVD version, which is framed with more top and bottom information at 2.0:1. I'm disappointed, yes, but not "I'd like to speak to your manager" disappointed--it's just less than I expected. At least I'm not getting rid of my 2-disc DVD copy, which boasts all of the things this version sadly lacks. Anyone else feeling the urge to buy Star Trek on physical media while you can? And anyone else have issues with any of the remastered Blu-Rays? And/or we can just make this thread an open forum to discuss Star Trek on physical media. |
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Post by Prometheus59650 on Feb 26, 2024 16:20:29 GMT
I purchased Voyager's 7 seasons a couple of years ago secondhand at about $20 a pop. I'm not the biggest Voyager fan but there's at least a quarter of any season that I'd watch again.
So, "Would you pay $5 an episode to own that episode outright?"
Yeah, so it wasn't a tough choice.
But DS9 in as close to 4K as possible is still my holy grail.
As for the TNG films, I'll pick up the three I want on 4K eventually. (I have no need at all for Insurrection.)
Not Trek, but I think it's about time for me to bite on that Stargate SG-1 Blu- remaster for the simple fact (and I think this is on point for the thread) it keeps hopping off streaming services every few months only to return for another month or two with oddities like missing episodes.
Not that I need Airwolf, but that also has never streamed with all its episodes.
And that's the problem with streaming. It has benefits. I use it. I like it, but, it's...not without flaws.
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Post by BeastBoy on Feb 26, 2024 17:06:28 GMT
Not that I need Airwolf, but that also has never streamed with all its episodes. What is that? |
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Post by Prometheus59650 on Feb 26, 2024 19:54:36 GMT
Not that I need Airwolf, but that also has never streamed with all its episodes. What is that? In the vein of Knight Rider with KITT the supercar, Airwolf was an action show in the early to mid 1980s that centered around a pilot, his quest to find his Vietnam MIA brother, and the next-level attack helicopter that he flies for the government while trying to keep the same government from finding Airwolf to steal it back. |
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Post by RobinBland on Feb 29, 2024 16:09:51 GMT
Sorry I've been away so long; lots of repairs and other things going on at the old homestead. All good. Anyway, since US electronics retailer Best Buy announced its decision to discontinue selling physical media, I've finally gotten around to upgrading a lot of my favorite DVD titles to Blu-Ray; partly for panic over their imminent rarity ( I've already seen huge price hikes on eBay & Amazon), and partly due to my latest model digital projector--a new Epson laser projector that shows a lot more brightness and detail than my previous model, which almost mandates a visual upgrade of my favorite titles. Physical media has already become a niche market, but I still prefer it over having a few dozen streaming services ( subject to license whims of the studios and platforms making space for new stuff). However, I worry about LP-style price hikes on old collectible titles, like ELO's original press of "Out of the Blue," which I recently saw online for $400. I bought it at age 11 in 1977 with my allowance money for a whopping $8.95. Now to the issue at hand. I recently upgraded some of my Star Trek titles to Blu-Ray; including TMP's Director Cut (which I bought on the first week of release), TWOK, TSFS, TVH, TUC, GEN and FC (sorry, but STV just isn't worth it). Most of the releases look great, with more natural new color timing, more film grain, etc. Also, the prices for these upgrades has been generally reasonable; Barnes & Noble is currently hosting a 50% off sale on Paramount movies through February 26th. However, my new 2022 remaster copy of "The Undiscovered Country" ( ST VI review: DigitalBits.com) looks kinda...well, kinda crappy. The colors look a lot more dull-brownish and overly warm than the film has ever looked; either theatrically or on previous video versions ( at least in my experience). Also the new color timing of the Rura Penthe sequence got rid of the cool purple tint it had in the movies and on DVD; now it just looks like...well, Alaska. Not to mention that this new version lacks the director's cut, which I preferred ( yes, I even liked the Scooby Doo Col. West ending....sue me). It's also framed in 2.39:1, as opposed to my DVD version, which is framed with more top and bottom information at 2.0:1. I'm disappointed, yes, but not "I'd like to speak to your manager" disappointed--it's just less than I expected. At least I'm not getting rid of my 2-disc DVD copy, which boasts all of the things this version sadly lacks. Anyone else feeling the urge to buy Star Trek on physical media while you can? And anyone else have issues with any of the remastered Blu-Rays? And/or we can just make this thread an open forum to discuss Star Trek on physical media. I bought the 6 and 4 blu-ray set of (respectively) the TOS and TNG 4K releases, but haven't watched TUC yet. I'm bummed to find out that Rura Penthe is without that purplish tint - but won't be able to check until I can get ahold of my copy again (currently in storage after a move). We have just also purchased a gigantic 70" 4K TV which, with our multi-region 4K blu-ray player will allow us to fully enjoy all the physical media we own - as you know, Mrs Bland is a massive film head. Haveta say, the dearth of (and death) of physical media seems to be limited to the USA. Over here in Europe, where I've relocated, and especially in the UK, there are a lot of speciality shops for limited edition blu-rays. The 4K market especially seems to be thriving, releasing all kinds of limited editions and cool one-offs. I recently picked up some stuff in the UK that I just haven't seen released before, including a terrific Arrow Films' version of The Thing with loads of extras (albeit not 4K, regrettably); same for An American Werewolf in London (which is in 4K). There seems to be a massive upswing in these boutique blu-ray labels, which I'm incredibly glad to see and happy to support. Take my money! |
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Post by Prometheus59650 on Feb 29, 2024 16:59:09 GMT
Sorry I've been away so long; lots of repairs and other things going on at the old homestead. All good. Anyway, since US electronics retailer Best Buy announced its decision to discontinue selling physical media, I've finally gotten around to upgrading a lot of my favorite DVD titles to Blu-Ray; partly for panic over their imminent rarity ( I've already seen huge price hikes on eBay & Amazon), and partly due to my latest model digital projector--a new Epson laser projector that shows a lot more brightness and detail than my previous model, which almost mandates a visual upgrade of my favorite titles. Physical media has already become a niche market, but I still prefer it over having a few dozen streaming services ( subject to license whims of the studios and platforms making space for new stuff). However, I worry about LP-style price hikes on old collectible titles, like ELO's original press of "Out of the Blue," which I recently saw online for $400. I bought it at age 11 in 1977 with my allowance money for a whopping $8.95. Now to the issue at hand. I recently upgraded some of my Star Trek titles to Blu-Ray; including TMP's Director Cut (which I bought on the first week of release), TWOK, TSFS, TVH, TUC, GEN and FC (sorry, but STV just isn't worth it). Most of the releases look great, with more natural new color timing, more film grain, etc. Also, the prices for these upgrades has been generally reasonable; Barnes & Noble is currently hosting a 50% off sale on Paramount movies through February 26th. However, my new 2022 remaster copy of "The Undiscovered Country" ( ST VI review: DigitalBits.com) looks kinda...well, kinda crappy. The colors look a lot more dull-brownish and overly warm than the film has ever looked; either theatrically or on previous video versions ( at least in my experience). Also the new color timing of the Rura Penthe sequence got rid of the cool purple tint it had in the movies and on DVD; now it just looks like...well, Alaska. Not to mention that this new version lacks the director's cut, which I preferred ( yes, I even liked the Scooby Doo Col. West ending....sue me). It's also framed in 2.39:1, as opposed to my DVD version, which is framed with more top and bottom information at 2.0:1. I'm disappointed, yes, but not "I'd like to speak to your manager" disappointed--it's just less than I expected. At least I'm not getting rid of my 2-disc DVD copy, which boasts all of the things this version sadly lacks. Anyone else feeling the urge to buy Star Trek on physical media while you can? And anyone else have issues with any of the remastered Blu-Rays? And/or we can just make this thread an open forum to discuss Star Trek on physical media. I bought the 6 and 4 blu-ray set of (respectively) the TOS and TNG 4K releases, but haven't watched TUC yet. I'm bummed to find out that Rura Penthe is without that purplish tint - but won't be able to check until I can get ahold of my copy again (currently in storage after a move). We have just also purchased a gigantic 70" 4K TV which, with our multi-region 4K blu-ray player will allow us to fully enjoy all the physical media we own - as you know, Mrs Bland is a massive film head. Haveta say, the dearth of (and death) of physical media seems to be limited to the USA. Over here in Europe, where I've relocated, and especially in the UK, there are a lot of speciality shops for limited edition blu-rays. The 4K market especially seems to be thriving, releasing all kinds of limited editions and cool one-offs. I recently picked up some stuff in the UK that I just haven't seen released before, including a terrific Arrow Films' version of The Thing with loads of extras (albeit not 4K, regrettably); same for An American Werewolf in London (which is in 4K). There seems to be a massive upswing in these boutique blu-ray labels, which I'm incredibly glad to see and happy to support. Take my money! Honestly good to hear, and I truly, madly, deeply hope that your experience holds and that physical media can thrive as a niche market. |
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Post by RobinBland on Feb 29, 2024 19:14:25 GMT
I bought the 6 and 4 blu-ray set of (respectively) the TOS and TNG 4K releases, but haven't watched TUC yet. I'm bummed to find out that Rura Penthe is without that purplish tint - but won't be able to check until I can get ahold of my copy again (currently in storage after a move). We have just also purchased a gigantic 70" 4K TV which, with our multi-region 4K blu-ray player will allow us to fully enjoy all the physical media we own - as you know, Mrs Bland is a massive film head. Haveta say, the dearth of (and death) of physical media seems to be limited to the USA. Over here in Europe, where I've relocated, and especially in the UK, there are a lot of speciality shops for limited edition blu-rays. The 4K market especially seems to be thriving, releasing all kinds of limited editions and cool one-offs. I recently picked up some stuff in the UK that I just haven't seen released before, including a terrific Arrow Films' version of The Thing with loads of extras (albeit not 4K, regrettably); same for An American Werewolf in London (which is in 4K). There seems to be a massive upswing in these boutique blu-ray labels, which I'm incredibly glad to see and happy to support. Take my money! Honestly good to hear, and I truly, madly, deeply hope that your experience holds and that physical media can thrive as a niche market. These labels must be able to survive somehow. That said, a particularly good one called Network went down last year, but there are many others. So, yeah, fingers crossed. Lotta collectors this side of the water! |
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Post by Sehlat Vie on Mar 5, 2024 5:16:13 GMT
I purchased Voyager's 7 seasons a couple of years ago secondhand at about $20 a pop. I'm not the biggest Voyager fan but there's at least a quarter of any season that I'd watch again. So, "Would you pay $5 an episode to own that episode outright?" Yeah, so it wasn't a tough choice. But DS9 in as close to 4K as possible is still my holy grail. As for the TNG films, I'll pick up the three I want on 4K eventually. (I have no need at all for Insurrection.) Not Trek, but I think it's about time for me to bite on that Stargate SG-1 Blu- remaster for the simple fact (and I think this is on point for the thread) it keeps hopping off streaming services every few months only to return for another month or two with oddities like missing episodes. Not that I need Airwolf, but that also has never streamed with all its episodes. And that's the problem with streaming. It has benefits. I use it. I like it, but, it's...not without flaws. Been slowly supplanting a lot of my titles with BluRays, since my wife and I have a new high-end laser projector that gives much greater detail and brightness than our previous model (even though it's still technically 1080p/HD), so flaws from poor DVD masters and limitations are even more evident. Most of my old DVDs are still plenty okay (I recently watched "Batman Begins" and it looked fine), but a few needed upgrading (the Indiana Jones movies, Star Trek, original Star Wars trilogy, Titanic, Planet of the Apes, etc). As for Star Trek seasons, I still have all of my Star Trek seasons (TOS, TNG, DS9, ENT) on DVD, save for about 4 seasons of TNG and a handful of TOS episodes (the "Vault" set), as well as all of PRO and SNW (which I bought recently on BluRay). As I said up top, I recently upgraded all of my TOS and TNG movies, save for TFF (not worth it; DVD still looks okay for such a shabby movie), INS & NEM (neither of which I liked enough to upgrade), but now I have TMP (both original and Director's Cut), TWOK, TSFS, TVH, TUC, GEN and FC on BluRay, and they look much cleaner and sharper than my special edition BluRays. However... however, I still think the newer edition of TUC on BluRay was sourced from a questionable quality transfer than the old 2003 2-disc DVD, which looked much truer in color and contrast to how I remember it in theaters, so I'm still holding onto my old 2-disc ST movie DVDs. Also frustrating that the TUC BluRay isn't the extended cut, like TMP and TWOK (which included both cuts with seamless branching). Shame. |
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Post by Sehlat Vie on Mar 5, 2024 5:21:59 GMT
Sorry I've been away so long; lots of repairs and other things going on at the old homestead. All good. Anyway, since US electronics retailer Best Buy announced its decision to discontinue selling physical media, I've finally gotten around to upgrading a lot of my favorite DVD titles to Blu-Ray; partly for panic over their imminent rarity ( I've already seen huge price hikes on eBay & Amazon), and partly due to my latest model digital projector--a new Epson laser projector that shows a lot more brightness and detail than my previous model, which almost mandates a visual upgrade of my favorite titles. Physical media has already become a niche market, but I still prefer it over having a few dozen streaming services ( subject to license whims of the studios and platforms making space for new stuff). However, I worry about LP-style price hikes on old collectible titles, like ELO's original press of "Out of the Blue," which I recently saw online for $400. I bought it at age 11 in 1977 with my allowance money for a whopping $8.95. Now to the issue at hand. I recently upgraded some of my Star Trek titles to Blu-Ray; including TMP's Director Cut (which I bought on the first week of release), TWOK, TSFS, TVH, TUC, GEN and FC (sorry, but STV just isn't worth it). Most of the releases look great, with more natural new color timing, more film grain, etc. Also, the prices for these upgrades has been generally reasonable; Barnes & Noble is currently hosting a 50% off sale on Paramount movies through February 26th. However, my new 2022 remaster copy of "The Undiscovered Country" ( ST VI review: DigitalBits.com) looks kinda...well, kinda crappy. The colors look a lot more dull-brownish and overly warm than the film has ever looked; either theatrically or on previous video versions ( at least in my experience). Also the new color timing of the Rura Penthe sequence got rid of the cool purple tint it had in the movies and on DVD; now it just looks like...well, Alaska. Not to mention that this new version lacks the director's cut, which I preferred ( yes, I even liked the Scooby Doo Col. West ending....sue me). It's also framed in 2.39:1, as opposed to my DVD version, which is framed with more top and bottom information at 2.0:1. I'm disappointed, yes, but not "I'd like to speak to your manager" disappointed--it's just less than I expected. At least I'm not getting rid of my 2-disc DVD copy, which boasts all of the things this version sadly lacks. Anyone else feeling the urge to buy Star Trek on physical media while you can? And anyone else have issues with any of the remastered Blu-Rays? And/or we can just make this thread an open forum to discuss Star Trek on physical media. I bought the 6 and 4 blu-ray set of (respectively) the TOS and TNG 4K releases, but haven't watched TUC yet. I'm bummed to find out that Rura Penthe is without that purplish tint - but won't be able to check until I can get ahold of my copy again (currently in storage after a move). We have just also purchased a gigantic 70" 4K TV which, with our multi-region 4K blu-ray player will allow us to fully enjoy all the physical media we own - as you know, Mrs Bland is a massive film head. Haveta say, the dearth of (and death) of physical media seems to be limited to the USA. Over here in Europe, where I've relocated, and especially in the UK, there are a lot of speciality shops for limited edition blu-rays. The 4K market especially seems to be thriving, releasing all kinds of limited editions and cool one-offs. I recently picked up some stuff in the UK that I just haven't seen released before, including a terrific Arrow Films' version of The Thing with loads of extras (albeit not 4K, regrettably); same for An American Werewolf in London (which is in 4K). There seems to be a massive upswing in these boutique blu-ray labels, which I'm incredibly glad to see and happy to support. Take my money! 70"! Nice! Our new portable Epson laser-based digital projector throws an image onto an 80" collapsible screen. In our little house, I usually screen movies for the missus I in the home office, unless we have movie parties with friends, then I take our gear to the garage--much more room there when we move the cars out. I do see great improvement and clarity and sharpness, which sadly makes some of my old DVDs look downright scuzzy, but for most movies (esp. rare titles) I don't really care, so long as they're watchable. But (as I answered in the post directly above this one), there were a lot of movies in our collection that needed an upgrade. Like Mrs. Bland, I'm a serious movie head--all kinds. |
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Post by RobinBland on Mar 6, 2024 17:15:17 GMT
I bought the 6 and 4 blu-ray set of (respectively) the TOS and TNG 4K releases, but haven't watched TUC yet. I'm bummed to find out that Rura Penthe is without that purplish tint - but won't be able to check until I can get ahold of my copy again (currently in storage after a move). We have just also purchased a gigantic 70" 4K TV which, with our multi-region 4K blu-ray player will allow us to fully enjoy all the physical media we own - as you know, Mrs Bland is a massive film head. Haveta say, the dearth of (and death) of physical media seems to be limited to the USA. Over here in Europe, where I've relocated, and especially in the UK, there are a lot of speciality shops for limited edition blu-rays. The 4K market especially seems to be thriving, releasing all kinds of limited editions and cool one-offs. I recently picked up some stuff in the UK that I just haven't seen released before, including a terrific Arrow Films' version of The Thing with loads of extras (albeit not 4K, regrettably); same for An American Werewolf in London (which is in 4K). There seems to be a massive upswing in these boutique blu-ray labels, which I'm incredibly glad to see and happy to support. Take my money! 70"! Nice! Our new portable Epson laser-based digital projector throws an image onto an 80" collapsible screen. In our little house, I usually screen movies for the missus I in the home office, unless we have movie parties with friends, then I take our gear to the garage--much more room there when we move the cars out. I do see great improvement and clarity and sharpness, which sadly makes some of my old DVDs look downright scuzzy, but for most movies (esp. rare titles) I don't really care, so long as they're watchable. But (as I answered in the post directly above this one), there were a lot of movies in our collection that needed an upgrade. Like Mrs. Bland, I'm a serious movie head--all kinds. I know this to be true.  ... Some films sort of survive the process of DVD upscaling in this set-up we've got now, and ones that are more drama than spectacle actually work OK - it feels like watching them as they were when they were released. But yeah, the big FX spectaculars or refined art flicks with special attention paid to cinematography really deserve - and repay - the upgrade. |
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Post by SherlockHolmes on Mar 6, 2024 23:10:55 GMT
Sorry I've been away so long; lots of repairs and other things going on at the old homestead. All good. Anyway, since US electronics retailer Best Buy announced its decision to discontinue selling physical media, I've finally gotten around to upgrading a lot of my favorite DVD titles to Blu-Ray; partly for panic over their imminent rarity ( I've already seen huge price hikes on eBay & Amazon), and partly due to my latest model digital projector--a new Epson laser projector that shows a lot more brightness and detail than my previous model, which almost mandates a visual upgrade of my favorite titles. Physical media has already become a niche market, but I still prefer it over having a few dozen streaming services ( subject to license whims of the studios and platforms making space for new stuff). However, I worry about LP-style price hikes on old collectible titles, like ELO's original press of "Out of the Blue," which I recently saw online for $400. I bought it at age 11 in 1977 with my allowance money for a whopping $8.95. Now to the issue at hand. I recently upgraded some of my Star Trek titles to Blu-Ray; including TMP's Director Cut (which I bought on the first week of release), TWOK, TSFS, TVH, TUC, GEN and FC (sorry, but STV just isn't worth it). Most of the releases look great, with more natural new color timing, more film grain, etc. Also, the prices for these upgrades has been generally reasonable; Barnes & Noble is currently hosting a 50% off sale on Paramount movies through February 26th. However, my new 2022 remaster copy of "The Undiscovered Country" ( ST VI review: DigitalBits.com) looks kinda...well, kinda crappy. The colors look a lot more dull-brownish and overly warm than the film has ever looked; either theatrically or on previous video versions ( at least in my experience). Also the new color timing of the Rura Penthe sequence got rid of the cool purple tint it had in the movies and on DVD; now it just looks like...well, Alaska. Not to mention that this new version lacks the director's cut, which I preferred ( yes, I even liked the Scooby Doo Col. West ending....sue me). It's also framed in 2.39:1, as opposed to my DVD version, which is framed with more top and bottom information at 2.0:1. I'm disappointed, yes, but not "I'd like to speak to your manager" disappointed--it's just less than I expected. At least I'm not getting rid of my 2-disc DVD copy, which boasts all of the things this version sadly lacks. Anyone else feeling the urge to buy Star Trek on physical media while you can? And anyone else have issues with any of the remastered Blu-Rays? And/or we can just make this thread an open forum to discuss Star Trek on physical media. The 4k Disc in the set has the Director's cut of Star Trek VI. Also you mean this scene? It looks purple to me on mine, and this is a screne cap of the 2022 release from Trekcore movies.trekcore.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=1053&page=3 (Not sure why but Trekcore links break when i post the direct images, but the scene is in that page.) So this is where I am on Physical forms of star trek, and yes, I am buying the crap out of physical media. I have I through V in unopened VHS widescreen deluxe box set. I have I through V in their original box release VHS. I have I through III black and gold special edition VHS, I have the standard 1991 I through VI VHS, along with Gen, FC, and INS. (Looking for Nemesis on VHS at the Moment) I have I (DC) through X on the 2 disc Silver box DVDs, I have I-X on the 2009 Blu-rays, and I have I(DC) on Bluray, and II through X in the Blu-ray/4k packs (Which I actually think are the best releases ever). Also I just ordered I through VIII on Laserdisc. Now I am looking into getting I through V on Betamax, and I through III on CED. Yes I'm that crazy. I own every trek in physical format. And By that I mean all TRUE Trek. I do have seasons 1&2 of Discovery, Season 1 of Picard, and Season 1 of Strange New Worlds. I plan to get Strange New Worlds season 2. I'll get the other seasons of Picard and Discovery if I see them cheap. I WILL NOT SPEND MONEY ON LOWER DECKS AND IT IS FORBIDDEN IN MY HOME. I don't care much for prodigy, GOOD NEWS is- Blu-ray and DVDS were the 3rd most selling items on Ebay this past year. Also, F**K BEST BUY. THEY CAN GO OUT OF BUSINESS LIKE CIRCUIT CITY FOR ALL I CARE. I only went there for the awesome selection of movies and music they used to have. Also, I think we are going to see media licensed to publishers like Mill Creek, Discotek, and Shout Factory. I think there is a large enough focus on physical media online that it will comeback when the streaming bubble bursts. |
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Post by Prometheus59650 on Mar 7, 2024 23:10:44 GMT
Just as a quick aside for anyone interested in the Trek III anniversary disc news, the movie itself is the same disc as last year's box set.
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