Total Recall (Mind-Bending Edition) - July 31,2012 Review

[Dubstar]

I generally was very impressed with the transfer - the audio is great, but I thought the skin color early on looked a bit pink-ish.

[Scylla]

Just finished watching the movie and was very impressed with the a/v quality - amazing for only $10!

[RJ Smoove]

My main player is a PS3. Off the top of my head, don't you just hit square and then triangle to go to the Top Menu?

[nmycon]

Originally Posted by nagysaudio

What is the consensus on the stupid trailers at the beginning? On a PS3, there's no way to go to the "Top Menu." One has to skip through all of the trailers manually. Is this true for other players, or editions (like the UK)?

Did you try "Pop-up Menu"? Works sometimes...

Regardless, this is definitely not the only disc floating around that doesn't allow you to skip all trailers with a single button, plenty of my discs make good use of the "Next" button

[nmycon]

Originally Posted by nagysaudio

Yup, tried it all and can't get to the menu screen unless all trailers are skipped manually. Annoying.

That's unfortunate

I'll be picking up the Canadian "Ultimate Rekall Edition" tomorrow, hopefully Alliance has authored the disc so that the trailers can be skipped easily

I like our cover better But it's also twice the price...

[RJ Smoove]

Originally Posted by nagysaudio

Yup, tried it all and can't get to the menu screen unless all trailers are skipped manually. Annoying.

I'm sorry. Stupid me thought you meant that the ps3 doesn't have a Top Menu button at all. Of course you meant that this disc in particular doesn't respond to it.

[sancho]

Got mine delivered today.

[Kneel B4 Zod]

I went to my nearest best buy, the system showed one in stock. Neither me or the sales guy could find it. While we were scouring the store, another guy came in asking for it too. The clerk explained that he was already looking for the only copy, and I had dibs. I gave him a grin, he gave me the stink eye. SCORE ONE FOR ME. However, we never found said copy. I had him check the next closest store, also showing one copy. I called that store and they held it for me at store pick up. 2nd SCORE FOR ME. Since I was there I was also going to do some other upgrade and save shopping. While walking the aisles, I was swarmed by clerks. As they walked past me, I over heard one say, "no this is the only version we have. I can't find the mind bending." I chuckled and said, "I think I got the last copy." Two clerks said, "Oh, there it is!" The unamused customer said, "$#!+" TRIPLE SCORE FOR ME! Since he mentioned he was going to try the store I just came from, I also had the pleasure of telling him they were also out. 4 SCORES!

Ahhhh...the twisted things I take joy in.

[avpjunkie]

I couldn't find one at my Best Buy today either...

I'm in no hurry to get this anyways, there will be plenty produced later and I'm sure this will be $5 on Black Friday anyways...

[ImStylinOnYaBro]

Originally Posted by blueskeeper11

Wow..I went to three Best Buy stores today and finally got hands on one of them. Can't wait to watch it again after two decades...better be worth $7.99

it will be worth 7.99. at that price, ANY blu ray is worth it, except 2012 doomsday

[Latheofheaven]

Originally Posted by Maggot

Even the reviewer agrees that the blacks are poor. The good problem is, the viewer has an opinion too. It's not a one-way street, nor has it ever been. Just because it's the way the director wants it, doesn't mean anything other than he himself likes it. I am the viewer and will decide for myself what I like. I will decide what to take away from a story or PQ/AQ. Everybody is an individual, and therefore when it comes to art, ANY argument about "this is the way it is or this is what you should get out of or take away from viewing or listening to art" is hilarious. Subjectivity......it's all a matter of perspective. That's the bottom line.

Maggot, you are COMPLETELY RIGHT! I cannot believe everyone here is giving you such grief, really!

The main difference between the two opinions is this and I feel this is very important:

1. The people who disagree with you are harsh, insulting, and rude.

2. You are not at all in any way; you are merely sharing your opinion.

This is my very first post and in reading this discussion frankly I am APPALLED at the unkindness and attacks on Maggot's completely politely expressed opinion. I mean I HAD to join NOW and comment on this.

Look guys, all Maggot is saying is that he feels that each person may have a different feeling about a work or art, no matter what it is and more pointedly no matter WHAT THE HELL the artist intended. Now... PLEASE... Notice I am NOT saying ANYTHING rude about the artists intention or in any way disrespecting you because you feel that that is the uppermost criteria. That is PERFECTLY FINE, okay? BUT, and it is a BIG BUT like Mariah Carrey's, not everyone feels that way. And that my friends is really all that Maggot is saying...

Now, me personally, there are a HELL of a lot of works of art where I get pretty worked up because, say with films, the way the 'artist' / director interpreted it or the way he ended it. Sometimes I think 'GEEZ, if he had just done this or that it would have been perfect', but he didn't.

So, am I to say 'Well, I REALLY frigg'n HATE what the 'artist' did, but I guess I should just like it because it IS his vision, after all...?

Now, do you see how silly that can be and how truly it is honestly not fair to generalize and especially rudely insult and laugh at someone who simply does not agree?

As far as the discussed 'Black Levels' go, I happen also personally to feel EXACTLY the same way. I took one look at some of the comparitive shots and saw what I considered anyway to be 'washed out' blacks and it TOTALLY turned me off. Now, in all fairness I also saw many positives in some of the other detail and such. But, for me also, ESPECIALLY since the Optimum is indeed done SO nicely, I would personally REALLY NOT want to trade off the darker Blacks for these other things.

As a matter of fact, the EXPRESS AND PRECISE reason why I am even wading through this thread is because I just now heard of and read the reviews for the new US release (where I live, BTW) and I was DESPERATELY hoping SOMEONE would indeed spell out the differences between the Optimum and the new one. So, I really am totally THRILLED that Maggot and some others have indeed specified some things so that now I have somewhat of a better idea as to the difference between the two. And again, for me too, the Black levels, especially in a strong Sci Fi film like this one are extremely important.

Okay, now that I've gotten THAT off my chest, I'd better frigg'n READ the rest of the bloody thread!!!

Cheers!

___________________L@the

[Latheofheaven]

Originally Posted by Lantz

I got the new UK release. Expected to be blown away by the high ratings at Bluray.com (5 out of 5 in PQ, meaning highest standard possible for Bluray). Got disappointed by specks, blemishes, milky blacks, new colour timing as well as fluctuating colours. No obvious digital artifacts, though. Everything looks like film. But in my opinion, not deserving of 5 stars. To me it looked like film in need of some further restoration. After Googling around at forums and review sites, I got the French Steelbook from 2010, instantly felt the PQ was superior, cleaned up, stronger colours, better clarity, in spite of some DNR. Preferred that colour timing too. Looked great to me. No extras though.

Now I have both editions, one for the PQ, and one for the extras. Then PQ is a matter of personal preference.

Heh... 'Milky Blacks'... Gee, where have we heard that before (this said while all the other arrogant b@stards are laughing it up at how much cleverer and smarter they are as they shoot soda out of their collective noses...)

I say it again, 'Rude', 'Arrogant' (well, I hadn't actually 'said' that before) Oh, and let's not forget... CONDESCENDING...)

Funny, in the entire thread (that I've read up to here so far, Maggot has shown NONE of these unpleasant and nasty qualities - NOPE, not one...)

Interesting how yet ANOTHER person seemingly does not particularly care for the artist's 'Original Intent' Gee... (now you notice I am NOT in any way criticizing one's who DO indeed feel that is utmost. Fine for you. The POINT is that NOT everyone feels that way as at lease THREE people now who have BOTH editions have already honestly commented. Oh, and he mentions 'Personal Preference' too... Again, no harm, no foul. BOTH WAYS gents...

[Atreyu]

Originally Posted by AreaUnderTheCurve

It's available at the Kennesaw location. I may have to drive there if the BB near me doesn't have it, which I'll find out in an hour.

I was also at my local Walmart yesterday and they had it, but Amazon is getting mine ready for shipment.

[BXR 1138]

Amazon pushed my delivery estimate back from 8/2 to 8/10-8/14.
At least I don't need it right away. Would've been nice to watch over the weekend, though.

[Lantz]

Originally Posted by Latheofheaven

Heh... 'Milky Blacks'... Gee, where have we heard that before (this said while all the other arrogant b@stards are laughing it up at how much cleverer and smarter they are as they shoot soda out of their collective noses...)

I say it again, 'Rude', 'Arrogant' (well, I hadn't actually 'said' that before) Oh, and let's not forget... CONDESCENDING...)

Funny, in the entire thread (that I've read up to here so far, Maggot has shown NONE of these unpleasant and nasty qualities - NOPE, not one...)

Interesting how yet ANOTHER person seemingly does not particularly care for the artist's 'Original Intent' Gee... (now you notice I am NOT in any way criticizing one's who DO indeed feel that is utmost. Fine for you. The POINT is that NOT everyone feels that way as at lease THREE people now who have BOTH editions have already honestly commented. Oh, and he mentions 'Personal Preference' too... Again, no harm, no foul. BOTH WAYS gents...

Thanks for your comment, friend.

Well, if someone already has a preference for one or the other, it is often pointless to try and argue to make that person change his mind by presenting a lot of 'facts'. Sure, someone can tell me that it looks more like film, better compression, better levels, more natural colour, no artifacts and director's intention and such, but, even knowing this, if I do not honestly agree on those things and still think that an old transfer is more appealing, it's not gonna change my mind. Others may have their own opinion, of course.

I suppose many people who are really fond of something get frustrated when someone else thinks quite the opposite, and need to argue that it must be wrong somehow and that person must have missed something, and need to defend their opinion and explain so others will not think the same.

At the end of the day, it is good that we have many bluray versions of this remarkable film, so everyone can be satisfied.

[Kristian Idol]

Originally Posted by Lantz

Thanks for your comment, friend.

Well, if someone already has a preference for one or the other, it is often pointless to try and argue to make that person change his mind by presenting a lot of 'facts'. Sure, someone can tell me that it looks more like film, better compression, better levels, more natural colour, no artifacts and director's intention and such, but, even knowing this, if I do not honestly agree on those things and still think that an old transfer is more appealing, it's not gonna change my mind. Others may have their own opinion, of course.

I suppose many people who are really fond of something get frustrated when someone else thinks quite the opposite, and need to argue that it must be wrong somehow and that person must have missed something, and need to defend their opinion and explain so others will not think the same.

At the end of the day, it is good that we have many bluray versions of this remarkable film, so everyone can be satisfied.

Wow, talk about not taking the bait. Three cheers for Lantz' measured response!

[grrrarg]

Haha! Interesting discussion to say the least.

It is nice to have choices... I'm happy as long as there is at least one version available that I consider good.

For example, some people LOVE the Predator re-release. They may be wrong but I respect their decision to enjoy the film they want to view it. I would take issue if that were the only version available however.

I refused to by Total Recall before this release, but man, it was worth the wait

[punisher]

not the best looking or sounding transfer. I never saw the original release so I cannot compare them.All in all 8 bucks for this movie is worth it.Not a reference disc by any means other than Sharon Stone is sooooo good looking in this movie.

[grrrarg]

Originally Posted by punisher

Not a reference disc by any means other than Sharon Stone is sooooo good looking in this movie.

Total missed opportunity for her to do a workout video, that would have been a great extra

[AreaUnderTheCurve]

Originally Posted by punisher

not the best looking or sounding transfer. I never saw the original release so I cannot compare them.All in all 8 bucks for this movie is worth it.Not a reference disc by any means other than Sharon Stone is sooooo good looking in this movie.

I think it's a reference for a catalogue title. I'd show it off along with Aliens. The sound is good too, because it's subtle. The soundtrack isn't heavy on the low end, and I actually found that refreshing given how current action films are mastered in the sound department. They want to blow your skirt off and rumble your house. I actually found the use of the subwoofer when you have a moment of flying aircraft immersive because it's not overbearing.

Screens are coming, mangs.