Anybody compare the 2 different versions of Robocop?

[Stubblecat]

I know that the original MGM Robocop gets pretty lousy press for it's poor quality and lack of features, but I can't seem to find any reviews and comparison between it and the newer Sony edition, with the commentary and extras.

Anybody have the Sony version, and is it worth my time to grab it?

[zeze]

There's two versions, I thought there was only one version. And a search on this site only yields the MGM one.

[iori]

I see a uk one that was released by fox.

[RocShemp]

Where did you see anything about a new Sony release, Stubblecat?

[Stubblecat]

You can find pics of the cover everywhere, and I saw it in Best Buy a couple of days ago, next to the old edition.

[aiman04]

There's a new release? If they do a new high quality transfer then I will definitely get it.

[JonBidinger]

Then post pics of these covers from everywhere, because I can't seem to find them. AFAIK there were two releases of Robocop, the first when MGM was still being distributed by Sony, it was of horrible quality and was pulled before hitting store shelves, although a few reviewers did recieve copies, there is a review of it over on Highdefdigest. Then after MGM began being distributed by Fox, they released the currently available one, which still has bad picture quality according to many, but still quite a step up from the Sony release, which should tell you something.

[Stubblecat]

Hi Def Digest has an old review of what was an apparently cancelled edition that *seems* to match what I saw the other day.

http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/robocop.html

I'll have to go back and copy down the UPC code and see what I can find out about it. The above review (from 2006, mind you) talk about the same old crappy PQ.

But here's the kicker: There's a link to a review of the other (well-known) version and it gets better marks for PQ.

http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/1086/robocop_fox.html

I'm just a little confused here.

[Stubblecat]

The one we all know:



The one I saw the other day (which lists the bonus features):

[RocShemp]

That looks like the cover to the DVD boxset but on a BD case. Weird.

[aiman04]

Stubblecat, the second cover was from the canceled Sony release originally scheduled for August 15, 2006.

The first cover is what available now by Fox released on Oct 09, 2007. All MGM titles are being distributed by Fox now.

[Deciazulado]

aMazon says that one was released "March 2007" and available from Sellers

[steve_dave]

Originally Posted by Stubblecat

The one we all know:

This is the current release. Its the only one widely available at retailers in the US and Canada. Read on for a full explanation.

The one I saw the other day (which lists the bonus features):

The basic answer is here:

Originally Posted by JonBidinger

AFAIK there were two releases of Robocop, the first when MGM was still being distributed by Sony, it was of horrible quality and was pulled before hitting store shelves, although a few reviewers did recieve copies, there is a review of it over on Highdefdigest. Then after MGM began being distributed by Fox, they released the currently available one, which still has bad picture quality according to many, but still quite a step up from the Sony release, which should tell you something.

To elaborate further...

Sony had a distibution deal for MGM's films on home video and they were able tor release to market three titles:

The Terminator
Species
The Last Waltz

These are the only MGM titles to have PCM 5.1 audio and were the rare "initial catalogs" to include extras.

Robocop was scheduled for release by Sony for MGM, again this has PCM 5.1 audio and extras. However, MGM struck a deal with Fox to distribute their titles on home video in the US & Canada (similar to their deal in Southeast Asia). As a result, Robocop was pulled from release before hitting store shelves but its not unheard of for some copies to be sold or stocked like Bee Movie HD DVD.

Now the main thing is that the MGM/Fox release is the unrated version of the film while the cancelled MGM/Sony release was the R-rated version.

The MGM/Fox version is the better of the two choices as it features the unrated version of the film and both a 5.1 remix (in DTS-HD MA) & the original Stereo Surround track.

[Blu-Curry]

I have the first one ... but i got used to the quality.

[Stubblecat]

So it looks like Best Buy in Kitchener got at least one of these pulled copies. And at the same time, neither edition is the way to go. So sad...

[SatinKzo]

yes, I compared the MGM/Fox BD version to my DVD Steelbook Anniversary edition. DVD is much better overall presentation. Like starship troopers, such a great movie on different levels, it deserves better treatment

[tron3]

I sold my DVD set anticipating the blu-ray. I have yet to buy it due to the bad press. These kinds of releases is giving blu-ray a bad name. As of right now, I am abandoning the Robocop franchise until these clowns get their act together.

Terminator is still on my waiting list for the same quality issues. But I'm ready to abandon that franchise after the last movie. That is saying a lot with T2 being my favorite movie.

How can you promise high definition and slap DVD quality on a disc? Quality control is apparently driven by the souless marketing people. That's why the Pentium 4 was such a piece of crap. Marketing was put in charge.

This is happening enough that I will no longer blind buy classic releases, but wait for the reviews. These guys aren't getting my money with empty promises anymore.

[steve_dave]

Originally Posted by tron3

I sold my DVD set anticipating the blu-ray. I have yet to buy it due to the bad press. These kinds of releases is giving blu-ray a bad name. As of right now, I am abandoning the Robocop franchise until these clowns get their act together.

Terminator is still on my waiting list for the same quality issues. But I'm ready to abandon that franchise after the last movie. That is saying a lot with T2 being my favorite movie.

How can you promise high definition and slap DVD quality on a disc? Quality control is apparently driven by the souless marketing people. That's why the Pentium 4 was such a piece of crap. Marketing was put in charge.

This is happening enough that I will no longer blind buy classic releases, but wait for the reviews. These guys aren't getting my money with empty promises anymore.

As far as I know DVD does not offer multi-channel lossless audio or seamless menus or even full 1080p HD video.

To be honest and I'm going to hurt some feelings here:

MGM/FOX HAS NOT BEEN JUST DOING A DVD DUMP WITH BLU-RAY DISCS. NOT EVEN WITH THEIR INITIAL WAVES OR EVEN NOW.

Sure, MPEG2 is not the best codec to use for BD but the video bit-rate is much better. The DVD is average 7.2mbs MPEG2 for both versions of the film while the BD is an average of 21mbs.

And let's face it, the DVD only offered at best DTS 5.1 755kbs audio. The Blu-ray Disc has a DTS-HD MA track with a 1.5mbs DTS core along with a 448kbs Dolby Surround track.

That is not DVD quality at all, its better than DVD quality. Stop complaining about a product that if it didn't come out in 2007, everyone on the internet would be asking where it is. People kept asking for Gladiator, Universal did a bad job with the transfer and provided that to Paramount/Dreamworks so now we got people asking when a remastered version will come out.

Then to make it even more of a pain, people drop a brick when they find out a title is getting "re-released" like Terminator 2, Stargate, and Sranger Then Ficition.

The internet: the new soapbox for people who think we didn't land on the moon, companies don't care, and John Wilkes Booth was set up.

As for The Terminator: Van Ling is finishing up the Skynet Edition of the BD for MGM/Fox.

[deangrazy]

Originally Posted by Stubblecat

You can find pics of the cover everywhere, and I saw it in Best Buy a couple of days ago, next to the old edition.

I am going to have check out the cover pics, I am really interested.

[SlmShdy1]

I'm happy with my copy of Robocop. I had never seen the Director's Cut until I purchased the BD. The last copy I had was on VHS, which was sold in a garage sale. Huge upgrade for me.