Wizard of Oz Review - Blu-ray Forum

rlmbluray · 10-10-2009, 03:55 PM

I disagree with the this site raving review of the Blu-ray Wizard of Oz.

I was really disappointed in the video, audio, and picture aspect.

I found the video really grainy and distorted, and the True HD audio transfer was no better than mono.

I have a laser disc copy that has better picture and sound than this blu-ray release.

This classic movie speaks for itself to it's greatness.

I just expected to be wowed by the Blu-ray with picture and sound.

I don't understand how the reviewer gave it such a high rating.

I am missing something.

NeoCortex · 10-10-2009, 04:01 PM

Does this really need its own thread?

Not everybody has to agree with the site's reviews, but most, including myself, do in this case.

You are missing something.

Another one sentence paragraph.

ai3rocks57 · 10-10-2009, 04:04 PM

I agree. Why didn't the guys at WB just scrub out the grain?!!

HDPlasma · 10-10-2009, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rlmbluray

I disagree with the this site raving review of the Blu-ray Wizard of Oz.

I was really disappointed in the video, audio, and picture aspect.

I found the video really grainy and distorted, and the True HD audio transfer was no better than mono.

I have a laser disc copy that has better picture and sound than this blu-ray release.

This classic movie speaks for itself to it's greatness.

I just expected to be wowed by the Blu-ray with picture and sound.

I don't understand how the reviewer gave it such a high rating.

I am missing something.

To see a real difference, you need to upgrade your 19" 4:3 CRT and use an output higher than 480i/composite cables from your blu-ray player.

You need an HDTV to take advantage of 1080p or HD in general.
Then you will see why 99.9% of people who have seen are awed in the new transfer.

Elvis · 10-10-2009, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ai3rocks57

I agree. Why didn't the guys at WB just scrub out the grain?!!

Might have looked better? Softer? But then again I remember this movie as soft anyway...and I think thats how it looked in 39 too.

toef · 10-10-2009, 04:55 PM

I only have a 40" TV, so for me the upgrade wasn't incredibly noticeable, but I could still tell a difference (it'd help if I had two TVs and could compare them side by side, but I don't so I couldn't).

This was comparing it to the most recent DVD (from 2005, I think).

When compared to the older DVD (in the cardboard flapper case thing) or the VHS, it's insanely better. I doubt there's a LaserDisc version that looks and sounds better.

I don't know if it was the review I read on here, or another site, but the reviewer said things like "I could almost count the squares on Dorothy's dress" or that he was now able to see that the Scarecrow's face had a burlap texture. I could tell both of those things on the 2005 DVD version, so I don't know what version he last watched that he doesn't remember being able to notice those things.

Anyway, I don't regret buying it, because it still does look a little better (and imagine it will look even better once I upgrade to a larger TV), and I was interested in having all the older movies, and When the Lion Roars.

I've watched the movie twice now, and watched all the special features (other than the old movies). I tried watching Dreamer in Oz, and the reviewer was right... that thing looks terrible, and is really blurry, almost like it was supposed to be seen with 3D glasses or something.

Danielle Ni Dhighe · 10-10-2009, 05:36 PM

The PQ is better than any previous version on home video. The grain looks entirely natural for something that was shot on film, and is never obtrusive. The image is crystal clear and without distortion. The AQ on the lossless track is surprisingly good considering the age of the elements used. Perhaps it’s time to have your TV and audio system calibrated?

toef · 10-10-2009, 06:32 PM

I threw together some screenshots for a comparison. I won't post the image in here because it's pretty big (about 3mb or so), but you can look at it here:

http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/3052/ozcompare.jpg

Feel free to guess for each of the 5 pictures whether the Blu-ray version is on the left (column A) or right (column B).

Even on smaller images like these, it's fairly easy to tell the difference, or at least I think so.

NoMeGustaU · 10-10-2009, 06:42 PM

it looks pretty darn good for a movie as old as it is imo

Rob J in WNY · 10-10-2009, 07:02 PM

I think that the movie is rated highly because of the faithfulness of the transfer, which is important, no matter what the quality of the original source is. Sure, it doesn't have a more "modern" PQ to it, but it is most definitely the best we've ever seen it.

YodasFootPowder · 10-10-2009, 09:13 PM

The laserdisc looked better? Wow. Go away! LOL!

Jack Burton · 10-10-2009, 09:23 PM

I thought that the pq was just ok.I think that i was expecting something a little sharper with all the work that went in to it.
May be i was spoiled with Casablanca which blew me away in the pq department.That picture was so sharp and detailed, that it has set the bar far to high for the golden oldies coming to blu ray.

PowellPressburger · 10-10-2009, 09:31 PM

I have the Criterion Laserdisc release and I did a side by side it is no contest. The BD wins hands down. I think the person who posted this thread has a really bad TV that transmits HD poorly. They are out there.

I think this thread was started by someone who just wanted attention, and knows nothing about film transfers and grain. In fact I would say this whole thread is a waste.

retablo · 10-10-2009, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rlmbluray

I have a laser disc copy that has better picture and sound than this blu-ray release.

Right, especially since Laserdisc had a whopping horizontal resolution of 425.

Travis · 10-12-2009, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toefer

I threw together some screenshots for a comparison. I won't post the image in here because it's pretty big (about 3mb or so), but you can look at it here:

http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/3052/ozcompare.jpg

Feel free to guess for each of the 5 pictures whether the Blu-ray version is on the left (column A) or right (column B).

Even on smaller images like these, it's fairly easy to tell the difference, or at least I think so.

Blu-ray 1B, 2A, 3A, 4B, 5B

banned user105 · 10-12-2009, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rlmbluray

I have a laser disc copy that has better picture and sound than this blu-ray release.

Bahahahaha, sure you do

sfmarine · 10-12-2009, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retablo

Right, especially since Laserdisc had a whopping horizontal resolution of 425.

lol...I should have never gotten rid of my Laserdisc player!

aramis109 · 10-12-2009, 04:19 PM

Seriously, sometimes the posts on this site really astound me. I have a whole litany of reasons why you're wrong but... it won't matter. You won't change your opinion either way. Feel free though to read up on all the restorations and the three strip technicolor process and the intentionally hazy/dreamlike nature of the film, as well as the need to try and hide very close, very obvious background hand-painted sets.

Also feel free to educate yourself on the differences between laserdisc and blu-ray resolution, bitrate, and audio capabilities.

toef · 10-12-2009, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Travis

Blu-ray 1B, 2A, 3A, 4B, 5B

4/5 correct

Travis · 10-12-2009, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toefer

4/5 correct

Son of a Beach!
I'm thinking 4 is wrong. 4A?

Please PM me the right answers.

10-10-2009, 03:55 PM	#1
rlmbluray Member Member since:Feb 2008	Wizard of Oz Review I disagree with the this site raving review of the Blu-ray Wizard of Oz. I was really disappointed in the video, audio, and picture aspect. I found the video really grainy and distorted, and the True HD audio transfer was no better than mono. I have a laser disc copy that has better picture and sound than this blu-ray release. This classic movie speaks for itself to it's greatness. I just expected to be wowed by the Blu-ray with picture and sound. I don't understand how the reviewer gave it such a high rating. I am missing something.

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10-10-2009, 04:01 PM	#2
NeoCortex Active Member Member since:Dec 2008 Trading Score:30	Does this really need its own thread? Not everybody has to agree with the site's reviews, but most, including myself, do in this case. You are missing something. Another one sentence paragraph.

10-10-2009, 04:04 PM	#3
ai3rocks57 Active Member Member since:Dec 2008 Location:Ohio, USA Blu-ray collection:54 Trading Score:3	I agree. Why didn't the guys at WB just scrub out the grain?!!

10-10-2009, 04:55 PM	#6
toef Blu-ray Champion Member since:May 2008 Location:Isla Nublar 4K collection:229 Blu-ray collection:545 Blu-ray reviews:1 Trading Score:4	I only have a 40" TV, so for me the upgrade wasn't incredibly noticeable, but I could still tell a difference (it'd help if I had two TVs and could compare them side by side, but I don't so I couldn't). This was comparing it to the most recent DVD (from 2005, I think). When compared to the older DVD (in the cardboard flapper case thing) or the VHS, it's insanely better. I doubt there's a LaserDisc version that looks and sounds better. I don't know if it was the review I read on here, or another site, but the reviewer said things like "I could almost count the squares on Dorothy's dress" or that he was now able to see that the Scarecrow's face had a burlap texture. I could tell both of those things on the 2005 DVD version, so I don't know what version he last watched that he doesn't remember being able to notice those things. Anyway, I don't regret buying it, because it still does look a little better (and imagine it will look even better once I upgrade to a larger TV), and I was interested in having all the older movies, and When the Lion Roars. I've watched the movie twice now, and watched all the special features (other than the old movies). I tried watching Dreamer in Oz, and the reviewer was right... that thing looks terrible, and is really blurry, almost like it was supposed to be seen with 3D glasses or something.

10-10-2009, 05:36 PM	#7
Danielle Ni Dhighe Senior Member Member since:Aug 2009 Blu-ray collection:120	The PQ is better than any previous version on home video. The grain looks entirely natural for something that was shot on film, and is never obtrusive. The image is crystal clear and without distortion. The AQ on the lossless track is surprisingly good considering the age of the elements used. Perhaps it’s time to have your TV and audio system calibrated?

10-10-2009, 06:32 PM	#8
toef Blu-ray Champion Member since:May 2008 Location:Isla Nublar 4K collection:229 Blu-ray collection:545 Blu-ray reviews:1 Trading Score:4	I threw together some screenshots for a comparison. I won't post the image in here because it's pretty big (about 3mb or so), but you can look at it here: http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/3052/ozcompare.jpg Feel free to guess for each of the 5 pictures whether the Blu-ray version is on the left (column A) or right (column B). Even on smaller images like these, it's fairly easy to tell the difference, or at least I think so.

10-10-2009, 06:42 PM	#9
NoMeGustaU Senior Member Member since:Sep 2009 Location:Wisconsin Blu-ray collection:747 Trading Score:8	it looks pretty darn good for a movie as old as it is imo

10-10-2009, 07:02 PM	#10
Rob J in WNY Blu-ray Guru Member since:Dec 2008 Location:'Western' N.Y. State (MEMBER OF THE "ECPP")™ Home Theater Gallery:24 4K collection:30 Blu-ray collection:486 iTunes collection:1 Blu-ray reviews: 15	I think that the movie is rated highly because of the faithfulness of the transfer, which is important, no matter what the quality of the original source is. Sure, it doesn't have a more "modern" PQ to it, but it is most definitely the best we've ever seen it.

10-10-2009, 09:13 PM	#11
YodasFootPowder Blu-ray Guru Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Jan 2009 Location:Twin Cities, MN Home Theater Gallery:40 4K collection:154 Blu-ray collection:565 Blu-ray reviews: 4 Trading Score:3	The laserdisc looked better? Wow. Go away! LOL!

10-10-2009, 09:23 PM	#12
Jack Burton Senior Member Member since:Jun 2009 Location:Manchester, England	I thought that the pq was just ok.I think that i was expecting something a little sharper with all the work that went in to it. May be i was spoiled with Casablanca which blew me away in the pq department.That picture was so sharp and detailed, that it has set the bar far to high for the golden oldies coming to blu ray.

10-10-2009, 09:31 PM	#13
PowellPressburger Blu-ray Count Top contributor Member since:Aug 2007 Location:DIFFERENT PLACES! Minneapolis 4K collection:991 Blu-ray collection:3676 DVD collection:359 Blu-ray reviews: 51 Trading Score:297	I have the Criterion Laserdisc release and I did a side by side it is no contest. The BD wins hands down. I think the person who posted this thread has a really bad TV that transmits HD poorly. They are out there. I think this thread was started by someone who just wanted attention, and knows nothing about film transfers and grain. In fact I would say this whole thread is a waste.

10-12-2009, 04:19 PM	#18
aramis109 Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Mar 2008 Location:Milwaukee, WI Home Theater Gallery:10 4K collection:4 Blu-ray collection:360 Trading Score:18	Seriously, sometimes the posts on this site really astound me. I have a whole litany of reasons why you're wrong but... it won't matter. You won't change your opinion either way. Feel free though to read up on all the restorations and the three strip technicolor process and the intentionally hazy/dreamlike nature of the film, as well as the need to try and hide very close, very obvious background hand-painted sets. Also feel free to educate yourself on the differences between laserdisc and blu-ray resolution, bitrate, and audio capabilities.

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