"Club Penton" - Ask questions to Hollywood insider "Penton-Man"

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by Dennis M

Great post Penton

A couple of years ago I quized you on this topic hoping there was some standard being followed. Glad to hear that one is now being discussed....

Yes, this issue has been of both concern and frustration to several folks for quite some time….

https://forum.blu-ray.com/insider-di...ml#post3105820

[sharkshark]

Originally Posted by Penton-Man

See your PMs for a kick. Also, feel free to post another restaurant recommendation as I am no longer fasting.

Got none for LA, going anywhere anytime soon? NYC? Vegas?

[Penton-Man]

^ Well, I was looking for a restaurant recommendation in the future for dinner in the area of NYC of which you are/were visiting but hey, I’ll take a reference to some good beavertail in Toronto as I’m always up for some naughty afternoon delight.

[rickah88]

Originally Posted by Penton-Man

Merr-man, I’m happy for you. I truly am.

Given what I’ve read of the discussion on that thread by the more unhappy (or, at least, discerningly concerned) viewers, if their complaints are valid, I think it’s safe to say that you have zero or low tolerance to the intensity setting with some tint filters and you probably don’t want to hear anything anyway about more selective solutions like color keying, power windows, vignettes or how to gradient colorize.

Let me just say that when I tried to keep up with that LOTR thread on the forum, I noticed that you were one of thee more prolific posters. Given that fact, I surely hope that when you pulled the trigger, you decided to *give back* to Blu-ray.com in a meaningful way (rather than just ‘opinion’) for the privilege of such an extended period on the ‘soap box” , so-to-speak, and thusly purchased the set through the link we have here to Amazon.I think that would have been the fair thing to do.

Just curious I always try to support the site by preordering, through the site, when the preorders are up. If I click the link and add the item to my cart, and wait a few days will it still register as coming from blu-ray.com? Or, do I have to purchase as soon as I add it to my cart?
I've always wondered about this.

[Deciazulado]

Originally Posted by sharkshark

...which of course leads us to OS-level gamma differences between Macs and PCs.

I wonder if most people viewing screenshots should announced what OS they're viewing the files as? Certainly would account for some elements if a Mac creates a file that looks fine on the (brighter) gamma, then looks "dark and washed up" on PC (or, of course, vice versa, with overly bright images on the Mac)

http://version2.andrewkendall.com/pa...a/tutorial.php

Some Mac owners aware of the video world switch their gammas from the ~"1.8" first thing.

[Deciazulado]

Originally Posted by rickah88

Just curious I always try to support the site by preordering, through the site, when the preorders are up. If I click the link and add the item to my cart, and wait a few days will it still register as coming from blu-ray.com? Or, do I have to purchase as soon as I add it to my cart?
I've always wondered about this.

There's a certain time limit involved with affiliates, but I personally am not sure how that works out exactly.

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by Alan Gordon

Since there's been talk here about "Transformers: Dark Of The Moon" and 3D, I just have to post this:
'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' review roundup: So bad it's good?
I've stated that I'm a 3D "fan," and I like Shia LaBeouf, but I'm not sure I want to be "LaBeouffed."
"Whitelyed" perhaps...

~Alan

Remember? this post from last May – https://forum.blu-ray.com/insider-di...ml#post4742111

Now, guess the title of the motion picture to which I was referring back then in May, despite the fact that ‘Legend3D’ is not on the IMDB list of ‘Other Companies’ but, the fact that particular company indeed converted (2D -> 3D) slightly more than half of the motion picture rather than it being native stereoscopic acquisition?

And now, the response (at least, regarding the 3D aspect of it) –

“Final Verdict: Transformers: Dark of the Moon is definitely the best live-action 3D I've seen since Avatar, and given where the 3D trend is headed, it might be the best example we ever get to see. Bright and energetic and engaging without making you feel (too) ill or overwhelmed, it's the first action film this summer that actually feels worth seeing in 3D. Whether or not you think the movie is worth seeing is another question, of course, but if you find yourself at the ticket booth and only 3D screenings of Transformers are available, know that you'll get your money's worth of 3D technology up on the screen.” http://www.cinemablend.com/new/To-3D...ket-25444.html

And more –

“This is a meticulously designed 3D experience, and Bay impresses often and in a real-world setting that makes this more surreal than "Avatar" in many ways.” http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/motion-c...-the-franchise

“The 3D, which is actually quite good for the most part” –http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/rev...-review-206080

Finally, Survey says…” Its special effects -- and 3D shots -- are undeniably impressive, but they aren't enough to fill up its loud, bloated running time, or mask its thin, indifferent script” http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/tran...k_of_the_moon/

Anyway, now that I’ve spilled the beans, how did it do at the box office?

“In North America, Dark of the Moon is earning the majority of its gross—or 60percent --from 3D theaters, including 146 Imax locations, which have ponied up a strong $5 million. That’s welcome news for Hollywood, considering the recent downturn in 3D attendance, and comes after Paramount aggressively marketed the 3D element.”
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/new...rk-moon-207670

P.S.
Of all the quotes, I actually enjoy this one the most... "The 3D, which is actually quite good for the most part” ( http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/rev...-review-206080 ) for when one subtracts out the CG footage, and you run the numbers in terms of minutes, the actual native 3D photography that appears in this film is probably significantly less than half.

Seems to me that Michael pulled it off (at least the 3D aspect) to theatrical audiences....quite well. I just hope that eventually...in time, Michael gives credit, where credit is due (Legend3D).

[sharkshark]

You took away the guessing...

Saw it today on IMAX - it's less cloying than the other two, and the 3D was fine (I didn't notice any particular advantage for it, but was too engrossed in trying once again to parse motion blur).

Meanwhile, they played the "real" IMAX trailer for MI:4, and the shots of the Burj (in glorious 2D) looked RIDICULOUS.

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by Deciazulado

Some Mac owners aware of the video world switch their gammas from the ~"1.8" first thing.

Company-wise, speaking of which, reminds me. All you guys are well aware of the current hot topic on all the Blu-ray movie forums and the fact that everyone but God is speaking for God…

YouTube - ‪god wills it‬‏

And God isn’t saying didley-squat about the issue but, did you all know that industry blogs have likewise also been exploding over the past couple of weeks with professionals venting their frustration over another topic?…. http://www.studiodaily.com/main/news...nes/13276.html

Must be something in the drinking water.

[Mr. Cinema]

I know 3D is what the studios and theaters are pushing, but what happened with digital projection? We have one Regal theater here that will offer up a digital showing of certain films, but in general, that hasn't seemed to have caught on too well. I kinda though that was the rage a few years back. Is this due to everyone being in favor of 3D, or does it have anything to do with equipment costs, etc.?

[MerrickG]

Penton, I saw your post over in the LotR thread and I really have to politely ask why you feel the need to throw jet fuel on a fire that was starting to simmer down. If you would look at the posts, you will see that the majority of the people are VERY much in favor of this set and I am just baffled why you have taken the stance you have. I have a very hard time believing that if this was a Sony Pictures disc that was going through the same controversy that you would be telling people to go viral using videos that feature Hitler.

Im sorry, but that is very distasteful.

Its posts like that make me not want to be a member of this site which is a damn shame because I have been a member of this site for 4 years and have almost always used bluray.com to do my bluray and ps3 pre-orders (which has been in the 1000s of dollars) which means that I have more than done my part to keep this site running.

[rickah88]

Originally Posted by merrick97

Penton, I saw your post over in the LotR thread and I really have to politely ask why you feel the need to throw jet fuel on a fire that was starting to simmer down. If you would look at the posts, you will see that the majority of the people are VERY much in favor of this set and I am just baffled why you have taken the stance you have. I have a very hard time believing that if this was a Sony Pictures disc that was going through the same controversy that you would be telling people to go viral using videos that feature Hitler.

Im sorry, but that is very distasteful.

Its posts like that make me not want to be a member of this site which is a damn shame because I have been a member of this site for 4 years and have almost always used bluray.com to do my bluray and ps3 pre-orders (which has been in the 1000s of dollars) which means that I have more than done my part to keep this site running.

Perhaps Godwin's Law?

[Kris Deering]

Originally Posted by Mr. Cinema

I know 3D is what the studios and theaters are pushing, but what happened with digital projection? We have one Regal theater here that will offer up a digital showing of certain films, but in general, that hasn't seemed to have caught on too well. I kinda though that was the rage a few years back. Is this due to everyone being in favor of 3D, or does it have anything to do with equipment costs, etc.?

I think it has to do with location and market. Where I live it is actually more common to find digital projection than film now, except for the real small cinemas. Big cinemas near the malls and stuff are pretty much all digital projection now.

[Kris Deering]

Originally Posted by Penton-Man

Remember? this post from last May – https://forum.blu-ray.com/insider-di...ml#post4742111

Now, guess the title of the motion picture to which I was referring back then in May, despite the fact that ‘Legend3D’ is not on the IMDB list of ‘Other Companies’ but, the fact that particular company indeed converted (2D -> 3D) slightly more than half of the motion picture rather than it being native stereoscopic acquisition?

And now, the response (at least, regarding the 3D aspect of it) –

“Final Verdict: Transformers: Dark of the Moon is definitely the best live-action 3D I've seen since Avatar, and given where the 3D trend is headed, it might be the best example we ever get to see. Bright and energetic and engaging without making you feel (too) ill or overwhelmed, it's the first action film this summer that actually feels worth seeing in 3D. Whether or not you think the movie is worth seeing is another question, of course, but if you find yourself at the ticket booth and only 3D screenings of Transformers are available, know that you'll get your money's worth of 3D technology up on the screen.” http://www.cinemablend.com/new/To-3D...ket-25444.html

And more –

“This is a meticulously designed 3D experience, and Bay impresses often and in a real-world setting that makes this more surreal than "Avatar" in many ways.” http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/motion-c...-the-franchise

“The 3D, which is actually quite good for the most part” –http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/rev...-review-206080

Finally, Survey says…” Its special effects -- and 3D shots -- are undeniably impressive, but they aren't enough to fill up its loud, bloated running time, or mask its thin, indifferent script” http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/tran...k_of_the_moon/

Anyway, now that I’ve spilled the beans, how did it do at the box office?

“In North America, Dark of the Moon is earning the majority of its gross—or 60percent --from 3D theaters, including 146 Imax locations, which have ponied up a strong $5 million. That’s welcome news for Hollywood, considering the recent downturn in 3D attendance, and comes after Paramount aggressively marketed the 3D element.”
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/new...rk-moon-207670

P.S.
Of all the quotes, I actually enjoy this one the most... "The 3D, which is actually quite good for the most part” ( http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/rev...-review-206080 ) for when one subtracts out the CG footage, and you run the numbers in terms of minutes, the actual native 3D photography that appears in this film is probably significantly less than half.

Seems to me that Michael pulled it off (at least the 3D aspect) to theatrical audiences....quite well. I just hope that eventually...in time, Michael gives credit, where credit is due (Legend3D).

Hey Penton,

The problem I have with tying the success of TF to 3D is there is no way to gauge how the film would do without the 3D. Given the large sums of money the other two films did, without 3D, I think it is a bit naive for the studios to link the success of the third film with its 3D playback. Most theaters around me are only showing it in 3D if it is playing at a theater with digital projection (the majority around here). Same goes for IMAX. Who's to say it wouldn't have still posted big numbers for IMAX screenings if it wasn't in 3D but still shown in IMAX. TF is the kind of film most want to see on the biggest screen possible with the loudest sound imaginable, and you can't beat IMAX for that.

Personally I still think Avatar has a more seamless 3D experience. I noticed a lot of issues with the 3D in TF3, which actually made the otherwise spectacular special effects seem a bit less convincing than the other films. Aside from the space shuttle launch and the part where they guys are paragliding out of the planes, I didn't think the 3D added anything to the film.

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by merrick97

Penton, I saw your post over in the LotR thread and I really have to politely ask why you feel the need to throw jet fuel on a fire that was starting to simmer down. If you would look at the posts, you will see that the majority of the people are VERY much in favor of this set and I am just baffled why you have taken the stance you have. I have a very hard time believing that if this was a Sony Pictures disc that was going through the same controversy....

Lay off the dramatic bafflement and the outrage over ‘distasteful’ videos for a moment. Fact of the matter is that the official reviewer for Blu-ray.com initially found weaknesses with one aspect of FOTR and still remains perplexed over the FOTR situation….as do many other fans.

Just because you don’t, you shouldn’t try to constantly rebut every ‘naysayer’ on that thread (which I see you’ve done) or beseech the mods to close down the thread (which I see you’ve done on numerous occasions).

And when I poked my head in that thread, I saw a healthy back-and-forth debate still taking place, with no ‘simmering’ at all. The newest issue which I’ve seen brought to the forefront is that even though the global green tint (which apparently is very, very subtle in some scenes to more obvious in others),….is if that *application* is causing a detriment to other aspects of the picture quality and thusly producing a product that is not as good as it could have been. Kind of like the obvious DNR applied to last year’s theatrical edition Blu-ray of FOTR which many fans identified and vehemently disliked....but, which outside reviewers made a point of downplaying or dismissing its significance.

I, myself, see the whole topic on a broader, grandeur scale. PJ has said in past interviews that the Extended Editions are ‘for the fans’ -- in his own words. Ergo, whether this whole incident represents a technical error, a rushed job with very little in-the-room oversight by the filmmakers guiding the digital colorist resulting in little attention to actual secondary color correction…or indeed, a thoughtful, time-consuming project exactly replicating the Director’s vision…..it seems rather superfluous. For, if the Extended Editions are indeed ‘for the fans’, it seems to me there are a heck of a lot of fans out there who do not like the new color palate and PJ should be made aware of this.

P.S.
And don’t bring Sony Pictures into the mix, because my comments on the FOTR situation are my personal opinion. In other words, the views and opinions expressed by moi on FOTR do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of SPHE or SPE. In fact, on the contrary, I would say that as an organization, SPHE and SPE don’t care one way or another about the current FOTR controversy as it’s being played out on the forums all over the internet.

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by merrick97

using videos that feature Hitler.

Im sorry, but that is very distasteful.

I'm sorry but,…..thee now old and dated ‘Hitler’ video concerning Blu-ray and HD DVD which was widely circulated around this and every other forum as well as a plethora of blogger sites during the format war was accepted with resounding applause bordering on giddiness…at least on Blu-ray forums and Blu-ray friendly websites at the time.

Before you bash the newest YouTube example (Hitler finds out about Final Cut Pro X) as a means to an end, perhaps you should take the time to view it, and more importantly, read the accompanying introductory text by its author….

“While this video is meant to be funny, the issue it's dealing with is no laughing matter. Apple's release of Final Cut Pro X has left the professional editing community in a state of shock and panic. The tools that our livelihoods depend on have been rendered unusable. And Apple has given no indication of future plans to support professional needs. Here are some resources to learn more about why this is a grave concern for industry professionals:

Article: FCPX: What Pros Find Missing in Final Cut Pro X
http://magazine.creativecow.net/arti...issing-for-som...

Podcast: Walter Biscardi and Richard Harrington - FCPX: Why We Can't Use Final Cut Pro X at Our Companies
http://library.creativecow.net/harri...iscardi/FCPX/1

Essay: The Final Straw that was FCPX by Richard Harrington
http://www.richardharringtonblog.com...9c52b99b74cd-1...

Essay: Project management in FCP X: No. Just no. by Jeffery Harrell
http://jefferyharrell.tumblr.com/pos...ment-in-fcp-x-...

Community: Final Cut Pro Professionals Not Happy with FCP X on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/noFCPX

You can learn more about me and my background by visiting http://www.propaganda.com"

END

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by Penton-Man

Remember? this post from last May – https://forum.blu-ray.com/insider-di...ml#post4742111

Now, guess the title of the motion picture to which I was referring back then in May, despite the fact that ‘Legend3D’ is not on the IMDB list of ‘Other Companies’ but, the fact that particular company indeed converted (2D -> 3D) slightly more than half of the motion picture rather than it being native stereoscopic acquisition?

And now, the response (at least, regarding the 3D aspect of it) –

“Final Verdict: Transformers: Dark of the Moon is definitely the best live-action 3D I've seen since Avatar, and given where the 3D trend is headed, it might be the best example we ever get to see. Bright and energetic and engaging without making you feel (too) ill or overwhelmed, it's the first action film this summer that actually feels worth seeing in 3D. Whether or not you think the movie is worth seeing is another question, of course, but if you find yourself at the ticket booth and only 3D screenings of Transformers are available, know that you'll get your money's worth of 3D technology up on the screen.” http://www.cinemablend.com/new/To-3D...ket-25444.html

And more –

“This is a meticulously designed 3D experience, and Bay impresses often and in a real-world setting that makes this more surreal than "Avatar" in many ways.” http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/motion-c...-the-franchise

“The 3D, which is actually quite good for the most part” –http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/rev...-review-206080

Finally, Survey says…” Its special effects -- and 3D shots -- are undeniably impressive, but they aren't enough to fill up its loud, bloated running time, or mask its thin, indifferent script” http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/tran...k_of_the_moon/

Anyway, now that I’ve spilled the beans, how did it do at the box office?

“In North America, Dark of the Moon is earning the majority of its gross—or 60percent --from 3D theaters, including 146 Imax locations, which have ponied up a strong $5 million. That’s welcome news for Hollywood, considering the recent downturn in 3D attendance, and comes after Paramount aggressively marketed the 3D element.”
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/new...rk-moon-207670

P.S.
Of all the quotes, I actually enjoy this one the most... "The 3D, which is actually quite good for the most part” ( http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/rev...-review-206080 ) for when one subtracts out the CG footage, and you run the numbers in terms of minutes, the actual native 3D photography that appears in this film is probably significantly less than half.

Seems to me that Michael pulled it off (at least the 3D aspect) to theatrical audiences....quite well. I just hope that eventually...in time, Michael gives credit, where credit is due (Legend3D).

Originally Posted by Kris Deering

Hey Penton,

The problem I have with tying the success of TF to 3D is there is no way to gauge how the film would do without the 3D.

Hey Kris, Hi.
What you say above is true and an interesting thought.

Also in my prior post which you've quoted, just for the record, and the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that In-Three also did some of the 2D -> 3D conversion work for ‘Dark of the Moon’.

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by Kris Deering

Personally I still think Avatar has a more seamless 3D experience. I noticed a lot of issues with the 3D in TF3, which actually made the otherwise spectacular special effects seem a bit less convincing than the other films. Aside from the space shuttle launch and the part where they guys are paragliding out of the planes, I didn't think the 3D added anything to the film.

That’s a tough call, because, in order to do a fair comparative analysis, you would have to run a 2D version and the 3D version to a screening audience.

I don’t think the 3D in ‘Dark of the Moon’ is perfect but, I think that for the most part, theatrical audiences will find it to be very good -> excellent and it seems reviews are bearing that out.

If there were any complaints, I would expect Joe-Public fans with a long history of going to practically each and every 3D theatrical offering, to wish that the 3D in ‘Dark of the Moon’ was more aggressive (in terms of depth) rather than it being a bit on the conservative side. Hell, I'm told that the only thing Roger Ebert found wrong with the 3D was that it was still 'too dim' at his venue.

Some 2D cinematographers might have mixed feelings with, which to them, might be a lack of seamlessness involving the intercutting of the 35mm anamorphic and HD spherical footage. Picky lot, they are.

Astute stereographers might identify some issues with vertical alignment in some scenes and wish that Directors would never use long lenses in any scene in a 3D motion picture (which, in the case of this movie, were used, for instance, in shots captured from the ground level of the paratroopers. < I really don’t want to go into more specific scenes because, for one, I would then feel the need for spoilers and since few folks have had the opportunity to actually view the film at their Multiplex, it seems rather a waste of posting energy at this current time.

Anyway, long story short, I think ‘Dark of the Moon’ will go down as a 3D success story and even, as of this date in time, one of the better (if not, best, in the eyes of some) examples of a 3D motion picture and when ‘conversion haters’ find out the truth of the matter, it will blow their minds in regards to their preconceived notions of its practice and usage.

[sharkshark]

P, seen MIDNIGHT IN PARIS yet? Saw it last night... projected on =film= no less.

Gorgeously shot film... That Darius Khondji knows his stuff

[Penton-Man]

Unless it’s something like an ‘art house’, I would expect that to change…http://www.filmjournal.com/filmjourn...52a9a7b7a2e8d9

I have not (just viewed snippets of it) but, on a related geographical note, I’m falling in love again with France as the Tour has begun in its full glory and it’s sweet to see Cadel Evans (a former mountain bike champion -to those roadies who may be unawares) leading Contador already by something like 1 min. and 40 sec.

Break it to me gently , did you like the flick, hate it, or are completely ambivalent….as I find you to be a discerning, thoughtful theatrical critic.
B.T.W., I loved Owen in ‘Hall Pass’.