Gladiator (2000)

[Filmmaker]

Originally Posted by Frozenpinky

Saving Private Ryan had an error. Gladiator does not. Also, The error in the first Saving Private Ryan was discovered a week after it was released. The first Gladiator was released eight months ago. It's apples and oranges.

It's all relative; SPR's error only affected part of the film. GLADIATOR is a train wreck throughout. Paramount can put whatever save-our-ass-by-keeping-this-under-the-radar spin they think they need to out there but GLADIATOR is demonstrably in error, from an aesthetic point-of-view, if not a production one.

[Mike1981]

This really isn't that difficult.

Check the back cover of the insert.

On the bottom right there is a small studio logo.

There should NOT be the words "2-Disc Set" above this logo.

That is the remastered copy.

[AccidenT]

Originally Posted by Mike1981

This really isn't that difficult.

Check the back cover of the insert.

On the bottom right there is a small studio logo.

There should NOT be the words "2-Disc Set" above this logo.

That is the remastered copy.

Originally Posted by RyRyMcNizzy13

i can also back this up since the copy i have doesnt say 2 disc on the back corner yet it's the old one. so buyer beware. safest bet seems to be to call so thats what i'll do

[Mike1981]

Originally Posted by AccidenT

This is untrue. If it says "2-Disc Set," it is the old print. If it doesn't, it is the new print.

[AccidenT]

Originally Posted by Mike1981

This is untrue. If it says "2-Disc Set," it is the old print. If it doesn't, it is the new print.

I'll need you to both present your credentials so I can more accurately decide which random dude on the internet to believe.

Seriously, though, I don't see what reason he would have to lie. He at least provided anecdotal evidence presented as a helpful warning rather than a blanket "this is true because I said/heard that it's true" statement like yours.

[jkcheng122]

Got my Gladiator from Fry's which had it at $23.99 over Best Buy's $26.99. They had 3 copies and 2 of them did not have the "2-Disc Set" on the back. I picked one up and watched from about midway point through the end. Great picture quality but I do notice a bit of ringing in some of the scenes though on my 50" from 10ft away it's not prominent and could just be due to the lighting in the scenes themselves.

[aaaa6344]

Originally Posted by AccidenT

I'll need you to both present your credentials so I can more accurately decide which random dude on the internet to believe.

Seriously, though, I don't see what reason he would have to lie. He at least provided anecdotal evidence presented as a helpful warning rather than a blanket "this is true because I said/heard that it's true" statement like yours.

Yeah i think Mike1981 is just going by what people want to believe, and while all the new copies out have those indicators, i'm fairly 99% sure that SOME of the old ones do too. Cuz like i said in an earlier post...i encountered a blu ray literally the day they announced the new transfer and kind of hid it out of place. i went to check the store yesterday and the same one in the same spot had those indicators leading to see 2 possibilities: 1. the new transfers were already out when they announced them or 2. they switched the box/no security tape before they did the new version...which honestly i wouldn't put past paramount consciously choosing to do to confuse people considering how sleezily they are going about not acknowledging they put out a crap version in the first place. but yea i got mine from best buy in a small-ish town so i'm guessing they all have them...just look for the indicators AND a fresh slipcover w/no dust or fingerprints/smudges and stuff and u "should" be ok

[Mr. Cinema]

I saw a couple of copies at Target last night. The slipcover didn't have "2-disc Set" above the Paramount logo, but the actual cover did. Don't just go by the slipcover info.

[retablo]

Originally Posted by Jmills

Yeah I couldn't find the number on the disc either, honestly I don't think its there. I don't have anything to compare it to since I didn't buy the previous version, but it looks good great. Some scenes however are a bit grainy.

I wish Paramount would've made their mistake more public instead of trying to keep it a big secret. It's clear they did this because they wanted to salvage some sales for the people that didn't know any better and to keep their respectability.

The number is there. It's hard to see but it is there.

[AaronSCH]

Originally Posted by Frozenpinky

Saving Private Ryan had an error. Gladiator does not. Also, The error in the first Saving Private Ryan was discovered a week after it was released. The first Gladiator was released eight months ago. It's apples and oranges.

No, this is not apples and oranges. There were a number of visual "errors" on the original disc that detracted from the viewing experience. Unlike some other titles that were given heavy DNR treatment and edge enhancement, it was very apparent even on smaller displays. The Sapphire series was supposed to be a prestigious line of Blu-ray discs and Paramount's handling of this matter does not build confidence in the future titles released under this banner and doesn't bode well for the format.

Unfortunately, quite often the studios treat Blu-ray as if it was simply another medium on which to unload their catalog and most consumers aren't buying into the "superior image and sound" argument. They just don't see a big enough difference to justify the repurchase of their DVD libraries. This is painfully obvious when you consider Blu-ray constitutes barely 10% of home video sales. The rapid breakdown in price and release of highly anticipated titles which don't live up to the best DVD presentations will backfire. In my opinion, the "perceived value" of Blu-ray is taking a tremendous hit. When a title like "Escape from New York" is released, there should be no reason to hold on to the DVD Special Edition. The Blu-ray version should be the Ultimate experience on home video—but way too often it's not. The recent practice of placing Blu-ray discs in DVD cases is doing more to confuse than convince. It just lowers the perception of higher quality. It's like selling a Mercedes at a Chrysler dealership. Dumb move. Ask yourself why the so-called superior format often sports a lower price than the DVD counterparts. I realize not every title will get the "Criterion treatment," but the studios need to start doing a better job of protecting the future of the format.

Press Release:

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., June 22, 2009 — Paramount Home Entertainment (PHE) announced today that it will release some of the greatest films ever made for the first time in high definition as part of its exclusive new “Sapphire Series”. The Sapphire Series will capitalize on the pristine picture and sound of the Blu-ray format to present each cinematic gem in the highest quality for the first time in two-disc, high definition sets. The series will kick off on September 1 with two of the most requested Blu-ray releases, Braveheart and Gladiator–both winners of five Academy Awards(R) including Best Picture–followed later in the year by six-time Academy Award(R) winner Forrest Gump. Each release will include extensive, never-before-seen special features for the ultimate presentation.

“It’s absolutely fitting that we’re presenting the best films in the Paramount library on the finest home entertainment format available,” said Rob Moore, Vice Chairman, Paramount Pictures. “Because of Blu-ray’s phenomenal capabilities, the Sapphire Series will deliver the best pictures in the best picture.”

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by WVbkelley

That's odd Paramount clearly stated that the new version would have the YELLOW UPC code.

But they gave us a phone number that was useless, then another phone number that was useless, then an email address that was useless, and then another phone number that is actually a moot exercise.

It's pretty clear how well thought out and executed this exchange program has been.

[HD Goofnut]

Originally Posted by AaronSCH

No, this is not apples and oranges. There were a number of visual "errors" on the original disc that detracted from the viewing experience. Unlike some other titles that were given heavy DNR treatment and edge enhancement, it was very apparent even on smaller displays. The Sapphire series was supposed to be a prestigious line of Blu-ray discs and Paramount's handling of this matter does not build confidence in the future titles released under this banner and doesn't bode well for the format.

Press Release:

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., June 22, 2009 — Paramount Home Entertainment (PHE) announced today that it will release some of the greatest films ever made for the first time in high definition as part of its exclusive new “Sapphire Series”. The Sapphire Series will capitalize on the pristine picture and sound of the Blu-ray format to present each cinematic gem in the highest quality for the first time in two-disc, high definition sets. The series will kick off on September 1 with two of the most requested Blu-ray releases, Braveheart and Gladiator–both winners of five Academy Awards(R) including Best Picture–followed later in the year by six-time Academy Award(R) winner Forrest Gump. Each release will include extensive, never-before-seen special features for the ultimate presentation.

“It’s absolutely fitting that we’re presenting the best films in the Paramount library on the finest home entertainment format available,” said Rob Moore, Vice Chairman, Paramount Pictures. “Because of Blu-ray’s phenomenal capabilities, the Sapphire Series will deliver the best pictures in the best picture.”

Well, it just took them a year to realize the consequences of such boasting without delivering the goods. I am just glad they came to that realization with a low cost exchange program.

[Frozenpinky]

Should I trade in my VHS copy of Gladiator? It's looking worn out.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by HD Goofnut

Well, it just took them a year to realize the consequences of such boasting without delivering the goods. I am just glad they came to that realization with a low cost exchange program.

It didnt take a year to realize it. They knew there was a problem a couple days after the old one was released. In fact, the "fixed" version has been ready for many months. Why they stalled on releasing it, I dont know.

[Leonidas King]

So for those who are still stuck with the old version, how is the replacement finally working then? I did call them; got the email address, did everything as mentioned and didn't get anything back.

Sorry, I haven't been following this thread lately so I don't know whats going on. Thanks

[Blu-Benny]

Originally Posted by Leonidas_King

So for those who are still stuck with the old version, how is the replacement finally working then? I did call them; got the email address, did everything as mentioned and didn't get anything back.

Sorry, I haven't been following this thread lately so I don't know whats going on. Thanks

u s/b able to just send in the disc to the p.o. box listed in the thread and include your name, address, and phone # and they'll send u a new disc.

shouldn't even have to call the new #....they are just confirming you have the original release.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Leonidas_King

So for those who are still stuck with the old version, how is the replacement finally working then? I did call them; got the email address, did everything as mentioned and didn't get anything back.

Sorry, I haven't been following this thread lately so I don't know whats going on. Thanks

Here......

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

I just called.

Email is NOT ENOUGH according to the woman I spoke to.

She says that if you do not call and provide info, you will not be contacted.

I was required to read the back side inner ring ID number to her. Have a magnifying glass handy.

We are then required to mail our disc (#1 ONLY) to them. Only then will they send a replacement.

Address I was given for mailing:

PHE MKT Deluxe Media Management
PO Box 801464
Valencia, CA 91380-1464

[HD Goofnut]

Originally Posted by Frozenpinky

Should I trade in my VHS copy of Gladiator? It's looking worn out.

What's VHS?

[feeter]

Just got back from the Walmart near my work... they had 6 copies of the new version.... when i went to check out wanted to check the case as the slip was still the old version and since they all were in the plasic security case I ask the cashier who was in her 70s if I could look at it b4 she scanned it... when I moved the slip she said "I believe that is the newer version of the two released"... she was more knowledgeable then the guys @ BestBuy when I exchanged Saving Private Ryan...

[KubrickFan]

Originally Posted by AaronSCH

No, this is not apples and oranges. There were a number of visual "errors" on the original disc that detracted from the viewing experience. Unlike some other titles that were given heavy DNR treatment and edge enhancement, it was very apparent even on smaller displays. The Sapphire series was supposed to be a prestigious line of Blu-ray discs and Paramount's handling of this matter does not build confidence in the future titles released under this banner and doesn't bode well for the format.

Unfortunately, quite often the studios treat Blu-ray as if it was simply another medium on which to unload their catalog and most consumers aren't buying into the "superior image and sound" argument. They just don't see a big enough difference to justify the repurchase of their DVD libraries. This is painfully obvious when you consider Blu-ray constitutes barely 10% of home video sales. The rapid breakdown in price and release of highly anticipated titles which don't live up to the best DVD presentations will backfire. In my opinion, the "perceived value" of Blu-ray is taking a tremendous hit. When a title like "Escape from New York" is released, there should be no reason to hold on to the DVD Special Edition. The Blu-ray version should be the Ultimate experience on home video—but way too often it's not. The recent practice of placing Blu-ray discs in DVD cases is doing more to confuse than convince. It just lowers the perception of higher quality. It's like selling a Mercedes at a Chrysler dealership. Dumb move. Ask yourself why the so-called superior format often sports a lower price than the DVD counterparts. I realize not every title will get the "Criterion treatment," but the studios need to start doing a better job of protecting the future of the format.

Press Release:

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., June 22, 2009 — Paramount Home Entertainment (PHE) announced today that it will release some of the greatest films ever made for the first time in high definition as part of its exclusive new “Sapphire Series”. The Sapphire Series will capitalize on the pristine picture and sound of the Blu-ray format to present each cinematic gem in the highest quality for the first time in two-disc, high definition sets. The series will kick off on September 1 with two of the most requested Blu-ray releases, Braveheart and Gladiator–both winners of five Academy Awards(R) including Best Picture–followed later in the year by six-time Academy Award(R) winner Forrest Gump. Each release will include extensive, never-before-seen special features for the ultimate presentation.

“It’s absolutely fitting that we’re presenting the best films in the Paramount library on the finest home entertainment format available,” said Rob Moore, Vice Chairman, Paramount Pictures. “Because of Blu-ray’s phenomenal capabilities, the Sapphire Series will deliver the best pictures in the best picture.”

The studios use whatever buzzwords they can to make us buy discs. Even if movies are put on a Blu-ray with a mediocre transfer and hardly any extras, people will buy them. So why would they make any effort the first time around, if they can make everyone double dip later? The only thing we can do about it is stop buying the mediocre discs, like Gladiator, and buy the correct ones when they're released. If that means that we should wait longer, so be it.