Gladiator (2000)

[Philnerd]

Originally Posted by OARmaster

Think again.

Some arrows have been completely smudged out and some have residual data left over. Definitely the same frame. I've highlighted some arrows that are completely gone and some where limited image data is still present. If this graphic isn't clear enough, pulling up both versions of the original grabs will help to add context.


Look, I hope this is all wrong more than anyone here. This was *the* release of the year for me. I would love to find out that some boobhead doctored up some screenshots by smearing out skin textures, fine details, arrows, fires and then topped it off with halo effects. If Gladiator hits the streets and this is all fake and it looks like Braveheart I will *happily* take down any comparison graphics I've created right before I rush to Best Buy to pick up the film. I'm not kidding, it'd be my joy.

[Hydra Boy]

there were rumours shortly after HD DVD's demise that a group of high-profile HD DVD fanboys were planning to discredit certain Blu-ray titles by manipulating screen caps....and we all know there have been shenanigans over the past year. however, it looks like something has genuinely gone wrong with the Gladiator release.

[rghuxley]

Originally Posted by Russell_L

You might be on to something here. If you compare the DVD vs HD broadcast vs Blu-ray screenshots at DVD Beaver, you'll notice that in every case, the Blu images are brighter. (The review acknowledges that the Blu is a bit brighter overall.) Not so in these fireball/arrow screencaps...

BTW, here is my enhanced and photo shopped version. I took the same pic and removed the fireball.

It can be done people and I think this is the case.

I am buying this movie on the first day!

[OARmaster]

Originally Posted by Matt_Stevens

You are incredible. Everyone knows Xylon was banned because we all laughed at this place for that.

But as usual, you refuse to answer any questions at all. You flat out won't touch the facts.

Because you can't.

You, Xylon, and the mods for the blu-ray software section at AVS are former HD-DVD fanboys and haven't a leg to stand on. Now, tuck your tail between you legs and run along before we Penton-Man reenters the discussion...who has more knowledge in his little finger than you have on that entire forum.

[Grubert]

Originally Posted by OARmaster

You, Xylon, and the mods for the blu-ray software section at AVS are former HD-DVD fanboys and haven't a leg to stand on. Now, tuck your tail between you legs and run along before we Penton-Man reenters the discussion...who has more knowledge in his little finger than you have on that entire forum.

Whoa there. Last I checked, Matt has more seniority on this forum than you do. You have no call telling him to go away. At least he's addressing the subject, which is more than you are doing.

[Russell_L]

Originally Posted by rghuxley

BTW, here is my enhanced and photo shopped version. I took the same pic and removed the fireball.

It can be done people and I think this is the case.

I am buying this movie on the first day!

Thanks for proving my point. If they were indeed the identical frames, the Blu frame should have been brighter overall...

[Matt_Stevens]

Originally Posted by OARmaster

You, Xylon, and the mods for the blu-ray software section at AVS are former HD-DVD fanboys and haven't a leg to stand on. Now, tuck your tail between you legs and run along before we Penton-Man reenters the discussion...who has more knowledge in his little finger than you have on that entire forum.

I've seen GLADIATOR with my own eyes. I have step framed through the scenes where screenshots have been posted.

Also, I have praised GLADIATOR, HIGHLANDER and countless other BD releases. You know this.

But you are a flat out flame baiting jerk.


rghuxley, you are indeed very sad if you actually believe what you are saying. I've watched GLADIATOR and it's a travesty. My favorite film of the last ten years and it's been sh!t on.

[benricci]

Originally Posted by Grubert

Whoa there. Last I checked, Matt has more seniority on this forum than you do. You have no call telling him to go away. At least he's addressing the subject, which is more than you are doing.

Seniority? That Matt dude has like 6 total lifetime posts. I'm not taking sides, but I'd hardly consider that "seniority"...

[OARmaster]

Originally Posted by Grubert

Okay, so if I say I've seen Dark City and the PQ is terrible, then I'm the enemy too?

Are you passing judgment without actually seeing it in person and in motion?

Are you a part of the pro HD-DVD hoard currently infesting the BD section at AVS (which includes both members and mods)?

If your answer to both of those question is no....then my answer to your question is no.

[bt12483]

Originally Posted by rghuxley

BTW, here is my enhanced and photo shopped version. I took the same pic and removed the fireball.

It can be done people and I think this is the case.

I am buying this movie on the first day!

No one is denying the fact that these pictures could have been easily manipulated.

But we can all see this movie with our very own eyes in a week. Everything will be brought to light shortly.

If the pics at AVS are fudged, we will all know. I don't think the posters over there would sacrifice their "reputation" (if such a thing exists on anonymous internet forums) just to photoshop Gladiator screenshots. What's the point? Sales of Gladiator are not going to make or break the format. And the mass population that buys this at Best Buy has no freaking clue about AVS.

People were really looking forward to this movie. Enough so to pay the extra "Sapphire" price. Braveheart turned out awesome. Gladiator didn't. It is what it is.

[Irrob]

lol at this thread. I'm buying Gladiator and I will see for myself what the fuss is about.. If the PQ is not to my satisfaction, then I'll ***** about it.

[Blu-Ron]

Matt has seniority?

[ack_bak]

Originally Posted by Russell_L

The reality is that most people who will be looking at the Blu-ray disc of 'Gladiator' will be happy over the PQ, marveling at how 'clean' it looks. They obviously won't know any better. One need go no further than this very site and look at the user reviews of 'Patton' to see the number of satisfied--no, ecstatic--reviews of the PQ. (Heck, even the usually reliable Martin Liebman gave it a 5/5 for PQ and praised it extensively.) I imagine the same might happen with 'Gladiator'.

You are undoubtedly correct per the bolded part. There were people that were up in arms (I was not one of them) at AVS concerning EE on TDK. Was there EE present on TDK? Yes. But, as you mention, people just are not as sensitive to EE and DNR as others are. And I would agree that it is just a small minority of people that would ever be that concerned with EE and DNR that they would cancel a preorder because of it. In the big scheme of things Gladiator might sell a hundred or so less discs.

That said. It does not excuse the fact that there appears to be actual parts of the movie missing (Gladiator) due to the excessive digital cleanup that was done. I am not an extremist. I do not believe this was intentional. But it appears to be the case. It also appears that DNR was applied and that detail is missing. I think we can all agree that the Blu-Ray will look superior to the DVD as a whole. Anyone that can sitdown and say that Baraka on DVD looks better than the Blu-Ray, needs glasses. Same with Patton, TDK, and just about any other title on Blu-Ray (including Gladiator I am quite sure). But. If the studios would just leave well enough alone and not use so much DNR and EE on some of these important catalog releases, it would make the release even better. I am sure some people would still find fault, but it would definitely make me feel much more confident with dropping my money on a catalog title on release week, and I would not have to question having to double dip on a remastered version down the road. And some movies (Patton and Gladiator for example) just deserve proper treatment. I recommend you read (if you have not already) the Bill Hunt/Robert Harris comments concerning DNR and Patton. It is spot on.

As for me, my initial enthusiasm has admittedly been tempered somewhat after trudging through this thread, but I still want to see the Blu for myself, on my own display, and make up my own mind.

And I agree. I think every person should take the time to form their own opinion. I certainly would not lash out at somebody if they told me that they have read this thread and still want to buy Gladiator on Blu-Ray because it is one of their favorite movies. Honestly, I would be a hypocrite if I tried to talk them out of it, as I have bought many movies on Blu-Ray that have excessive DNR. I may end up buying Gladiator, I plan on renting it first before making that judgment call. But I cannot still but feel a little dissapointed in what might have been. Especially after looking at the extended scenes on the BD. They clearly look superior to me and I do own a 100" screen powered by a 1080p projector so it will matter.

[Mr. Cinema]

Originally Posted by Blu-Ron

Matt has seniority?

When it comes to Gladiator on BD, I'd say so since he has watched it.

[Kirsty_Mc]

Just my thoughts.

Now I'm just as suspicious as anyone here of the HD-DVD fanboys (I can't believe I'm still posting bouut them 18 months after HD-DVD failed). Being someone who knows a little Photoshop, I too was suspicious.

But why would anyone do that???

It is just over week or so till I will have this title in my grubby little hand. Surely they would expose themselves to absolute ridicule if they did this and the Blu-Ray was unaffected. They would have no credibility at all... ever again. Their names would be posted all over here in shame.

I think these posts must have a definite ring of truth in them, it's not the first time someone has mucked up a release.

Edit

maybe Toshibas new Blu-Ray player will incorporate super upscaling, and it will put our flaming arrows back

[bt12483]

Originally Posted by OARmaster

Are you passing judgment without actually seeing it in person and in motion?

Are you a part of the pro HD-DVD hoard currently infesting the BD section at AVS (which includes both members and mods)?

If your answer to both of those question is no....then my answer to your question is no.

You really really really need to tone it down.

You are just wrong and over the line at this point. Linking Grubert with the "pro HD-DVD hoard" is laughable at best, and just flat out horribly inaccurate. You should be .

[Matt_Stevens]

Originally Posted by benricci

Seniority? That Matt dude has like 6 total lifetime posts. I'm not taking sides, but I'd hardly consider that "seniority"...

Dude, I don't care about seniority or posting. Yeah, I have been over at AVS for since forever, but I don't play on that. Don't care.

[robertc88]

Pages and pages after I last logged in yesterday.

What more is there to talk about Gladiator? Rent it, then buy it if you like it at whatever price. Or buy it on release day or whatever you'd like to do.

Probably professional reviews will show up before release date but I'd still recommend renting it first regardless. I don't think they will have anything in there that hasn't already been pointed out about the PQ.

DVD Beaver? They changed their initial review of Gladiator a day or so ago for whomever is not where of that!

[OARmaster]

Originally Posted by bt12483

You really really really need to tone it down.

You are just wrong and over the line at this point. Linking Grubert with the "pro HD-DVD hoard" is laughable at best, and just flat out horribly inaccurate. You should be .

I didn't link him. I asked him a question to which I already know the answer. He is not. I think he knows that.

[kpkelley]

Originally Posted by bt12483

Why do half of the spears disappear on the bluray? As if they were partially draped in an invincibility cloak?

I was simply provided another possibility. I'm sure there are plenty of special effects which would have needed to be duplicated for the extended edition, and some may not have been identical.

As for the specific frame in question, it could come down to something similar to Matrix Revolutions where a single frame shows an anomoly, but the disc on the whole is still good.

Frames like that one and others are weird because otherwise the DVD and Blu-ray appear to be coming from identical masters. Looking at the other shots on that site show that the remainder of the discs highlight the edge enhancement present on the DVD version, just as it highlights all the detail that the DVD is missing. It appears to me that the original theatrical DVD has some EE aplied to it for the DVD master, while the Extended Edition which was released later did not. This Blu-ray appears to take these old masters and retransfer them to blu.

I think I might have both of these at home somewhere collecting dust. I'll see if I can find them tonight and dust them off.