Gladiator (2000)

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by Gremal

No, the entire colliseum was CGI, and even the birds flying were too, I believe. It's been a while since I watched the "making of" supplement on the DVD, but it explains exactly how much CGI work went into Gladiator and it's a lot, affecting nearly every scene--some much more than others of course. I'm just wondering whether the CGI use is directly proportional to the PQ problems and whether the BD is actually letting us see this for the first time. But again, it's just a guess. I haven't popped the BD in my player.

Another reason Ben Hur and Spartacus have great potential.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Gremal

No, the entire colliseum was CGI, and even the birds flying were too, I believe. It's been a while since I watched the "making of" supplement on the DVD, but it explains exactly how much CGI work went into Gladiator and it's a lot, affecting nearly every scene--some much more than others of course. I'm just wondering whether the CGI use is directly proportional to the PQ problems and whether the BD is actually letting us see this for the first time. But again, it's just a guess. I haven't popped the BD in my player.

Not quite. They built the internal walls and the first seating row or 2, everthing above that was CGI.

[Gremal]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Not quite. They built the internal walls and the first seating row or 2, everthing above that was CGI.

Good point, but I was referring to the exterior shots of the colliseum.

[vega2K]

Originally Posted by jsub

All I see if a handful of individuals stirring up a sh*t storm by posting their customer complaint emails that will probably be throw into the trash before Paramount even reads em.

I watched the movie last night and I didn't think it looked crappy in motion. Admittedly, not the best PQ, but still enjoyable and great nonetheless. The same thing happened with another highly anticipated title: THE DARK KNIGHT.

If you need a refresher, just look into that megathread. A few guys from AVS didn't like the PQ and posted a few crappy image caps and all hell broke loose here. That movie was just fine by most people's standards. And all the complaining on this forum apparently did nothing to stop The Dark Knight from becoming the best selling Blu of all time.

Here's the thing that, at least to me, has caused the biggest "WTF" moments on this:

"Rob Moore, vice chairman of Paramount Pictures, said it’s “absolutely fitting that we’re presenting the best films in the Paramount library on the finest home entertainment format available.”

“Because of Blu-ray’s phenomenal capabilities,” he said, “the Sapphire Series will deliver the best pictures in the best picture.”
......
“It’s wonderful that Paramount is taking the time to produce exceptional Blu-ray presentations of these classic films,” he said.

If this movie was put out as a normal Blu, then I wouldn't have any problem stating "well it's better than DVD" and then grin and bear it. But it's supposed to be the best of the best. My hope is that eventhough we will buy this, Paramount will in some way shape or form feel the hesitation that it's customers will feel moving forward with purchasing anything saying "Sapphire Series".

[bandit29]

Originally Posted by jsub

All I see if a handful of individuals stirring up a sh*t storm by posting their customer complaint emails that will probably be throw into the trash before Paramount even reads em.

I watched the movie last night and I didn't think it looked crappy in motion. Admittedly, not the best PQ, but still enjoyable and great nonetheless. The same thing happened with another highly anticipated title: THE DARK KNIGHT.

The battles at beginning of the movie look smeared in motion. Other parts of the movie not so much. I thought the battle with Africans in the colosseum looked good. The video is very inconsistent throughout the whole film. Not that Gladiator is the first movie to have this problem.

The MSRP of this is 39.99. It will be 29.99 next week at Best Buy. Not worth it for just okay video or "well it's better than the DVD". I'm glad I only paid 17$.

Personally, I don't waste my time e-mailing these companies. They don't care.

[bandit29]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Not quite. They built the internal walls and the first seating row or 2, everthing above that was CGI.

What about that guy in the jeans and t-shirt? was he real? lol

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by vega2K

:

"Rob Moore, vice chairman of Paramount Pictures, said it’s “absolutely fitting that we’re presenting the best films in the Paramount library on the finest home entertainment format available.”

“Because of Blu-ray’s phenomenal capabilities,” he said, “the Sapphire Series will deliver the best pictures in the best picture.”
......
“It’s wonderful that Paramount is taking the time to produce exceptional Blu-ray presentations of these classic films,” he said.

".

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by bandit29

What about that guy in the jeans and t-shirt? was he real? lol

No. They CGI'd him in there because discs that have easter eggs/gaffes sell better. Man .... theres a lot you dont know.

[Jimbo976]

Originally Posted by vega2K

Here's the thing that, at least to me, has caused the biggest "WTF" moments on this:

"Rob Moore, vice chairman of Paramount Pictures, said it’s “absolutely fitting that we’re presenting the best films in the Paramount library on the finest home entertainment format available.”

“Because of Blu-ray’s phenomenal capabilities,” he said, “the Sapphire Series will deliver the best pictures in the best picture.”
......
“It’s wonderful that Paramount is taking the time to produce exceptional Blu-ray presentations of these classic films,” he said.

If this movie was put out as a normal Blu, then I wouldn't have any problem stating "well it's better than DVD" and then grin and bear it. But it's supposed to be the best of the best. My hope is that eventhough we will buy this, Paramount will in some way shape or form feel the hesitation that it's customers will feel moving forward with purchasing anything saying "Sapphire Series".

You appear to believe too much of this company's marketing BS. All companies lie through their teeth with their marketing.

[vega2K]

Originally Posted by Jimbo976

You appear to believe too much of this company's marketing BS. All companies lie through their teeth with their marketing.

It appears almost all of us believed this company's marketing BS!

[sfmarine]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

Another reason Ben Hur and Spartacus have great potential.

Don't say Ben Hur...Can't wait for that one!

[Philnerd]

Originally Posted by Jimbo976

It's like $20 - such obsession over a small sum.

If someone doesn't like it then don't buy it or sell it after you see it.

At the risk of sounding cliche, its not about the money. Many of us would have happily paid $40-50 for a version of Gladiator that looked as good as the Extended Edition scenes. The movie is just that well liked by a lot of fans. The money isn't the issue, its the lack of a proper Blu-Ray for Gladiator. $20, $8, free from a buddy; it doesn't make the presentation better.

Seriously, we're not buying movies for the second or third time on Blu-Ray because we're frugal. We're buying these because we want quality, premium presentations of these films that live up to Blu-Ray capabilities.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Philnerd

At the risk of sounding cliche, its not about the money. Many of us would have happily paid $40-50 for a version of Gladiator that looked as good as the Extended Edition scenes. The movie is just that well liked by a lot of fans. The money isn't the issue, its the lack of a proper Blu-Ray for Gladiator. $20, $8, free from a buddy; it doesn't make the presentation better.

Seriously, we're not buying movies for the second or third time on Blu-Ray because we're frugal. We're buying these because we want quality, premium presentations of these films that live up to Blu-Ray capabilities.

I agree. It aint about the money for me. It's the principal. Epic, multiple award winning movies deserve a reference transfer. Especially when a studio knows that the film has a ginormous fan base.

Call it a Sapphire, make it stellar, charge me a lot. Fair enough.

[benricci]

Originally Posted by Philnerd

At the risk of sounding cliche, its not about the money. Many of us would have happily paid $40-50 for a version of Gladiator that looked as good as the Extended Edition scenes.

Lol, this would sell about zero copies at $50 and you know it. Instead of complaining and boycotting because of picture quality, you all would be boycotting and complaining because of price.

Who are we trying to kid, here?

[bandit29]

Originally Posted by benricci

Lol, this would sell about zero copies at $50 and you know it. Instead of complaining and boycotting because of picture quality, you all would be boycotting and complaining because of price.

Who are we trying to kid, here?

True. But the MSRP already is 39.99. Add a few $$ for tax and your around 43-44 $$ depending where you live. Hopefully nobody actually pays that much for it...

[benricci]

Originally Posted by bandit29

True. But the MSRP already is 39.99. Add a few $$ for tax and your around 43-44 $$ depending where you live. Hopefully nobody actually pays that much for it...

I'm pretty sure he meant if it were actually selling for $50 at places like Amazon, Best Buy, etc.

MSRP is pretty meaningless anyway since Gladiator can easily be found for $22 and not the $40 MSRP. Unless you're an idiot and shop at places like FYE or Barnes and Noble where everything seems to be priced at MSRP...

[Sith]

Originally Posted by benricci

I'm pretty sure he meant if it were actually selling for $50 at places like Amazon, Best Buy, etc.

MSRP is pretty meaningless anyway since Gladiator can easily be found for $22 and not the $40 MSRP. Unless you're an idiot and shop at places like FYE or Barnes and Noble where everything seems to be priced at MSRP...

I could of had it for $12.99 yesterday, but didn't buy it on principal...If there
not gonna respect the movie enough to give it a good transfer, i'm not buying it..

[Ispoke]

Originally Posted by benricci

Lol, this would sell about zero copies at $50 and you know it. Instead of complaining and boycotting because of picture quality, you all would be boycotting and complaining because of price.

Who are we trying to kid, here?

Agreed and to prove your point there is a thread here where the consensuses seems to be no more than $30 for day & date, and no more than $20 for catalogue.

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by benricci

Lol, this would sell about zero copies at $50 and you know it. Instead of complaining and boycotting because of picture quality, you all would be boycotting and complaining because of price.

Who are we trying to kid, here?

i could be wrong but i think he was referring to us at blu-ray.com being willing to pay $50 for Gladiator with great PQ/AQ, and I would. It isn't about the money. This is a unique product. You can't just buy a replacement product if its not up to par. ANd let's face it: we're all blu-ray nutheads or we wouldnt' be here.

[ryan11]

I got a email to day from Amazon.ca saying they cancelled my order because thier supplies don't have any in stock. did anyone else get this