The Anime Blu-ray Video Quality Thread

[Sylontack]

Originally Posted by professorwho

Episodes 22-25 as one file
Episodes 22-25 as separate files

I don't mean to sound condescending but are you sure you're looking at the actual video files and not the playlist files? I used to access BDs from the playlist files when looking at them until I came across a messy JP disc where one of the episodes didn't even have an individual playlist file.

[Naiera]

Originally Posted by professorwho

Short write-up? Season 1 looks okay- it's upscaled, but looks decent.

Pretty darn sure it isn't.

[professorwho]

God, I've been saying some dumb stuff today. This isn't the usual stuff I'd say. Guess I've been out of it today...

[SeaFox]

Originally Posted by Naiera

Pretty darn sure it isn't.

I seem to recall season 1 being an upscale, too. It was made right around that transition time for many studios.

[Naiera]

[professorwho]

Originally Posted by Naiera

Pretty darn sure it isn't.

It is an upscale, actually. While I can't find a source from Bandai directly saying it (and I don't feel like using my High School-level Japanese to email them asking about it), every review I've found about it on Blu-ray, being it the JP BD, KAZE's UK release, or even FUNimation's- they all mention it being an upscale.

While FUNimation lists it as "HD Native", I'm assuming that's because they were given the masters for the Japanese Blu-ray.

In the credits, Q-Tec are listed for "HD Editing", but if they did the upscaling, it's easily their best work. It's not blurry at all like everything else they've done.

[NLScavenger]

I think it's a recomposite done by Sunrise. HD editing is probably just QTEC putting the video and audio together.

[professorwho]

Code Geass R1
(FUNimation)

Disc size: 46.2GB (Episodes 1-7)

Episode 1: 6.7GB (Other episodes on the disc range between 6.3 to 6.7GB)

Video:
1080p MPEG-4 AVC
26.6 mbps AVG
37 mbps MAX
4.49GB

Audio:
Japanese TrueHD 2.0 24-Bit 809 kbps
Japanese TrueHD 5.1 24-Bit 3602 kbps
English TrueHD 2.0 24-Bit 851 kbps
(Japanese Commentary Track TrueHD 2.0 24-Bit 699 kbps)

In response to NLScavenger, I'm not sure if it's a recomposite. Obviously, unless we ask Bandai, we'll never know, but I'll just give my impressions based on what I see.

Being from 2006, Code Geass was originally produced in SD, but regardless of whether or not this is an upscale or a recomposite, I can't say for sure. The CG elements look rather soft, and while there's no aliasing on them, they stand out when the 2D elements look sharper. It doesn't have the sharpness of a 720p production, or even a full HD one, but it looks better than a typical upscale, so it could be a recomposite, or a really good upscale. I'm leaning to the latter, as most shots still look really soft and "upscale-like", though with better clarity than the typical Q-Tec crap. It is nice looking, but not HD quality, nor Gurren Lagann quality (a recomposite).

So let's assume it is an upscale. Then how does it look? Good, but not optimal. There are line inconsistencies (like aliasing) across 2D objects, but it is only in a couple or shots. There seems to be a blur applied to the whole image, which removes most aliasing and line inconsistencies and sharpness. Banding is present, but due to the blurring, it's rarely visible. When viewed a distance away, it looks good, but when looking in detail, it shows its true colours. It's fine, but could've been better.

Audio is crystal clear with no issues to report. The stereo mixes sound identical, save for voice work, but the 5.1 mix is the curious part. It's not a simple upmix- the music was re-recorded in higher quality and new sound effects were added. Not too bad on paper, but it's a case of revisionism. The music is completely different in several scenes, giving a different atmosphere than the stereo version. Sometimes music is removed entirely. The sound effects aren't much better- they give an extra punch, but they're not worse. It's great FUNi gave us both the stereo and 5.1 mixes, as I'm confident most people would prefer the stereo mix. Subtitles are the same as Bandai's translation, so there's nothing to complain about there.

Odd upscaling and revisionism 5.1 remixes have graced our Code Geass. Whether or not you prefer the older mixes or would rather a sharper, but aliased upscale for a gain in detail, is up to you. I'm okay with what we have, but it could have been much better...

[professorwho]

Oh, I forgot. Here's a comparison between the original JP BD release of Episode 1 and FUNi's version.

Video:
1080p MPEG-4 AVC
35.96 mbps AVG (Bandai, JP)
26.6 mbps AVG (FUNimation, USA)

Audio:
LPCM 2.0 16-Bit 1536 kbps (Bandai, JP)
Dolby TrueHD 2.0 809 kbps (FUNimation, USA)


Bitrate graph of JP EP 1

(I tried to get a graph of FUNi's EP 1, but it didn't work.)

As to be expected, the FUNi release has a lower bitrate. Almost a 10 mbps drop in terms of video. Perhaps an audiophile could school me on if the FUNi release has better audio due to being 24-Bit despite half the bitrate, but even though I've never heard the JP disc, I'd assume they sound about the same.

[Naiera]

Originally Posted by NLScavenger

I think it's a recomposite done by Sunrise. HD editing is probably just QTEC putting the video and audio together.

I definitely don't remember thinking it was an upscale! Even the Kazé discs looked great. That it says it's an upscale/upconversion on all listings on this site doesn't make that a fact; there are plenty of erroneous entries in the database.

[Naiera]

Originally Posted by professorwho

While FUNimation lists it as "HD Native", I'm assuming that's because they were given the masters for the Japanese Blu-ray.

Or it's because it's a recomposite

[professorwho]

Originally Posted by Naiera

That it says it's an upscale/upconversion on all listings on this site doesn't make that a fact; there are plenty of erroneous entries in the database.

I'm the one who listed them as an upscale.

I generally try to keep the database free of errors (take a look at my change history), but until we know for certain, I'm leaving it as an upscale. Not because I don't believe you, but I always want a source for accuracy.

Originally Posted by Naiera

Or it's because it's a recomposite

Do you have the FUNi release? I can send you EP1 and you can make a judgement for yourself (if you have the KAZE release, then we could compare the tech specs)

Oddly enough, from people posting captures here, the PQ is identical despite bitrate differences.

[Naiera]

I do have the FUNi release. I forgot to pop a season one disc in the player tonight and I may not have the time tomorrow.

[Naiera]

I checked out Code Geass and I refuse to believe that it's an upscale. If it is, it is BY FAR AND WIDE the best upscale I've ever seen. But I really don't think it is. Sure, the image is a bit soft, but that doesn't mean the source is not some sort of high definition. It's arguably a technically better looking image than Gundam 00, which came out about a year later. The image just doesn't have any of the telltale signs of upscalery. Aside from the slight softness it seems virtually flawless. Exactly as I remember.

[Mangaranga]

Originally Posted by Naiera

I definitely don't remember thinking it was an upscale! Even the Kazé discs looked great. That it says it's an upscale/upconversion on all listings on this site doesn't make that a fact; there are plenty of erroneous entries in the database.

Assuming you're talking about Code Geass still, it isn't an SD upscale. Take a screenshot and downscale and upscale it again. Downscaling to 720p and back up again shows literally no loss of detail, but going down below that is where you start to see detail loss. Sure it's not the sharpest production, but if stuff like FMA:B which was animated at 540p is given a pass as HD native then this most certainly does too. Lots of shows were still animated below 720p until 2012/13. Pretty sure J C Staff didn't make the transition until the second season of Little Busters.

[Naiera]

[professorwho]

Here's a disc by disc comparison between Nozomi's Utena set along with King Records' Japanese release (The JP release is bolded):

Disc 1: Episodes 1-4/Episodes 1-6
Disc 2: Episodes 5-8/Episodes 7-12
Disc 3: Episodes 9-12/Episodes 13-18
Disc 4: Episodes 13-16/Episodes 19-24
Disc 5: Episodes 17-20/Episodes 25-29
Disc 6: Episodes 21-24/Episodes 30-34
Disc 7: Episodes 25-29/Episodes 35-39
Disc 8: Episodes 30-34/The Adolescence of Utena Movie
Disc 9: Episodes Episodes 35-39/Extras Disc
Disc 10: The Adolescence of Utena Movie/NA

Despite Nozomi having an extra disc than King Records, I don't think there's a difference in terms of quality. While these two releases share similar file sizes per episode (a little over 6GB), the Japanese release only has 2 audio tracks.

Nozomi has LPCM 2.0 and 5.1 Japanese mixes and the terrible dub in 2.0 LPCM as well, all at 16-Bit. All 3 tracks have excellent depth with zero compression audible. King Records has LPCM 2.0 and DTS HD-MA 5.1 tracks, which I'd assume are comparable in terms of quality.

In terms of video, Nozomi averages 32 mbps for the series, and 26 mbps for the movie. While I don't have any information regarding the JP bitrates, I'm sure they're similar if not slightly higher.

Also, Nozomi has all the extras from that bonus disc, but spread out across all 10 discs in their set. So it's complete.

[Kyle15]

Originally Posted by professorwho

Here's a disc by disc comparison between Nozomi's Utena set along with King Records' Japanese release (The JP release is bolded):

Disc 1: Episodes 1-4/Episodes 1-6
Disc 2: Episodes 5-8/Episodes 7-12
Disc 3: Episodes 9-12/Episodes 13-18
Disc 4: Episodes 13-16/Episodes 19-24
Disc 5: Episodes 17-20/Episodes 25-29
Disc 6: Episodes 21-24/Episodes 30-34
Disc 7: Episodes 25-29/Episodes 35-39
Disc 8: Episodes 30-34/The Adolescence of Utena Movie
Disc 9: Episodes Episodes 35-39/Extras Disc
Disc 10: The Adolescence of Utena Movie/NA

Despite Nozomi having an extra disc than King Records, I don't think there's a difference in terms of quality. While these two releases share similar file sizes per episode (a little over 6GB), the Japanese release only has 2 audio tracks.

Nozomi has LPCM 2.0 and 5.1 Japanese mixes and the terrible dub in 2.0 LPCM as well, all at 16-Bit. All 3 tracks have excellent depth with zero compression audible. King Records has LPCM 2.0 and DTS HD-MA 5.1 tracks, which I'd assume are comparable in terms of quality.

In terms of video, Nozomi averages 32 mbps for the series, and 26 mbps for the movie. While I don't have any information regarding the JP bitrates, I'm sure they're similar if not slightly higher.

Also, Nozomi has all the extras from that bonus disc, but spread out across all 10 discs in their set. So it's complete.

I've seen screencaps of the Japanese discs (just not bitrate data) and the episodes literally look the same. It's a blessing really.

[NLScavenger]

Macross Plus OVA - Dynit BD vs Dutch A-Film/Manga DVD screenshot comparison

In case screenshotcomparison.com does another database wipe: Dynit BD screenshots | Dutch DVD

- Audio -
Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 | 16-bit
Italian DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 | 24-bit
Italian DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 | 24-bit

- Subtitles -
Optional Italian subtitles
Optional Italian signs-only subtitles

- Episode #1 video bitrate -
AVG: 35277 kbps | MAX: 42712 kbps


- Episode #2 video bitrate -
AVG: 35193 kbps | MAX: 45413 kbps

[NLScavenger]

AMBC posted an unboxing video of The Vision of Escaflowne Dybex/Selecta Vision BD and a PQ comparison with Funi BD:

Vision of Escaflowne - Edition Collector - YouTube

The Dybex/Selecta Vision BD appears to have been filtered.

BDInfo stats via mundodvd forum (There are also screenshots, but in 1600x900 res.):

Originally Posted by Radix9

DISC INFO:


Disc Title:     ESCAFLOWNE BD 1
Disc Size:      48.846.696.368 bytes
Protection:     AACS
BDInfo:         0.7.3.65534


PLAYLIST REPORT:


Name:                   00008.MPLS
Length:                 2:55:07.830 (h:m:s.ms)
Size:                   48.281.407.488 bytes
Total Bitrate:          36,76 Mbps


VIDEO:


Codec                   Bitrate             Description     
-----                   -------             -----------     
MPEG-4 AVC Video        30093 kbps          1080p / 23,976 fps / 16:9 / High Profile 4.1


AUDIO:


Codec                           Language        Bitrate         Description     
-----                           --------        -------         -----------     
DTS-HD Master Audio             Spanish         881 kbps        2.0 / 48 kHz / 881 kbps / 16-bit (DTS Core: 2.0 / 48 kHz / 384 kbps / 16-bit)
DTS-HD Master Audio             French          859 kbps        2.0 / 48 kHz / 859 kbps / 16-bit (DTS Core: 2.0 / 48 kHz / 384 kbps / 16-bit)
DTS-HD Master Audio             Japanese        887 kbps        2.0 / 48 kHz / 887 kbps / 16-bit (DTS Core: 2.0 / 48 kHz / 384 kbps / 16-bit)
DTS-HD Master Audio             German          917 kbps        2.0 / 48 kHz / 917 kbps / 16-bit (DTS Core: 2.0 / 48 kHz / 384 kbps / 16-bit)
DTS-HD Master Audio             Catalan         858 kbps        2.0 / 48 kHz / 858 kbps / 16-bit (DTS Core: 2.0 / 48 kHz / 384 kbps / 16-bit)


SUBTITLES:


Codec                           Language        Bitrate         Description     
-----                           --------        -------         -----------     
Presentation Graphics           French          28,181 kbps                     
Presentation Graphics           French          2,312 kbps                      
Presentation Graphics           German          27,946 kbps                     
Presentation Graphics           German          2,306 kbps                      
Presentation Graphics           Spanish         25,706 kbps                     
Presentation Graphics           Spanish         4,650 kbps                      
Presentation Graphics           Catalan         4,640 kbps                      


FILES:


Name            Time In         Length          Size            Total Bitrate   
----            -------         ------          ----            -------------   
00002.M2TS      0:00:00.000     0:24:20.959     7.069.458.432   38.711          
00003.M2TS      0:24:20.959     0:25:01.500     7.257.741.312   38.669          
00004.M2TS      0:49:22.459     0:24:35.474     7.155.855.360   38.799          
00005.M2TS      1:13:57.933     0:24:25.130     6.714.580.992   36.663          
00006.M2TS      1:38:23.063     0:23:09.888     6.366.025.728   36.642          
00007.M2TS      2:01:32.952     0:25:11.843     6.920.669.184   36.621          
00008.M2TS      2:26:44.795     0:24:47.819     6.431.533.056   34.582          
00023.M2TS      2:51:32.615     0:03:35.215     365.543.424     13.588

Originally Posted by NLScavenger

You need to install libbluray for unencrypted Blu-ray playback on VLC. Full unencrypted backups from MakeMKV work, but I think a decrypter such as DVDFab Passkey should also work.

VLC can also read select encrypted Blu-ray discs via libaacs in conjunction with the key database (keydb.cfg). Some titles in the database had their aacs keys revoked and hence don't work anymore, such as the US BDs of Wreck-it-Ralph, Frozen, The Terminator (remastered) and The Raid: Redemption.

Better method: go to MakeMKV folder, copy 'libmmbd.dll' twice to the VLC folder. Rename to 'libaacs.dll' and 'libbdplus.dll'.

VLC can now use MakeMKV to read the disc.