Cats (1998)

[rdodolak]

Cats is currently scheduled for release by Universal Pictures on Nov 5, 2019. Note: This a pressed MOD release.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats changed the face of the modern musicals and remains one of the most beloved Broadway shows of all time. Since debuting in 1981 on the West End stage, Cats has smashed records and conquered the musical world with songs such as "Memory" becoming an instant worldwide hit. Using the latest technology, all the excitement, thrills, romance and intimacy of this theatrical legend have been captured on screen. Breathtaking visuals and dynamic sound (that have been recorded with a seventy piece orchestra) lead you deep into the mysterious world of Cats as you’ve never seen it before!

Special Features:

• The Making of Cats
• Interviews with the Original Creative Team of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Cameron Mackintosh, Trevor Nunn, Gillian Lynne, John Napier and Gerry Schoenfeld
• Character Makeup Featurette with Karen Dawson Harding

BD-50

[SpaceBlackKnight]

Since it was shot 35mm but probably edited and had SFX finished in 480i, dollars to donuts this will be a mixed element of DNR'd HD 35mm footage and upscaled sections.

[rdodolak]

Added features to OP.

[OneWayFilms]

I wonder if it will be the same exact disk as the already released Ultimate Edition?

[BluBonnet]

[Doombear]

It is missing a whole Pirate Cat song called Growltiger’s Last Stand - which was probably never filmed for this production.

[Lyle_JP]

Originally Posted by Doombear

It is missing a whole Pirate Cat song called Growltiger’s Last Stand - which was probably never filmed for this production.

Given John Mills' feeble condition, I'm sure it wasn't.

[Doombear]

I thought this captured the magic of the Cats stage show quite well.

I’m also looking forward to the 2019 version; probably more than Star Wars Episode IX.

[OneWayFilms]

I personally LOVE this filmed production of the stage show, however, I must confess the bluray transfer is horrible and almost DVD quality. I know the first release of it is labeled the ULTIMATE EDITION, but this new release coming out isn't labeled anything. That's why I wonder if it's the same exact release or if it's been upgraded and remastered, or anything.

[reidw]

Hopefully there will be a review of this disc just before it is released. I won't be buying until I see it.

[rdodolak]

Originally Posted by reidw

Hopefully there will be a review of this disc just before it is released. I won't be buying until I see it.

There won't be a review before it's released.

[goober1632]

I just got my copy! I'm hoping to see it soon, and I can report back on any remastering!

[OneWayFilms]

Oh PLEASE....Watch it SOON!!!!

[PonyoBellanote]

Any news? I need a confirmation just for the sake of it, but I'm 99% sure out of very logical deduction that the US release is the exact same as the UK, considering Spain is getting a reissue this December with the same specs, just cover akin to the US edition, and even same back cover as the DVD.

[PonyoBellanote]

Okay, the review confirms it's the same source master as the 2013 BD. I'd even go as far as to say it's the same disc, but since the reviewer says there's no Blu-ray menu at all, unless I read wrong..

We all know Universal is the master of lazily reusing ancient DVD masters for BD releases, specially on catalogue. But here I wonder if it's a combination of Universal and the right holders of Cats, because I do believe Universal is just the distributor for video, not the one who funded the film (which was produced by Webber's production company.)

Knowing that then I assume the lazy master is a combination of Webber's company not shelling money to do a proper remaster of the original negative, and Universal not bothering either. I feel the miles of difference (apparently the film was indeed shot on film, not video) that a new remaster would give, even with or without the SD video effects, would make it worth it.

[TXTyler]

Is the transfer for this disc likely the same as the iTunes digital release? I've already got all of the special features on DVD, and I'm sure any special features included here on the BR are in SD anyway.

Very sad that they didn't remaster this. I think the same thing happened with the BR discs of Joseph... Dreamcoat and Jesus Christ Superstar. Doesn't seem that difficult to release a proper HD version of these shows.

[oddbox83]

That doesn't look like native 35mm, even if an upscale.

Was it maybe shot on video (anamorphic PAL) and transferred to 35mm? It's got that look.

[PonyoBellanote]

Originally Posted by TXTyler

Is the transfer for this disc likely the same as the iTunes digital release? I've already got all of the special features on DVD, and I'm sure any special features included here on the BR are in SD anyway.

Very sad that they didn't remaster this. I think the same thing happened with the BR discs of Joseph... Dreamcoat and Jesus Christ Superstar. Doesn't seem that difficult to release a proper HD version of these shows.

While I don't have the iTunes version I can guarantee you betting straight that the master is the exact same. At least the source. And yes, the special features from the BD are the same as the DVD. Straight up.

It's not that difficult, but mostly coasts a lot of money that neither Universal nor Webber's company want to spend, a bit greedy. Unless they have lost the original negative (doubtful, unless they're really that dumb).. it's simply a matter of scanning that and remastering even if it's in 2K.

Originally Posted by oddbox83

That doesn't look like native 35mm, even if an upscale.

Was it maybe shot on video (anamorphic PAL) and transferred to 35mm? It's got that look.

It was definitely shot on film as the credits and IMBD state, it was just finalized in SD. I have to agree with you because it looks pretty terribly even for a direct to DVD. It's probably a combination of using the 1998 DVD composite and upscaling it badly with lots of artifacts. The most noticeably to me is that I think the movie was shot on 4:3 but cropped for the video release. Considering how the credits look cropped but the picture itself without those doesn't.

Why would it be shot on video and then transfered to 35mm when it's a direct to DVD movie? Even video to film looks better.

[SpaceBlackKnight]

Originally Posted by PonyoBellanote

While I don't have the iTunes version I can guarantee you betting straight that the master is the exact same. At least the source. And yes, the special features from the BD are the same as the DVD. Straight up.

It's not that difficult, but mostly coasts a lot of money that neither Universal nor Webber's company want to spend, a bit greedy. Unless they have lost the original negative (doubtful, unless they're really that dumb).. it's simply a matter of scanning that and remastering even if it's in 2K.



It was definitely shot on film as the credits and IMBD state, it was just finalized in SD. I have to agree with you because it looks pretty terribly even for a direct to DVD. It's probably a combination of using the 1998 DVD composite and upscaling it badly with lots of artifacts. The most noticeably to me is that I think the movie was shot on 4:3 but cropped for the video release. Considering how the credits look cropped but the picture itself without those doesn't.

Why would it be shot on video and then transfered to 35mm when it's a direct to DVD movie? Even video to film looks better.

Cats was one of the last Polygram titles intended for video under the Polygram Visual Programming line. Like Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, as well as 2000's Jesus Christ Superstar, these productions were shot in 35mm but were edited on tape and had VFX sequences and titles done in SD. The Polygram merger into Universal explains how they co-own rights with Webber's company.

[OneWayFilms]

I am a fan of all three of these shows (Cat's, Joseph, Jesus...) and while I love the shows, these blu rays look horrible.