Ask questions to The Digital Bits team (Bill Hunt, Jeff Kleist et.al.)

[JadedRaverLA]

Originally Posted by dialog_gvf

^^^ Except for the IMAX portions aspect ratio issue. Waiting before discussing how the encoding master for the eventual BD release should be handled, could be too late, if it isn't already.

According to IMDB the IMAX portions are 1.44:1. The IMAX Prologue on BB appears to be 1.77:1 (cropped?)

What do people want:

All 2.35:1
1.77:1 and 2.35:1
1.44:1 and 2.35:1

Can they/should they offer both a consistent version and the IMAX interspersed with seamless branching?

Gary

To me, maintaining the "effect" of opening up the image is more important that maintaining the full aspect ratio when switching to IMAX shots. The effect of shooting IMAX is to create an insanely huge image on seven story tall screens, and for the film to open taller for those moments. To add side bars really would just mess with the effect. Also, with IMAX you aren't meant to view the full image at once anyway. The screens are so big that you have to scan to view different areas. So, yeah... I think it should open to 1.78:1. Once more people have seen the IMAX prints (I was fortunate to go to an IMAX preview Tuesday), I think most will agree. The top and bottom of the image in the IMAX shots of TDK is never really important (hell, the 35mm prints are cropped to 2.39:1).

Seamless branchings not a bad idea I guess, for those who want to use the full width of their constant height systems. I just hope it defaults to expanding for IMAX, trying to preserve the effect of the IMAX presentation as well as you can on a screen less than 1% the size.

[Deciazulado]

If the IMAX was protected for 2.39 and that image centered within the IMAX area (if it's transfered at 1.78), you'd only need a black bars subtitle and not seamless branching. If the 2.39 area is not centered within the 1.78, or the IMAX portions are transfered at 1.71 like the BB prologue, seamless branching would be needed and would do nicely .

[Majoran]

Bill,

Just wondering if you can clear some things up regarding the Nov. Release of "A Christmas Story UCE"

This site said that this release will be a BD-25 (no other specs) here:
https://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=1530
and here:
https://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=1492

High Def Digest reports that it will be a BD-50 with DD 5.1 here:
http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/sh...Packaging/1903

Just wondering which one is the correct one.....With the recent "snafus" in information it would be nice to know who is correct. Thank you for any information you can get for us. This is one title I would like to get, and all this mis-information is killing the fans...

[DigitalfreakNYC]

Originally Posted by Deciazulado

If the IMAX was protected for 2.39 and that image centered within the IMAX area (if it's transfered at 1.78), you'd only need a black bars subtitle and not seamless branching. If the 2.39 area is not centered within the 1.78, or the IMAX portions are transfered at 1.71 like the BB prologue, seamless branching would be needed and would do nicely .

I was paying attention to the full-screen portions and it really didn't seem like they could just center it. They probably re-framed it.

[Brad1963]

Originally Posted by gamma626

Hey Bill, is there any word yet as to weather or not the 40 Year old Virgin got a re-encode for Blu?

I'm thinking since they are including the theatrical cut also perhaps it will have a improved transfer. They look like they are starting from scratch with this title. Now that Universal is not rushing out HD DVD titles to saturate the market I think they may take more care in thier releases. Let's hope.

I have The Mummy Returns and The Scorpion King BD discs, both of which are superior to the HD DVD's.

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by Bill Hunt

Hey Guys,

My apologies for being gone so long (what, like TWO months - sheesh). There's no good reason for it, other than the usual: I'm just crazy, silly busy... almost every day.

BUT... I'm back, and I'm going to TRY to drop in more often. So feel free to chat and ask away, and I'll respond as best I can.

Nice to see someone finally getting their house in order.
Extreme allegations and rhetoric are no better than extreme processing techniques.

[NoQuestion]

Originally Posted by Bill Hunt

They do actually seem to be doing a fairly good job thus far. I agree. I don't think the Borune films are coming this year, but I don't know for sure.

This is sad news if true. Any thoughts on why they may not be coming this year? It just seemed that this would have been top priority for them to have out by christmas.

On a side note, I am very happy with what is already lined up.(action,horror, and comedy pack). I am also hoping that all those movies that are shown on their promo slip will make release this year. I have been dying to get The Kingdom and Jarhead on blu. I just hope that we will see Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead before years end.

Welcome back Bill!!

[Nick Graham]

Originally Posted by Penton-Man

Nice to see someone finally getting their house in order.
Extreme allegations and rhetoric are no better than extreme processing techniques.

I've never seen Bill provide either, at least in regards to DNR and/or lossless audio. Guys like Bill providing impartial feedback and constructive criticism to Blu-Ray content providers is a necessity in this field, and has been for a long time, regardless of how thick or thin skinned the content providers in question are, or the myriad of excuses they can provide ("It looked great on our 30" monitors.", etc).

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by Nick Graham

I've never seen Bill provide either, at least in regards to DNR and/or lossless audio. Guys like Bill providing impartial feedback and constructive criticism to Blu-Ray content providers is a necessity in this field............

You are correct.
In fact, the last time I telephoned Bill, I stated as such. He has always been level-headed even when tipping a toe in hostile “science” environments back in day and only one person stepped forth to thank him for his time and efforts.
People like Bill and TK Arnold have been home entertainment journalists for years prior to Blu-ray and most likely will be for years to come because of their professionalism.

But alas, Bill carries the ultimate responsibility for all his “contributors”, just like a studio carries the ultimate responsibility for the work of its subcontractors.
Just like parents are responsible for the behavior of their under aged children.

That’s what I was referring to.

[Grubert]

I just want to say that I'm really glad that we have Bill Hunt here and standing up for the enthusiasts.

[Penton-Man]

Anyway Bill,
My question to you or other enthusiasts is (given the recent WB audio news)……does anyone know the true meaning of the lyrics of "Black Betty"?

Anyone know how many sports franchises or athletes actually play that song before walking on the field, court, ice, etc. ?
I really don’t know, I’m asking.

P.S.
For those that are not following, I'm speaking of one of the premier sequences in Blow.

[Monkey]

Originally Posted by Bill Hunt

They do actually seem to be doing a fairly good job thus far. I agree. I don't think the Borune films are coming this year, but I don't know for sure.

Those are pretty much the main reasons I haven't sold off my HD DVD player and library yet. Well Chronicles of Riddick.


Are Pitch Black and Chronicles of Riddick going to be released on blu any time this year?

[krinkle]

Apologies if this has been answered before (have not been on the forum as much), but I am wondering what has happened to Magnolia?

Magnolia was a huge early supporter of Blu-ray with titles like ENRON: The Smartest Guys in the Room and many others.

However most of their new films over the past 6 months have been DVD only.

Anyone know what is going on? Bill, have you heard anything?

Thanks.

[Woody]

Hello Bill, WB made a brief mention of HEAT earlier in the year. Any news on that?

Thanks

[lgans316]

Warner Reaffirms Dedication to Blu-ray Quality. Are you sure ? The specs for "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" doesn't seem to reflect that.

May be the announcement was confined to Blow and L.A confidential.

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showpost.p...&postcount=171

[WickyWoo]

Riddick should be out before the end of the year according to the catalog Universal is including with Mummy. There's no need to re-do Pitch Black's video, the HD DVD was stunning. From my viewing of it, Riddick could definately use a re-compression. There's some high action sequences that just don't hold up and there were a lot of parts that just felt too compressed to make it all fit

[Bullseye]

Bill do you know if "In Bruges" is on Universals slate this year. Watched it on DVD last nite and would love to add it to the collection.

[lgans316]

Members in AVS have confirmed DNR on Dark City. This stupid act of applying DNR is at it's peak.

I kindly request Bill to check on this and revert back.

[Snikt]

Hey Bill,
I've been frequently checking up on Digital Bits for the past couple of months. I noticed you guys recently got the scoop on quite a few movies being released. I believe you guys got the inside info on the series Firefly. I saw the X-Men Trilogy has been pushed back to 2009. Are you speculating FOX is waiting until the release of Wolverine in May 2009?

P.S.
I must say I'm kind of disappointed that DareDevil: Director's Cut comes out before the X-Men.

Thanks Bill

[Nick Graham]

Originally Posted by lgans316

Members in AVS have confirmed DNR on Dark City. This stupid act of applying DNR is at it's peak.

I kindly request Bill to check on this and revert back.

Wouldn't surprise me greatly after Pan's Labyrinth, but I'll reserve judgment until Netflix delivers it. As much as I will miss New Line's commitment to always trying to deliver the most bang for the buck on DVD, maybe it was for the best WB will be handling their titles on Blu.