Microcosmos (1996)

[Oscar Rothman]

https://www.amazon.com/Microcosmos-B...n%3A2650305011

[wonkavision]

I wonder how it compares to the Canadian "Special Earth Day Edition" blu-ray?

[Al_The_Strange]

By chance I popped in my Canadian copy of Microcosmos. It looks good as it is, but there is quite a lot of macroblocking and compression during scenes that aren't macro. I kinda wonder of KL could give it a better encode.

[Dubstar]

well that took forever, but I doubt I'll be selling my UK copy which has excellent sound

[billyearle]

Originally Posted by wonkavision

I wonder how it compares to the Canadian "Special Earth Day Edition" blu-ray?

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

By chance I popped in my Canadian copy of Microcosmos. It looks good as it is, but there is quite a lot of macroblocking and compression during scenes that aren't macro. I kinda wonder of KL could give it a better encode.

Hope someone will give us a comparison once this is out. I only have a 42", but still looks like there's room for improvement on the old BD.

[AaronY]

Seen this a bunch of times when it was on Netflix and its really great. The lack of dialogue is really a strength rather than a weakness for me as it allows me to really connect with the on-screen happenings.

[arturolugo]

I've never heard of this before. Does it have any narration? Why the different audio tracks? Is it "silent" (as in, music & sound effects only)?

[javi92]

Review on this site has me pretty intrigued. Will probably pick this up in my next haul.

[trashhumper]

Anyone know if this is the same transfer as the Canadian version or is it better?

[Dubstar]

interesting that the audio is 2.0 while the UK edition is 5.1 - I'm not purchasing this edition.

[svenge]

Originally Posted by Dubstar

interesting that the audio is 2.0 while the UK edition is 5.1 - I'm not purchasing this edition.

I seriously doubt that the theatrical audio track was in 5.1 way back in 1996, especially given its origin and budget.

[Dubstar]

Originally Posted by svenge

I seriously doubt that the theatrical audio track was in 5.1 way back in 1996, especially given its origin and budget.

Dolby Digital 5.1 sound was implemented and released in 1992 and most of director/producer Jacques Perrin's doc movies are 5.1; 'Winged Migration': 5.1; 'Oceans' was 6.1

The UK, German, and French blurays of 'Microcosmos' all have 5.1 mixes.

[RWetmore]

Originally Posted by wonkavision

I wonder how it compares to the Canadian "Special Earth Day Edition" blu-ray?

Yes, I'm wondering the same thing. Is it a new transfer or new encode? The Canadian version has some ugly added edge enhancement that detracts from the overall PQ quite a lot. I would very much like to get a better transfer of this wonderful film.

[RWetmore]

Originally Posted by RWetmore

Yes, I'm wondering the same thing. Is it a new transfer or new encode? The Canadian version has some ugly added edge enhancement that detracts from the overall PQ quite a lot. I would very much like to get a better transfer of this wonderful film.

Anyone have both or have seen both?

[wonkavision]

Originally Posted by RWetmore

Anyone have both or have seen both?

I'm thinking of getting this new release and will pass off the inferior version to my reckless nephews.
At least the review is 5 stars according to the review on this site.

[Al_The_Strange]

I bit the bullet and bought the Kino Lorber edition to replace my Canadian import. The Canadian Blu-Ray had some pretty significant amounts of digital compression and noise. It blurs up the opening shots of the clouds pretty horridly. Once the film gets to the bugs and stuff, it looks good.

The KL edition is definitely a grade better. It looks natural with very fine film grain and no extraneous noise. Those opening cloud shots show very clear and sharp definition, and from there the film only gets better. Details are very fine and clear. Best of all, the colors look lush and vibrant most of the time. Some shots might appear a little pale, but I figure that's simply the way it was filmed and I do like how natural it all looks. Contrast levels are well-balanced (no black crush, but black levels are still good). No complaints about the sound.

The KL quality blows me away, I'm glad I made the upgrade.

[danny24]

Originally Posted by Armchair NZ

Thanks for the comparison! Sounds good. I may just have to upgrade to the Kino disc myself. (Eventually. When I can afford it.)

I upgraded the Miramax DVD and the Kino Lorber release is worth it. Great disc. Video/Audio all excellent for this kind of production.

[RWetmore]

I think I'll wait for the UHD/4K release, or until this is significantly discounted.

[ArnoldLayne56]

Originally Posted by RWetmore

I think I'll wait for the UHD/4K release, or until this is significantly discounted.

I'm buying it today for $8.99 on the KL sale.

[PhysicalMediaMaestro]

I saw just a part of this movie in 7th grade biology class, and I liked what I saw so much that I decided to get the film for myself and watch it at home in its entirety. I'm glad I did. It is a visual masterpiece. My favorite segment was when the rain started coming down.