The Da Vinci Code (2006) (Extended Cut)

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by tvine2000

i agree with the reviewer.you'll find if you check out other review sites they are all pritty close.i doubt this was the directors intent.i think sony screwed this one up.sony's history has been real good with blu-ray.what i like to know is who's the person who ok's the master before pressing bd discs.
i'll say this again to studios! if you can't do a great job on the pq,don't release it until you can.there no reason why a movie thats not very old should look like this.i mean when people want to knock blu-ray the first thing they say is''i can't see a big difference over dvd''!the pq of this movie proves there point.shame on you sony

The person that “ok’ed” this particular master was this fellow…………
https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=31883

[Good Intentions]

I'm definitely gonna have to wait on this one until it is on sale. Also, it has been on TV in HD a lot lately. So I don't feel a big need to go out and buy the BD. The same thing happened for me when Transformers came out. It sort of ruins that special feeling we all get with those BD's we are really looking forward to.

[Ken Brown]

This has definitely proven itself to be an interesting subject! Perhaps in the future, studios would be wise to include such relevant information in their already-detailed press releases. Unless informed or educated in such matters on a case-by-case basis, disc reviewers can't be fully versed in lenses and diffusion -- they can never be omniscient enough to hone in on every piece of information about the manner in which a specific film was shot. If I were a rep at Sony handling a transfer like 'The Da Vinci Code's, I would be sure to put a paragraph in my press release (or send out an e-mail) explaining exactly why a technically-sound transfer may appear so much softer than expected; so much softer than its own HDTV counterpart.

UPDATE: Case in point, the Blu-ray edition of 'Benjamin Button' includes an insert that devotes an entire paragraph to the specific cameras used to shoot the film. It not only mentions the type that was used, but briefly describes what aspects of the picture can be attributed to using those specific cameras.

I'm sure that will sound like passing the buck to some of you out there (particularly since the info in question apparently graced our boards a few months ago), but really... we're not all-knowing, all-seeing gods who have the time or resources to uncover the source of every issue accompanying every release (or read every post that appeared on our site several months back). We're going to miss some things, some times. No excuses -- it's just the reality of the situation. Please remember that we're not trying to trash any release. We're attempting to do the best we can, with what information we have, on the timetable we're allotted. We'll never be the all-seeing, emotionless machines some posters seem to demand

Thanks to everyone who posted and shared information in this thread. Just one suggestion: please contact a reviewer directly (via PM or e-mail) before a release hits when you're aware of a potential misunderstanding similar to this one. It would be far more helpful. Better to be proactive than reactive.

More importantly, thanks as always for being such a productive support system on our site!

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by Ken Brown

This has definitely proven itself to be an interesting subject! Perhaps in the future, studios would be wise to include such relevant information in their already-detailed press releases. Unless informed or educated in such matters on a case-by-case basis, disc reviewers can't be fully versed in lenses and diffusion -- they can never be omniscient enough to hone in on every piece of information about the manner in which a specific film was shot. If I were a rep at Sony handling a transfer like 'The Da Vinci Code's, I would be sure to put a paragraph in my press release (or send out an e-mail) explaining exactly why a technically-sound transfer may appear so much softer than expected; so much softer than its own HDTV counterpart.

UPDATE: Case in point, the Blu-ray edition of 'Benjamin Button' includes an insert that devotes an entire paragraph to the specific cameras used to shoot the film. It not only mentions the type that was used, but briefly describes what aspects of the picture can be attributed to using those specific cameras.

I'm sure that will sound like passing the buck to some of you out there (particularly since the info in question apparently graced our boards a few months ago), but really... we're not all-knowing, all-seeing gods who have the time or resources to uncover the source of every issue accompanying every release (or read every post that appeared on our site several months back). We're going to miss some things, some times. No excuses -- it's just the reality of the situation. Please remember that we're not trying to trash any release. We're attempting to do the best we can, with what information we have, on the timetable we're allotted. We'll never be the all-seeing, emotionless machines some posters seem to demand

Thanks to everyone who posted and shared information in this thread. Just one suggestion: please contact a reviewer directly (via PM or e-mail) before a release hits when you're aware of a potential misunderstanding similar to this one. It would be far more helpful. Better to be proactive than reactive.

More importantly, thanks as always for being such a productive support system on our site!

Just one suggestion – In regards to being proactive, some would say that the onus would be on the reviewer to read every post regarding motion pictures coming to Blu-ray that I take the time to type up, as much of that information is either borderline confidential, cutting edge or just extremely difficult to otherwise obtain but, how you prioritize your research for your reviews is up you.
Additionally, I really have no gripe with your review, Ken, I actually never even read it….what prompted me to contribute to this thread was to address the disrespectful rant posted by tvine2000 quoted at the top of this page. Your defending of your review by asking a question to the general populace here regarding the daylight capture on Da Vinci, prompted me to technically set the record straight regarding the transfer as I was passing by……nothing more.

I really don’t care very much as to whether reviewers “trash any release” and I certainly don’t have the time nor the inclination to give a proactive heads-up to a reviewer via a PM or e-mail. Reading my thread or privately contacting me is the best you’re going to get, otherwise, let the Blu chips fall where they may as to the accuracy of any review on any forum, this or any other.

UPDATE: Case in point- Regarding The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. I posted months ago as to the specific cameras used to shoot that motion picture (which may have come in handy for any reviewers that lost “the insert” or otherwise inadvertently discarded it, and I also, mentioned the work done by Lowry Digital in regards to digital noise reduction and sharpening to have all the elements appear as seamless as possible in the final cut.

I don’t recall but, I may have even commented about how the post production pipeline for the Viper FilmStream had evolved in time from Zodiac to The Curious Case of Benjamin Button as I attended this SMPTE meeting last September……http://www.hsmpte.org/2008%20Meeting...%209-25-08.doc

Much can be found on this forum’s Insider’s Threads (all of them) that may be of value to all reviewers and it may be a good idea to search all my posts with certain specific search words like an upcoming title which could be of interest to you when it eventually streets on Blu-ray.

More importantly, I think you're a fine reviewer; otherwise, you wouldn't have been invited here in the first place.

[Penton-Man]

^
P.S.
Does the insert mention, or is there any indication in the supplemental material on the disc as to when a Sony F23 camera was used and why, as the Viper FilmStream was the primary acquisition device.

Does anyone know?
As I haven’t had the opportunity to view the Criterion 2-disc set yet.

[Ken Brown]

Originally Posted by Penton-Man

Just one suggestion – In regards to being proactive, some would say that the onus would be on the reviewer to read every post regarding motion pictures coming to Blu-ray that I take the time to type up, as much of that information is either borderline confidential, cutting edge or just extremely difficult to otherwise obtain but, how you prioritize your research for your reviews is up you.
Additionally, I really have no gripe with your review, Ken, I actually never even read it….what prompted me to contribute to this thread was to address the disrespectful rant posted by tvine2000 quoted at the top of this page. Your defending of your review by asking a question to the general populace here regarding the daylight capture on Da Vinci, prompted me to technically set the record straight regarding the transfer as I was passing by……nothing more.

I really don’t care very much as to whether reviewers “trash any release” and I certainly don’t have the time nor the inclination to give a proactive heads-up to a reviewer via a PM or e-mail. Reading my thread or privately contacting me is the best you’re going to get, otherwise, let the Blu chips fall where they may as to the accuracy of any review on any forum, this or any other.

UPDATE: Case in point- Regarding The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. I posted months ago as to the specific cameras used to shoot that motion picture (which may have come in handy for any reviewers that lost “the insert” or otherwise inadvertently discarded it, and I also, mentioned the work done by Lowry Digital in regards to digital noise reduction and sharpening to have all the elements appear as seamless as possible in the final cut.

I don’t recall but, I may have even commented about how the post production pipeline for the Viper FilmStream had evolved in time from Zodiac to The Curious Case of Benjamin Button as I attended this SMPTE meeting last September……http://www.hsmpte.org/2008%20Meeting...%209-25-08.doc

Much can be found on this forum’s Insider’s Threads (all of them) that may be of value to all reviewers and it may be a good idea to search all my posts with certain specific search words like an upcoming title which could be of interest to you when it eventually streets on Blu-ray.

More importantly, I think you're a fine reviewer; otherwise, you wouldn't have been invited here in the first place.

Ah, sorry... I should have clarified who I was directing my last post towards. My response wasn't in regards to your message, but aimed at the readers who initially were discussing this issue and my observations in the first place. Your information simply verified that I had missed something crucial in the course of writing my review (information that I appreciate you providing, if for no other reason than to settle the debate raging in this thread).

We appreciate insider presence on the site and try not to demand anything more from you guys than you already give

My apologies for being unclear!

[DRS]

In regards to the movie itself, I had never seen it before, so this 3 hour version was my first exposure, and I quite liked it. Despite the length, the pacing was pretty good. I think the reason I enjoyed this though was that the cast was great, and great music too.

From what I read, people criticized the original movie for being rushed, so looks like this 3 hour version is an improvement as it felt very "complete," and I cant imagine it being 30 minutes shorter...

[Chaka]

Ken, knowing what you know now prior to writing your review, would you still give it low marks? If you stand by your low score, would you clarify on your review that the softness was intentional? If you would give it a higher score, I assume you cannot retract or change your initial review.

[KBZ]

I just got done watching it, and I don't see what all the fuss is about.

[Ken Brown]

Originally Posted by Chaka

Ken, knowing what you know now prior to writing your review, would you still give it low marks? If you stand by your low score, would you clarify on your review that the softness was intentional? If you would give it a higher score, I assume you cannot retract or change your initial review.

I actually plan on updating the review as soon as I have some free time this week. My comments and descriptions will be similar, but the explanation and tone driving those comments will be quite different. I'll also bump up the score as well. I'm far more interested in having a reliable review that accurately reflects every aspect of a disc than in winning a debate

Here's the only thing I'd like to ask of you guys: instead of arguing or getting upset about one of my reviews, please send me a PM with a link to any research that verifies something I've obviously overlooked. I don't expect you to do all of my research for me, but in the event that I miss something, shooting me a link to an article, information about the types of cameras involved, etc will facilitate an update, expedite the process, and serve the community far more than posting an inflammatory reader review or message board post. Even if you're just sending me a link someone else found and posted in a thread, that would be extremely helpful. Oftentimes, I'm so busy watching discs and writing a review, that I simply don't have time to dig through all of the posts on the board (unless I stop paying attention to my son or spending any waking moment with my wife )

Basically, I want all of you to understand that I appreciate all your input and rely on your help sometimes. The quickest way to get me (or most of the writers here) to adjust anything in their reviews is with a polite e-mail and a few verifiable facts! It's too easy to dry heave anger onto the message boards -- common courtesy will always drive suggestions and requests deeper into my ear. Essentially, I'm not a fan of arguments or online conflict. I just want to do my job, do it well, and give you guys everything you need to make a solid decision about the titles I review.

Thanks as always for posting!

[Offender_Mullet]

Originally Posted by momos

Yes, you're right, the complaints about PQ are in error.
Read this article about the work of director of photograpy Salvatore Totino
http://www.theasc.com/magazine_dynam...Code/page1.php[/I]

Good find Even though I wasn't jazzed about the blu-ray pq, at least I played it safe in my original post and said "But....."

On a random note.......

It all comes down to personal preference & what one expects from a blu-ray release. Not all blame should fall on consumers for being upset with what they think is a non-perfect product. After all, blu-rays are marketed in a way that makes everyone think each movie is going to leap-off the television and suck you into a world of "beyond high definition", or "the perfect hi-def movie experience".

Being provided with information like: how it was shot, cameras used, lighting, the mastering process onto a blu-ray disc, etc. is enlightening for those of us who would change our opinion after being educated on a given release.

But on the other hand, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" also comes into play as well. Some people will like a release, while others won't. However, at least for the ones who don't like the pq of a release will be consciously aware as to why it looks the way it does with said provided information.....even if their opinion doesn't change.

[Ken Brown]

Both 'Da Vinci Code' reviews have been updated! If anyone has any further info (or any further corrections to request), feel free to PM me directly. My apologies for confusing the intentional product of principle photography with a technically-inferior transfer

Thanks again for everyone's input in the matter -- it certainly made a difference in this situation! Please just refer to my earlier posts if a similar situation ever arises in the future. I have zero problem updating or altogether changing my reviews if it makes them more accurate. Just keep in mind I'm only human and factual errors are bound to slip through the cracks every once and a while

Thanks as always for posting!

[Kyo28]

Originally Posted by Ken Brown

I actually plan on updating the review as soon as I have some free time this week. My comments and descriptions will be similar, but the explanation and tone driving those comments will be quite different. I'll also bump up the score as well. I'm far more interested in having a reliable review that accurately reflects every aspect of a disc than in winning a debate

That's a very good and professional attitude right there! I've seen it happend many times that a reviewer (even professional ones) misunderstood certain aspects of a release and as such gave it notes that are too high or too low. After the facts are explained to them, they stubornly keep clining onto their original review. I wish more people would be like you, shove their ego aside and just adapt a review when need be.

[lgans316]

Kenneth Brown is amongst the few trustworthy reviewers. It's a shame to know the average video quality on the BD release.

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by Ken Brown

Ah, sorry... I should have clarified who I was directing my last post towards. My response wasn't in regards to your message, but aimed at the readers who initially were discussing this issue and my observations in the first place. Your information simply verified that I had missed something crucial in the course of writing my review (information that I appreciate you providing, if for no other reason than to settle the debate raging in this thread).

We appreciate insider presence on the site and try not to demand anything more from you guys than you already give

My apologies for being unclear!

No problem.
No answers from anyone to my above query?
Turns out, some scenes in the hospital room were shot on an F23 due to the Viper FilmStream being too noisy.

[thecroshow]

after reading the original review i was TERRIFIED of opening my copy of da vinci code after my order arrived. i watched it and loved it, a faithtful translation from theater to BD

i'd give PQ a 4 and AQ 3.5-4

[theboffer]

I just did this (Sunday afternoon). After submitting my code and email address it took maybe 10 second for the email to be sent to my Yahoo! account. It worked just fine.

I've read previous reviews and discussions regarding the disappointment of BD-Live and agreed with them. Why make people download something that should have been included on the disc that you've paid $20 to $30 (if it's a newer release) for via Amazon, Best Buy or wherever? My thinking is that if the content was any good it would have been included on the disc.

What's interesting to me regarding the Da Vinci Code bd-live features are:

1. You can sign up for the Sony Blu Ray club from the couch
2. You can then register your disc with them
3. It reminds you of the Angels and Demons preview
4. Gives you the option to download a red carpet premiere (not my thing though..)
5. Shows you some type of download manager to watch or view other bd-live content (haven't tried this yet)
6. Gives you some trailers for upcoming Sony releases

Now granted...it's not necessary groundbreaking stuff. You can join the Sony club and register from any PC but this should give you some hope that bigger and better things are upcoming. I wouldn't mind additional content to keep my disc "fresh" but how would I know that new content was out there to view? If I stuck my Transformers disc in would I/could I get some sneak peeks at the upcoming Transformers release?

Thoughts anyone?

[Ken Brown]

Originally Posted by Kyo28

That's a very good and professional attitude right there! I've seen it happend many times that a reviewer (even professional ones) misunderstood certain aspects of a release and as such gave it notes that are too high or too low. After the facts are explained to them, they stubornly keep clining onto their original review. I wish more people would be like you, shove their ego aside and just adapt a review when need be.

No problem. It's my pleasure

[t0nythebeat]

So I'm pretty sure my ticket code was in the wrapper?
And I seem to have thrown it away. So In my preparation of getting ready to watch "Angels & Deamons" at midnight tomorrow ... I'm pretty bummed out.

[seigneur_rayden]

Originally Posted by theboffer

I just did this (Sunday afternoon). After submitting my code and email address it took maybe 10 second for the email to be sent to my Yahoo! account. It worked just fine.

How did U enter the code? When I go to Bd-live. I see the place that "click here for movie cash". When I press enter on the remote, it does not work.

Help please.