Sony "Mastered in 4K" Blu-ray Titles May 14 and July 16

[HeavyHitter]

Originally Posted by kidglov3s

I feel like the way things are going Blu-ray is becoming Laserdisc and 4K BD would be like DVHS or MUSE Hi-Vision.

Seriously? Blu-ray has FAR surpassed laser disc and often accounts for close to 50% of new movie rentals.

Laser discs were not for sale in drug and grocery stores.

[kidglov3s]

Originally Posted by HeavyHitter

Seriously? Blu-ray has FAR surpassed laser disc and often accounts for close to 50% of new movie rentals.

Laser discs were not for sale in drug and grocery stores.

Not in terms of ubiquity (though I think it's heading there, the amount of mainstream catalog titles not being released to stores is steadily increasing), but in terms of public consciousness. Blu-ray is becoming more niche all the time. To the extent where there's only 3000 copies of Rollerball allotted for the entire world, and they can't even sell all of those yet. Laserdisc had a healthy life as an enthusiast format, and I see Blu-ray heading in that direction, certainly for catalog titles.

I think Blu-ray is becoming something that only crazy movie people are into, like LD was, and a 4K physical medium is going to be something that only crazy crazy movie people are into (like MUSE, DVHS). I think the mainstream is moving (well in many cases being pushed) more and more toward streaming and away from physical media all the time.

I think my perspective might be skewed because I'm much more concerned about catalog titles than recent releases. #stillbitterifeltstuckpaying$35forrollerball

[HeavyHitter]

Originally Posted by kidglov3s

Not in terms of ubiquity (though I think it's heading there, the amount of mainstream catalog titles not being released to stores is steadily increasing), but in terms of public consciousness. Blu-ray is becoming more niche all the time. To the extent where there's only 3000 copies of Rollerball allotted for the entire world, and they can't even sell all of those yet. Laserdisc had a healthy life as an enthusiast format, and I see Blu-ray heading in that direction, certainly for catalog titles.

I think Blu-ray is becoming something that only crazy movie people are into, like LD was, and a 4K physical medium is going to be something that only crazy crazy movie people are into (like MUSE, DVHS). I think the mainstream is moving (well in many cases being pushed) more and more toward streaming and away from physical media all the time.

I think my perspective might be skewed because I'm much more concerned about catalog titles than recent releases. #stillbitterifeltstuckpaying$35forrollerball

Blu-ray sales nor rental data do not support it becoming a niche.

Blu-ray sales have far surpassed that of LD.

I wouldn't use the questionable practices of Twilight Time for a small amount of titles as proof of anything other than price gouging and creating a false sense of limited demand, but that is another topic.

[harpolini]

I hope to keep seeing a rollout of MI4K discs on blu-ray. To me they are worth getting because they represent the peak of the 1080p format even as limited as 1080p is.

When 4K starts getting pushed harder, I hope they don't bypass a blu-ray release because they don't see the point, or start pushing out crappy quality blu-ray rush jobs like they do with the DVD's on the blu-ray combo packs. Will the future of blu-ray when 4K downloads are pushed more lead to the influx of DNR laced BD-25 discs as standard? Hope not.

Anyone hear any news if The Last Detail will get a MI4K release or a blu-ray release at all. Its the only title I would fork for 4K gear to see.

[Tony208]

I don't need to see the same special features multiple times so I'll take 4K if I had to choose.

[KubrickKurasawa]

Streaming seems all fantastic when you don't have a 55+ screen with a decent number of Blu-Rays and 5.1 speakers set up correctly, and can afford to buy your movies.

I don't know what the numbers on HDTV's sales are but I would be willing to gamble (all in) that more people have 40 inchers and below than 55 inchers and above. Also the 40 incher crowd has no 5.1 setup to truly enjoy a 5.1/6.1/7.1 experience compared to the 55 incher crowd and above.

So imho Blu-Ray is a little bit niche, because streaming doesn't require you to get off you sweet petunya, it only requires a remote or 2. A Blu-Ray requires you to go to a shelf and pick one out, and pop open the case and throw it in a player. People choose convenience over quality all to often (especially in the USA) look at Fast Food vs. Natural/Homeade food. Look at MP3 vs. Higher bit rate discs. Look at Blu Ray vs Streaming. Dumb and Lazy beats Complicated/Smart and active almost every time in the USA imo.

I love Blu-Ray and 5.1. Mi4K is the best of Blu-Ray, I just wish they had a steady amount of titles being released...it's been almost a year with the same 10 or so titles...lazy imo there too.

[Yojimbo68]

Originally Posted by KubrickKurasawa

Streaming seems all fantastic when you don't have a 55+ screen with a decent number of Blu-Rays and 5.1 speakers set up correctly, and can afford to buy your movies.

I don't know what the numbers on HDTV's sales are but I would be willing to gamble (all in) that more people have 40 inchers and below than 55 inchers and above. Also the 40 incher crowd has no 5.1 setup to truly enjoy a 5.1/6.1/7.1 experience compared to the 55 incher crowd and above.

So imho Blu-Ray is a little bit niche, because streaming doesn't require you to get off you sweet petunya, it only requires a remote or 2. A Blu-Ray requires you to go to a shelf and pick one out, and pop open the case and throw it in a player. People choose convenience over quality all to often (especially in the USA) look at Fast Food vs. Natural/Homeade food. Look at MP3 vs. Higher bit rate discs. Look at Blu Ray vs Streaming. Dumb and Lazy beats Complicated/Smart and active almost every time in the USA imo.

I love Blu-Ray and 5.1. Mi4K is the best of Blu-Ray, I just wish they had a steady amount of titles being released...it's been almost a year with the same 10 or so titles...lazy imo there too.

You're right. And I'll bet the rent money that most are also watching a lot of SD content and in the wrong aspect ratio on those TV's thinking it's HD because it's playing on a HD television. And probably using the crappy TV speakers, so lossless audio and all that jazz means nothing to them.

[Batmon77]

Originally Posted by KubrickKurasawa

So imho Blu-Ray is a little bit niche.

Yup. Its not catching fire as some fans have led themselves to believe.

[HeavyHitter]

Originally Posted by KubrickKurasawa

Streaming seems all fantastic when you don't have a 55+ screen with a decent number of Blu-Rays and 5.1 speakers set up correctly, and can afford to buy your movies.

I don't know what the numbers on HDTV's sales are but I would be willing to gamble (all in) that more people have 40 inchers and below than 55 inchers and above. Also the 40 incher crowd has no 5.1 setup to truly enjoy a 5.1/6.1/7.1 experience compared to the 55 incher crowd and above.

So imho Blu-Ray is a little bit niche, because streaming doesn't require you to get off you sweet petunya, it only requires a remote or 2. A Blu-Ray requires you to go to a shelf and pick one out, and pop open the case and throw it in a player. People choose convenience over quality all to often (especially in the USA) look at Fast Food vs. Natural/Homeade food. Look at MP3 vs. Higher bit rate discs. Look at Blu Ray vs Streaming. Dumb and Lazy beats Complicated/Smart and active almost every time in the USA imo.

I love Blu-Ray and 5.1. Mi4K is the best of Blu-Ray, I just wish they had a steady amount of titles being released...it's been almost a year with the same 10 or so titles...lazy imo there too.

Good points to be sure...especially about how dumb and lazy people have gotten.

[kidglov3s]

Originally Posted by HeavyHitter

Good points to be sure...especially about how dumb and lazy people have gotten.

I really think it would all be remedied with a Mastered in 4K release of 1776, with the 1972 theatrical, 1992 laserdisc and 2002 DVD cuts included along with a new all-inclusive cut...

Well it couldn't hurt.

[pro-bassoonist]

Originally Posted by kidglov3s

Not in terms of ubiquity (though I think it's heading there, the amount of mainstream catalog titles not being released to stores is steadily increasing), but in terms of public consciousness. Blu-ray is becoming more niche all the time. To the extent where there's only 3000 copies of Rollerball allotted for the entire world, and they can't even sell all of those yet. Laserdisc had a healthy life as an enthusiast format, and I see Blu-ray heading in that direction, certainly for catalog titles.

This statement is as accurate as the 'reality' that shoes are no longer mainstream because fewer and fewer shoe stores can be seen in malls across the country -- a lot of folks nowadays buy their shoes online.

Who said that there are only 3000 copies of Rollerball alloted for the entire world? The film has not been released YET in a different territory. There are a few people that would love to have you believe that unless they release a certain film then it is never coming to Blu-ray, but if there is one thing that has become absolutely certain during the last couple of years it is that anything can be released on Blu-ray. And it is all the time. Announcements such as the one for Death Bed: The Bed that Eats make this perfectly clear.

LD -- It had a long life because it did not have any of the competition Blu-ray has. And considering this competition, Blu-ray has had a much healthier life thus far.

Originally Posted by kidglov3s

I think Blu-ray is becoming something that only crazy movie people are into, like LD was, and a 4K physical medium is going to be something that only crazy crazy movie people are into (like MUSE, DVHS).

I feel the same way about smart phones, but people keep buying them. And they pay some pretty serious prices for them -- all the time.

Originally Posted by kidglov3s

I think the mainstream is moving (well in many cases being pushed) more and more toward streaming and away from physical media all the time.

I don't think so at all. The only 'mainstream' element is that people would love to have everything for FREE. It isn't happening. In America, there are hundreds of thousands of fast-food joints, and there just as many 'expensive' quality restaurants. I am fairly confident that there will always be people like me willing to pay for quality and own a physical copy of the films they love. And as long as there is demand, there will be supply.

Originally Posted by kidglov3s

I think my perspective might be skewed because I'm much more concerned about catalog titles than recent releases.

I think it is, too. Instead of worrying enjoy your collection and keep an eye on the great Blu-ray releases that are announced each week.

Pro-B

[eriaur]

Originally Posted by Yojimbo68

You're right. And I'll bet the rent money that most are also watching a lot of SD content and in the wrong aspect ratio on those TV's thinking it's HD because it's playing on a HD television. And probably using the crappy TV speakers, so lossless audio and all that jazz means nothing to them.

In a joint effort, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and DEG: The Digital Entertainment Group today announced the release of an educational video created to help consumer electronics (CE) retailers explain the benefits of Ultra High-Definition Television (Ultra HDTV) to consumers and ultimately drive sales of this exciting new technology.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUcs_tjnDj0

CEA Release Educational Video to Boost 4K Ultra HD TV

[kidglov3s]

Originally Posted by pro-bassoonist

This statement is as accurate as the 'reality' that shoes are no longer mainstream because fewer and fewer shoe stores can be seen in malls across the country -- a lot of folks nowadays buy their shoes online.

Who said that there are only 3000 copies of Rollerball alloted for the entire world? The film has not been released YET in a different territory. There are a few people that would love to have you believe that unless they release a certain film then it is never coming to Blu-ray, but if there is one thing that has become absolutely certain during the last couple of years it is that anything can be released on Blu-ray. And it is all the time. Announcements such as the one for Death Bed: The Bed that Eats make this perfectly clear.

That was kinda my point. In the absence of any alternative the first release of Rollerball on Blu-ray in the whole world, famous popular well-liked movie Rollerball, has less than 3000 buyers up front. I hope it's just because so many people are saying "**** you Twilight Time, ripoff artists", rather than yknow, "Who cares about Rollerball on Blu-ray".

And as long as there is demand, there will be supply.

I hope so. I hate the thought of not having some kind of top tier physical media option, and I also hate the thought of having to pay a super premium price for it. I guess for so long the anecdotes were "Well in the dark old days of laserdisc it was $100 for that CAV Criterion set of Pulp Fiction, now the Miramax SE DVD is just $15", and now it's "I paid $8 for Demons 2 in 2007 on DVD, but Don May wants me to pay $50". Doesn't sit well with me.

I think it is, too. Instead of worrying enjoy your collection and keep an eye on the great Blu-ray releases that are announced each week.

Pro-B

Thank you for your thoughts, I appreciate your insight.

[Andrew-Kenneth]

Originally Posted by I KEEL YOU

I've double dipped many times in order to get better quality. But those were with picture qualities that were 3, maybe even 4 out of 5. The point of upgrading something that is already 5 out of 5 is beyond me.

It's hard for me to believe that there are people out there who can watch the first releases of Taxi Driver and LoA and say "You know, this just doesn't look quite good enough". It blows my mind.

I'm not advising anyone to double-dip these titles. (LoA & Taxi Driver)
However with the MI4K versions out now, I also can't advise first time buyers to settle for the regular versions anymore.

Taxi Driver (MI4K) was reviewed on this site. The MI4K version was said to : "enjoy (...) an ever-so-slightly deeper, more accurate, more vibrant palette. The transfer also enjoys a higher bitrate which helps in revealing the absolute finest little nuanced details and colors and grain elements to look just a tad bit sharper, more pronounced, and more natural than the previous release."

The blu-ray.com reviewer concluded that : "this release does offer a marginally improved picture, but not so much that it warrants an upgrade save for the wealthiest and most demanding videophiles who must see Taxi Driver in the very finest presentation currently available."

Fair enough; but first time buyers interested in watching Taxi Driver in "an ever-so-slightly deeper, more accurate, more vibrant palette with the absolute finest little nuanced details and colors and grain elements looking just a tad bit sharper, more pronounced, and more natural than the previous release" should give the MI4K edition a chance.

With LoA, there seem to be no reviews of the MI4K version available. (nor comparison screenshots)

It also does not help that the customer reviews on amazon.jp are so hard to read. (being in japanese and all) When you run them through a translation program (like Babelfish) they start to make a bit more sense : "this BD is splendor, like forget such a thing. Normal Edition also was quite high-quality, but truly high definition, stereoscopic, color splendor of another dimension. ロレンスファン thought essential. "

[I KEEL YOU]

Originally Posted by kidglov3s

I think Blu-ray is becoming something that only crazy movie people are into, like LD was, and a 4K physical medium is going to be something that only crazy crazy movie people are into (like MUSE, DVHS).

It's still a niche format compared to DVD, but I wouldn't go as far as to compare it with LD and such. There are way more blu rays in stores than I remember laserdiscs.

Also, WAY more people have a blu ray player than had a LD player back in the day. If not a stand alone blu ray player, then possibly a PS3/PS4/X-BONE/PC.

[YodasFootPowder]

Originally Posted by HeavyHitter

I think a lot of it depends on your eyes, calibration, and screen size whether you see a difference or not.

That, I have no doubt of. I, along with most people, will never own a one hundred inch projection screen, so the 4k remasters are likely less worth it for us.

[BillWatkins]

So I noticed the initial Blu-ray release of some of the new films from the last year or so (After Earth, American Hustle, Captain Phillips, Elysium, Grown Ups 2, Monuments Men, Smurfs 2, This is the End) are already 'Mastered in 4K', with the brand appearing on the back cover rather than on the front. Is Sony doing this now for all of their new release films or just for the high profile ones?

I'm asking because after seeing The Raid 2 in theaters, I'm hoping it's initial Blu-ray release is one of the 'Mastered in 4K' ones.

[Tech-UK]

Originally Posted by BillWatkins

So I noticed the initial Blu-ray release of some of the new films from the last year or so (After Earth, American Hustle, Captain Phillips, Elysium, Grown Ups 2, Monuments Men, Smurfs 2, This is the End) are already 'Mastered in 4K', with the brand appearing on the back cover rather than on the front. Is Sony doing this now for all of their new release films or just for the high profile ones?

I'm asking because after seeing The Raid 2 in theaters, I'm hoping it's initial Blu-ray release is one of the 'Mastered in 4K' ones.

Not too sure if its all new releases, but even though they carry the 'Mastered in 4K' title, they don't feature maxed out video bitrates i.e. above 30Mbps like the range of 'Mi4K' releases.

But they do all feature x.v.Colour.

[rickah88]

Originally Posted by BillWatkins

So I noticed the initial Blu-ray release of some of the new films from the last year or so (After Earth, American Hustle, Captain Phillips, Elysium, Grown Ups 2, Monuments Men, Smurfs 2, This is the End) are already 'Mastered in 4K', with the brand appearing on the back cover rather than on the front. Is Sony doing this now for all of their new release films or just for the high profile ones?

I'm asking because after seeing The Raid 2 in theaters, I'm hoping it's initial Blu-ray release is one of the 'Mastered in 4K' ones.

Originally Posted by Tech-UK

Not too sure if its all new releases, but even though they carry the 'Mastered in 4K' title, they don't feature maxed out video bitrates i.e. above 30Mbps like the range of 'Mi4K' releases.

But they do all feature x.v.Colour.

Just to add to Tech-UK's post, to date every Mi4K release has had no extra features. No way to tell if that would be the case with future "new releases", but for those that enjoy bonus content, it's something to think about.

[Tech-UK]

I forgot to mention that if the film did not receive a 4K master, then it will not be eligible to become a 'Mastered in 4K' release.

From the specs on IMDB, The Raid 2 only got a 2K DI.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2265171/...ef_=tt_dt_spec