New Disney titles for 2012 (Rescuers Aristocats Pocahontas etc.) !

[Ernest Rister]

Originally Posted by MJW

Can anyone confirm in The Rescuers Down Under was sourced digitally for the Blu-ray? It was the first CAPS film, but from the review screenshots it looks like there is grain. I don't dislike grain, but I was hoping the sequel would be sourced from the original files, if available, much like the other 90's Disney films on Blu-ray.

You just read my mind.

[miniroll32]

Originally Posted by MJW

Can anyone confirm in The Rescuers Down Under was sourced digitally for the Blu-ray? It was the first CAPS film, but from the review screenshots it looks like there is grain. I don't dislike grain, but I was hoping the sequel would be sourced from the original files, if available, much like the other 90's Disney films on Blu-ray.

It was CAPS, but the source is film.

[Ernest Rister]

Originally Posted by miniroll32

It was CAPS, but the source is film.

Again?

Well, guess I dial down my excitement for the release, because I've been waiting for a digital-to-digital transfer for the movie since they began using the tech for DVD over 12 years ago.

I have to say, though, those screen grabs for RDU look stunning compared to the last "Gold Collection" DVD from 1999 or so.

[Lnds500]

I don't know what to make of the Rescuers Down Under. It's clean but there's definitely something in the picture.. It doesn't look like grain like we're used to it. Maybe it's digital grain?

It's definitely much better than the old DVd and I didn't notice problems like aliasing or scratches etc..

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by Lnds500

I don't know what to make of the Rescuers Down Under. It's clean but there's definitely something in the picture.. It doesn't look like grain like we're used to it. Maybe it's digital grain?

It's definitely much better than the old DVd and I didn't notice problems like aliasing or scratches etc..

yeah I agree with you - it's not as crisp but still looks great

[MJW]

Is it at all possible that since this was the first CAPS film, and up until then they had never relied on digital masters, that Disney discarded and no longer has the digital files?

You would think it would be easier to source from the digital file than to scan film. I would like to beleive there was a reason behind the choice rather than assuming they were being "lazy."

[Ernest Rister]

Originally Posted by MJW

Is it at all possible that since this was the first CAPS film, and up until then they had never relied on digital masters, that Disney discarded and no longer has the digital files?

You would think it would be easier to source from the digital file than to scan film. I would like to beleive there was a reason behind the choice rather than assuming they were being "lazy."

I don't think Disney is "lazy" (hardly) but the good people are given a budget and they have to make do with what they're given. Frankly, I don't know how expensive it is to source a new Blu-Ray from 22-year-old CAPS files, re-color-time it, etc., but I imagine money - not sloth - would be the reason for not returning to digital source for the film (if that is indeed what has happened).

[Bk_Tan]

Using decade old extras is not lazy, not at all.

[zoodermin]

I have to say that, based on these reviews, I'm very satisfied with the treatment Disney has given to these titles. Sure the bonus material is scarce in all of them but as long as they give me quality transfers and good sound, I can overlook that. I'm very happy with the results for Pocahontas, The Aristocats, The Rescuers Down Under and especially The Rescuers which had a horrible (and I mean HORRIBLE) DVD transfer and now has a very good upgrade. I can't wait for them to arrive on Tuesday!

[bookcase]

Originally Posted by zoodermin

Ok, I just read the reviews and I'm pleased with the scores Ken Brown gave the films. The only thing I disagree with is the rating for Pocahontas which is a personal favorite but aside from that they seem to be very worthwhile releases. Even Aristocats which was the center of controversy a while back has "stunning" picture, so everything is good.

Same here. I adore Pocahontas and remember when it was shown in Central Park during its premiere.

[Lnds500]

Originally Posted by MJW

Is it at all possible that since this was the first CAPS film, and up until then they had never relied on digital masters, that Disney discarded and no longer has the digital files?

You would think it would be easier to source from the digital file than to scan film. I would like to beleive there was a reason behind the choice rather than assuming they were being "lazy."

Yeah but from where did they create the film master? And some CG models I checked did not show aliasing which means they had them re-rendered.

[gonzo_fool]

So I've been watching the Looney Tunes Platinum Collection recently and while I know they're a different vintage, it still pains me to see how much grain has been taken out of The Aristocats. And unlike other Disney "restorations", the image looks way too soft. I have to strongly disagree with the 5 star rating; it looks more like a 3 or 2.5 just from those screen caps (and I find screen caps to be GREAT indicators of how the image will look in motion on my TV).

I have to say though, The Rescuers and The Rescuers Down Under both look really good. The Rescuers looks like it has some good grain and sharpness considering it's age (really glad they didn't blast it with DNR or used it judiciously). Down Under definitely looks like it's been print sourced as opposed to a digital source but, aside from the colors being a bit dull, it also looks darn good. Glad I used the $8 off coupon from Amazon a while back; now if they'd price match Best Buy everything will be gravy.

[Pyoko]

Overall I feel the quality has definitely taken a turn for the worse lately. Rescuers Down Under is clearly not a digital-to-digital transfer. The Rescuers is far from a Lowry restoration, in fact it seems fairly untouched, which would have been fine by me but it doesn't look like a particularly recent scan. The Aristocats look like they tried to do emulate the Lowry look but without doing the higher quality 4K scan beforehand hence the blurriness. Even the digital movies like Tarzan and Home on the Range seem to have been dumped straight from whatever HD master they had, complete with existing artifacts.

Most of them aren't bad, just not very impressive. Pocahontas is the only title that really seems to fully live up to the expectations and potential.

[hedliniv]

Animation should not have grain. Cheap film scans without restoration produce grain. Almost makes me want to skip these releases because I do not want to support Fox and the Hound type releases.

[Lnds500]

I definitely prefer The Rescuers' restoration in comparison to the Aristocats. the minute i watched it I thought "if Aristocats looked like this, it would be perfect". No need to cry foul over that one. It's the sequel that's gotten me upset. How long should we wait for a digital transfer?

[disneyfreak]

Originally Posted by hedliniv

Animation should not have grain. Cheap film scans without restoration produce grain. Almost makes me want to skip these releases because I do not want to support Fox and the Hound type releases.

All older movies have grain unless you have a digital transfer, you can't help it, of course you don't want it to be distracting, but I would much rather have a little bit of grain than have them mess with painting over details while trying to clean up movies to look like they're brand new.

[sprindale]

Originally Posted by iScottie

All of these will be available for $22.99 at Best Buy and I'm going to assume that this price will work for both DVD and Blu-Ray packaging.

We also get $10 off when we buy 2 of them so I'd say that's a pretty good deal

Amazon also has the "Buy 2 Get $10 off" deal. I just saw it on the Rescuers Amazon page. It's the same 6 movies shown on the slip cover mentioned earlier. I wonder if you can get this deal if you've already pre-ordered with the $8 off coupons.

[zoodermin]

Originally Posted by Lnds500

I definitely prefer The Rescuers' restoration in comparison to the Aristocats. the minute i watched it I thought "if Aristocats looked like this, it would be perfect". No need to cry foul over that one. It's the sequel that's gotten me upset. How long should we wait for a digital transfer?

Unfortunately, I fear it will be a very very long wait.

[hedliniv]

This is where we disagree. I LOVE how Disney restored all of the classics - this latest batch that has had little to no effort spent on them are true disappointments....when the artists drew the frames there was not grain. Grain is not a part of animation - it is an issue that was added due to the film medium. Not desired but residual due to no choice (in the past) now that they can eliminate it, they should. Please remember this statement is directed towards animation only and not films in general. I do respect a light detail grain in most films.

Originally Posted by disneyfreak

All older movies have grain unless you have a digital transfer, you can't help it, of course you don't want it to be distracting, but I would much rather have a little bit of grain than have them mess with painting over details while trying to clean up movies to look like they're brand new.

[Ernest Rister]

Originally Posted by hedliniv

Animation should not have grain. Cheap film scans without restoration produce grain. Almost makes me want to skip these releases because I do not want to support Fox and the Hound type releases.

Of course animated films have grain -- those shot on actual film, that is. Grain gives life and density to static backgrounds, for instance. The original look of Bambi, in particular, is a perfect example of how grain added to classic animation.