Total Recall (1990)

[evilzedar]

Originally Posted by DJJez

its annoying hmvs shipping has gone to shit just as I pre ordered everything i want from with 20% discount if they stay like this, when all my pre orders are sent out i will be switching to another major retailer instead

Yep, I'm only keeping my orders with them cause they are 20% off.

[McCrutchy]

It's funny how you guys all have the same complaint about HMV, but I've had this ordered with Chariots of Fire since 4 July and I only got a shipping notice tonight from Amazon. I sometimes wish that they would send out their international pre-orders as early as HMV does with the domestics, but then again, I can see there being problems with those who like to cancel at the last minute--like myself--so...

[Hussun1]

Some pics of the steelbook:

[amoergosum]

Review >>>

Video

I first reviewed Total Recall on Blu-ray back in 2008 in the form of Optimum's (as they were then known) VC-1 encoded disc. At the time I was very enthusiastic about the image quality, largely because high-definition was still in its infancy and standards weren't what they are today. It was such a major step up from any of the previous DVDs that I gave it a very positive review, and while I stand by that opinion things have obviously moved on since 2008 – as has my understanding of what constitutes a good image – so it's not unreasonable to expect more from this release.

So how does this new effort stack up against the old one? Well those of you expecting a dramatic increase in the level of detail are going to be disappointed, because things are generally the same across both versions. However, the new edition definitely has the upper hand in most other areas. For one thing, grain isn’t as clumpy as the old release, so the viewing experience is more ‘cinematic’ than ever before. I performed some very quick, unscientific comparisons between the two and I now suspect that noise reduction was employed on the old release to remove some of the heavier grain, before the image was artificially sharpened to offset the effect. The newer release doesn’t exhibit any particularly obvious signs of this sort of tampering, and indeed the grain is actually heavier throughout (particularly in scenes that utilise rear-projection, such as the video walls in Quaid’s house).

Another major improvement – perhaps the major improvement come to think of it – is the colour rendition. As much of an improvement over the DVDs as the older Blu-ray was, this new version is yet another leap forward. Although not particularly egregious the colours and overall contrast of the old BD (and UK Special Edition DVD come to that) are incongruent with most other home releases of the film. At times the image is entirely too bright and at others the contrast is quite flat, resulting in some sickly flesh tones. Thankfully this release remedies that and the palette is now far more natural, while brightness and contrast have also been improved. On VHS and (to a lesser extent) DVD the prominent Martian reds bled terribly, and while the older BD didn’t suffer from this problem the reds were actually more of an orange hue and were a little too vibrant. Thankfully they have now been restored to their original glory, just as Verhoeven intended (and anecdotal evidence suggests he had pretty strong opinions about the use of red in the film).

The image is pretty clean for the most part, with only the odd film artefact popping up now and again. If any noise reduction was applied it was done so judiciously and digital nasties like edge enhancement are nowhere to be seen. Actually, truth be told I did spot some minor banding in one or two scenes but other than that the compression is solid enough. Comparing it to the older disc also reveals slight differences in image geometry, but they’re nothing to get worked up about. Overall this is a respectable catalogue release that offers the best looking version of the film yet available on a home format. Sure the differences are subtle and I can see the general public shrugging their shoulders and wondering why we have yet another version of the film on Blu-ray, but enthusiasts will (hopefully) be appreciative.

Source:
http://www.dvdactive.com/reviews/dvd...l-edition.html

[Ben_UK]

Its a shame we won't be getting an "unrated" cut, I kinda thought this release was the one chance of it happening, but I guess it won't ever happen.

Seems strange though, as Verhoven put out his unrated version of Robocop...

[McCrutchy]

Originally Posted by Ben_UK

Its a shame we won't be getting an "unrated" cut, I kinda thought this release was the one chance of it happening, but I guess it won't ever happen.

Seems strange though, as Verhoven put out his unrated version of Robocop...

If I recall correctly, the trimmed footage is now considered lost.

[geoffc]

The status of my order with Amazon.co.uk has been on 'Dispatching Soon' since Saturday - does anyone else use them and as its my first order with them for discs - is it always like this?

[evilzedar]

Postman been and gone, still no Steel from HMV - was dispatched 5 days ago.

[Frasr]

Originally Posted by McCrutchy

If I recall correctly, the trimmed footage is now considered lost.

I see what you did there

[webmangti]

Originally Posted by geoffc

The status of my order with Amazon.co.uk has been on 'Dispatching Soon' since Saturday - does anyone else use them and as its my first order with them for discs - is it always like this?

They sent my one out on Saturday which surprised me. Every CD or DVD/Blu I've preordered from them before has been sent on the day of release.

[Justin101]

Originally Posted by evilzedar

Postman been and gone, still no Steel from HMV - was dispatched 5 days ago.

Same... If I didn't get it for £12.80 I'd be a lot more annoyed.

Pics of the steel look great, can't wait to get mine!

[Kwebbotaurus]

Originally Posted by evilzedar

Postman been and gone, still no Steel from HMV - was dispatched 5 days ago.

I won't know if mine has turned up until I get home from work, but unless yours was dispatched Tuesday, it's 4 (Royal Mail) working days.

If when it does turn up it has the TNT stamp on it, complain to HMV about using them, stressing that if they continue to use them for that size item (they have been using TNT for box sets for years) you will move your orders elsewhere.

[geoffc]

Originally Posted by webmangti

They sent my one out on Saturday which surprised me. Every CD or DVD/Blu I've preordered from them before has been sent on the day of release.

Have you received yours yet? I opted for first class delivery at checkout.

Just had a conversation with them via 'Chat' - can't say I'm very impressed-at first they said it hadn't been dispatched yet, then when I pointed out that my card was debited on Saturday that it had!

Bottom line appears to be their fulfillment centre hasn't updated order status as they should have.

Have to say though it doesn't inspire much confidence - the list of reliable online retailers is getting shorter and shorter - think I'll use Play.com next time!

[Blu MacReady]

Originally Posted by Justin101

Same... If I didn't get it for £12.80 I'd be a lot more annoyed.

Pics of the steel look great, can't wait to get mine!

+1. Agree, still see this for £17 minimum most places, so can wait as paid £12.80

[webmangti]

Originally Posted by geoffc

Have you received yours yet? I opted for first class delivery at checkout.

Just had a conversation with them via 'Chat' - can't say I'm very impressed-at first they said it hadn't been dispatched yet, then when I pointed out that my card was debited on Saturday that it had!

Bottom line appears to be their fulfillment centre hasn't updated order status as they should have.

Have to say though it doesn't inspire much confidence - the list of reliable online retailers is getting shorter and shorter - think I'll use Play.com next time!

The post hasn't been yet. Hopefully it will show up today. I've never dealt with their customer service so can't comment on them. If you were charged it should be on it's way. Hopefully it will arrive today for you.

I've had problems with virtually every online retailer. I stick with Amazon purely because they've messed up the least. I once ordered the blu-ray of Neil Youngs Archives (at £170) and Play sent it to my Uncle. His address wasn't linked to my account in any way and they refused to explain why. Had something similar with Zavvi recently too.

[Frasr]

well HMV posted mine last Wednesday, so I can't blame them for it not arriving yet. damn royal mail

[geoffc]

To be honest in my case I think Amazon don't know whether its been dispatched or not!! Laughable!

Frankly I wish I didn't have to use online as much - but trouble is especially with 3D releases the likes of ASDA/Tesco don't stock much and prices are high if they do.

Also I am suspicious of the the likes of Play/HMV etc that say its been dispatched on a wednesday and item doesn't show up till following tuesday - how do we KNOW its been dispatched for sure - we've only their word, chances are the order has been processed - but some aren't sent out till friday maybe

[alien2010]

I still haven't received mine yet, and it was dispatched on Wednesday afternoon. If it wasn't for the fact that I've pre-ordered this item for £12.80 and a few things other things with the 20% discount voucher, I would cancel all my pre-order and go to another retailer.

[webmangti]

HMV do that with game preorders. You get charged and you're told that the package will be held for delivery until the day of release.

My copy has just arrived.

[Socko]

Mine was dispatched on saturday from amazon.co.uk. It has to cross the sea.
I hope to have it wednesday.