Star Wars: The Complete Saga (1977-2005)

[BozQ]

Sigh. Yes, it was Star Wars that started the whole THX Standard thing and all that. But "best audio" doesn't necessarily mean it has to be 7.1.

Anyone can create a 7.1 soundtrack and make it sound completely awful. If you must know, Star Wars Episode I was one of the very first (if not THE first) to introduce Dolby Digital EX, a Matrix 6.1 soundtrack back in 1999. So if it's anything, this Blu-ray release has preserved the original mix of the prequels at least. And it's enough to blow any of my friends' senses away.

7. 1 never really gained any ground until last year, and even still, the format is still not very popular. Only films with very extensive budgets have engineered 7.1 soundtracks. But we still have tons of 5.1 soundtracks that can easily earn five star ratings all over.

So it doesn't matter if Star Wars is "only" in 6.1. It's enough to make everyone drool.

[Riddler95]

Originally Posted by BozQ

Sigh. Yes, it was Star Wars that started the whole THX Standard thing and all that. But "best audio" doesn't necessarily mean it has to be 7.1.

Anyone can create a 7.1 soundtrack and make it sound completely awful. If you must know, Star Wars Episode I was one of the very first (if not THE first) to introduce Dolby Digital EX, a Matrix 6.1 soundtrack back in 1999. So if it's anything, this Blu-ray release has preserved the original mix of the prequels at least. And it's enough to blow any of my friends' senses away.

7. 1 never really gained any ground until last year, and even still, the format is still not very popular. Only films with very extensive budgets have engineered 7.1 soundtracks. But we still have tons of 5.1 soundtracks that can easily earn five star ratings all over.

So it doesn't matter if Star Wars is "only" in 6.1. It's enough to make everyone drool.

I agree with 7.1 not being very popular. I don't see the point of 7.1. I don't think that it is necessary to have two extra speakers in the back. However if you have a very large room then maybe it is necessary. Luckily 7.1 Signals can be down mixed into 6.1 or 5.1 Signals. Another thing I don't understand is why studios take older Mono films and remix them into a 7.1 Mix.

I fully support 6.1 Audio, I think that it is good enough. But then again most Blu-Ray Releases offer only 5.1 Audio.

[gettodamoofies]

Originally Posted by Riddler95

I agree with 7.1 not being very popular. I don't see the point of 7.1. I don't think that it is necessary to have two extra speakers in the back. However if you have a very large room then maybe it is necessary. Luckily 7.1 Signals can be down mixed into 6.1 or 5.1 Signals. Another thing I don't understand is why studios take older Mono films and remix them into a 7.1 Mix.

I fully support 6.1 Audio, I think that it is good enough. But then again most Blu-Ray Releases offer only 5.1 Audio.

Someone would have said the same of Blu-ray resolution 10 years ago.

7.1 is in fact quite popular and in any room of a decent size and well set up will result in a very well-rounded soundfield - one that makes a very noticeable and obvious difference. 5.1 may be fine for most but anyone experiencing 7.1 in a well set up room would notice a major change in the precision of the sound emanating from the rear channels. A sound effect swirling around the room will sound exactly like that - a circle - as opposed to a spotty placement around the rear in comparison to the relatively smooth pan across the front soundstage.

As for mono to multi-channel mixes, well, some are done well and some are done not-so-well. Original mixes are always a must but there are times where multi-channel mixes have done wonders in separating the various layers of a mix and offering afforded clarity as a result.

As for Star Wars, well anyone arguing 6.1 is not good enough hasn't heard the mixes.

[El_Jay]

Ok, seriously... how is this possibly still a sticky topic?

I could see letting it get to 2000 for a nice round number but this has got to end. It came out almost 3 months ago.

[deedub35]

Fair enough. The 6.1 DTS HD MA does sound phenomenal. Having the two rear speakers play the same channel as opposed to having two discrete channels isn't that big of a deal.

But the lack of a THX Optimizer? Seriously, how much room on the BD would that require?

George Lucas created THX so that all theatres would play ROTJ to spec. So why not give home theaters the ability to make sure their system is to spec?

[ViktorL]

Is there any reason to get the complete saga instead of the triologies on their own?

[Donat96]

Originally Posted by ViktorL

Is there any reason to get the complete saga instead of the triologies on their own?

The 3 bonus discs are only in The Complete Saga set.

[frogmort]

Originally Posted by Donat96

The 3 bonus discs are only in The Complete Saga set.

This. If you like Star Wars extras, you have to get the Complete Saga.

[frogmort]

I generally prefer 7.1 audio, but Phantom Menace's 6.1 audio is one of the best I've ever heard. I don't even think AotC is quite as good.

For the people that don't like 6.1 or 7.1 on disc, why?
You are not losing any sound info on a 5.1 system, it is just folded into the 5.1 mix, but with less dimensionality. Conversely, if you are watching a 5.1 movie on a 7.1 system, you can extrapolate the extra channels using PLIIx, or other brands, while retaining the HD sound quality.

[BozQ]

Originally Posted by Riddler95

I agree with 7.1 not being very popular. I don't see the point of 7.1. I don't think that it is necessary to have two extra speakers in the back. However if you have a very large room then maybe it is necessary. Luckily 7.1 Signals can be down mixed into 6.1 or 5.1 Signals. Another thing I don't understand is why studios take older Mono films and remix them into a 7.1 Mix.

I fully support 6.1 Audio, I think that it is good enough. But then again most Blu-Ray Releases offer only 5.1 Audio.

Originally Posted by atexp80

Someone would have said the same of Blu-ray resolution 10 years ago.

7.1 is in fact quite popular and in any room of a decent size and well set up will result in a very well-rounded soundfield - one that makes a very noticeable and obvious difference. 5.1 may be fine for most but anyone experiencing 7.1 in a well set up room would notice a major change in the precision of the sound emanating from the rear channels. A sound effect swirling around the room will sound exactly like that - a circle - as opposed to a spotty placement around the rear in comparison to the relatively smooth pan across the front soundstage.

As for mono to multi-channel mixes, well, some are done well and some are done not-so-well. Original mixes are always a must but there are times where multi-channel mixes have done wonders in separating the various layers of a mix and offering afforded clarity as a result.

As for Star Wars, well anyone arguing 6.1 is not good enough hasn't heard the mixes.

Originally Posted by deedub35

Fair enough. The 6.1 DTS HD MA does sound phenomenal. Having the two rear speakers play the same channel as opposed to having two discrete channels isn't that big of a deal.

But the lack of a THX Optimizer? Seriously, how much room on the BD would that require?

George Lucas created THX so that all theatres would play ROTJ to spec. So why not give home theaters the ability to make sure their system is to spec?

Originally Posted by frogmort

I generally prefer 7.1 audio, but Phantom Menace's 6.1 audio is one of the best I've ever heard. I don't even think AotC is quite as good.

For the people that don't like 6.1 or 7.1 on disc, why?
You are not losing any sound info on a 5.1 system, it is just folded into the 5.1 mix, but with less dimensionality. Conversely, if you are watching a 5.1 movie on a 7.1 system, you can extrapolate the extra channels using PLIIx, or other brands, while retaining the HD sound quality.

I need to clarify a few things here. First, 7.1 setups may be popular among us Blu-ray owners, but I can't quite say the same with cinemas. A large majority are still on 5.1 systems and very few are willing to upgrade with minimal returns in their box office sales. Cinemas can't charge a few dollars extra for a 7.1 soundtrack over 5.1.

In contrast, this is unlike 3D films. Audio, unlike visual (unfortunately) is not too easy a feature to justify a higher ticket price. I'm sure all of you can relate to this very easily with the sudden explosion of 3D films. And this is also why we have lots of rubbish post conversion 3D films today. It's hardly about art and more of artificially inflating ticket sales and cinemas are quick to upgrade to 3D projections.

And all of this also don't help when very few film productions ever consider mixing in 7.1. I understand your concerns and anxieties about justifying your 7.1 home theatre setups. And I certainly don't hate the format. I love what 7.1 can offer. But there are certain facts we have to accept. And that is 7.1 soundtracks won't be able to overshadow the legacy left behind by nearly 20 years of 5.1.

What I implore everybody to do now is to drop this idea that 7.1 is the best in audio quality. Like I've said before, anybody can create a 7.1 soundtrack. Hell! Anybody can go as crazy as 14.2 or more! Digital technology allows creative minds to go that far. But even then, a lousy 7.1 soundtrack is a lousy one.

Quality over quantity. The two are not exclusive to each other. Star Wars was the first to pioneer 6.1 and Lord of the Rings was one of the lasts before films defaulted back to 5.1. But 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1, we remember them for something so much greater than just the audio format it was in. I'd take a film that thrills and entertains before I get bothered by a film that is not in 7.1.

[Slaveknight]

One Thing for sure. Star Wars has the most impressive AQ for me as of the moment. Saving Private Ryan or maybe Harry Potter Deathly Hallows pt. 2 does the job, but Star Wars light sabers and blast lasers are just impressive to hear.

[Brightstar]

Originally Posted by Slaveknight

One Thing for sure. Star Wars has the most impressive AQ for me as of the moment. Saving Private Ryan or maybe Harry Potter Deathly Hallows pt. 2 does the job, but Star Wars light sabers and blast lasers are just impressive to hear.

I agree with you on that one but ROTS has the best PQ out of all six films.

[Slaveknight]

Originally Posted by joliefan

I agree with you on that one but ROTS has the best PQ out of all six films.

Absolutely, I think I might say all of the six films are digitally remastered better this time around. Some are complaining bout the digital noise reduction here especially the prequels (maybe they are just concerned bout the textures ) but I think it works good for me. Absolutely a fantastic transfer btw.

[Uxi]

I thought the picture in RotJ was amazing, as well as ROTS

[P@t_Mtl]

I think all 6 movies have great picture quality but that is just my personal opinion.

[s2mikey]

Originally Posted by joliefan

I agree with you on that one but ROTS has the best PQ out of all six films.

It was also easily the best looking DVD so this makes sense.

[peterraes]

Originally Posted by BozQ

I need to clarify a few things here. First, 7.1 setups may be popular among us Blu-ray owners, but I can't quite say the same with cinemas. A large majority are still on 5.1 systems and very few are willing to upgrade with minimal returns in their box office sales. Cinemas can't charge a few dollars extra for a 7.1 soundtrack over 5.1.

In contrast, this is unlike 3D films. Audio, unlike visual (unfortunately) is not too easy a feature to justify a higher ticket price. I'm sure all of you can relate to this very easily with the sudden explosion of 3D films. And this is also why we have lots of rubbish post conversion 3D films today. It's hardly about art and more of artificially inflating ticket sales and cinemas are quick to upgrade to 3D projections.

And all of this also don't help when very few film productions ever consider mixing in 7.1. I understand your concerns and anxieties about justifying your 7.1 home theatre setups. And I certainly don't hate the format. I love what 7.1 can offer. But there are certain facts we have to accept. And that is 7.1 soundtracks won't be able to overshadow the legacy left behind by nearly 20 years of 5.1.

What I implore everybody to do now is to drop this idea that 7.1 is the best in audio quality. Like I've said before, anybody can create a 7.1 soundtrack. Hell! Anybody can go as crazy as 14.2 or more! Digital technology allows creative minds to go that far. But even then, a lousy 7.1 soundtrack is a lousy one.

Quality over quantity. The two are not exclusive to each other. Star Wars was the first to pioneer 6.1 and Lord of the Rings was one of the lasts before films defaulted back to 5.1. But 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1, we remember them for something so much greater than just the audio format it was in. I'd take a film that thrills and entertains before I get bothered by a film that is not in 7.1.

my set up is 5.2...i dont need another 1 or 2 "surround back",the walls are 4 meters apart,i have dipole's and i get a great effect right behind me without even beeing a speaker there...what i do find verry important is 2 subwoofers in the room,one front and the other one rear...my Yamaha sends the -80HZ siganls from the front 3 speakers to the front sub(middle room,just slightly back from the front speakers)and the rear sub for the surrounds...
i dont have a clue why the industry hasnt jumped on this yet....5.1...6.1 or 7.1 does NOT satisfy me,diverting all the sub 80hz info to just 1 sub....it never worked in the first place...i challenge annyone with a set of speakers that are engineerd to 80hz flat to listen to 5.2 and not be amazed,it is a WORLD of difference,i do not have that booming sound since the sub only needs to take 3 speakers front and the other 2 rear,and its own LFE channnel,the bass is so much better.
now it can work with just 1 sub..but.....the only way this would is that you have a full range set of speakers,i do mean 20hz each one at least!
sets like that,good quality ones from Kef or B & W cost ten thousands ....wich i cannot afford tbh...
anothe rpossible way is 3 front are full range and the rears not,no problem with this to sound good,since the sub only has to do 2 speakers...but 5 or more,nope,awfull bass to my ears,but then yeah,i'm spoiled by having 2 subs...

[BozQ]

Don't forget, most films are meant to be presented in cinemas first. Having two LFE Channels is going to be an even bigger challenge than having additional discreet satellite channels. We are looking at near two decades of legacy that began with Dolby Digital 5.1.

Besides, 5.2 has a bigger effect in homes than in cinemas. Most good cinemas are equipped with powerful full range speakers and a giant subwoofer.

[KS76]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

I think all 6 movies have great picture quality but that is just my personal opinion.

I agree, I'm loving the picture quality and of course the audio on all 6 films

[Slaveknight]

everything in this package is awesomely just great. PQ wise AQ wise. I dont really care bout Lucas tweaks so for those who said Greedo shoots first. Heres in your face lol