Lost in Translation (2003) - Page 4 - Blu-ray Forum

Fallglimmer · 12-06-2010, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CalBear07

Eagerly awaiting any reviews, both official and unofficial! I loved this movie and just want to make sure the transfer is good before I pull the trigger.

+1. Love the movie, want to hear about the transfer before I upgrade...at least for full price. I wish Sophia Coppola did commentaries for her films.

Woodstove · 12-07-2010, 01:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shinseiromeo

I'll race ya!

What is your name my friend? It's hard to figure out who the reviewers are here with the forum names.

I'm Casey Broadwater.

Ken is the only reviewer smart enough to make his forum name his actual name.

777 · 12-07-2010, 10:35 AM

i need the review soon, lost in translation is my #1 movie.. need to watch it for the billionth time..

i can hardly wait

Aandrew · 12-07-2010, 01:07 PM

Why isnt this available in the UK?? I was made up when I heard about this release and theres not a sniff of a region 2 version.

eyesonfire · 12-07-2010, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aandrew

Why isnt this available in the UK?? I was made up when I heard about this release and theres not a sniff of a region 2 version.

It's region free, just import it.

PowellPressburger · 12-07-2010, 09:29 PM

Initial observations of the transfer...

First off The image has a slight black border on top and bottom which is the first good sign, meaning the original aspect ratio seems untouched. (no reformatted 1.78:1 to fill the HD tv screen) Many studios will zoom in slightly.

If you have owned or seen the film in cinemas you will recall that the image contained grain and many times the image can seem a bit on the unclean side. Therefore the Blu retains the look I recall from my DVD. To me the image seems untouched but I'm no expert. There are many shots that look as though the image is noise filled, but this is true of the filmed presentation not the encode.

The disc is a BD-50 and this is not a film that should look like candy, I am so far pleased with the image. lost in translation is a film that if not handles well can be given a poor transfer ESP if those presenting the film to the HD format veer from the films negative presentation.

ipreferobsidian · 12-07-2010, 10:16 PM

Shouldn't it be the same transfer from the HD-DVD?

PowellPressburger · 12-07-2010, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ipreferobsidian

Shouldn't it be the same transfer from the HD-DVD?

I would guess so, but some say Universal wrecked THE THING on Blu where as many say the HD-DVD is better.

I am sure someone will confirm it sooner or later.

tkbryant · 12-07-2010, 11:36 PM

It's not the same encode as the HD-DVD version. The bit rate is much much higher, usually hovering in the 30-38 mbps range. It's a gorgeous looking film to me. It will never be razor sharp but it appears to be a very faithful transfer.

keithabbott · 12-07-2010, 11:51 PM

I'm watching it now. The opening scene with Scarlett is very soft and grainy, but after that it tones down on the noise grain. I don't see any massive DNR problems so if it's being used at all it seems to be minimal. I'm no expert though. The colors are a little on the mute side. Not intense colors even the reds aren't too vibrate. The blacks feel solid which is definitely something I like to see.

The image overall isn't as sharp as some of the newer releases, but a lot of that I'm sure has to do with the camera's depth of field sticking to the main characters.

So far it looks pretty good. Definitely no where near the horror of the new version of Predator. But not as vibrant as say the Pirates trilogy. This is somewhere in between. Solid from what I can tell so far. The sound so far is decent enough. I'll know more on that once I get into the meat of the movie.

777 · 12-07-2010, 11:52 PM

thank you guys, still waiting for more review

tkbryant · 12-08-2010, 12:22 AM

That opening shot has always been like that. The film is often quite soft looking and that's the directors intent. Very muted lighting & colors. The neon lights of Shibuya really pop though & really make the night time shots stand out with depth & clarity.

easyrider · 12-08-2010, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkbryant

That opening shot has always been like that. The film is often quite soft looking and that's the directors intent. Very muted lighting & colors. The neon lights of Shibuya really pop though & really make the night time shots stand out with depth & clarity.

Wasn't the film shot in 16mm and was intentionally soft & grainy?
I have always loved the look of the film anyway....

keithabbott · 12-08-2010, 01:36 AM

There is really only one other shot in the film that's on the extreme with grain and it's the bar scene where Bob and Charlotte are meeting her friends. That's kind of a dark shot, but none of the other dark scenes compare with that one.

I'm sure the softness and muted colors was intended. If I'm correct the film was shot pretty much all on location. I'm not sure if there were any sets built. I don't believe there were any. So additional lighting seems to be pretty sparse...very natural look to it.

Oh and as someone else suggested, the evening cityscape shots do pop out more so than any of the other scenes.

The audio was decent. I'm a big fan of the soundtrack, and I do think the mix of the soundtrack was underutilized during the non-dialogue parts. I'm sure that was the intention, but I did find it a shame that the music didn't pop out as much as it could have. Sofia did a great job with the selection of songs.

Anyhow, to wrap it up I'd give it a 3.5 out of 5 for the video. I think based on how it was shot it's more like a 5 out of 5. I don't think it could have been improved anymore than than how it was originally shot. But I would have liked to have seen a bit more detail and color, but that's just a stylistic choice on my part. It still doesn't change how well the movie was written, directed and performed. I absolutely love the movie and don't regret buying the blu-ray version.

The only thing I'd like to have seen additionally would have been a feature commentary.

Azyiu · 12-08-2010, 02:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keithabbott

I'm sure the softness and muted colors was intended. If I'm correct the film was shot pretty much all on location. I'm not sure if there were any sets built. I don't believe there were any. So the additional lighting seems to be pretty spare...very natural look to it.

You are correct, the film was shot on location in 27 days. As far as I recall there was no set built for the film at all.

Atreyu · 12-08-2010, 02:30 AM

I also kind of figured that the PQ wouldn't be stellar as I didn't think it was the greatest on the standard dvd and I'm sure it's not the fault of Universal but of the quality on the original negative.

Azyiu · 12-08-2010, 02:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atreyu

I also kind of figured that the PQ wouldn't be stellar as I didn't think it was the greatest on the standard dvd and I'm sure it's not the fault of Universal but of the quality on the original negative.

For a movie shot entire on film on location, I thought it looks pretty damn good!

tkbryant · 12-08-2010, 03:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azyiu

For a movie shot entire on film on location, I thought it looks pretty damn good!

It's a beautiful film. I love the natural look of it. To me it gives the story a more realistic presence as if it were live action being shot for a documentary. There's a nice lil sneak peek of Sofia Coppolas new film "Somewhere" on the disc as well. Looks like another winner.

vargihate · 12-08-2010, 07:48 AM

amigos what about the extras?

1. are they the same as the ones on the dvd?
2. are they in HD or SD?

cheers.

volcomsocal · 12-08-2010, 08:06 AM

Please reviewer.... review this movie already!!!!

I want to buy this movie!

12-08-2010, 01:36 AM	#74
keithabbott Member Top contributor Member since:Oct 2009 Home Theater Gallery:12 4K collection:62 Blu-ray collection:364 DVD collection:131 Digital collection:125 iTunes collection:52 Blu-ray reviews:8	There is really only one other shot in the film that's on the extreme with grain and it's the bar scene where Bob and Charlotte are meeting her friends. That's kind of a dark shot, but none of the other dark scenes compare with that one. I'm sure the softness and muted colors was intended. If I'm correct the film was shot pretty much all on location. I'm not sure if there were any sets built. I don't believe there were any. So additional lighting seems to be pretty sparse...very natural look to it. Oh and as someone else suggested, the evening cityscape shots do pop out more so than any of the other scenes. The audio was decent. I'm a big fan of the soundtrack, and I do think the mix of the soundtrack was underutilized during the non-dialogue parts. I'm sure that was the intention, but I did find it a shame that the music didn't pop out as much as it could have. Sofia did a great job with the selection of songs. Anyhow, to wrap it up I'd give it a 3.5 out of 5 for the video. I think based on how it was shot it's more like a 5 out of 5. I don't think it could have been improved anymore than than how it was originally shot. But I would have liked to have seen a bit more detail and color, but that's just a stylistic choice on my part. It still doesn't change how well the movie was written, directed and performed. I absolutely love the movie and don't regret buying the blu-ray version. The only thing I'd like to have seen additionally would have been a feature commentary. Last edited by keithabbott; 12-08-2010 at 02:10 AM.

12-07-2010, 10:35 AM	#63
777 Member Member since:Dec 2010 Blu-ray collection:15	i need the review soon, lost in translation is my #1 movie.. need to watch it for the billionth time.. i can hardly wait

12-07-2010, 01:07 PM	#64
Aandrew Junior Member Member since:Jan 2010	Why isnt this available in the UK?? I was made up when I heard about this release and theres not a sniff of a region 2 version.

12-07-2010, 09:29 PM	#66
PowellPressburger Blu-ray Duke Top contributor Member since:Aug 2007 Location:DIFFERENT PLACES! Minneapolis 4K collection:1005 Blu-ray collection:3678 DVD collection:359 Blu-ray reviews: 51 Trading Score:301	Initial observations of the transfer... First off The image has a slight black border on top and bottom which is the first good sign, meaning the original aspect ratio seems untouched. (no reformatted 1.78:1 to fill the HD tv screen) Many studios will zoom in slightly. If you have owned or seen the film in cinemas you will recall that the image contained grain and many times the image can seem a bit on the unclean side. Therefore the Blu retains the look I recall from my DVD. To me the image seems untouched but I'm no expert. There are many shots that look as though the image is noise filled, but this is true of the filmed presentation not the encode. The disc is a BD-50 and this is not a film that should look like candy, I am so far pleased with the image. lost in translation is a film that if not handles well can be given a poor transfer ESP if those presenting the film to the HD format veer from the films negative presentation.

12-07-2010, 10:16 PM	#67
ipreferobsidian Member Member since:Mar 2010	Shouldn't it be the same transfer from the HD-DVD?

12-07-2010, 11:36 PM	#69
tkbryant Senior Member Top contributor Member since:Oct 2006 Location:Chicago Home Theater Gallery:17 Blu-ray collection:830 Trading Score:2	It's not the same encode as the HD-DVD version. The bit rate is much much higher, usually hovering in the 30-38 mbps range. It's a gorgeous looking film to me. It will never be razor sharp but it appears to be a very faithful transfer.

12-07-2010, 11:51 PM	#70
keithabbott Member Top contributor Member since:Oct 2009 Home Theater Gallery:12 4K collection:62 Blu-ray collection:364 DVD collection:131 Digital collection:125 iTunes collection:52 Blu-ray reviews:8	I'm watching it now. The opening scene with Scarlett is very soft and grainy, but after that it tones down on the noise grain. I don't see any massive DNR problems so if it's being used at all it seems to be minimal. I'm no expert though. The colors are a little on the mute side. Not intense colors even the reds aren't too vibrate. The blacks feel solid which is definitely something I like to see. The image overall isn't as sharp as some of the newer releases, but a lot of that I'm sure has to do with the camera's depth of field sticking to the main characters. So far it looks pretty good. Definitely no where near the horror of the new version of Predator. But not as vibrant as say the Pirates trilogy. This is somewhere in between. Solid from what I can tell so far. The sound so far is decent enough. I'll know more on that once I get into the meat of the movie.

12-07-2010, 11:52 PM	#71
777 Member Member since:Dec 2010 Blu-ray collection:15	thank you guys, still waiting for more review

12-08-2010, 12:22 AM	#72
tkbryant Senior Member Top contributor Member since:Oct 2006 Location:Chicago Home Theater Gallery:17 Blu-ray collection:830 Trading Score:2	That opening shot has always been like that. The film is often quite soft looking and that's the directors intent. Very muted lighting & colors. The neon lights of Shibuya really pop though & really make the night time shots stand out with depth & clarity.

12-08-2010, 02:30 AM	#76
Atreyu Blu-ray Knight Member since:Dec 2008 Location:North Carolina 4K collection:374 Blu-ray collection:1884 DVD collection:619 Digital collection:1 Blu-ray reviews: 299 Trading Score:4	I also kind of figured that the PQ wouldn't be stellar as I didn't think it was the greatest on the standard dvd and I'm sure it's not the fault of Universal but of the quality on the original negative.

12-08-2010, 07:48 AM	#79
vargihate Member Member since:Oct 2009 4K collection:28 Blu-ray collection:75	amigos what about the extras? 1. are they the same as the ones on the dvd? 2. are they in HD or SD? cheers.

12-08-2010, 08:06 AM	#80
volcomsocal Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Jun 2009 Location:Los Angeles, CA 4K collection:4 Blu-ray collection:98 Blu-ray reviews:9	Please reviewer.... review this movie already!!!! I want to buy this movie!

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