Scanners (1981) - Page 58 - Blu-ray Forum

tama · 11-03-2014, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oblivion138

Yep...I paid $18 on release day with my B&N membership.

I paid $0.00....I never bought it

UniSol GR77 · 11-03-2014, 11:20 PM

I get a question:

The Italian version of the movie lacks one sequence, I think.

Inbetween the sequence where Cameron injects himself with Ephemerol (at the hotel) and the one where Daryl Revok's rogue "agents" raid into the building where the "Good Scanners Community" is having the telepathic "session of communion". Well, I can see there's an abrupt film cut in there. What's the missing sequence????

jdw89 · 11-04-2014, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by captainjoe

You should

Yeah but the Criterion sale is coming up lol

nvadr · 11-28-2014, 03:37 PM

Looks Fantastic.. money well spent and that much sweeter getting it half off the normal price.. A budget film that after all these years is still getting attention says a lot about it's cinematic impact and mastered by Criterion only enhances its collectibility.

Vixen of the Night · 12-03-2014, 05:03 AM

I just watched the Criterion release and was pleased with the picture quality. In fact, I thought it looked excellent. Especially considering I hadn't seen the film since sometime in the 90's on VHS(the original Avco Embassy release by the way).

I did not see any problems with the transfer which others have complained about. For example, the supposed 'green tint' that plagues the transfer was not evident while I was viewing it. I don't think any of the screen captures honestly show the image quality of the release, since they look far worse than what's actually on the disc itself! (which also proves you can't 100% trust screen captures online) Their were plenty of colors on display, so it was not fully drained of color. Their was plenty of detail to be seen as well in my opinion.

So this is another blu-ray surprise just like Bram Stoker's Dracula which also looked excellent in my opinion after fearing the worst based on the reaction to the transfer. Which further proves, you can't always take other peoples word for how good or bad a transfer is and must see it for yourself.

StingingVelvet · 05-06-2015, 03:50 PM

Watched this disc last night for the first time. I thought it looked truly excellent. Yes, kind of dull and dark I guess, but it looked how the movie was supposed to look in my opinion. Movie really holds up well too, such great direction and social commentary. Really looking forward to the supplements today.

I hope Criterion releases more films of this style in the coming years. I love their packaging and presentation, but so few of their films are ones I need to own rather than just rent.

balthazar_bee · 05-06-2015, 05:53 PM

I have a similar problem, SV. When I get excited about a Criterion title, I tend to get really excited -- Repo Man, Nashville, The Thin Blue Line, Le Cercle Rouge -- but so many of their titles are films I haven't seen, and (as renting is not really much of an option anymore) I can no longer justify the kind of blind-buying rampages that Criterion releases used to elicit from me.

I'm hoping for more Criterion Cronenberg in the near future. My dream would be a box of his early work -- short films, Shivers, Rabid, The Brood. There have been hints to that effect, but nothing concrete yet.

As for Scanners, watching it again I enjoyed it far more than I remembered; it'd previously struck me as a rather patchy, talky and inert movie punctuated by a couple of amazing moments. (No surprise really, for those who know the story of the film's chaotic production -- Cronenberg was writing sides the very morning they'd be filming them and before having any larger sense of the story!)

I also thought the presentation was fitting. Based on what we've seen here, it's probably not the most faithful representation of the film's theatrical exhibition, which usually drives me up the wall, but it wasn't distractingly odd and frankly I liked the moody quality of it.

NoirFan · 05-06-2015, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by balthazar_bee

renting is not really much of an option anymore

Netflix do carry the odd newly-released Criterion Blu-ray now and again, so it's always worth seeing if they have a title you are intrigued by.

StingingVelvet · 05-06-2015, 06:48 PM

Amazon streaming has a good number of them to rent as well for $2.99. Well, a handful I searched for anyway.

StingingVelvet · 05-06-2015, 08:43 PM

Wow, that interview with Ironside was freaking excellent. The special effects documentary was also really entertaining. I want more movies like this from you Criterion!!!

batman144144 · 05-14-2015, 10:26 PM

I just picked up the Criterion edition the other day and watched it last night. Keep in mind this is before I poked around online and I was not aware of any picture quality controversies. My first impression was that the picture didn't look all that good. It was better than the DVD, but was still a little dull and flat. I assumed this was due to age and thought this was probably the best the film could look.

Then, I started watching the supplemental feature, The Ephemerol Diaries. During this feature, several clips from the film are shown. Wait a minute; the picture quality here was SPECTACULAR. The picture quality came to life and was so much more vivid. Contrast and color was much, much better. Why was there a difference, and why couldn't I watch the movie like this?? I later found out that this feature uses the German Subkultur transfer and does not include Cronenberg's tweaks and preferences.

I'll probably keep my Criterion, but I ordered the German version today...

batman144144 · 05-14-2015, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StingingVelvet

Wow, that interview with Ironside was freaking excellent. The special effects documentary was also really entertaining. I want more movies like this from you Criterion!!!

Yeah, I'm looking forward to checking that one out. I've heard that in the past Ironside said that Cronenberg was a pretty weird dude and those that had gotten to know him would do their best to avoid him when he came on set.

Goremeister100 · 05-14-2015, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by batman144144

Wait a minute; the picture quality here was SPECTACULAR. The picture quality came to life and was so much more vivid. Contrast and color was much, much better. Why was there a difference, and why couldn't I watch the movie like this?? I later found out that this feature uses the German Subkultur transfer and does not include Cronenberg's tweaks and preferences.

I'll probably keep my Criterion, but I ordered the German version today...

Yep, the German BD is the way to go. If it didn't exist, the Criterion BD would be the one to own over the overly bright UK release from Second Sight.

batman144144 · 05-15-2015, 12:16 AM

I don't know; I think I prefer the UK as well over the Criterion. The Criterion is just way too washed out and flat for me...and believe me, I usually love Criterion editions. I've been a big fan of theirs since way back in the laser disc days. We're talking before the general public even knew what Supplemental Material, Widescreen format, and Running Commentaries were. I just don't like this transfer very much.

Love the avatar, btw.

Dylan34 · 05-15-2015, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goremeister100

Yep, the German BD is the way to go. If it didn't exist, the Criterion BD would be the one to own over the overly bright UK release from Second Sight.

Is there a review on here for the German blu or any other site? Thanks in advance.

HD Goofnut · 05-15-2015, 03:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dylan34

Is there a review on here for the German blu or any other site? Thanks in advance.

I made these comparisons between the DE Subkultur and Criterion releases. I have both discs, but if I am watching the film I turn to the DE disc.

http://www.screenshotcomparison.com/...n.php?id=83904
http://www.screenshotcomparison.com/...n.php?id=83905
http://www.screenshotcomparison.com/...n.php?id=83906

Rockercub · 05-15-2015, 03:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goremeister100

Yep, the German BD is the way to go. If it didn't exist, the Criterion BD would be the one to own over the overly bright UK release from Second Sight.

I agree that Second Sight is overly bright, but I have to say that I thought it looked great when I watched it before all this controversy. I think I'd give it the edge over Criterion myself. But, yeah, Subkultur wins overall.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dylan34

Is there a review on here for the German blu or any other site? Thanks in advance.

I found this:

http://www.wicked-vision.com/bluray/...w/826,Scanners

Mr Kite · 05-15-2015, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HD Goofnut

I made these comparisons between the DE Subkultur and Criterion releases. I have both discs, but if I am watching the film I turn to the DE disc.

http://www.screenshotcomparison.com/...n.php?id=83904
http://www.screenshotcomparison.com/...n.php?id=83905
http://www.screenshotcomparison.com/...n.php?id=83906

Looking at those grabs the Criterion is by far the best.

StingingVelvet · 05-15-2015, 07:05 AM

The Criterion disc looks more appropriate to the film for me, personally. It doesn't look flat or dull when you watch it either, it just looks that way in direct comparison to the brighter overseas discs when flipping back and forth. Sort of like how warm color temp looks beige or red if you switch to a cooler temp and then back again.

HD Goofnut · 05-15-2015, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tele1962

Looking at those grabs the Criterion is by far the best.

I disagree but to each their own.

11-03-2014, 11:20 PM	#1142
UniSol GR77 Banned Member since:May 2009 Location:Naples, Italy. Trading Score:1	I get a question: The Italian version of the movie lacks one sequence, I think. Inbetween the sequence where Cameron injects himself with Ephemerol (at the hotel) and the one where Daryl Revok's rogue "agents" raid into the building where the "Good Scanners Community" is having the telepathic "session of communion". Well, I can see there's an abrupt film cut in there. What's the missing sequence???? Last edited by UniSol GR77; 11-03-2014 at 11:25 PM.

05-14-2015, 10:26 PM	#1151
batman144144 Active Member Member since:May 2015	I just picked up the Criterion edition the other day and watched it last night. Keep in mind this is before I poked around online and I was not aware of any picture quality controversies. My first impression was that the picture didn't look all that good. It was better than the DVD, but was still a little dull and flat. I assumed this was due to age and thought this was probably the best the film could look. Then, I started watching the supplemental feature, The Ephemerol Diaries. During this feature, several clips from the film are shown. Wait a minute; the picture quality here was SPECTACULAR. The picture quality came to life and was so much more vivid. Contrast and color was much, much better. Why was there a difference, and why couldn't I watch the movie like this?? I later found out that this feature uses the German Subkultur transfer and does not include Cronenberg's tweaks and preferences. I'll probably keep my Criterion, but I ordered the German version today... Last edited by batman144144; 05-14-2015 at 10:33 PM.

11-28-2014, 03:37 PM	#1144
nvadr Expert Member Member since:Apr 2011 Blu-ray reviews: 24	Looks Fantastic.. money well spent and that much sweeter getting it half off the normal price.. A budget film that after all these years is still getting attention says a lot about it's cinematic impact and mastered by Criterion only enhances its collectibility.

12-03-2014, 05:03 AM	#1145
Vixen of the Night Special Member Member since:May 2013	I just watched the Criterion release and was pleased with the picture quality. In fact, I thought it looked excellent. Especially considering I hadn't seen the film since sometime in the 90's on VHS(the original Avco Embassy release by the way). I did not see any problems with the transfer which others have complained about. For example, the supposed 'green tint' that plagues the transfer was not evident while I was viewing it. I don't think any of the screen captures honestly show the image quality of the release, since they look far worse than what's actually on the disc itself! (which also proves you can't 100% trust screen captures online) Their were plenty of colors on display, so it was not fully drained of color. Their was plenty of detail to be seen as well in my opinion. So this is another blu-ray surprise just like Bram Stoker's Dracula which also looked excellent in my opinion after fearing the worst based on the reaction to the transfer. Which further proves, you can't always take other peoples word for how good or bad a transfer is and must see it for yourself.

05-06-2015, 03:50 PM	#1146
StingingVelvet Blu-ray Grand Duke Member since:Jan 2014 Location:Philadelphia, PA 4K collection:849 Blu-ray collection:2329 DVD collection:111 Digital collection:12 Trading Score:69	Watched this disc last night for the first time. I thought it looked truly excellent. Yes, kind of dull and dark I guess, but it looked how the movie was supposed to look in my opinion. Movie really holds up well too, such great direction and social commentary. Really looking forward to the supplements today. I hope Criterion releases more films of this style in the coming years. I love their packaging and presentation, but so few of their films are ones I need to own rather than just rent.

05-06-2015, 05:53 PM	#1147
balthazar_bee Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Feb 2011	I have a similar problem, SV. When I get excited about a Criterion title, I tend to get really excited -- Repo Man, Nashville, The Thin Blue Line, Le Cercle Rouge -- but so many of their titles are films I haven't seen, and (as renting is not really much of an option anymore) I can no longer justify the kind of blind-buying rampages that Criterion releases used to elicit from me. I'm hoping for more Criterion Cronenberg in the near future. My dream would be a box of his early work -- short films, Shivers, Rabid, The Brood. There have been hints to that effect, but nothing concrete yet. As for Scanners, watching it again I enjoyed it far more than I remembered; it'd previously struck me as a rather patchy, talky and inert movie punctuated by a couple of amazing moments. (No surprise really, for those who know the story of the film's chaotic production -- Cronenberg was writing sides the very morning they'd be filming them and before having any larger sense of the story!) I also thought the presentation was fitting. Based on what we've seen here, it's probably not the most faithful representation of the film's theatrical exhibition, which usually drives me up the wall, but it wasn't distractingly odd and frankly I liked the moody quality of it.

05-06-2015, 06:48 PM	#1149
StingingVelvet Blu-ray Grand Duke Member since:Jan 2014 Location:Philadelphia, PA 4K collection:849 Blu-ray collection:2329 DVD collection:111 Digital collection:12 Trading Score:69	Amazon streaming has a good number of them to rent as well for $2.99. Well, a handful I searched for anyway.

05-06-2015, 08:43 PM	#1150
StingingVelvet Blu-ray Grand Duke Member since:Jan 2014 Location:Philadelphia, PA 4K collection:849 Blu-ray collection:2329 DVD collection:111 Digital collection:12 Trading Score:69	Wow, that interview with Ironside was freaking excellent. The special effects documentary was also really entertaining. I want more movies like this from you Criterion!!!

05-15-2015, 12:16 AM	#1154
batman144144 Active Member Member since:May 2015	I don't know; I think I prefer the UK as well over the Criterion. The Criterion is just way too washed out and flat for me...and believe me, I usually love Criterion editions. I've been a big fan of theirs since way back in the laser disc days. We're talking before the general public even knew what Supplemental Material, Widescreen format, and Running Commentaries were. I just don't like this transfer very much. Love the avatar, btw.

05-15-2015, 07:05 AM	#1159
StingingVelvet Blu-ray Grand Duke Member since:Jan 2014 Location:Philadelphia, PA 4K collection:849 Blu-ray collection:2329 DVD collection:111 Digital collection:12 Trading Score:69	The Criterion disc looks more appropriate to the film for me, personally. It doesn't look flat or dull when you watch it either, it just looks that way in direct comparison to the brighter overseas discs when flipping back and forth. Sort of like how warm color temp looks beige or red if you switch to a cooler temp and then back again.

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