Any rumors about Buffy the Vampire Slayer show coming out on Blu-ray?

[NileQT87]

I would be happy with the widescreen versions if they weren't being completely half-assed and random about it with reframing every shot.

This is not at all like any of the widescreen versions of 2-3 in the 'previously on's, 4-7 and AtS season 2. This is a complete redo where the person isn't even paying attention to where the top and bottom of the frame should be. There should be NO cropping of top, bottom or any of the 4:3's width (yes, including that light blooper). I'd rather have the bloopers than them changing the framing this much.

They didn't actually cut any image (not a pixel) for the PAL DVDs and AtS season 2. Use a bit of digital clean-up to paint out intrusions if you must, but just don't reframe shots so severely. Try to get everything that was in the original shot (go to where the original top and bottoms were first--and yes, leave in a blooper here and there as long as you get everything that was in the 4:3 image), before you start adding to the top and bottom (if you're adding image to one side of the height, but cropping the other, we know you have lots more leeway on the width). That's the way they did the PAL versions and would be the most faithful choice.

I really dislike any part of the image that was there in the 4:3 being actually removed, no matter how slight. I genuinely prefer the very occasional (!) bloopers. And I certainly want the original frame-by-frame effects from the original computer files (which they seriously need to track down--there are fans on Youtube who can copy the dusting effect more accurately) and frame-by-frame scene cuts.

Perhaps they could paste rotoscoped elements onto the widescreen footage and/or upscales if they really can't be assed to find the original computer files of the SFX. For seasons 2-3, we know the effects are available in widescreen, because they're in the 'previously on's. Upscales would look better than these poor substitutes.

I think Fox needs to get the memo that, although the Jossverse fandom is somewhat dwindling in our aging Gen-X/Y-ness and going through a rough patch (the controversial comics didn't help), the diehards happen to know every darn second of footage in these shows (and an extreme amount of behind-the-scenes info) and will notice *everything* even slightly, minutely different. Yes, they need to be babying these shows in a Star Trek and The X-Files-level of sacred cow-ness. After a decade since Not Fade Away, I still see these shows both being sold on actual store shelves. They're clearly still selling if BtVS and AtS are still sitting right next to each other at a place like Costco. If you're going to do a restoration, do it right.

[theprestige85]

Originally Posted by Nico Darko

The cropping is only for a few shots and it's pretty minor. I'm actually okay with it if it means that the 16:9 framing looks better and without goofs. I'd still prefer the OAR but I'd rather have a few slightly cropped shots than a bunch of goofs and a weird composition.

A few shots in the last few episodes or a few shots throughout the season? I dunno mate, it all just feels really dodgy right now. I'm going to wait until season 3

Like you, I'm getting sick of our widescreen versions ! At this point, Fox should release two Blu-Ray versions. I don't think it will be a big waste of money. Since everyone will be happy.

Yeah, that would be the sensible thing to do as it would mean more sales. If they released the show with just it's OAP, then they risk putting of people who only know to watch shows like that. I don't think that there are many people out there like that, but still, not everybody would be understand the 4:3 preference. If they only released these diabolical widescreen versions, then they risk alienating a much bigger audience. I dunno how much time and money it would take but it really would be there interest to do both as to keep everybody happy. That's provided they've did the HD masters with the ratio intact BEFORE cutting it...

[samukas]

Originally Posted by NileQT87

They didn't actually cut any image (not a pixel) for the PAL DVDs and AtS season 2.

Oh... but they did! I think...
I don't have the NTSC/fullscreen episodes to compare, but check the "Previously On" segment on episode S06E19, you will see a set wall in Tara/Willow bedroom. That same shot is zoomed in the actual episode (S06E18).

Who did that, and why they took care of that one in particular, when there are plenty of others (obvious ones!) is beyond me.

[theprestige85]

Originally Posted by NileQT87

I would be happy with the widescreen versions if they weren't being completely half-assed and random about it with reframing every shot.

This is not at all like any of the widescreen versions of 2-3 in the 'previously on's, 4-7 and AtS season 2. This is a complete redo where the person isn't even paying attention to where the top and bottom of the frame should be. There should be NO cropping of top, bottom or any of the 4:3's width (yes, including that light blooper). I'd rather have the bloopers than them changing the framing this much.

They didn't actually cut any image (not a pixel) for the PAL DVDs and AtS season 2. Use a bit of digital clean-up to paint out intrusions if you must, but just don't reframe shots so severely. Try to get everything that was in the original shot (go to where the original top and bottoms were first--and yes, leave in a blooper here and there as long as you get everything that was in the 4:3 image), before you start adding to the top and bottom (if you're adding image to one side of the height, but cropping the other, we know you have lots more leeway on the width). That's the way they did the PAL versions and would be the most faithful choice.

I really dislike any part of the image that was there in the 4:3 being actually removed, no matter how slight. I genuinely prefer the very occasional (!) bloopers. And I certainly want the original frame-by-frame effects from the original computer files (which they seriously need to track down--there are fans on Youtube who can copy the dusting effect more accurately) and frame-by-frame scene cuts.

Perhaps they could paste rotoscoped elements onto the widescreen footage and/or upscales if they really can't be assed to find the original computer files of the SFX. For seasons 2-3, we know the effects are available in widescreen, because they're in the 'previously on's. Upscales would look better than these poor substitutes.

I think Fox needs to get the memo that, although the Jossverse fandom is somewhat dwindling in our aging Gen-X/Y-ness and going through a rough patch (the controversial comics didn't help), the diehards happen to know every darn second of footage in these shows (and an extreme amount of behind-the-scenes info) and will notice *everything* even slightly, minutely different. Yes, they need to be babying these shows in a Star Trek and The X-Files-level of sacred cow-ness. After a decade since Not Fade Away, I still see these shows both being sold on actual store shelves. They're clearly still selling if BtVS and AtS are still sitting right next to each other at a place like Costco. If you're going to do a restoration, do it right.

Very well said. Couldn't agree more. +1

[Buffdale]

Originally Posted by theprestige85

Yeah, that would be the sensible thing to do as it would mean more sales. If they released the show with just it's OAP, then they risk putting of people who only know to watch shows like that. I don't think that there are many people out there like that, but still, not everybody would be understand the 4:3 preference. If they only released these diabolical widescreen versions, then they risk alienating a much bigger audience. I dunno how much time and money it would take but it really would be there interest to do both as to keep everybody happy. That's provided they've did the HD masters with the ratio intact BEFORE cutting it...

It is clear that this is the best solution at the moment. Because, in any case, they can't offer both versions in the same box. At least, not without doubling the number of Blu-Rays. I don't even want to imagine the price !
Hopefully Fox will opt for this solution. The Buffyverse community is divided into two groups. None should be more neglected than the other.

[theprestige85]

Originally Posted by Buffdale

It is clear that this is the best solution at the moment. Because, in any case, they can't offer both versions in the same box. At least, not without doubling the number of Blu-Rays. I don't even want to imagine the price !
Hopefully Fox will opt for this solution. The Buffyverse community is divided into two groups. None should be more neglected than the other.

If they take their time and do everything properly then, yes,it WILL be pricey...but it'll all be worth it because I am very confident that every single poster in this thread would be willing to spend loads of money on Buffy. The key is to doing a proper restoration, that's all really.

I do feel like that those who want the OAP should get priority to be honest, but yes, having both would be the best solution. Do FOX give a much of a toss though is the question? So far, the current results would suggest not...

[Buffdale]

Originally Posted by theprestige85

I do feel like that those who want the OAP should get priority to be honest, but yes, having both would be the best solution. Do FOX give a much of a toss though is the question? So far, the current results would suggest not...

Yes that's the problem. Unfortunately, we have to wait Fox to learn more details. It's time yet. But it is clear that I fear for those who desire the OAR. Even with Joss Whedon and a good portion of the fanbase, I'm not sure they will listen to us...

[Nico Darko]

Originally Posted by NileQT87

I would be happy with the widescreen versions if they weren't being completely half-assed and random about it with reframing every shot.

This is not at all like any of the widescreen versions of 2-3 in the 'previously on's, 4-7 and AtS season 2. This is a complete redo where the person isn't even paying attention to where the top and bottom of the frame should be. There should be NO cropping of top, bottom or any of the 4:3's width (yes, including that light blooper). I'd rather have the bloopers than them changing the framing this much.

Eps 2x01 and 2x02 barely lost any height or width. I think there were only a couple of shots re-framed in each episode, 99% seem intact. They just used more of the top of the negative, so we loose a little bit at the bottom. But it appears to be better framed with that little bit of extra space at the top. So who knows if the eps weren't incorrectly transferred to dvd ? maybe we needed more on the top of the frame.

I'm of course talking about S2. Between the major cropping and the several "goofs", the reframing of S1 is a huge mess.

But for S2, looking at the height, the framing looks great (and right). Width is of course another matter. But I have to say, not seeing any "goofs" in these 2 eps, the 16:9 felt okay. And I don't know if that's because of the 16mm, but the framing of S1-2 was a little bit tighter than the other seasons. So the dead space is not as bad. I'm more worried about S3 which was framed less tightly.

I'm not sure why the widescreen looks better for S2 than S4 for instance, but it does.

Now I'll keep campaigning for the 4:3 OAR on Blu-Ray, but I'll stop complaining so much about the 16:9 version if every eps are free of "goofs" like eps 2x01/2x02 were. And yes, even if it means loosing a little bit of height in a couple of shots per episode.

I admit I am much more concerned about those awful new dusting effects. They alter the show and its history much more than the aspect ratio and a tiny bit of occasional cropping.
The sloppy new editing bothers me as well, having them mix up a shot in "Prophecy Girl' is inexcusable.

I guess I'll be writing a new e-mail to Fox

[slainery]

Originally Posted by theprestige85

The cropping is also atrocious. I don't like it and it actually puts me off the idea of seasons 4-7 being in widescreen, even though I have only known to watch those seasons like that.

[#Darren]

Originally Posted by Drewbee87

For me personally, extra image on the sides with nothing going is better than black filling the sides which is more distracting to me.

Do the objects to the left and right of your TV distract you also? No, you just focus on the image. Same with black bars. It's all in your head.

[Buffdale]

Originally Posted by Nico Darko

Eps 2x01 and 2x02 barely lost any height or width. I'm of course talking about S2. Between the major cropping and the several "goofs", the reframing of S1 is a huge mess. But for S2, looking at the height, the framing looks great (and right).

I admit that I am very satisfied with the second season (so far). No major loss of height, and above all... the colors ! Many scenes of the second season on DVD look very desaturated.

Bad quality sorry. Just to illustrate.


By the way, the Facebook page surpassed 1,000 likes ! What is the next step ? Send the address to the Fox ? We can be very proud !
https://www.facebook.com/BuffyHD

[#Darren]

Originally Posted by nico darko

the new vamp dusting is actually what bothers me the most in those two first eps of s2. It's a pretty big part of the show, you just don't mess with it.

agreed!

[LCT1000]

Originally Posted by Buffdale

I admit that I am very satisfied with the second season (so far). No major loss of height, and above all... the colors ! Many scenes of the second season on DVD are very pale. Almost the same color !

Bad quality sorry. Just to illustrate.


By the way, the Facebook page surpassed 1,000 likes ! What is the next step ? Send the address to the Fox ? We can be very proud !
https://www.facebook.com/BuffyHD

Agreed! The colour is much better!
Prophecy Girl is in my top 3 ever episodes of Buffy and I was also very impressed with the colour and that it was opened up, not cropped!

Thats great about the FB page!!! You guys are amazing! I love the signature!

[#Darren]

Originally Posted by Buffdale

At this point, Fox should release two Blu-Ray versions. I don't think it will be a big waste of money. Since everyone will be happy.

NOT gonna happen..

[Buffdale]

LCT1000, Prophecy Girl is my favorite of the first season ! ^^

Originally Posted by #Darren

NOT gonna happen..

I'm optimistic !

[NileQT87]

^ My favorite season 1 episode is Angel, though Prophecy Girl is certainly second.

Speaking of better colors (despite a slightly annoying cropping issue--I like DB's hair)...

The new version really wipes the floor with the DVD in this instance...




And look at that! A beautiful shot free of the Pivot logo!

[mayorofsmpleton]

The Dusting effect is horrible. They wrecked an iconic moment from 2x01 when she dusts the one vamp from behind. This is a damn shame. FOX needs to be contacted. Hell if I could do computer animation I'd offer my services for free...

[mayorofsmpleton]

Originally Posted by #Darren

NOT gonna happen..

Not in a million years.

[Drewbee87]

I'm just going to ignore the die hard purists who can't understand any other view but their own, it's a lot easier than going around in circles.

[LCT1000]

Congrats on the FB page guys! You's are doing amazing! We'll hopefully raise enough awareness that if its going to be released on BD that its done right. They'll have to listen to us then. Remember - there's nothing we can't face...except for bunnies