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

[deepbreathsanddeath]

I just wanted to add my 2 cents in regards to the aspect ratio discussion. I'm rewatching buffy and angel for the first time in like 5 years, that means my first time since actually getting a HD widescreen television and I would much rather have the series in the intended 4x3 aspect ratio.

It never stuck out when I was younger and only had an analogue tv but now that I'm more knowledgeable and own a HD TV, I notice everything wrong with he widescreen presentation of buffy. Even with the numerous goofs put aside, the obvious 4x3 composition is so distracting all the time. I can't help but put my hands up in front of me to visually block out the parts that aren't meant to be there (just for a moment) and it's so much better.

I'm happy for those who can watch buffy in widescreen without being bothered by it but personally it's spoiling my revisitation to the series. It looks awkward as hell when people are standing so close to each other when there's heaps of room beside/behind them. In 4x3 it looks natural because our minds automatically think that's the space they have, that illusion is spoiled in widescreen. Then there's the consistency of conversations between characters taking place on one side of the screen with practically the whole other half being dead space.

I could honesty go on and on and on about the things that bother me about the widescreen presentation of buffy but I won't. If a blu-ray release does happen and it isn't 4x3, I think I will actually have to invest in the US DVD set (I only own the Australian DVDs which are widescreen from season 4 onwards, maybe 3... I can't remember).

It would bum me out greatly because frankly buffy looks like crap a lot of the time on DVD and I'd love to see it in HD. Unfortunately I can't watch buffy again like this. Once it went widescreen the composition because constantly noticeable and distracting.

[Geoff D]

@prestige:

Glory was pretty badass, but the Ranma ½ twist was lame and she was kinda treading in the same 'kooky but oh-so-evil' footsteps as the Mayor. Still, that's a Whedon trademark I suppose. And Buffy dying was a big moment, but you knew she'd be back so it never got to me. Now the one where Dawn was trying to resurrect their mother, THAT was some spooky shit.

[slainery]

Season 3 was the best; season 7 was the worst.

Buffy really aged badly - which I blame on Whedon & co's try-hard dialogue.

[GoldMotel]

Originally Posted by slainery

Season 3 was the best; season 7 was the worst.

Buffy really aged badly - which I blame on Whedon & co's try-hard dialogue.

I think Season 4 (baring Hush) is probably the season the aged the most badly. Besides having Angel show up for an episode and the season finale with the first Slayer, nothing in the season really works for me anymore.

Season 5 is also my second least favorite season, mostly because Dawn didn't get less annoying until Season 6. Though both The Body and The Gift are top tier best Buffy episodes of all time.

[slainery]

My rating would go:

1. Season 3
I thought the arcs and the characters were much more stronger and compelling, with a nice balance of tones.

2. Season 1 / Season 6
I loved the atmosphere of S1, back when Sunnydale felt genuinely creepy.
S6 was darker, with a lot of messed up things happening even though it drags a bit too much until the last arc.

3. Season 5
It used to be my favourite (probably because of S4 overall sucking) but looking back, it really wasn't all that.

4. Season 2
More episodes, more Buffy! I liked Spike, loved Kendra and cried when Buffy stabbed Angel... but yeah, once you remove your teenage googles, it's not all that either.

5. Season 4
Hush, Living Conditions, the This Year's Girl two parter and the anti-climactic Restless is all I choose to remember from that dreadful season.

7. Season 7
The worst. It's like a 45yo man with a mid-life crisis applying lipstick on pig. They wanted so desperately to recapture the feeling of the early years and failed at doing so. Just embarrassing.

At least they brought back Faith.

[spanky87]

Originally Posted by deepbreathsanddeath

I just wanted to add my 2 cents in regards to the aspect ratio discussion. I'm rewatching buffy and angel for the first time in like 5 years, that means my first time since actually getting a HD widescreen television and I would much rather have the series in the intended 4x3 aspect ratio.

It never stuck out when I was younger and only had an analogue tv but now that I'm more knowledgeable and own a HD TV, I notice everything wrong with he widescreen presentation of buffy. Even with the numerous goofs put aside, the obvious 4x3 composition is so distracting all the time. I can't help but put my hands up in front of me to visually block out the parts that aren't meant to be there (just for a moment) and it's so much better.

I'm happy for those who can watch buffy in widescreen without being bothered by it but personally it's spoiling my revisitation to the series. It looks awkward as hell when people are standing so close to each other when there's heaps of room beside/behind them. In 4x3 it looks natural because our minds automatically think that's the space they have, that illusion is spoiled in widescreen. Then there's the consistency of conversations between characters taking place on one side of the screen with practically the whole other half being dead space.

I could honesty go on and on and on about the things that bother me about the widescreen presentation of buffy but I won't. If a blu-ray release does happen and it isn't 4x3, I think I will actually have to invest in the US DVD set (I only own the Australian DVDs which are widescreen from season 4 onwards, maybe 3... I can't remember).

It would bum me out greatly because frankly buffy looks like crap a lot of the time on DVD and I'd love to see it in HD. Unfortunately I can't watch buffy again like this. Once it went widescreen the composition because constantly noticeable and distracting.

Change your tv's aspect ratio to 4:3 and that should put black bars over the sides.

[Geoff D]

Ummm.......no. If it was that simple, dontcha think us aspect ratio complainers would've done so already?

[chip75]

Originally Posted by spanky87

Change your tv's aspect ratio to 4:3 and that should put black bars over the sides.

Originally Posted by Geoff D

Ummm.......no. If it was that simple, dontcha think us aspect ratio complainers would've done so already?

That's one magic TV you have there spanky87! If we could add matte lines like VLC player most home theatre enthusiasts would be happy as pigs in the proverbial shit ...

It's probably quite easy for standalone player manufacturers to do with Blu-ray player but the lazy buggers never get round to it. They could even do The Outer Limits style ad campaign:

There is nothing wrong with your television set. Do not attempt to adjust the picture. We are controlling transmission. If we wish to make it louder, we will bring up the volume. If we wish to make it softer, we will tune it to a whisper. We will control the horizontal. We will control the vertical. We can roll the image, make it flutter. We can change the focus to a soft blur or sharpen it to crystal clarity. We can even change the aspect ratio of those horrible widescreen DVDs of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. For the next hour, sit quietly and we will control all that you see and hear. We repeat: there is nothing wrong with your television set. Buffy likes 4:3. You are about to participate in a great adventure. You are about to experience the awe and mystery which reaches from the inner mind to – The Correct Aspect Ratio.

[theprestige85]

Originally Posted by Geoff D

@prestige:

Glory was pretty badass, but the Ranma ½ twist was lame and she was kinda treading in the same 'kooky but oh-so-evil' footsteps as the Mayor. Still, that's a Whedon trademark I suppose. And Buffy dying was a big moment, but you knew she'd be back so it never got to me. Now the one where Dawn was trying to resurrect their mother, THAT was some spooky shit.

Yeah, Forever is very good episode. Not The Body, but still really engaging television.

I get what you mean about the kooky yet evil villain thing, lol. But as you said, it's a Whedonism and Kramer does enough to make Glory distinctive with some nicely textured work.

The Ben twist was a bit little bit tacked on, I agree. It's fairly obvious thats done to add tension whenever Ben is around, but I think that got developed fairly well towards the end as it brought about quite a bit of moral conflict between all the characters and is responsible for what's, arguably, Giles' most coldest scene in the entire show.

Buffy really aged badly - which I blame on Whedon & co's try-hard dialogue.

Completely disagree. Whedon and co's razor sharp dialogue is fundamental to Buffy and helped distinguish it as a show different to anything you had watched. I don't see what's 'try-hard' about it, it flowed from the offset. This wasn't a show that relied on ultra offensive swear words of which you'd see hear in a show like game and thrones (the writers have an affinity for that c word, I swear), the dialogue is much, much classier, inventive and endearingly pop cultured. Dialogue is the one thing that will age the least with the show.

The only thing that hasn't aged well is the entirety of season 1, save for Prophecy Girl. That's the season that felt the most '90's with the hair, make up, clothes and monster of the week format, weak production values. Though it's still charming to somebody who grew up watching the show like myself, I can imagine that season would be difficult for most people starting out to get into Buffy.

I think Season 4 (baring Hush) is probably the season the aged the most badly.

Even more than the aforementioned season 1? I'd say that season 4, being that it was the first season to be shot in the 00's, was one of the most visually striking looking seasons of the lot. Production values were very high that season and it shows, imo. The spacious Initiative underground lair, military equipments, vast amount of monsters, The Matrix style battle with Adam in the action packed penultimate episode. Restless is wet dream for fans of surrealism and David Lynch. It's not the best season of Buffy but I do find it odd how one can suggest that season has aged the most.

Season 5 is also my second least favorite season, mostly because Dawn didn't get less annoying until Season 6.

I honestly didn't mind Dawn. I remember reading in SFX and all those other Cult TV magazines at the time (remember them?) that Buffy wasn't going to have a little sister. I was dreading it and thought that the show was going to go down hill, but it turned out to be a breath of fresh air as she integrated seamlessly (and literally) into the lives of the characters, and sure, she was a brat but she was kid and not really meant to be as likeable as the other older characters, but even then I didn't mind much. Maybe it's because I was the same age as Trachenberg when she played Dawn, maybe it's because I found Trachenberg to be kinda cute, but she never annoyed me to the point of putting me off the season. In opposition to you I found it more frustrating in season 6-7 when she served less of a purpose.

[iank]

Originally Posted by theprestige85

Completely disagree. Whedon and co's razor sharp dialogue is fundamental to Buffy and helped distinguish it as a show different to anything you had watched. I don't see what's 'try-hard' about it, it flowed from the offset. This wasn't a show that relied on ultra offensive swear words of which you'd see hear in a show like game and thrones (the writers have an affinity for that c word, I swear), the dialogue is much, much classier, inventive and endearingly pop cultured. Dialogue is the one thing that will age the least with the show.
.

Indeed. I'm rather baffled by that baseless assertion too. Certainly, as you note, the first couple of seasons have a slightly 90s quality to them - that's what happens when you're made in the 90s - but beyond that I see zero dated about Buffy. And it remains infinitely superior to anything on TV these days. Honestly, the crap that seems to be out there now wall to wall... Even those much-touted and IMHO wildly overhyped stuff like GOT do zero for me I'm afraid...

[GoldMotel]

Originally Posted by theprestige85

Even more than the aforementioned season 1? I'd say that season 4, being that it was the first season to be shot in the 00's, was one of the most visually striking looking seasons of the lot. Production values were very high that season and it shows, imo. The spacious Initiative underground lair, military equipments, vast amount of monsters, The Matrix style battle with Adam in the action packed penultimate episode. Restless is wet dream for fans of surrealism and David Lynch. It's not the best season of Buffy but I do find it odd how one can suggest that season has aged the most.

I meant in terms of story content, the visuals are still top notch.

[Geoff D]

The Matrix-style showdown with Adam was clichéd even then, but I LOVE the bit when Buffy turns the grenades into doves.

[KenHurd]

I used to like season 2 the most, but after my latest watch, I felt that season 3 was the strongest season. The Mayor was a fun villain, and the two part finale, Graduation Day, was a great end to the high school years. We see Buffy finally get recognition among her classmates in the episode, The Prom, and it was fun to see them all come together at the end to defeat the Mayor.

Season 2 is still one of the strongest seasons, and it's the season where the show really found its footing, but I think there are a few early episodes (Inca Mummy Girl, Some Assembly Required, etc.), that still had a season 1 vibe. School Hard was a great example of where the show was going, but it really found its footing at the episode, Halloween.

I also found season 6 to be much better than when I watched it as it originally aired. The finale, seeing Xander stop Willow, was great. It has a different vibe from the other seasons, but re-watching it, I found it to be an excellent character driven season.

[theprestige85]

I meant in terms of story content, the visuals are still top notch.

Oh. I thought we were about to start something, y'see

I LOVE the bit when Buffy turns the grenades into doves.

That is indeed a beautiful bit of special effects. I like that whole showdown personally, but then I was one of those kids who went to see The Matrix about 4-5 times in the cinema in the space of 2 weeks so...

I used to like season 2 the most, but after my latest watch, I felt that season 3 was the strongest season. The Mayor was a fun villain, and the two part finale, Graduation Day, was a great end to the high school years. We see Buffy finally get recognition among her classmates in the episode, The Prom, and it was fun to see them all come together at the end to defeat the Mayor.

I wouldn't blame somebody for picking season 3 as their favourite, too. It is a fab season and theres very little I can criticise it for at this point. I think it maybe lacks the emotional punches of season 2 and 5, so they get the edge there for me. But it's a great season and as consistent as season 5. The finale you mentioned is indeed memorable and up there with one of the best Buffy finale's ever. Is it just me or were the shades of Lindsey Anderson's If in Graduation Day??

I also found season 6 to be much better than when I watched it as it originally aired. The finale, seeing Xander stop Willow, was great. It has a different vibe from the other seasons, but re-watching it, I found it to be an excellent character driven season.

I dunno man, i'm going to rewatch this season very soon, but i'm not optimistic. There were really only a handful of episodes I found interesting and the arc just seemed way too familiar and uninspired. Hopefully it'll be better than I remember but i was very disappointed overall in the direction of this season. I know that season 6 has it's cult (within a cult) following but I just can't imagine it improving all that much, especially the Willow witch thing. That drug scene was weak as piss.

Agree with everything you said about season 2, some season 1esuqe eps, but the improvements are so dramatic that it can be forgiven.

[slainery]

Originally Posted by theprestige85

Completely disagree. Whedon and co's razor sharp dialogue is fundamental to Buffy and helped distinguish it as a show different to anything you had watched. I don't see what's 'try-hard' about it, it flowed from the offset. This wasn't a show that relied on ultra offensive swear words of which you'd see hear in a show like game and thrones (the writers have an affinity for that c word, I swear), the dialogue is much, much classier, inventive and endearingly pop cultured. Dialogue is the one thing that will age the least with the show.

LMAO, k.

Their lines were as try-hard as Dawson's Creek's - albeit in a different way. In both case, the dialogue was entirely too self-absorbed and lacked a certain organic quality. I personally don't find characters/writers trying to fit as many pop culture references as possible in a scene riveting anymore.

Funnily enough, shows like Smallville, Charmed and Dark Angel (season 1) aged better, especially dialogue-wise.

Also, I don't see why GOT is mentioned when it's safe to say that 80% of American television doesn't feature that much profanity...

[theprestige85]

Originally Posted by slainery

LMAO, k.

Their lines were as try-hard as Dawson's Creek's - albeit in a different way. In both case, the dialogue was entirely too self-absorbed and lacked a certain organic quality. I personally don't find characters/writers trying to fit as many pop culture references as possible in a scene riveting anymore.

Funnily enough, shows like Smallville, Charmed and Dark Angel (season 1) aged better, especially dialogue-wise.

Also, I don't see why GOT is mentioned when it's safe to say that 80% of American television doesn't feature that much profanity...

Why are you laughing your arse off?

Dawson's Creek's dialogue was undermined by the fact that the writers thought it would be a good idea to have 16 year olds talk as if they were 40 year old PHD graduates. It was awkward and cringeworthy. The language the 'teens' used in that show was completely implausible. Buffy's dialogue is nothing like that. It's intelligent, coherent yet different. Not being funny mate but perhaps the abundance of pop culture references escaped you and that's why you date rate the dialogue much?

I don't believe you are serious in regards to your comments about Smallville and Dark Angel and all that.

[slainery]

Originally Posted by theprestige85

Why are you laughing your arse off?

Dawson's Creek's dialogue was undermined by the fact that the writers thought it would be a good idea to have 16 year olds talk as if they were 40 year old PHD graduates. It was awkward and cringeworthy. The language the 'teens' used in that show was completely implausible. Buffy's dialogue is nothing like that. It's intelligent, coherent yet different. Not being funny mate but perhaps the abundance of pop culture references escaped you and that's why you date rate the dialogue much?

I don't believe you are serious in regards to your comments about Smallville and Dark Angel and all that.

1. Read your post again, mate.

2. Buffy's dialogue is cringe-worthy and not nearly as smart is you think it is. DC and BTVS simply represent two ends of a spectum of try-hardness in that regard.

3. I got the abundance of pop culture references, thanks.

4. Very serious, I was actually surprised to notice it during my rewatches.

[theprestige85]

How is Buffy's dialogue cringeworthy??? What exactly do you mean by 'try-hard' anyway?

[GoldMotel]

Originally Posted by slainery

LMAO, k.

Their lines were as try-hard as Dawson's Creek's - albeit in a different way. In both case, the dialogue was entirely too self-absorbed and lacked a certain organic quality. I personally don't find characters/writers trying to fit as many pop culture references as possible in a scene riveting anymore.

Funnily enough, shows like Smallville, Charmed and Dark Angel (season 1) aged better, especially dialogue-wise.

Also, I don't see why GOT is mentioned when it's safe to say that 80% of American television doesn't feature that much profanity...

Um...isn't that similar to how most teenagers usually talk? Unless I missed something when I was in high school, self-absorbed and fake sounding conversations were integral to the high school experience.

[iank]

Originally Posted by theprestige85

How is Buffy's dialogue cringeworthy??? What exactly do you mean by 'try-hard' anyway?

Obvious stupid troll is obvious. And stupid.

Yeah, dissing Buffy in comparison to Smallshitville is very funny stuff. Utterly delusional.