Robocop

[LordCrumb]

Has anyone here purchased Robocop? What did you think of the PQ and AQ?

The Aussie release is done my MGM I think, would it be the same transfer as the US release?

[gettodamoofies]

I've seen the disc once at a friend's place and there was a difference, but it was only marginal. Let's put it this way: I really like Robocop but I'm not upgrading at this point in time.

This review has some examples of how the Blu-ray compares to the DVD.

[LordCrumb]

Hell I would call that upgrade worthy. Was it the Directors Cut or Theatrical?

*Great link btw. Thanks

[gettodamoofies]

No worries. It's the director's cut. There is definitely more detail in most shots and not as many compression problems, but the main issue I recall was with swirling grain. I like film grain as it adds a film-like texture, but in this case every frame swam in it and every frame the grain structure has massive shifts resulting in a swirling effect. As I said though, I've only seen it once but it was enough to convince me to hold off. It's a trade off either way - more detail with the Blu or a smoother (in terms of grain) look with the DVD.

I enjoy the look of films with natural grain like Dirty Harry or Big Trouble in Little China. I also don't have problems with the look of 300 as it's stylistic, but with Robocop I seriously think it needs a restoration. It's never been a looker of a film, but it could be far better.

This DVD Plaza review probably sums up my feelings on it pretty nicely.

[LordCrumb]

Thanks again. Ghostbusters had a fair bit of 'swirling' grain as well. I should probably rent Robocop first I guess.

[JBL4645]

The dvd beaver as some nice screenshots of the previous DVD versions. A few of the screenshots are slightly over lit on the transfer copy and that is asking for trouble.

DVD
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDCompare3/robocop.htm

Bluray
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film2/DVDRe...op_blu-ray.htm

[LordCrumb]

Thanks for the links.

[JBL4645]

A short quote from cinema technology magazine April 1988

What are Dolby stereo SR print?
by David Watts

You may have read recently about a new kind of optical print, an SR (Spectral Recoding) version of Dolby stereo. A number of SR prints various films have been made the reaction has been very favourable. One such print, an SR version of Robocop, was shown recently at a special screening at the new CIC Theatres Complex at High Wycombe, via the cinema’s Lucasfilm THX speaker system, (JBL) and compared directly with a conventional Dolby stereo print.

After the screening of the SR print, one film distributor present remarked: “We had to keep reminding ourselves that this was not 70mm”.

When then is Dolby SR, and why does it make such a difference to the sound quality from optical prints?

It was worth remembering first of all that conventional Dolby stereo A-type noise reduction to reduce the noise form optical soundtracks. At the same time, the frequency response and distortion both of soundtrack and the reproduction system in the cinema are improved by Dolby stereo system; using noise reduction was essential to achieving these improvements in sound quality without an unacceptable noise penalty.

Dolby stereo SR prints are made in exactly the same way as standard Dolby stereo prints, but use Spectral Recoding (SR) in place of A-type noise reduction.

I’ve attended the Wycombe 6 once back around early 1990 and the THX JBL is out of this world! The lows move smoothly and hard at the same time on your body I kid you not. saw Arachnophobia

[JBL4645]

Found another shot interesting comment by the DP on its colour.

http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review...+Blu+ray+Sony+

Dolby SR and compatibility
http://www.hps4000.com/pages/dolby/d...patibility.pdf

Sound Effects for "RoboCop" page 1
http://www.hollywoodlostandfound.net/sound/robocop/

Sound Effects for "RoboCop" page 2
http://www.hollywoodlostandfound.net...cop/page2.html

[blu-bren]

are the robocop movies out on Bluray?

[pro-bassoonist]

Blu-bren,

In the future, please use the search system first.

Robocop (AUS):

https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Robocop-Blu-ray/10530/

Thank you.

Pro-B

[LordCrumb]

Bit of an update, Robocop looks great on BD purchased it not long after making this thread.

[blu-bren]

robocop 2 not coming out on bluray at all.

[LordCrumb]

Yes, Robocop 2 is coming out BD... in America..

If you release it, it will come....

bad Field of Dreams rip there...

[gettodamoofies]

Originally Posted by KaiGusto

Yes, Robocop 2 is coming out BD... in America..

If you release it, it will come....

bad Field of Dreams rip there...

Actually, it's scheduled for release here too as part of the Robocop Trilogy due on 27/10 as per EzyDVD. $60 is a fairly reasonable price for EzyDVD so if that's what they are charging then hopefully JB will be around $50.

[LordCrumb]

Ah well there you go Blu-Bren!

[gettodamoofies]

^ I'm keeping an eye on the US thread because it'll be interesting to see what master is used for the first film. Although the first release isn't terrible, it's one of those releases like Predator which could benefit from a new transfer if done correctly. If it is done hopefully it won't be a DNR mess like the new Predator.

[blu-bren]

Robocop 2 might be censored as the dvd says its M. i recall it being R 18.. hope we get an uncut version sometime

the dvd is M in my boxset
and the rating board database
records 2 versions: M (114m) and R(116m)

[LordCrumb]

Originally Posted by blu-bren

Robocop 2 might be censored as the dvd says its M. i recall it being R 18.. hope we get an uncut version sometime

the dvd is M in my boxset
and the rating board database
records 2 versions: M (114m) and R(116m)

The rating could have changed over the years, much like The Terminator and Total Recall did.

I did a quick search on the existing DVD versions, and there isn't any cut releases in any country, so it might just be the PAL to 24fps thing.

[gettodamoofies]

Originally Posted by KaiGusto

The rating could have changed over the years, much like The Terminator and Total Recall did.

I did a quick search on the existing DVD versions, and there isn't any cut releases in any country, so it might just be the PAL to 24fps thing.

It changed back in 1990 very shortly after release. Looks like it was 2 minutes longer for the first theatrical release in mid 1990 and was rated R and then from November 1990 onwards it's been classified M. 2 minutes may have been cut, but that appears it's the way it's always been unless you saw it in theatres. In that case, I don't really mind as it's not like anything is missing that I've seen before.