Who here bought The Descent? - Blu-ray Forum

GTP · 12-31-2006, 04:13 PM

Warning...this movie does not play on any BD players except the PS3, Samsung with latest firmware and the Panasonic player.
All others need a yet to be released firmware upgrade to playback this movie.

This movie has the best looking dark lit scenes I have ever seen in a movie.
Chapter 12..The Blood Pool...is the best looking scenes ever in a dark lit movie.

I had never seen this one before...and I am not a horror fan in particular....but its a decent movie....and suprisingly enough...has an 84% at Rotten Tomatoes which is unheard of for a horror movie.

I have to admit that I bought this one to see what Lions Gate could do with 50gb's to work with....and for the 7.1 PCM audio....even though I only use 6.1 in my set up.

My new reference clip sound and picture quality for those that don't mind a lot of blood....is chapter 12.
For those that do mind the Blood...its Pearl Harbors attack scenes...and for those that bring their kids....The Wild.

Blubaru · 12-31-2006, 04:16 PM

I called up Samsung and they said that they would be receiving a copy to test on WED. Hopefully they can get an update out by Friday.

JTK · 12-31-2006, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTP

Warning...this movie does not play on any BD players except the PS3, Samsung with latest firmware and the Panasonic player.
All others need a yet to be released firmware upgrade to playback this movie.

Obvious question: Why?

bferr1 · 12-31-2006, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTK

Obvious question: Why?

Not sure. Just don't call it a bug over at the Pioneer owner's thread at AVS, like I did. Even though the Pioneer plays other BD-J titles like League of Extraordinary Gentlemen just fine, the very notion of a bug in the Pioneer Elite ruffles many feathers over there and is not worth getting into heated debates over.

GTP · 12-31-2006, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bferr1

Not sure. Just don't call it a bug over at the Pioneer owner's thread at AVS, like I did. Even though the Pioneer plays other BD-J titles like League of Extraordinary Gentlemen just fine, the very notion of a bug in the Pioneer Elite ruffles many feathers over there and is not worth getting into heated debates over.

All those titles also play on the Philps and Sony player....but apparently this is a more advanced BD-J title with these other titles only having some of the available BD-J features.

Q...it will playback perfectly on your PS3....complete with 7.1 audio

GTP · 12-31-2006, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blubaru

I called up Samsung and they said that they would be receiving a copy to test on WED. Hopefully they can get an update out by Friday.

Owners of Samsungs with the latest firmware are reporting the title plays fine as of a few days ago.
Just download whatevers already available from Samsung...if you haven't already....and your good to go.

I bought a remote for my newly aqquired PS3 that will not work without a firmware upgrade....so I guess firmware upgrades are going to be a common pita from here on out.

WriteSimply · 12-31-2006, 05:46 PM

What's annoying the hell out of me at AVS is that owners of this disc and their players have not commented on the BD-J and Picture-in-Picture aspects of it and what player they are using it on.

Remember that these two things are what HD-DVD fanatics are most afraid of. If they work without hiccups on current players, then combined with BD50 replication and studio support they obliterate any advantage HD-DVD has.

fuad

goodstuff · 12-31-2006, 05:57 PM

This plays fine on my Samsung and Panasonic players, including all the extra features. Menu/slider movement are a lot slower on the samsung, but they do work.

bferr1 · 12-31-2006, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WriteSimply

What's annoying the hell out of me at AVS is that owners of this disc and their players have not commented on the BD-J and Picture-in-Picture aspects of it and what player they are using it on.

Remember that these two things are what HD-DVD fanatics are most afraid of. If they work without hiccups on current players, then combined with BD50 replication and studio support they obliterate any advantage HD-DVD has.

fuad

Fuad, you and I are on the same wavelength. There was one comment about PiP from shamus1099 on one thread, but only after I asked for someone to look into it. They were too busy arguing about 6.1 versus 7.1 audio. See here, then post #22: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...&&#post9254343

And I think shamus1099 has a Samsung.

GoldenRedux · 12-31-2006, 06:20 PM

I pre-ordered this title from Amazon ages ago, but it's taking forever to show up. Other titles that I purchased after it showed up already, but not this one.

I'm glad to hear that Descent plays on the Panasonic without any problems, because I'm popping this one into my Panny as soon as possible when it does finally get here.

GTP · 12-31-2006, 06:40 PM

I scoured through a few threads and the Philips player also plays this BD with a firmware upgrade.

The Pioneer Elite and Sony player were announced to have problems with BD-J titles for playback before their release dates....and future firmware updates will enable them to play The Descent and future BD-J titles....so this should not be a shock to anyone.

This title does playback on PS3's with the original firmware flawlessly.

Spankey · 12-31-2006, 10:31 PM

It plays on my Samsung just fine. The only time it has problems is if you start the player with the disc in the drive. No problems at all. Great lil movie.

Josh · 01-03-2007, 07:36 PM

Got and played this movie yesterday.

Feature: I purchased this movie blind, and was really impressed with what I saw. The movie worked on many levels that broke away from the typical Japanese-remake fright-fest that Hollywood likes to crank lately. Most horror movies lose strength upon multiple viewings as you start to remember where ever jump takes place and you can prepare for it. The claustrophobic feeling this movie gives the viewers, is something that is duplicated on every viewing. Even taken on the viability level, the fact that something like this could possibly happen makes the movie even scarier (think "Detour" episode of the X Files).

Video: I'm not sure if this movie could have looked any better. I saw no flaws in the video and everything was crisp. As you would expect, with such a dark movie contrast is very important, and this title did not disappoint. Whereas titles like Unforgiven suffer during dark scenes, this title looks absolutely wonderful. You will not be disappointed.

Audio: Like many others have been commenting, this title will actually output 7.1 in PCM. I'm only running a 5.1 setup, so I couldn't tell you if the rear surrounds were separate or the same channel, but that is what my Denon AVR is reporting. The mix does a good job of relaying the atmosphere. There is not a ton of background music (to my pleasure) and shock scenes aren't typically accompanied by the cliche symphony pre-empt.

Interactivity: As the first title to use BD-J, this title does show off what we can expect in the future from Blu-ray. The menus are slick and the picture-in-picture feature is pulled off really well. Not all is smooth as you would like, with some skipping and delays on my Panny, but for a first generation player it worked flawlessly.

Sorry for the quick review, but I didn't think anyone would really want to read a professional write-up from me.

WriteSimply · 01-03-2007, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joshd2012

Sorry for the quick review, but I didn't think anyone would really want to read a professional write-up from me.

Well I would but then I'd have to pay you. How's a quarter sounds like?

Thanks for that josh!

Anymore? Anyone with the Samsung or the PS3? What is the BD-J implementation on The Descent? How different is it from other discs?

fuad

goodstuff · 01-03-2007, 08:20 PM

I have the Samsung & Panny. The Java probably comes into effect with the slider navigation on the still frame sections (cast bios & still gallery). I'm assuming it's also on the PIP function and the main menu flashlight motions.

hyperdine · 01-03-2007, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WriteSimply

Anymore? Anyone with the Samsung or the PS3? What is the BD-J implementation on The Descent? How different is it from other discs?

I have the Samsung and the PS3 and this title plays fine on both. The Samsung is really slow though in the menu navigation and load time, but it definitely works. The slowness is more noticeable if you have a PS3 because it's so fast in comparison.

I think the main difference that I noticed with the BD-J implementation is the Picture-in-Picture.

LembasBread · 01-03-2007, 11:49 PM

This may be a little off topic, but, if these features are done with BD-J, what are the differences/advantages (if any) of BD-Live supposedly going to deliver?

goodstuff · 01-03-2007, 11:53 PM

BD-Live supposedly will allow you to join in on chats and online events. Things like that, if I'm not mistaken.

LembasBread · 01-04-2007, 12:12 AM

Interesting, thnx

blitz6speed · 01-04-2007, 01:13 AM

This is also the first HD title on either format to do seemless branching. Shocking that the hd-dvd fanatics fail to mention that they still do not have a single movie that does this, while there are a ton coming to blu-ray. AVP i know also has seemless branching, and i heard possibly From Hell has it too. Definetly exciting times.

12-31-2006, 04:13 PM	#1
GTP Expert Member Member since:Jan 2006 Trading Score:1	Who here bought The Descent? Warning...this movie does not play on any BD players except the PS3, Samsung with latest firmware and the Panasonic player. All others need a yet to be released firmware upgrade to playback this movie. This movie has the best looking dark lit scenes I have ever seen in a movie. Chapter 12..The Blood Pool...is the best looking scenes ever in a dark lit movie. I had never seen this one before...and I am not a horror fan in particular....but its a decent movie....and suprisingly enough...has an 84% at Rotten Tomatoes which is unheard of for a horror movie. I have to admit that I bought this one to see what Lions Gate could do with 50gb's to work with....and for the 7.1 PCM audio....even though I only use 6.1 in my set up. My new reference clip sound and picture quality for those that don't mind a lot of blood....is chapter 12. For those that do mind the Blood...its Pearl Harbors attack scenes...and for those that bring their kids....The Wild. Last edited by GTP; 12-31-2006 at 04:15 PM.

01-03-2007, 07:36 PM	#13
Josh Super Moderator Top contributor Member since:Sep 2006 Home Theater Gallery:50 4K collection:37 Blu-ray collection:407 Digital collection:1 Blu-ray reviews: 15 Trading Score:34	Got and played this movie yesterday. Feature: I purchased this movie blind, and was really impressed with what I saw. The movie worked on many levels that broke away from the typical Japanese-remake fright-fest that Hollywood likes to crank lately. Most horror movies lose strength upon multiple viewings as you start to remember where ever jump takes place and you can prepare for it. The claustrophobic feeling this movie gives the viewers, is something that is duplicated on every viewing. Even taken on the viability level, the fact that something like this could possibly happen makes the movie even scarier (think "Detour" episode of the X Files). Video: I'm not sure if this movie could have looked any better. I saw no flaws in the video and everything was crisp. As you would expect, with such a dark movie contrast is very important, and this title did not disappoint. Whereas titles like Unforgiven suffer during dark scenes, this title looks absolutely wonderful. You will not be disappointed. Audio: Like many others have been commenting, this title will actually output 7.1 in PCM. I'm only running a 5.1 setup, so I couldn't tell you if the rear surrounds were separate or the same channel, but that is what my Denon AVR is reporting. The mix does a good job of relaying the atmosphere. There is not a ton of background music (to my pleasure) and shock scenes aren't typically accompanied by the cliche symphony pre-empt. Interactivity: As the first title to use BD-J, this title does show off what we can expect in the future from Blu-ray. The menus are slick and the picture-in-picture feature is pulled off really well. Not all is smooth as you would like, with some skipping and delays on my Panny, but for a first generation player it worked flawlessly. Sorry for the quick review, but I didn't think anyone would really want to read a professional write-up from me. Last edited by Josh; 01-03-2007 at 08:17 PM.

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12-31-2006, 04:16 PM	#2
Blubaru Expert Member Member since:Oct 2006 Location:Tonight! you!	I called up Samsung and they said that they would be receiving a copy to test on WED. Hopefully they can get an update out by Friday.

12-31-2006, 05:46 PM	#7
WriteSimply Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Sep 2006 Location:Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia	What's annoying the hell out of me at AVS is that owners of this disc and their players have not commented on the BD-J and Picture-in-Picture aspects of it and what player they are using it on. Remember that these two things are what HD-DVD fanatics are most afraid of. If they work without hiccups on current players, then combined with BD50 replication and studio support they obliterate any advantage HD-DVD has. fuad

12-31-2006, 05:57 PM	#8
goodstuff Blu-ray Guru Top contributor Member since:Oct 2006 4K collection:509 Blu-ray collection:6535 Blu-ray reviews: 85 Trading Score:6	This plays fine on my Samsung and Panasonic players, including all the extra features. Menu/slider movement are a lot slower on the samsung, but they do work.

12-31-2006, 06:20 PM	#10
GoldenRedux Power Member Member since:Sep 2006 Blu-ray reviews:1	I pre-ordered this title from Amazon ages ago, but it's taking forever to show up. Other titles that I purchased after it showed up already, but not this one. I'm glad to hear that Descent plays on the Panasonic without any problems, because I'm popping this one into my Panny as soon as possible when it does finally get here.

12-31-2006, 06:40 PM	#11
GTP Expert Member Member since:Jan 2006 Trading Score:1	I scoured through a few threads and the Philips player also plays this BD with a firmware upgrade. The Pioneer Elite and Sony player were announced to have problems with BD-J titles for playback before their release dates....and future firmware updates will enable them to play The Descent and future BD-J titles....so this should not be a shock to anyone. This title does playback on PS3's with the original firmware flawlessly.

12-31-2006, 10:31 PM	#12
Spankey Power Member Member since:Oct 2006	It plays on my Samsung just fine. The only time it has problems is if you start the player with the disc in the drive. No problems at all. Great lil movie.

01-03-2007, 08:20 PM	#15
goodstuff Blu-ray Guru Top contributor Member since:Oct 2006 4K collection:509 Blu-ray collection:6535 Blu-ray reviews: 85 Trading Score:6	I have the Samsung & Panny. The Java probably comes into effect with the slider navigation on the still frame sections (cast bios & still gallery). I'm assuming it's also on the PIP function and the main menu flashlight motions.

01-03-2007, 11:49 PM	#17
LembasBread Active Member Member since:Dec 2006 Blu-ray reviews:1	This may be a little off topic, but, if these features are done with BD-J, what are the differences/advantages (if any) of BD-Live supposedly going to deliver?

01-03-2007, 11:53 PM	#18
goodstuff Blu-ray Guru Top contributor Member since:Oct 2006 4K collection:509 Blu-ray collection:6535 Blu-ray reviews: 85 Trading Score:6	BD-Live supposedly will allow you to join in on chats and online events. Things like that, if I'm not mistaken.

01-04-2007, 12:12 AM	#19
LembasBread Active Member Member since:Dec 2006 Blu-ray reviews:1	Interesting, thnx

01-04-2007, 01:13 AM	#20
blitz6speed Blu-ray Guru Member since:Oct 2006 Location:Anaheim Hills, CA Trading Score:8	This is also the first HD title on either format to do seemless branching. Shocking that the hd-dvd fanatics fail to mention that they still do not have a single movie that does this, while there are a ton coming to blu-ray. AVP i know also has seemless branching, and i heard possibly From Hell has it too. Definetly exciting times.

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