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Yup, just started Barcelona and seeing sparkly white lines (really apparent in the first panoramic shot of the city). I don't think this is an issue of TV calibration and maybe an issue with the source? Or another Criterion error.

EDIT: I first noticed this via PS4 and a older hd JVC tv. Tried it again on a different player and TV (dynex + Emerson) and the same white lines were popping off in that first shot after the opening credits.

Try the disc on another player, TV, etc. If it plays the same on any variation of hardware, then the problem has to be with the disc.

McNulty wrote:Yup, just started Barcelona and seeing sparkly white lines (really apparent in the first panoramic shot of the city). I don't think this is an issue of TV calibration and maybe an issue with the source? Or another Criterion error.

I checked my Barcelona copy on my computer. If the 1st panoramic shot of the city you're refering to is the one straight after the opening credits (about 1 min 40 in), I didn't see no issue whatsoever.

I don't have The In-Laws since I'll be buying the UK version of that but will definitely check it too.

Due to the randomness of that, I'd guess it might be a one-off compatibility issue, but I don't understand what randomness could generate seemingly the same visual issues (white lines and / or grain uptake) on different setups (except, of course, if it's actually down to this one option or one material that you share without knowing it).

The thing with this issue is, if it's effecting you, you'll know it. It's incredibly noticeable

Could everyone experiencing this issue please disclose the combination of TV and player that are producing the problem? This could help narrow down what's causing it, if we all put our heads together. (For instance, if two people with the exact same setup get different results, then it has to be a disc issue.)

Philips TV, both Sony and LG players

Howard's End definetly had this issue

I came back to Howards End not too long ago, and though I didn't really notice it initially, it's certainly a lot noisier than I remembered, pretty bad actually. Oddly never stood out before, though maybe after going through so many much better presentations over the years it stood out more now. But even checking it again now, I still don't detect this "white lightening" thing or whatever it is that others are seeing.

Could it be a perception thing on the part of the viewer if it's not equipment specific? Like, some viewers are more sensitive to something in the image. Quick! What color is the dress?

I'm seeing it on my copy of The Player. Fortunately not in the feature but oddly the scenes of the feature in the new documentary.

This is becoming weirder and weirder.

flyonthewall2983 wrote:I'm seeing it on my copy of The Player. Fortunately not in the feature but oddly the scenes of the feature in the new documentary.

I'm seeing what I believe is the issue in the same area as you. It looks like a few thin horizontal white strips of noise that pulsate every now and then. It doesn't seem to be as excessive as in Domino's example of The In-Laws, as it doesn't render the clips unwatchable, but it is oddly noticeable (and if it occurred throughout the main feature, it certainly would bother me!).

I have just joined, partially because I have meant to do so for quite a while, but also because of this very topic. I was searching the internet to see if anyone else was noticing this issue, and apparently I am not alone. I have noticed this white flashing on The Player, The Graduate, and The In-Laws. I'm using a Panasonic player and an Insignia 50 inch LCD display. I have played around with settings, but I can still see the flash. I did NOT notice the issue on The American Friend, but I'll give it and some other titles another spin.

Is there anyone who's seeing the issue on some titles but not on the others?

I tried all three of the affected titles on my LG player (watching it on my Sony TV), and the problem immediately showed itself with In-Laws and Room With a View, but it took me three separate tries to see it in action with Barcelona. Due to the small size of my TV, it's not nearly as distracting as it might be for people with flatscreens and the like (I could only see the problem standing right near my TV), but the lines and flashing are definitely there.

What's the timecode of the issue with the doc on The Player?

It took me longer than the opening shot to see it in action with The Player (even with my eyes practically on the TV, I can't detect the problem in many scenes where the camera's in motion), but the problem eventually appeared there too. I don't think I see it with The Graduate, but I've been wrong thinking that before, so who knows.

swo17 wrote:What's the timecode of the issue with the doc on The Player?

Try around 13 minutes or so, the party scene with the real-life famous actors, directors, etc. The issue doesn't seem to be as noticeable as it was before; I actually tend to see the white lines more excessively while fast forwarding, not nearly as much as it plays in motion.

For the record, I'm using a Samsung TV and a Sony Blu-Ray player. (I also have a Panasonic player that I'll test it on... eventually.)

I just checked the Graduate and yep, there it is.

EDIT: So this post previously had a video I took on my iPhone of the issue but Vimeo compressed it to the point of it not being especially worthwhile as evidence

The Narrator Returns wrote:I tried all three of the affected titles on my LG player (watching it on my Sony TV), and the problem immediately showed itself with In-Laws and Room With a View, but it took me three separate tries to see it in action with Barcelona. Due to the small size of my TV, it's not nearly as distracting as it might be for people with flatscreens and the like (I could only see the problem standing right near my TV), but the lines and flashing are definitely there.

On Room with a View, is it throughout the entire feature or just at certain points?

I believe the issue persists for the duration of the entire feature for the known problem titles

I am testing The In-Laws on another set up, Samsung player with a 31 inch Dynex LCD. It's not as noticeable, but I can still barely see it in the the dinner scene near the beginning (because I am looking hard for the "pulsing"). So, yeah, definitely not as distracting. If i had only watched it on this set up, I don't think I would have noticed the problem. Similar reaction with The Graduate, I see it in a couple of spots because I am straining to find it, on the larger display, though, it is inescapable and totally distracting.

Next up, The Player, and the scene where I first noticed this issue starting at about 26:40 where Tim Robbins is outside the house talking to the woman inside the house. Again, not really seeing the problem that was so pronounced on the other, larger set.

I've been going through The Graduate, and it finally, obviously (as in I clearly saw it even sitting away from the TV) showed up for me in the scene that graces the cover, starting at about 52:30.

Can we get people who are friendly coexisters with some of our rival forums to reach out elsewhere about this? More input from as many people as possible will get us closer to an answer (assuming they won't all just say it has to be our collective TV settings and dismiss the issue out of hand, Pro-B fashion)

If any of you are signed up at the Blu-ray forums, can you tell me if this is what you guys are seeing?

--edit, screw it I stole a pic to repost here for those that aren't members

This is purely speculation and "What if...", but it almost reminds me of macrovision copy protector sort of stuff with VHS etc. when your system was not in order.