Universal Catalog Titles on Blu

[tojoed]

Give it a rest. We've done all this a million times.

[captveg]

Give it a rest. We've done all this a million times.

I'm not arguing against anyone preferring the open matte version and choosing the (wonderful) MoC package because of it. I'm just sharing facts about the US release and why we're likely to get only 1.85:1 from Universal here.

If this offends you I can do nothing for you about that.

Personally, I'm far more interested in how the new restoration efforts will inform the presentation.

[captveg]

He didn't hear you.

?

[tojoed]

He doesn't hear anything, David. That's because he must be one of the kramerload of HTF members who joined specifically to tell us that "Everything after 1953 was widescreen".

[captveg]

Unbelievable. You know, I didn't bring up the aspect ratio conversation. I was simply addressing what Universal is likely to do with this release in the context of it's 1958 US theatrical release. I didn't criticize the open matte version or those who prefer it.

I didn't have any part of that prior conversation and I'm sorry that people are so damn sensitive about it that merely breathing in close proximity to it apparently causes heart murmurs and nausea. Well, screw that, that's not my problem.

As to my reasons for joining this forum, it had zero to do with any zealous attempts towards aspect ratio enforcement. I joined because I enjoy discussing certain movies and their home video releases in a multitude of contexts. Part of that context is bound to include aspect ratio presentation from time to time. If it's not a conversation you wish to have, then don't participate and it will end in its own due course, no?

If someone doesn't want to read my posts there's the "Foes" option in the user settings. You're welcome to it.

[captveg]

What's with the specification "Disc 1 (Side A)"? Is it implying that these will be flipper discs, or is that standard for Universal when talking about their blu-rays?

It's standard. They did have a few BD/DVD flippers about 4-5 years back, so the terminology remains from that time on their press releases. Unless a "Side B" is mentioned the disc is one-sided like most BD releases.

[tojoed]

Veg, I may not be the sanest person in the world, but I'm not childish enough to have a list of "Foes".

You're being disingenuous though. If you weren't trying to have an aspect ratio debate, why did you post Furmanek's industry cut-out? That's why I asked you to give it a rest, because, as I said, it's all been argued about years ago.

The "kramerload of HTF members" was just a small attempt at a joke, and I'm sorry if it offended you.

[captveg]

I wasn't trying to have a debate, and was not being disingenuous. I posted it for the exact reason I stated: to give further context into why Universal's upcoming release is likely to be 1.85:1, as Drucker suggested it was "safe to assume." I was essentially saying "even more safe to assume because of the trade info."

I wasn't offended by the joke; I was flustered by the idea that I was purposely trying to instigate an aspect ratio war of some kind when I was being careful to phrase my statements as objectively as possible. I guess if I had been privy to that prior debate I would have understood the minefield I had wandered into.

[jindianajonz]

I can see why aspect ratio discussion is frowned upon- we apparently get into fights over not getting into fights about them!

It's standard. They did have a few BD/DVD flippers about 4-5 years back, so the terminology remains from that time on their press releases. Unless a "Side B" is mentioned the disc is one-sided like most BD releases.

Thank you, Capt!

[captveg]

Some more April releases:

Mallrats (1995) - 4/15/14
Reality Bites (1994) - 4/15/14

[EddieLarkin]

The Digital Bits confirm the upcoming Touch of Evil disc will include 1.85:1 versions only.

[onedimension]

ToE really needs an On the Waterfront caliber Criterion for the Region A bound.. Still glad to get a blu, though..

[FrauBlucher]

Another very questionable blu ray upgrade Gorilla's In the Mist.

[captveg]

6/3/14

The Birds (1963)
The Break-Up (2006)
Rear Window (1954)
Vertigo (1958)
You, Me and Dupree (2006)

Psycho (1960) is also being re-issued

[swo17]

Five timeless classics

[captveg]

Yeah, those two stand out as "huh?", but they were HD-DVD releases, so good to see they are still working through getting those titles in general on Blu-ray. After these come out there will still be 31 HD-DVD titles not released on Blu-ray from Universal.

[captveg]

And because of your pent up demand, swo, they are also releasing the following on 6/3/14:

Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004)

[domino harvey]

They're basically just fire sale-ing all the titles already out via region free Blus in the UK

[Ashirg]

They forgot to include Along Came Polly in this rom-com avalanche of titles available on blu in UK...

[Drucker]

Double Indemnity US Release reviewed at DVD Beaver.

Gary says it's a bit darker and a little less grain. However it turns out, based on this alone, it doesn't seem to be a slam-dunk/totally necessary double-dip for those with the MOC.

[EddieLarkin]

Detail is marginally improved, and whilst there is less grain I think this is more down to it being finer, rather than anything to do with grain reduction (as the review suggests, this is likely from a superior source element than the MoC). Contrast definitely receives the biggest jump in quality though. I'm not due a rewatch for a couple of years thankfully; I'll pick it up then when it's dirt cheap.

[Movie-Brat]

My only qualm with the King Kong vs. Godzilla Blu-ray is that it doesn't feature the original Japanese version. If I may ask, is there really a copyright issue as to why they haven't released it in its original format?

[EddieLarkin]

My only qualm with the King Kong vs. Godzilla Blu-ray is that it doesn't feature the original Japanese version. If I may ask, is there really a copyright issue as to why they haven't released it in its original format?

None at all. This was all debated a few months ago on Blu-ray.com, until Keith Aiken confirmed some details here and here.

[Movie-Brat]

My only qualm with the King Kong vs. Godzilla Blu-ray is that it doesn't feature the original Japanese version. If I may ask, is there really a copyright issue as to why they haven't released it in its original format?

None at all. This was all debated a few months ago on Blu-ray.com, until Keith Aiken confirmed some details here and here.

Fuck me, that's why. That's...really, really disappointing. Well, I'll take what I can I guess. On the upside, perhaps when the rights to Godzilla 1985 expire, it'll be up for NA distribution again. I've always said elsewhere Shout Factory should be the one to distribute it for their Scream Factory lineup.

Thanks for the explanation on the issue, sir.

[kingofthejungle]

The image on the Universal release is a step up, but I honestly don't like the film enough to double dip on this one. The MOC is a great presentation with more special features than you could ever hope for.