Rob, I see...sorry if I misunderstood....too bad for Strudel. It was her one big chance, darnit!!
Originally Posted by Eric Scott Richard /forum/thread/305485/htf-blu-ray-review-the-sound-of-music-combo-pack/60#post_3758526
Originally Posted by WilliamMcK
In New York City a 35mm print of The Sound of Music is being screened at the Ziegfeld through tomorrow (Tuesday, 12/21) at 2:00 & 8:00. I saw it last night and it was disappointing. It was advertised as a new 35mm print, but it sure didn't *look* new. The earlier reels in particular had many scratches and other visual blemishes; the color was very faded and the contrast was too low making everything look washed out (don't know if this is the print's fault, or a problem with the projector at the Ziegfeld). However, once I adjusted to the less than optimal print quality I had a great time (there were no splices -- every frame was there). The sound was quite acceptable: despite the condition of the print, the sound (which was directional stereo across the front) had no crackles or glitches. The "apron slap" was NOT there, which made me wonder if they took a different mix and slapped it on to an old print (is this possible?), hence the "new print" advert.
One bizarre anomaly: the credits (minus the Todd-AO card) looked exactly as they always have except for the card containing the credits for the original stage production -- the font for this card was much larger and bolder than on recent blu-ray or earlier DVD editions. This made me wonder if the credits were made "fresh" for home video, or whether for some oddball reason a different card was used for these credits when preparing anamorphic 35mm prints as opposed to the original 70mm Todd-AO. I don't think there was any difference in the text used, but of course, I don't have it memorized either.
This was not the Sing-A-Long version I should note, and the modest sized crowd was respectful (no inappropriate laughter) but had a good time.
Originally Posted by RobertSiegel
I've grown quite accustomed to the Blu-ray now and I have to say that viewing the disc is an absolute delight. I have never seen it look so brown/yellow, but the sharpness and clarity are fantastic. I also believe the sound to be better than the 40th anniversary edition, which I know some disagree with. I used headphones and compared them and the new mix is much more clear. Still, since the soundtracks are SO different, why didn't they offer a 5.1 lossless mix of the 40th anniversary edition mix (which some feel is closer to the theatrical mix) in addition to their "new" mix, and also, if they were finally able to use the original orchestral stems, which they say were in such bad condition, with new technology, then why no new isolated music track? And finally, if there was to be a CD added to the set like there was, why didn't they use the new mix and give us the complete underscore as well?
That still-step section from the 1994 laserdisc box set is still the best bonus extra there is on this film. It's recreation on DVD was a blurry mess, so I would love to see it reach BluRay someday looking as it did (and still does in my house!) on laserdisc.Originally Posted by MatthewA
I also would have liked to see them recreate the still section from the laserdisc box in HD, or at least incorporate its contents. They had access to Ernest Lehman's correspondence, and included his telegrams—I'm sure Liesl would have approved—where one learns, among other things, that Christopher Plummer disliked "Edelweiss" and suggested another song be written to replace it.
Originally Posted by BenCam91
In fact, I only prioritize getting the BD of something if I know it was originally shot in HD.
Originally Posted by TravisR
In fact, I only prioritize getting the BD of something if I know it was originally shot in HD.
Originally Posted by Rob_Ray /forum/thread/305485/htf-blu-ray-review-the-sound-of-music-combo-pack/60#post_3764945
If you can't clearly see the differences between the relativly poor transfer of the 45th edition with it's obvious color fringing issues (look at the scene when Maria is about to open the iron gate for one of the more obvious examples) then I would think your system could be seriously under performing as a HD media playback system. At any rate, something is out of whack, too small an image, to great a viewing distance, etc etc.BOTTOM LINE: Only buy this edition if for some reason you don't already own the 45th Anniversary copy
Originally Posted by Vern Dias
I found the 45th anniversary DVD to be one of Fox less stellar achievements.BOTTOM LINE: Only buy this edition if for some reason you don't already own the 45th Anniversary copy
Yes, I can see it, and yes, it looks great. I just have this thing about buying BDs that weren't shot in HD, but if what you and others are saying on here is right, I guess I shouldn't. Still don't see exactly how something that was shot in 480 can be made to look like 1080, though, unless it's just a matter of adding lines in the same ratios as the original.Originally Posted by Vern Dias
If you can't clearly see the differences between the relativly poor transfer of the 45th edition with it's obvious color fringing issues (look at the scene when Maria is about to open the iron gate for one of the more obvious examples) then I would think your system could be seriously under performing as a HD media playback system. At any rate, something is out of whack, too small an image, to great a viewing distance, etc etc.BOTTOM LINE: Only buy this edition if for some reason you don't already own the 45th Anniversary copy
I found the 45th anniversary DVD to be one of Fox less stellar achievements. Not "Patton" bad, but certainly not a well done transfer from 65mm sources.
Vern
Originally Posted by BenCam91
Yes, I can see it, and yes, it looks great. I just have this thing about buying BDs that weren't shot in HD, but if what you and others are saying on here is right, I guess I shouldn't. Still don't see exactly how something that was shot in 480 can be made to look like 1080, though, unless it's just a matter of adding lines in the same ratios as the original.
Originally Posted by RobertSiegel
Nice description Adam. As you pointed out any movie will look better on Blu-ray, but unfortunately we have to rely on how it is transferred, there are the incredible jobs (South Pacific, Sound of Music, How the West was Won, The Searchers) and the not so good (Gigi, is one that comes to mind), it will all depend on the time and effort spent in the transfer process and as far as classics, the elements that remain. So far I think the studios have done a fine job of restoring the pre-1970 movies, apart from a few mistakes like Patton where they remove all the grain.