DVD Review HTF REVIEW: Léon The Professional: Deluxe Edition (RECOMMENDED) (1 Viewer)

[Ron Reda]

Looking forward to finally picking this up and checking it out. I've read lots of good things about it. With the confusion regarding the other pressings, I decided to hold off until they got it right. Sounds like they finally did.

 

[Aaron Silverman]

I would appreciate that. I'm not familiar with that technique. Does anyone know of an easy way to check the disc without actually ripping it?

 

[Peter Svensson]

Ok, if I have got this right this means that the picture quality of the Superbit Deluxe edition is exactly the same as on the previous Superbit edition, but the audio is corrected, right?

 

[Elijah Sullivan]

It does indeed say "mastered in high definition" on the sleeve. As for the video quality -- I thought this DVD looked and sounded very well.

However, I did notice some scenes looking softer than others. Is that a symptom of the problem you are refering to? I'm not very familiar with the jargon you guys are throwing around It was fairly minor, I think -- overall, great image.

 

[Aaron Silverman]

The file that lacks 3:2 encoding is indeed the first part of the film.

Interestingly, the screen shot on DVD Beaver is of a scene that comes from one of the files that *does* have 3:2 encoding, according to GSpot.

 

[Aaron Silverman]

I am bouncing this thread to the top so that those who have higher-end setups and may not have looked at it over the weekend will be aware of the 3:2 pulldown issue that may affect them.

It is not likely to affect you unless you have a very large screen; however, I will see if I can get any information from Sony about a potential disc replacement or reissue.

 

[CraigL]

So what's the deal with this? Do I bother buying it for the 4th time?

 

[Henry Gale]

I got mine. What's $19.99 for a DVD when I once paid $130.00 for the import LD of LEON: Integral Version?

 

[CraigF]

I must say I'll be pretty disappointed if this release is *once again* affected by what can only be called slipshod QC...does someone competent not check exactly what's put on the disc? Is this movie jinxed? I know it was lower budget, but can we not get the recording of what we do have to disc correct? Just once? Please?

 

[Ron Reda]

Well said Craig. I was looking forward to finally adding this to my collection, but not now, not with it being screwed up yet again.

 

[Peter Svensson]

Sorry for asking, but I don´t understand what´s wrong with the Deluxe Edition? Something about pull down that´s only visible on a projector?

 

[Gary Burdick]

I picked it up but only because I got Fifth Element from amazon and adding Leon only cost me $12 more. I do hope they issue replacement discs.

 

[CraigL]

Ugh...so I shouldn't buy? I have a gift card and everything. *sigh*

 

[Aaron Thorne]

I viewed the disc last night and did not notice any issues due to the missing pulldown flag.

However I cant speak for the projector folks, but no problems on my plasma display.

 

[Aaron Silverman]

The issue only affects players that have trouble recognizing the progressive video if the 3:2 pulldown flag is incorrectly encoded on the disc. It had no effect whatsoever on my system. I am told that the software in HTPCs tends to be affected by it, though.

I will be investigating this further with some different software, since The Fifth Element appears to have the same error and I want to make absolutely certain that I am providing correct information. In fact, if anyone has a system that they know will be affected by this, and has access to either of these discs, it would be great if you could take a look and report back here about it.

Stay tuned. . .

 

[Grant H]

Maybe the problem is why some CC's are selling it for $14.99. I get my Progressive image from my iScan, so I don't think this would be a problem for me.

I may bargain-hunt for it this weekend.

 

[Gary Burdick]

I think I noticed some frames bleeding together, like a flash at the bottom of the frame when shots are changed. I'll have to compare it to my regular Internation cut to verify if I'm imagining this or not.

 

[Mark_TS]

too bad about the QC- it is a new transfer-the VOB files are dated Nov 2004.

Got mine at CC for $15 too, even though the Sunday flyer stated $17

 

[RobertDigilio]

Aaron,

Thanks for the very informative review. Also, thanks for the investigation of this apparent disc mastering error. Any additional follow-up on Leon and Fifth Element, especially with CTS, is much appreciated.


Anyone know the best way to pursue this with CTS? E-mail or phone #? Disc replacement should definitely be offered, if this error is confirmed (at least, I'm not sure it has been on The Fifth Element which is the one I ordered).

 

[Ron Reda]

After thinking this through, I may just go ahead and pick it up on sale but not open it in hopes that CTS will fix the error and send out replacements. I guess there's nothing to lose if I do that, right?