Which Superbit dvd is significantly better than its non-SB counterpart? (1 Viewer)

[Steven Larson]

Or to put it another way, which of the Superbit DVD's is significantly better than the "regular" version?

Are there some Superbit dvd's that are just sort of lackluster or not worth the extra money?

For example I tried finding comparisons between the Superbit version of Heavy Metal and the Collector's Edition, but could not find anything. Best Buy actually has the non-SB version priced higher....

Steve

 

[Richard Kim]

Lawrence of Arabia for one. The difference is due to the different transfer used for the Superbit, restored by Robert Harris (or Harns, according to the box ).

 

[Patrick McCart]

Lawrence of Arabia is probably the only one that has any real upgrades.

It's actually not a new transfer...

Harris and Columbia used the existing HD transfer and made a new NTSC master from it. In the process of making a new master, he oversaw color correction to make the film match its original look (mainly taking out pinkish/reddish tints from sand and skies). Also, every step was taken to keep digital artifacts from being added to the NTSC version.

Some other significant upgrades include a totally re-composited opening titles sequence and a better edited 5.1 track.

 

[Rob Tomlin]

Well, you guys both beat me to the punch. I agree with Lawrence of Arabia Superbit being a significant improvement over the non Superbit original release.

That being said, even the Superbit version has some fairly significant flaws, most notably Edge Enhancement. Apparently this is inherent in the transfer. As Patrick indicated, this is not an actual new transfer, so the EE problems remain. :frowning:

 

[CaptDS9E]

Picture wise only a few superbits give huge improvement. Most are small things here and there. The big thing is the DTS soundtracks for those who like them, and can use them

capt

 

[Steven Larson]

Thanks guys, it sounds like the primary appeal is the DTS soundtrack, and possible upgraded video.

Is anyone familiar with the Superbit versions of Heavy Metal? The Mask of Zorro? Hook?

I just picked up the SB version of Spiderman today, and plan to watch it later.

It sounds like the Superbit version of Das Boot is worthwhile, at least from the reviews.

OH, and Joey Nazzari, I am glad I looked at the bottom of your reply, I was unfamiliar with that site, and love video and PC games. I like that site, I just checked it out. Thanks for the link!!

Steve

 

[ArthurFlew]

The Fifth Element has a much better video transfer than the regular release as well.

And the Mask of Zorro Superbit deluxe is a great set, highly recommend that one.

 

[Dave H]

Spider-Man is much better.

 

[Kwang Suh]

Desperado SB is amazing. New transfer and high(er) bitrate encoding.

 

[Neil Joseph]

One of the members here had a website with the comparisons. I saw a noticeable difference in Vertical Limit that was enough cause for me to sell off the older one.

 

[Neil Joseph]

http://www.videophile.info/

 

[Shane_M]

I agree Neil. Vertical Limit had a way better transfer to the point that it almost looked fake because of the clarity. Of course, that just my opinion.

 

[Larry Sutliff]

THE MASK OF ZORRO is one Superbit in which I noticed a significant difference. The new SPIDER-MAN Superbit doesn't seem to be a significant improvement to my eyes(though I'm not complaining; it looks and sounds fine).

 

[Brent M]

I'd say Desperado, Men in Black, Spider-Man and Bad Boys SuperBits all look and sound better than their "regular" counterparts. The Patriot's DTS track is definitely better than the DD, but I didn't see much of a PQ improvement with that disc(the same goes for Air Force One).

 

[Dave Mack]

Dracula... much better on my settup.

D

 

[Dave Mack]

Whoops.... DP.

 

[David Ruiz]

I did some back to back comparisons of:

Stand By Me (US Special Edition NTSC)
&
Stand By Me (Japanese Superbit NTSC Region 2)

I honestly couldn't see any difference in detail. HOWEVER, I immediately noticed that the Japanese Superbit had way less edge-enhancement than the US Special Edition.

The Special Edition is loaded with major edge-enhancement, where as the Superbit has such a tiny amount it's very hard to see. In some scenes, I can't even see it at all. Superbit is MUCH better, if only to get rid of the major edge-enhancement.

 

[Brian L]

I have Hook, but never saw the standard version, so I can offer no comparison.

I can say, however, that its a pleasing transfer, although there are areas where the picture looks a bit dated. No fault of the DVD of course. It is what it is.

The sound quality, particularly the score is fabulous in DTS.

BGL

 

[Mike Williams]

Lawrence of Arabia, Heavy Metal and Das Boot are ALL significantly better than their non-SB counterparts.

 

[Ken_McAlinden]

Hook is more or less a pure DTS upgrade. The original release was RSDL dual layer with minimal extras, and the video bitrate was more than adequate.

Regards,