MGM DVD Settlement

Melson · 01-27-2005, 02:51 AM

From CHUD:

Quote:

Longtime CHUD.com reader Casey sent me a link that grabbed my jaw and smacked it down to the floor. I don't know if this is 100% true or what, but it represents the biggest scan to happen to consumers since DVD became the format of choice.

If this is true, MGM Home Video has been lying about the films they're marketing as widescreen, rather cutting the top and bottom off of pan and scan transfers and billing it as widescreen, as the aspect ratio is still correct.

I own a lot of MGM films, and the list of affected titles is lengthy and can be seen right HERE. The whole breakdown of the situation can be seen HERE, and it makes one wonder. Why isn't this governed better? Why isn't there a series of checks and balances in place to not only protect the consumer but force the manufacturers to enforce what they sell as technical specs and special features?

I hope this is bogus, but it sounds legit. I remember being really pissed at the Run Silent, Run Deep DVD I got recently and wouldn't be surprised if the shoddy appearance of the DVD was partially to blame.

I don't think this settlement applies to ALL OF US, but I think we should all be just a little more wary next time we shop. At least.

This could be big...

For more information, see mgmdvdsettlement . com

Patrick McCart · 01-27-2005, 05:55 AM

It's just some poor descriptions on packaging. People are going to be REALLY let down when they recieve "replacements" that look exactly the same.

Kyle McKnight · 01-27-2005, 06:19 AM

Or see this thread
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...hreadid=112701

Melson · 01-27-2005, 08:13 AM

Oops... I didn't know this had started in 2002. Please lock this thread; I feel stupid :b

DaViD Boulet · 01-27-2005, 09:52 AM

Before I try to read all of this...

is this just a misunderstanding of openmatte/matted presentation or a legit issue of mis-framing/cropping for MGM widescreen titles?

-dave

**HTF Ads**

WillG · 01-27-2005, 11:05 AM

It's just misrepresentation of the difference between Widescreen and Full Screen on the inserts of many of MGMs discs. The comparisons would show a widescreen image of a 1.85:1 open matte film and then place a 4:3 ratio box within that image to show how information would be cropped out. However, since the films are open matte, those representations would be incorrect and misleading.

Joel C · 01-27-2005, 07:23 PM

Yes, certainly something worth suing about.

MatthewLouwrens · 01-27-2005, 11:47 PM

There's quite a good article on this over at The Letterbox and Widescreen Advocacy Page.