CraigF

Dave Mack: Actually, I did not know there was any difference between the UTB and original transfers. I bought the UTB without knowing anything about it...it looked good from the package and wasn't that expensive at the time. I still don't know what the claimed diff is, except that the UTB looked slightly better here (compared to previous release). I think I'll see if I can find out what others said at the time... Did you notice the new transfer in DVDBeaver's review has a *lower* measured bitrate than the original? Can be a misleading number by itself, especially with more modern compression techniques. And different people measure different bitrates.

Edit: Here's the best info I found comparing versions subjectively:http://www.ultimatedisney.com/toystory10th.html

And here for those asking about UTB vs new TS1/2 contents:http://www.dvdcompare.net/comparisons/film.php?fid=187
http://www.dvdcompare.net/comparisons/film.php?fid=190

James W. Johnson

I watched both the new SE and UTB versions of Toy Story 2 last night.

I definately heard the difference, well at least the sound level was higher on the new version's DTS track compared to the DD EX version on the UTB.

My first impression of the SE's PQ was that it was softer but cleaner, certain parts seemed to look better..overall it looked great.
Then I popped in the UTB..and parts of it seemed to look better than the SE did.
Overall I felt each version looked better in certain parts and each version looks excellent overall.
I have no need for both for sure though I am tempted to hang onto the UTB until DVD Beaver or someone else can do a better comparo and tell me which one really the better version.

I have not checked yet but is the commentary the same or different on TS2?

DaViD Boulet

Same commentary...

Be an Original Aspect Ratio Advocate

Supporter of 1080p24 video and lossless 24 bit audio.

Mike Williams

You've already had numerous people in here, including an excellent reviewer, tell you which one is the better version. Since you were skeptical (actually confrontational, is more like it) to begin with, I really doubt you'd be satisfied with what DVDBeaver had to say either. They're your DVDs. You own both sets now. Do what you like.

Inspector Hammer!

I'm picking up TS2 tomorrow and I cannot wait to see the new transfer and hear the DTS track.

The 10th Annie dvd of TS1 kicked so much ass on my 96" display and I expect no less of this one.

David,
at the risk of sounding like a complete brown-noser, your easily my favorite of the forums dvd reviewers, every comment you make about a given dvd has been in total sync with me, keep up the good work, dude.

"There was that time I wanted to be an astronaut.
I wanted to be the first one to kill somebody on the moon."

WilliamG

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the new THX intro to Toy Story 2:SE! I loved it - very funny!

CraigF

For me, I think the most interesting thing about the new TS releases is they (probably) show the limits of standard def DVD, whether through analog or DVI/HDMI connections. I've read all the reviews I can find (technical curiosity) and no matter what system people used, the differences between versions re PQ was described as slight. *THIS* is the best they can do. Apparently. And not really much of an improvement over 5 years, considering what else we've seen. TS are *the* test demo discs. Were and still are, least for PQ. So many things these discs show up, or down, very clearly. (I'm not at all saying there is not plenty of place for live-action demo discs.)

Anyway, for those who generally like dts (me!!) and would rebuy a title even with the same PQ just because it has dts, this is a no-brainer. For those who use TS as a demo disc, then you want the best, so this is a no-brainer. For TS freaks who have them all including the UTB, this is a no-brainer. For those who never got TS's because they weren't into HT when they were available, the same. EVERYBODY must have the TS's.

Come on, these discs are $15-20 and you want to demo or test your multi $k system...why are you sweating it?

Alex-A

Actually, the THX Tex trailer has been around for a while. I didn't have it on any of my other DVDs so having it now is a bonus.

NCC-2000

WilliamG

THAT'S what it's called! :b
I'd never seen it before, but had seen it referenced several times in different threads.
Thanks, Alex

(now back to our regularly scheduled discussion ... )

George_W_K

My most recent home theater pics.

These guys are from the 4th Cleveland HT Meet. Will you be in the next one?

5th Meet @ George's Thread 9-16-06 = Most recent MEET Post there and help our group grow!

Andrew Bunk

Watched both new TS discs last night. Both looked fantastic.

You know, I've gotten used to watching HD cable in the past 6 months, and it dawned on me half way through the DVD that TS2 especially looked like HD. There were many parts where I thought I was watching an HD motion capture film of models-the detail was that good.

Very happy with these releases. I'll be keeping my TS 2-pack as well though for the Pixar shorts.

My DVD, Blu-Ray and HD DVD Collection @ DVDSpot

James W. Johnson

Well IMO Toy Story in HD would still look alot better but I agree with everyone that TS2 is as good as the current DVD technology can look.

BTW has Toy Story 1 or 2 ever been broacast in HD on one of the major networks yet?


Now I am not so sure why they spend so much time on these Toy Story's they got it right with the UTB and even managed to top that now...yet the first release of Finding Nemo still sucks.

Monsters Inc. is my favorite Pixar movie by far.....that one could use a little work too...
id certainly buy a super duper deluxe 18 disc version of that.