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HTF DVD Review: Transformers (2-disc) (Recommended) - Page 2

post #31 of 51
10/18/07 at 10:10am

Re: HTF DVD Review: Transformers (2-disc) (Recommended)

25 minutes could easily have been cut from this film, the love story angle just doesn't work. Thats what slowed down Pearl Harbor to a crawl. Digital effect were very good in this film,but the fight scenes were to closeup. They should have been drawn back , so you can see all the action. Otherwise it was fairly entertaining,but predictable.
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Gear mentioned in this thread:

Transformers (Two-Disc Special Edition)
post #32 of 51
10/19/07 at 7:25pm

Re: HTF DVD Review: Transformers (2-disc) (Recommended)

I have the 2-disc version. (Special edition) After the credits roll on the movie, you get the Iron Man teaser, Transformers teaser and a website plug. Just thought I'd post it so you'd know. It's nice to have the Iron Man teaser.
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post #33 of 51
10/20/07 at 3:33am

Re: HTF DVD Review: Transformers (2-disc) (Recommended)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Colin Jacobson
Do I get to at least choose the insect in question?

I am shocked. That's a weird decision on the part of Paramount...

The single disc only exists for Joe Six Pack buyers who don't value special features. In a perfect world, only the 2 disc would have been released. But as long as a single had to exist, which was a studio requirement, and knowing it was bound to have a larger market presence, we felt that all the special features belonged on the 2 disc set, including the commentary.
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post #34 of 51
10/20/07 at 6:29am

Re: HTF DVD Review: Transformers (2-disc) (Recommended)

Quote:
Originally Posted by David Prior
The single disc only exists for Joe Six Pack buyers who don't value special features. In a perfect world, only the 2 disc would have been released. But as long as a single had to exist, which was a studio requirement, and knowing it was bound to have a larger market presence, we felt that all the special features belonged on the 2 disc set, including the commentary.
If a consumer is going to pay a signficant amount more for the 2 disc release then it should contain more than some featurettes so I have no problem with the 1 disc release not having the commentary.
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post #35 of 51
10/20/07 at 9:37am

Re: HTF DVD Review: Transformers (2-disc) (Recommended)

Quote:
Originally Posted by David Prior
The single disc only exists for Joe Six Pack buyers who don't value special features. In a perfect world, only the 2 disc would have been released. But as long as a single had to exist, which was a studio requirement, and knowing it was bound to have a larger market presence, we felt that all the special features belonged on the 2 disc set, including the commentary.

I probably shouldn't have called the choice "weird" - "unusual" is a more appropriate term, since usually the one-disc version of two-disc sets just uses the latter's first platter. I do like the rationale for your decision!
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post #36 of 51
10/20/07 at 7:59pm

Re: HTF DVD Review: Transformers (2-disc) (Recommended)

With a DVD collection that numbers over 2,600, I am hardly a "joe-six pack." I first got into DVD because of the siren's call of commentaries. How cool would it be if the people behind the movie would give you a lecture while watching them? Answer: really cool. Granted, I'm also one who loves audiobooks and spoken-word podcasts.

Given the lack of really great featurettes on DVD's lately, please forgive my usual skepticism toward the "premium 2-Disc Editions." About the only feature that I really make time for is the commentary assuming it isn't the "this is what is happening now" ones. Further, given how eventually the only dvd available at retail is the one-disc edition (and if it is a WS/FS, only the FS). I would argue that the Joe Six-Pack edition is the Foolscreen edition which should be the vanilla VHS edition.

Deep down, I understand the need to differentiate formats (VHS/DVD back in the day, DVD/HD-DVD today). But at the same time, we were sold on DVD with the Features (Menus, Disc Art!, Chapter Selections, COMMENTARIES, and BTS Featurettes). Now that HD-DVD is available, the HD-DVD gets all the features, the single disc (used to be 2-Disc) gets the shaft, and those who are marginally interested in beyond the movie features has to pay a $7.00 tax for the second disc. Admittedly, all of the reviews say that the second disc is stellar in this case. In the future, I will probably not consider purchasing a Paramount/Dreamworks title that is available in single/2-Disc editions and instead wait to find it used.

The Studio has the need to what it sees is best for them. While I can't see how fragmenting the market and confusing the consumer helps them, they presumably know their business better than me. The nice thing, however, is that I can, as a consumer, refuse to buy their titles new. That way, when I do eventually purchase it used, the studio will not see any money from me directly. I can get the material and the studio can register my displeasure with their practices by not seeing my sale in the statistic reports.
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post #37 of 51
10/20/07 at 8:22pm

Re: HTF DVD Review: Transformers (2-disc) (Recommended)

My 17-year old son and I finally sat down to watch this today (a Saturday afternoon matinee!) and enjoyed it very much.

As my ever-so-astute boy put it: the girl was very hot and a whole lot of stuff blew up!

The plot was kind of hard to follow at points. (I admit that I know nothing about the Transformers phenomena.) I'm still not sure why everyone evacuated Hoover Dam for that city for the climactic fight sequence. I felt somewhat vindicated that a couple of times during the movie I turned to my boy and asked if he knew what was going on and he said "no."

I agree with Justin that most of the robots were indistinguishable. It was hard sometimes to figure out just what was going on. But I also agree that those same robots looked VERY realistic. Very impressive CGI work all the way around.

But, not to worry, a good time was had by all. Audio rocked. Video seemed solid.
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post #38 of 51
10/20/07 at 9:55pm

Re: HTF DVD Review: Transformers (2-disc) (Recommended)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jason Smalley
With a DVD collection that numbers over 2,600, I am hardly a "joe-six pack." I first got into DVD because of the siren's call of commentaries. How cool would it be if the people behind the movie would give you a lecture while watching them? Answer: really cool. Granted, I'm also one who loves audiobooks and spoken-word podcasts.

Given the lack of really great featurettes on DVD's lately, please forgive my usual skepticism toward the "premium 2-Disc Editions." About the only feature that I really make time for is the commentary assuming it isn't the "this is what is happening now" ones. Further, given how eventually the only dvd available at retail is the one-disc edition (and if it is a WS/FS, only the FS). I would argue that the Joe Six-Pack edition is the Foolscreen edition which should be the vanilla VHS edition.

Deep down, I understand the need to differentiate formats (VHS/DVD back in the day, DVD/HD-DVD today). But at the same time, we were sold on DVD with the Features (Menus, Disc Art!, Chapter Selections, COMMENTARIES, and BTS Featurettes). Now that HD-DVD is available, the HD-DVD gets all the features, the single disc (used to be 2-Disc) gets the shaft, and those who are marginally interested in beyond the movie features has to pay a $7.00 tax for the second disc. Admittedly, all of the reviews say that the second disc is stellar in this case. In the future, I will probably not consider purchasing a Paramount/Dreamworks title that is available in single/2-Disc editions and instead wait to find it used.

The Studio has the need to what it sees is best for them. While I can't see how fragmenting the market and confusing the consumer helps them, they presumably know their business better than me. The nice thing, however, is that I can, as a consumer, refuse to buy their titles new. That way, when I do eventually purchase it used, the studio will not see any money from me directly. I can get the material and the studio can register my displeasure with their practices by not seeing my sale in the statistic reports.

Make no mistake, not including the commentary on the single disc was a filmmaker's decision, not a studio decision. The studio would have preferred the commentary be on the single disc.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Colin Jacobson
I probably shouldn't have called the choice "weird" - "unusual" is a more appropriate term, since usually the one-disc version of two-disc sets just uses the latter's first platter. I do like the rationale for your decision!

Glad you understand, Colin. Do you enjoy your insect. They're best with chocolate.
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post #39 of 51
10/21/07 at 5:19am

Re: HTF DVD Review: Transformers (2-disc) (Recommended)

Thank you David. I know that you really do care about the product that you put out. I simply am tired of being taken for granted by the studios and this release has really rubbed me the wrong way in that regard.

Your statement that "in a perfect world only the 2-Disc edition would exist" shows that you truly are one of the good guys. As long as producers like you are in the system, there is some hope for us little guys.

Thanks again.
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post #40 of 51
10/21/07 at 5:44am

Re: HTF DVD Review: Transformers (2-disc) (Recommended)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jason Smalley
Thank you David. I know that you really do care about the product that you put out. I simply am tired of being taken for granted by the studios and this release has really rubbed me the wrong way in that regard.

Your statement that "in a perfect world only the 2-Disc edition would exist" shows that you truly are one of the good guys. As long as producers like you are in the system, there is some hope for us little guys.

Thanks again.

Point taken. And I certainly didn't mean to call you a Joe Six Packer. You have every right to feel burned by the studios (I've got some of those feelings myself, believe me). But I take what I do very seriously, and I hope that folks are able to judge these things on a case-by-case basis. I can't guarantee that every project I work on will meet your expectations, but I can guarantee you that I tried.
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post #41 of 51
10/21/07 at 8:13am

Re: HTF DVD Review: Transformers (2-disc) (Recommended)

Quote:
Originally Posted by David Prior
Point taken. And I certainly didn't mean to call you a Joe Six Packer. You have every right to feel burned by the studios (I've got some of those feelings myself, believe me). But I take what I do very seriously, and I hope that folks are able to judge these things on a case-by-case basis. I can't guarantee that every project I work on will meet your expectations, but I can guarantee you that I tried.
David,
I watched the HD DVD of it yesterday and I'm very happy with it so far which was my third viewing of the film since I saw it twice during its theatrical run. I haven't watched the second disc yet nor listen to the commentay, but plan to do so shortly.
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post #42 of 51
10/21/07 at 11:08am

Re: HTF DVD Review: Transformers (2-disc) (Recommended)

Any chance this movie will be re-released on DVD with a DTS soundtrack? If ever a movie cried out for the superior DTS treatment it's Transformers.
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post #43 of 51
10/21/07 at 7:10pm

Re: HTF DVD Review: Transformers (2-disc) (Recommended)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ToddJ
Maybe it is just me, but there seems to be some
""mosquito noise" in certain parts of the regular DVD (similar to the SD 300.) Does anyone else have that problem?

I just watched it tonight, I had a few problems.

One was the "mosquito noise" during a overhead shot of the yellow camero. I think it may have been when Optimus Prime first reveals himself to Sam and Mikaela.

Another time some green blocks appeared at the bottom of the screen when they were in the street/alley going to Sam's home. The green blocks looked a little bit like digital broadcast problems you have may on digital cable, satellite, etc.

And finally, during the war in the streets my disc froze/locked up for a couple seconds then started playing again.

I have the 2 disc Target transforming case edition in case anyone else is having the same problems. I want to exchange for a good copy due to the green blocks and freezing issue. I doubt an exchange would help on the "mosquito" issue.

Let me know too if anyone is experiencing the same.

Thanks,
Jeremy G.
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post #44 of 51
10/22/07 at 7:06pm

Re: HTF DVD Review: Transformers (2-disc) (Recommended)

From homemediaretailing.com:

Quote:
The home entertainment industry got a much-needed shot in the arm last week when Paramount Home Entertainment’s and DreamWorks’ Transformers set a first-week DVD sales record for the year: 8.3 million units sold in the first six days since the summer theatrical blockbuster’s Oct. 16 release.

The film also set a 2007 record for first-day sales, with consumers buying more than 4.5 million units on the DVD’s Tuesday street date.

“Transformers” also sold more than 100,000 HD DVDs that day and 190,000 HD DVDs its first week, setting two additional sales records.
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post #45 of 51
10/23/07 at 5:08am

Re: HTF DVD Review: Transformers (2-disc) (Recommended)

Quote:
Originally Posted by JeremyLG
I just watched it tonight, I had a few problems.

One was the "mosquito noise" during a overhead shot of the yellow camero. I think it may have been when Optimus Prime first reveals himself to Sam and Mikaela.

Another time some green blocks appeared at the bottom of the screen when they were in the street/alley going to Sam's home. The green blocks looked a little bit like digital broadcast problems you have may on digital cable, satellite, etc.

And finally, during the war in the streets my disc froze/locked up for a couple seconds then started playing again.

I have the 2 disc Target transforming case edition in case anyone else is having the same problems. I want to exchange for a good copy due to the green blocks and freezing issue. I doubt an exchange would help on the "mosquito" issue.

Let me know too if anyone is experiencing the same.

Thanks,
Jeremy G.

I bought the single-disc edition and had no playback problems at all. The PQ was flawless (I saw the film 3 times theatrically and it looked better on my set-up).
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post #46 of 51
10/23/07 at 8:35am

Re: HTF DVD Review: Transformers (2-disc) (Recommended)

We watched it Friday night and rattled the house! Excellent disc with no playback issues whatsoever!
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post #47 of 51
10/23/07 at 11:36am

Re: HTF DVD Review: Transformers (2-disc) (Recommended)

Actually, in a perfect world, only the Blu-Ray edition would exist.

KIDDING!

Jeremy, the green blocking that you're describing sounds like a scratched disc to me. I'd exchange it if I were you.
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post #48 of 51
10/23/07 at 3:03pm

Re: HTF DVD Review: Transformers (2-disc) (Recommended)

Picked up the two disk edition yesterday. Was $4 more than the single. Not watched the second disk yet (other than to check out the easter eggs). About 30 minutes into the commentary and Bay sounds like he has a cold. But it's a great track so far. Few dead spots which is a little irritating, but informative so far. I can't believe idiot Transformer fanboys sent the guy DEATH THREATS! (Actually, yes I can sadly.)

I think it's a great movie. Had no problem during the battles figuring out what was going on. My only criticism of the whole movie is the military strategy involved in the end sequence.

Warning: Spoiler! (Click to show)
"Let's take this device that the bad guys are after to a hugely populated area." And the secretary of defense says "Great idea!" WHAT?
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post #49 of 51
10/27/07 at 6:08am

Re: HTF DVD Review: Transformers (2-disc) (Recommended)

Gave it a spin finally last night and what a beautiful disc. Sound was pretty intense, been a while since I've heard the surrounds like that, and the upconverted picture on the Zenith was just beautiful.
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post #50 of 51
10/27/07 at 6:44am

Re: HTF DVD Review: Transformers (2-disc) (Recommended)

I must have watched this dvd 4 times since buying it last week, it's been awhile since a moderen blockbuster has had this amount of repeatability for me. I didn't care for how some of the personalities of the Autobots and Decepticons came through in the theater, ie they didn't seem to have much with the exception of Prime and Bumblebee, but on dvd they play better with repeat viewings.

It's just a matter of thinking of it like this, these beings have come to Earth with more pressing matters to attend to and there wasn't a lot of time for chit chat, there will be plenty of time to talk to the humans and get to know them after they eliminate the Decepticon threat. Still, you don't do Jazz that way, i'm still pissed that he went out like that.

I love the ability to pause on Megan Fox, that girl has an ass that'll fit on a nickel.

I also must mention the packaging for the 2 disc set...I don't like it. It's too plain looking.
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post #51 of 51
11/4/07 at 10:41am

Re: HTF DVD Review: Transformers (2-disc) (Recommended)

Quote:
Originally Posted by JustinCleveland
Audio:
Much like the video, expectations were high. The soundscape is amazing, the score is beautiful, and half of the battle is drawn aurally. Thankfully the 5.1 Dolby Digital audio track completely lives up to expectations. Dialogue comes through crystal clear, the bass rumbles and growls.

While I got plently of surround-channel use in the battle scenes I had to get up and physically check that my subwoofer was connected and running. I didn't hear/feel any tactile deep bass. Also I found the audio to be very flat. I turned the volume down 15 points so the loud parts wouldn't wake the wife.... and I never had to turn the movie back up during the quiet talking parts. Everything was the same flat volume.

Visual the DVD was very impressive, but audio-wise this one was pretty bad by blockbuster standards. (This was the 1-disk DD edition)
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Transformers (Two-Disc Special Edition)
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