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HTF BD REVIEW: Predator - Page 2

post #31 of 89
4/1/08 at 10:41am

Re: HTF BD REVIEW: Predator

Quote:
Originally Posted by EnricoE
i wonder if fox is ever going to release the original uncut version of the film.

?

Only the original R2 UK and R4 (which used the same master as UK) -releases were cut (by the BBFC). SEs are uncut with R2/R4 also.
(note: Meaning SD DVDs here)
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post #32 of 89
4/1/08 at 10:49am

Re: HTF BD REVIEW: Predator

I love Predator, but there's no way I'll pay MSRP or anywhere close to it for this BD. I'll either pick it up used at a big discount on eBay/Amazon or I won't buy it at all. Fox is really starting to piss me off.
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post #33 of 89
4/1/08 at 12:11pm

Re: HTF BD REVIEW: Predator

Here´s pretty good image-comparison:
DVD-Heaven Bildvergleich: For a few Dollars more HD
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post #34 of 89
4/1/08 at 1:10pm

Re: HTF BD REVIEW: Predator

I fell for this once with RoboCop. It was an improvement over the previous SD versions, but it's not hard to improve on garbage now is it?

I'll just wait for the eventual double-dipped, remastered version that Fox will no doubt put out when the next cruddy Alien vs. Predator (and you know they'll do another one) movie comes out.
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post #35 of 89
4/1/08 at 1:50pm

Re: HTF BD REVIEW: Predator

, guys.

I CAN FEEEEEEL YOUR ANGAH!



While I totally understand the sentiment in this thread, I'm starting to feel a bit badly for our esteemed reviewer, Michael Osadciw. It seems like every review and title announcement eventually turns into a bitch session about Fox. Again, not that it isn't warranted. It's just sad Fox has so little concern for us.
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post #36 of 89
4/1/08 at 1:56pm

Re: HTF BD REVIEW: Predator

Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul Arnette
While I totally understand the sentiment in this thread, I'm starting to feel a bit badly for our esteemed reviewer, Michael Osadciw. It seems like every review and title announcement eventually turns into a bitch session about Fox. Again, not that it isn't warranted. It's just sad Fox has so little concern for us.

With any luck, Fox has an open, two-way dialogue established with Michael wherein he can convey our ongoing frustration with Fox's pricing and (to me) more important issue of truncated or altogether absent bonus features.
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post #37 of 89
4/1/08 at 3:23pm

Re: HTF BD REVIEW: Predator

Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul Arnette

While I totally understand the sentiment in this thread, I'm starting to feel a bit badly for our esteemed reviewer, Michael Osadciw. It seems like every review and title announcement eventually turns into a bitch session about Fox. Again, not that it isn't warranted. It's just sad Fox has so little concern for us.

Michael does a fine job. The AVS string on this title is in line with this one. Unhappy people
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post #38 of 89
4/1/08 at 6:20pm

Re: HTF BD REVIEW: Predator

I agree, Michael does a great job with the reviews.....our bitching and complaining has nothing to do with the quality he puts into them. It all comes down to FOX's blatant double-dip and overpricing strategy regarding BDs,.....we're just sick of it and don't want to take it anymore.

To sum up:

Michael's reviews......

FOX's Blu-ray release strategy......
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post #39 of 89
4/1/08 at 8:01pm

Re: HTF BD REVIEW: Predator

Well said, Joseph.
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post #40 of 89
4/1/08 at 8:41pm

Re: HTF BD REVIEW: Predator

Agreed on Michael's reviews. I'm glad he calls them as he sees them. I'm as guilty if not more so than anyone on HTF for continually beating the Fox dead horse, but since I assume some of the decision makers at Fox still lurk on this forum, we'll keep banging the drum. Also, Predator is a huge favorite of mine, so I was at least hoping for a package containing all of the extras from the 2 disc SE should I ever run into it used.

I really wonder if releases like this and Commando are leftover from Fox's initial run of Blu-Rays, and they have just spaced out releasing them. I know that theory is kinda out of left field, but what's with the MPEG2 and the BD25? Shoot, even on a BD25 I would think they could have fit the movie and the standard def supplements using AVC on the feature.
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post #41 of 89
4/2/08 at 2:13am

Re: HTF BD REVIEW: Predator

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jari K
?

Only the original R2 UK and R4 (which used the same master as UK) -releases were cut (by the BBFC). SEs are uncut with R2/R4 also.
(note: Meaning SD DVDs here)

i was talking about the nc-17 version of the film.

Quote:
There is a sanitised version which has most of the gory parts removed, e.g. the skinned bodies, the alien with Billy's body, Mac's brains being blown out, Dillon's arm being shot off, etc.

at least if memory serves right, there was a talk about it that mr. mctiernan had to remove a few shots to gain the r-rating.
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post #42 of 89
4/2/08 at 6:53am

Re: HTF BD REVIEW: Predator

I realised that I too had commented on Fox's sorry package without thanking Michael for his informative review. Sorry Michael! You review is much appreciated!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nick Graham
I really wonder if releases like this and Commando are leftover from Fox's initial run of Blu-Rays, and they have just spaced out releasing them. I know that theory is kinda out of left field, but what's with the MPEG2 and the BD25? Shoot, even on a BD25 I would think they could have fit the movie and the standard def supplements using AVC on the feature.

I don't think this theory is out of left field at all! I believe it too, and have stated so already in this thread - post #4.
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post #43 of 89
4/2/08 at 7:19am

Re: HTF BD REVIEW: Predator

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bleddyn Williams
I realised that I too had commented on Fox's sorry package without thanking Michael for his informative review. Sorry Michael! You review is much appreciated!

Yeah, this is the only reason why I said I was starting to feel bad for Michael. It wasn't that I thought anyone found his reviews lacking; it was that I worried he could begin to think we were unappreciative because all the focus was on Fox's idiocy.

Michael, I too appreciate your reviews!
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post #44 of 89
4/2/08 at 7:21am

Re: HTF BD REVIEW: Predator

God knows I appreciate Michael's reviews--he's saving me $$$ and a mountain of buyer's remorse!

Blu-ray titles I own or currently have pre-ordered, by studio:

Warner: 21
Sony Pictures: 9
Buena Vista: 6 (this is not a reflection of the quality of Buena Vista Blu-rays, which are at the top of the pack, but due to the relative lack of titles of interest from this studio; based solely on the level of quality Buena Vista has established with their Blu-ray releases, they would rank at the very top of my list, and I am eager to support them as a consumer in any way I can)
Fox: 5 (I, ROBOT—which I would not have purchased if Fox hadn’t duped me into believing that all the extras from the SD version had been ported over without being edited; SUNSHINE; THE FLY [1986]; 28 DAYS LATER and 28 WEEKS LATER; in the case of 28 WEEKS LATER, I purchased it new and sealed from an Amazon Marketplace private seller for half of Fox’s absurd retail price)
Lionsgsate: 4
Paramount: 1

I would like to pre-order BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID, MRS. DOUBTFIRE and PATTON but, due to my I, ROBOT “sucker punch”, I am now in a position where I will not pre-order, nor purchase upon release, any FOX titles until I find a detailed review online (usually at HighDefDigest) that clarifies whether all bonus features from their respective SD counterparts have been ported over in unedited form. Fox is the only studio in existence that I have such lack of purchase confidence in that I have to do “due diligence” research on each title I’m interested in before committing to a purchase.

However, this is only half of the equation—Fox could easily dismiss my low purchase numbers for the same reason I mentioned in the case of my Buena Vista titles: relative lack of titles of interest. But that would be faulty reasoning—here is the list of Fox titles I would have purchased (even at Fox’s ridiculous price points) if the full and unedited tier of bonus features from each title’s SD counterpart had been retained:

X-MEN: THE LAST STAND
SPEED
FANTASTIC FOUR
ROCKY
MEN OF HONOR
PLANET OF THE APES [2001]
THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW
FROM HELL
LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD (Unrated)
MR. AND MRS. SMITH
CAST AWAY
ME, MYSELF AND IRENE
INDEPENDENCE DAY
DIE HARDs 1-3 (???Haven’t yet confirmed if all extras have been properly ported over???)
PREDATOR

If I paid a discounted price of $25 per title, that would be another $425 from me in Fox’s coffers, and they would be in first place for the amount of titles from a given studio in my collection. Multiply me over untold collectors in the market and how much money and visibility is Fox losing out on?
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post #45 of 89
4/2/08 at 4:12pm

Re: HTF BD REVIEW: Predator

ditto the reviews...I pay more attention to reviews of Fox BD than any other.

Perhaps it isnt strange then, that I can't find a single Fox BD in my collection. The assininity of their pricing is beyond comprehension and I cannot fathom why anyone would pay them...and no...money is not the object...it's about value. Fox is a disgrace.
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post #46 of 89
4/2/08 at 4:45pm

Re: HTF BD REVIEW: Predator

I have a few Fox Blu-Ray discs, but only because of those insane Amazon BOGO sales right after Christmas. I ended up paying less than $9 per disc so it was a no-brainer for films like Die Hard, but there's no way in hell would I ever pay anywhere close to full MSRP for a Fox title. I'd like to pick up I Robot and Independence Day, but I have a feeling I'll be holding off on those for a LONG time.
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post #47 of 89
4/2/08 at 8:42pm

Re: HTF BD REVIEW: Predator

Quote:
Originally Posted by Travis Brashear
...and with that, it's off my purchase list...

Ditto. That will save me another $28 this month! Might look at it again if i can find it for a BOGO this Christmas!
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post #48 of 89
4/3/08 at 4:39am

Re: HTF BD REVIEW: Predator

Yes Travis, Fox is saving me quite a bit of money...I can now cross off another title I will not be buying. Even if the retail price was $29.95, I wouldn't buy it. I have been burned too many times by DVD double dips in the past...HD is a new chapter for me, I have learned from my mistakes.

Perhaps comparing sales from HD films that don't port over all the special features to HD films that do, will make them realize the error of their ways.
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post #49 of 89
4/3/08 at 8:10am

Re: HTF BD REVIEW: Predator

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jay E


Perhaps comparing sales from HD films that don't port over all the special features to HD films that do, will make them realize the error of their ways.

To quote Harry Dean Stanton in Alien... SOS Man!
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post #50 of 89
4/3/08 at 3:31pm
Thread Starter 

Re: HTF BD REVIEW: Predator

Thank you gents, for the kind words.

I have reviewed over 400 titles for HTF over the past five years and I can honestly say that I am both appreciative for fine product and critical of what I believe to be products of lesser value. It is unfortunate that Fox has taken much heat for their catalogue titles even when their day-and-date releases can be impressive. We can only hope that they are listening and will evaluate their catalogue with a close eye and our concerns.

Brian, indeed I use a DMP-BD10A. I don't plan on changing my front end until surround processors improve their audio performance. In my opinion, they are still at the bottom of the barrel for sound quality so I've been directing my cash flow to other areas in the system where a performance increase is substantial. I use an Ayre K-1 preamp for two channel and use each of my Theta Dreadnaughts as monoblocks to my Dunlavys and I have yet to hear a surround processor that turns audio into magic like my Ayre does.

Michael
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post #51 of 89
4/3/08 at 6:53pm

Re: HTF BD REVIEW: Predator

Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael Osadciw
Brian, indeed I use a DMP-BD10A. I don't plan on changing my front end until surround processors improve their audio performance. In my opinion, they are still at the bottom of the barrel for sound quality so I've been directing my cash flow to other areas in the system where a performance increase is substantial. I use an Ayre K-1 preamp for two channel and use each of my Theta Dreadnaughts as monoblocks to my Dunlavys and I have yet to hear a surround processor that turns audio into magic like my Ayre does.

Michael

So, you are using the 5.1 analogs? That would mean that you are able to decode the DTS core, rather that DTS-HS MA, correct? Not that I expect a difference on a title like this.

I have been very impressed with the sound of the analogs from my 10a, although I do run it through an ICBM, due to some issues with internal BM on certain types of soundtracks (so says the manual). The uncompressed stuff, such as 5th Element and the Disney titles have been quite good.

Brian
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post #52 of 89
4/4/08 at 2:34pm
Thread Starter 

Re: HTF BD REVIEW: Predator

Yes, the DMP-BD10A decodes core only (although it identifies the DTS-HD). I use a receiver as a pass-through 6-channel volume control and the player does all of the decoding/DAC/volume for the 6 channels for UPCM, DTHD, & DTS core. I wish I had a better solution at this time but I don't see one. It's all marketing claims thrown at me for justification of better sound quality. The last preamp I tried in my system was a Lexicon. I local hifi shop wanted me to try it out. I had to tell them sorry "not for me". Just not enough improvement (if any).
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post #53 of 89
4/10/08 at 4:36pm

Re: HTF BD REVIEW: Predator

Let's review:
Old transfer (MPEG 2)
&
no special features.
That's the ticket!

Thanks for the review tho.
(especially the 'realistic' PQ score, even tho I LUV this movie its never 'looked' right too me either)

I've brought this three times on SD, looks like I'll skip this.
(unless its like $12.50US or less used)
Waiting for the 'inevitable' BD doubledip.
Thx Fox!
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post #54 of 89
4/10/08 at 8:11pm

Re: HTF BD REVIEW: Predator

i have the AvP double movie set on pre order from amazon but only because it was $28 at the time of order.
this is the only way will order any Fox blu ray.
deep discount sale pricing.

i have no intention of buying any fox disc at these ridiculous prices.
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post #55 of 89
4/11/08 at 4:54am

Re: HTF BD REVIEW: Predator

It pains me to say this (since I fear that purchases of this release will only help reinforce for Fox that it's okay to continue presenting Blu-rays in this weak manner), but it appears that Target will be selling the PREDATOR Blu-ray for 50% off ($19.95) five days after its release (the week of April 20-26).
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post #56 of 89
4/17/08 at 10:16am

Re: HTF BD REVIEW: Predator

NO EXTRAS, no BUY!
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post #57 of 89
4/17/08 at 6:25pm

Re: HTF BD REVIEW: Predator

Rented this Tuesday - save your money. This title desperately needs remastered. As I've seen stated elsewhere, they need to do a brand new IP to HD remaster. It's not like this movie was shot in poor conditions with cheap film stock - I think making a new transfer from scratch would do wonders for this movie. I have to think Fox will do so for the inevitable double-dip - there's just no reason a big budget movie made within the last 20 years should look this mediocre on Blu.
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post #58 of 89
4/18/08 at 6:53am

Re: HTF BD REVIEW: Predator

Well, Nick, I guess you and I just had different expectations. I watched this last night, and I thought it looked pretty damn good. Predator certainly has never looked better in any other previous home video format. Additionally, I thought the sound was rather impressive as well.

I will certainly defend what everyone has said it here regarding Fox, their MSRP, and the lack of extras on this particular title. I certainly wouldn't blame anyone for not purchasing this on principal either. But if you love this movie and cannot wait for the inevitable double-dip I think it is a worthy purchase if you can find it for a good price (e.g. $19.99 at Target next week).

For me, it is hard to pass up films I consider to be 'must own' when even the most mediocre BD transfer is generally head and shoulders above the DVD counterpart, and there are so few titles I consider to be 'must own' being offered at the moment.
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post #59 of 89
4/18/08 at 7:11am

Re: HTF BD REVIEW: Predator

Quote:
For me, it is hard to pass up films I consider to be 'must own' when even the most mediocre BD transfer is generally head and shoulders above the DVD counterpart
For many of us, though, it doesn't make sense to buy a product that's "most mediocre" and very high priced at the same time. We choose not to reward mediocrity and high prices.
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post #60 of 89
4/18/08 at 7:37am

Re: HTF BD REVIEW: Predator

Quote:
Originally Posted by RobertR
For many of us, though, it doesn't make sense to buy a product that's "most mediocre" and very high priced at the same time. We choose not to reward mediocrity and high prices.

That's fine. That's your right, and I have no problem with it. Again, I tried to qualify my rather lukewarm recommendation for this title with 'if you can find it for a good price'.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that sometimes with the above analysis the movie itself may get overlooked. I'd rather buy a barebones Predator than a suped-up Alvin and the Chipmunks because for me it is my preceived quality of the movie itself that factors into my purchasing decision first and foremost. Extras have little to no bearing to me because I rarely have time to watch them, and I've never understood buying a movie I was indifferent toward or didn't like because it was 'reference quality'.

I guess if I had the iron willpower of the rest of you, then I probably wouldn't be buying many BDs at all.
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