A few words about...™ Gladiator -- in Blu-ray - Page 2

What's the word on a US release?

According to The Digital Bits, Paramount is about to initiate an exchange program in the US:

All right... now for that awesome Gladiator news. If you've been reading any of the A/V enthusiast forums in the last 24 hours or so, you may now be aware that Paramount has just released the new remastered Gladiator Blu-ray in Holland. Fans will know that the previous U.S. Blu-ray release - a DreamWorks title distributed by Paramount, with elements provided by Universal - featured a (shall we say) somewhat disappointing and recycled high-def transfer. The good news is that, after that mess unfolded, a brand new 4K transfer of the film was done with fresh elements, and the title was re-authored to include it. It's this new transfer that's now available on Blu-ray in Europe, and early word is it's spectacular. Here's a link to a good online screenshot comparison of the new and old Blu-rays. (The first image that appears is the old Blu-ray - roll your cursor over it to see the same shot on the new Blu-ray). As expected, the difference is pretty shocking. You see? There IS a real quality difference when a studio spends a little extra money on the A/V presentation of a Blu-ray to get it right. 

Anyway, word (and visual proof of) the new transfer appearing on Blu-ray in Holland has resulted in hundreds of concerned U.S. Gladiator fans e-mailing us in the last day or so, understandably hoping/pleading/begging for any information as to when they might be able to get their hands on the new disc here in the States. So here's the AWESOME news: Paramount is about to initiate an exchange program for anyone who would like to swap their previous Gladiator Blu-ray for an otherwise identical disc with the new transfer. Here's their official statement: 

"We are implementing a limited exchange program. This program is only for those consumers that may have preferential issues with some of the technical DVNR (digital video noise reduction) and EE (edge enhancement) choices made in the original source transfer, and so would prefer to exchange it for one that addresses those preferences in a different manner. 

While the version that we originally distributed was of the highest quality, some enthusiasts may prefer to view it without the Edge Enhancement and DVNR implemented as standard process in bringing the film to hi-def. This new master resolves those issues." 

[Editor's Note: I'm waiting for confirmation from Paramount Home Entertainment on the correct customer service phone number to use and other details. I'll update this text this afternoon as soon as it comes in, so be sure to check back later.]

Anyone else bothered by this statement:

"While the version that we originally distributed was of the highest quality, some enthusiasts may prefer to view it without the Edge Enhancement and DVNR implemented as standard process in bringing the film to hi-def. This new master resolves those issues."

Implemented as a standard process?!?!? Oh good God.

I guess no one expected them to just come right out and admit fudging it up the first time around, but this is ridiculous.

* EDIT *

I almost forgot to point out the next thought on a lot of people's minds--  okay, now that you acknowledged a "problem" with this, guess what else needs to be fixed in a similar manner?  The Star Trek Films!!!!!!!!!!!! 

They've opened the door.

But what does that say about future catalog releases from them? To me it says, "using old DNR'd masters is fine because most people won't notice when they're released on Blu-Ray". Well, then Paramount has to serve two communities if they're thinking that way. It would be easier just to release the best possible product the first time around.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert Harris 

 

This actually doesn't read badly, as there were many people who had no problem with the original release, and found it to be of high quality.  My presumption is that they will not be part of the exchange program.

 

Bottom line is that Paramount has properly stepped up to the plate.

 

RAH
 

I have no complaints with their response. I am glad they did what they did, and frankly, I was not expecting it. But, wouldn't it have been best to avoid having to do this at all by releasing a product that no one will have any issues with?
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert Harris 

Quote:

I don't believe it says anything at all about future releases.  No one from the studio is saying that the release was fine.  From my read, the point is being made that some people had problems with it, and they are responding to those problems.

 

I wouldn't try to make more of this than there is on the surface.  The studio is responding perfectly.  One could not ask more.

 

While I don't know if it's yet active, the Customer Service number will be (888) 889-9456.

Hello,

Just called Paramount to (323) 956-5710 . Give my name and phone number to the customer service rep regarding the Gladiator blu-ray exchange program . Somebody else will call another time for instructions.

  Regards,

Will this be going on sale in the US?  I didn't buy the first release because of the transfer issues, so I can't "exchange it" for the remastered version. 

Here is some additional info Bill posted on the Bits after his initial announcement. Should answer the above question:

I think they're going to need a better way of setting this up than a phone-up (think on-line registration).

They did the same thing with the Saving Private Ryan BD and I think Paramount handled that issue well, as far as the customer service help and the speed at which they got the replacement packaging out and back again. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoshB 

They did the same thing with the Saving Private Ryan BD and I think Paramount handled that issue well, as far as the customer service help and the speed at which they got the replacement packaging out and back again. 

Not to change the subject but what was wrong with the Private Ryan BD? And is the corrected version widely available now? I have an Amazon.com credit and was thinking of picking it up.

And once again the question arises: Will they exchange the disc for non-US/CAN customers?

Did anybody from outside the US get their Saving Private Ryan disc exchanged through Paramount directly? (I was able to go through my retailer for SPR but since I ordered Gladiator someplace else and that place doesn't exist anymore it's not an option this time around.)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott D S 

Not to change the subject but what was wrong with the Private Ryan BD? And is the corrected version widely available now? I have an Amazon.com credit and was thinking of picking it up.

Saving Private Ryan had audio sync issues. It's fixed now. Amazon only sells the fixed versions and in-store, the fixed batch has a yellow UPC.

Like Sean, I want to know if this will be released in the U.S.  I also did not buy the first version because of all the mastering problems.

Or do I need to buy it from a Dutch source?  I'm happy to wait for a U.S. release but I'd really like to know if one is one the way.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulaJ 

Like Sean, I want to know if this will be released in the U.S.  I also did not buy the first version because of all the mastering problems.

 

Or do I need to buy it from a Dutch source?  I'm happy to wait for a U.S. release but I'd really like to know if one is one the way.

Yes it will - see post #40 above.

I've got to thank Paramount for releasing this new transfer in North America and offering an exchange for those who bought the old version. They really didn't have to go to all this trouble but its cool that they are.

Craig, thanks!  This is great news.

Gladiator Exchange

As reported on several websites Paramount is offering to exchange the BluRay "Gladiator" for a new version that was mastered from a 4K print.  Those that have seen the new BluRay reported it is gorgeous and corrects the previous problems. There were no details provided on how the exchange works. I called Paramount at (888) 889-9456 to find-out what we need to do to exchange the old BluRay for the new one?  Their automated message states "if you are calling to exchange Gladiator please leave your name and phone number so they can call you to arrange the exchange".  If you are interested in exchanging Gladiator call the number and get on the list.

Great to see Paramount stepping up on this issue (after fixing SPR as well).

I may pick up this BD yet since Paramount is doing right by their customers -- I enjoy the flick, but am not a fan and would not bother to own a subpar version of it.

_Man_

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Robertson 

* EDIT *

 

I almost forgot to point out the next thought on a lot of people's minds--  okay, now that you acknowledged a "problem" with this, guess what else needs to be fixed in a similar manner?  The Star Trek Films!!!!!!!!!!!! 

 

They've opened the door.

I was thinking the exact same thing when I first read about this.

I did find Paramount's "explanation" a bit weird - sort of admitting a problem without admitting a problem... As if to say, "yes, I have a drug problem, but drugs aren't really a problem because some people like drugs".

At least they are aware of the issue.

It is reasonable to presume that the "fixed" edition will be like Saving Private Ryan with a yellow UPC tag?  That would facilitate matters considerably.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert Harris 

Quote:

AFAIK, this was not a Paramount master.

 

Regardless, they are doing the right thing.

 

Finger pointing, assessing blame, etc. do not move things forward in any way.

 

I suggest that everyone be thankful that discs are being replaced.

 

Nothing else matters.

 

RAH

True enough.

And I did go back and correct my earlier misspelling - even though you already quoted me before I had the chance to fix it.

I kept looking at it thinking "something isn't right"... 
 

Another thanks to Paramount for really making the effort to address their customers concerns.  I look forward to purchasing the corrected release.

Universal and Fox should take note.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert Harris 

 

I suggest that everyone be thankful that discs are being replaced.

 

Nothing else matters.

 

RAH

In the end, that's the most important statement in this whole thread. 
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert Harris 

Quote:

AFAIK, this was not a Paramount master.

 

Regardless, they are doing the right thing.

 

Unlike Universal by the way, who released the disc overseas and are not doing a replacement program, at least not in Germany (Source: Area-dvd.de). If you want a fixed copy, you'll have to buy the new edition.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert Harris 

Quote:

AFAIK, this was not a Paramount master.

 

Regardless, they are doing the right thing.

Exactly - Universal messed it up and Paramount fixes it - very commendable on behalf of Paramount.

Praise for Paramount is certainly in order if this indeed comes out right which I am very sure of.

So right now we have two studios (Sony and Paramount) who are doing things right for customers while other studios are apparently not interested in doing this at least with their biggest misses (Fox with Patton, Universal with Spartacus).

It is Universal - I would have expected this exact behaviour.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christian Preischl 

 

Unlike Universal by the way, who released the disc overseas and are not doing a replacement program, at least not in Germany (Source: Area-dvd.de). If you want a fixed copy, you'll have to buy the new edition.