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Twin Peaks Pilot DVD....yuck!

post #1 of 47
2/21/02 at 7:25am
Thread Starter 
Well, I had to get this as I have the series boxset that managed to not get the rights to the pilot. This is without a doubt the worst picture and sound I have ever seen from a dvd. A copy of a copy of a copy of a VHS tape of an off the air broadcast about sums it up. Can't wait to ebay this piece of crap now that I've watched it.
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post #2 of 47
2/21/02 at 7:51am
Clearly you're not sufficiently experienced in the ways of DVD young person. For the worst picture on DVD ever, I direct you to MGM's anamorphic(!!) Rancho Deluxe. The thing looks like it has been shot through a screen door, and it is totally misframmed. Fox-Lorber's awful 36 Fillette transfer is a close runner up. The Twin Peaks pilot looks like a referance quality disk by comparison.

Sure the Twin Peaks pilot transfer is pretty bad compared to the official box. But then again the official box transfer can't touch the German R2 of Stormy Monday which I watched right after Episode 2 last night. It's all a matter of what you are comparing.

Ted
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post #3 of 47
2/21/02 at 7:53am
Chris,

Wow! I didn't think it looked that bad. Does it look as good as the First Season DVD's? Not by a long shot, but to say it looks like "a copy of a copy of a copy of a VHS tape of an off the air broadcast" seems a little much to me. It's all subjective, though. Also, I'm watching it on a direct-view 27". I'm sure a more high-end set would bring out the flaws.

I would say that it looks more akin to VHS quality. Better than nothing, IMO.
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post #4 of 47
2/21/02 at 8:29am
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post #5 of 47
2/21/02 at 8:36am
Quote:
"a copy of a copy of a copy of a VHS tape of an off the air broadcast"

I dunno, it's a copy off a Bravo broadcast that I've been using for the last few years when I wanted to watch the pilot, and the DVD looks *much* better than that.

It's better than the original VHS releases of the TV show. Good enough for me, for the moment.
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post #6 of 47
2/21/02 at 9:00am
This DVD isn't even close to the worst image quality out there. In fact, while it's not great at all, it's totally adequate.
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post #7 of 47
2/21/02 at 9:17am
It's the worst in my collection. Audio and video.
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post #8 of 47
2/21/02 at 9:21am
Thread Starter 
OK, OK, I'm sure it's not the worst dvd out there (I have a limited amount of spare time and haven't been able to view every dvd release to date). Anyway, where in my post did I state that it is the worst dvd out there? All I said was it is the worst that I have seen and it is that. Maybe I exaggerated a little, but the sound is terrible too. Just an FYI to those who may be purchasing the disc to try to find it cheap or rent it if possible. I guess it is "adequate" if your standards allow it to be.
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post #9 of 47
2/21/02 at 11:21am
Well, if you want it on DVD, it has to be adequate, doesn't it? It won't be coming from Paramount for several YEARS.
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post #10 of 47
2/21/02 at 11:31am
Thread Starter 
I give up. The dvd IS adequate. There ARE worse DVDs out there. The picture IS better than a VHS tape. Never mind.
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post #11 of 47
2/21/02 at 11:39am
Quote:
I give up. The dvd IS adequate. There ARE worse DVDs out there. The picture IS better than a VHS tape. Never mind.

Wow, you've just been brainwashed.
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post #12 of 47
2/21/02 at 11:57am
I'm just thankful to have it on DVD. It looks better than my copy off Bravo which has been played a gazillion times and it shows.

Also, the import DVD is the only home video release that features the "proper" ending that was originally broadcasted here in the states.
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post #13 of 47
2/21/02 at 12:47pm
I myself am very thankful that this DVD is out. Sure, the sound sucks, but the picture quality is very good in my opinion.
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post #14 of 47
2/21/02 at 12:49pm
Yah...the DVD is crapy...but not awful. Has anyone noticed that it's really bass-heavy. Everytime I watch the part that Bobby takes Shelly home from the RR...and he plays a song on the jukebox, it shakes down my apartment...hehe.
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post #15 of 47
2/21/02 at 12:52pm
My copy arrived this morning. I bought it expecting full well that the quality was going to be below par (you've just got to look at the cover for god's sake! ) But frankly if your bothered about seeing the pilot with original ending, you've got no choice for a long time. Anyway, new, it only costs about $9, so if you were expecting quality as near the Season one box you should have done your research a bit better.

By the way, anyone going to fork out the $40 for the restored Eraserhead DVD selling from davidlynch.com?
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post #16 of 47
2/21/02 at 1:11pm
Thread Starter 
OK, last time - I AM happy that this is even available. I AM glad I got to see the proper version. My point is simply that the DVD quality sucks. Period. This point is not debatable.

"...if you were expecting quality as near the Season one box you should have done your research a bit better."

Yes, that is exactly the point of this thread - to make potential buyers aware that the quality is poor. I did, in fact look into this and I guess I must have read a review by one of the venomous supporters of the disc who is so grateful to have this available that they overlook the pathetic presentation. I am presenting an alternate angle so to speak.
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post #17 of 47
2/21/02 at 1:51pm
Quote:
This point is not debatable.

I would say from the 15 or so posts above yours that it sure as hell is.
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post #18 of 47
2/21/02 at 2:04pm
Thread Starter 
Greg, two quick questions

1) Did you actually read any of the posts? I only saw one that even implied that the picture was anything other than poor (saying it is superior to a VHS capture is hardly a sterling recommendation)

2) Are you involved somehow in the production/retailing of this disc? I'm serious, because I don't understand the aggressive tone of your post otherwise.
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post #19 of 47
2/21/02 at 2:39pm
chill, chris... it's all good. Don't take this thread so personally. Greg simply made a reasonalbe observation.

Quote:
Anyway, where in my post did I state that it is the worst dvd out there?

You didn't. However, some of us just want to make it clear that this DVD isn't as bad as a lot of the budget junk out on the market today. It is my opinion that fans of the show should NOT avoid this release... it's totally serviceable for those of us who want to watch the series in order.
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post #20 of 47
2/21/02 at 3:02pm
This could be the funniest untintenionally humorous thread of all time.

Of course, I have not read all the threads out there. And you may feel differently, but I am sure most people would find this thread adequately funny. And this thread is funnier than its VHS version.
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post #21 of 47
2/21/02 at 3:04pm
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post #22 of 47
2/21/02 at 3:19pm
Thread Starter 
Jack, I am in no way angry or offended at this thread. I am, however, in comic disbelief at the outcome of what I thought was a pretty straightforward if slightly exaggerated post. I hope the thread has provided entertainment in some way or another for most and anger management-style stress relief for others
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post #23 of 47
2/21/02 at 3:54pm
Quote:
This could be the funniest untintenionally humorous thread of all time.

Of course, I have not read all the threads out there. And you may feel differently, but I am sure most people would find this thread adequately funny. And this thread is funnier than its VHS version.

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post #24 of 47
2/21/02 at 5:33pm
Quote:
This could be the funniest untintenionally humorous thread of all time.

Of course, I have not read all the threads out there. And you may feel differently, but I am sure most people would find this thread adequately funny. And this thread is funnier than its VHS version.

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post #25 of 47
2/21/02 at 8:24pm
Actually, I have a a copy of a VHS tape of an off the air broadcast, that was taped during an electrical storm via an antenna... no kidding.

And you've got to be out of your mind if you think the DVD is that bad (let alone a copy of a copy of a copy). Seriously, my GF taped the episodes off the air when they originally aired and has been watching the tapes for years, when she saw the pilot DVD she actually teared up, saying it was amazingly clear.

Certainly it isn't ref material, but when compared to even the official production VHS version (not to mention the SLP taped VHS boxed set)- this disc is fucking stellar.

If you're really a TP fan and want to own the pilot, the disc quality is more than acceptible. If your a DVD collector just looking for another title to add to your collection, this might be a disappointment.

But to say it's worse than a 3rd gen VHS copy from TV is way over the top, and bordering on offensive, and certainly a disservice to anyone looking for info and considering buying the disc. Chris, if you're interested, I'll run you off a dub of a real off the air tape (or heck even the store bought VHS pilot) and you can take the pepsi challenge. If you think this disc looks worse than VHS, you haven't seen much VHS.

-V
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post #26 of 47
2/22/02 at 6:01am
Quote:
But to say it's worse than a 3rd gen VHS copy from TV is way over the top, and bordering on offensive,


You might be the most easily offended person on earth.
We have people in this forum screaming bloody murder about slight halo effects during credits but when this guy complains about a crappy looking DVD we rake him over the coals.
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post #27 of 47
2/22/02 at 6:50am
I /think/ the general consensus, Butch, is that he doesn't know how lucky he /is/ to own that pilot on DVD and that it DOES look MUCH better than the taped copies Peaks fans have had to put up with for the last decade.
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post #28 of 47
2/22/02 at 7:04am
I think the disbelief in this thread comes from chris c's statement:

Quote:
This is without a doubt the worst picture and sound I have ever seen from a dvd. A copy of a copy of a copy of a VHS tape of an off the air broadcast about sums it up. Can't wait to ebay this piece of crap now that I've watched it.

He is correct in only the slightest way. It is not up to standard as far as the Twin Peaks Season One box set but it is HARDLY as bad as a 3rd gen VHS tape. That is just plain wrong and steering people with misinformation.

The audio is the only thing that bugs me but, hey. how can you even THINK of having the boxset without this? Its impossible.

Note to buyers: the DVD is not as bad as stated in the original post. In fact, I think the picture quality is fine. Better than my original ABC tapes dating from my college days in the late 80's.

By the way, if you are fan of the show, I can't understand why you would sell it on eBay. Plus, you won't get jack for a used copy.
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post #29 of 47
2/22/02 at 7:25am
Thread Starter 
Like Einstein said, everything's relative.
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post #30 of 47
2/22/02 at 12:49pm
Quote:
This point is not debatable.

Quote:
Like Einstein said, everything's relative.


Chris, the reason that I made such a terse reply yesterday is that I think it's ridiculous, on a public bulletin board, to say something and follow it up with "This point is not debatable", especially when people were already debating it. There's no point in having an open discussion if you're going to attempt to close the discussion right after you speak. You're the first person on the forum, that I can remember, to say that the DVD is more or less unwatchable and not worth owning. To say that your POV supercedes those of everyone else is a bit absurd.
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