To me, and a few others, one of the greatest films ever made – a huge tale of America, even more telling almost seventy years after it was released. It’s a film far ahead of its time, concerning racial issues.
Produced in 1955, it looks correct in a 1.66 aspect ratio.
Problem with Giant is the way it was handled in post. Thousands of feet of horrific dupes, from which there’s no escape.
Newly scanned in 4k, and with a slightly updated color palette, it has a bit more life than the old Blu-ray.
If you walk up to a projection screen, you’ll see a tiny bit more detail in 4k, but at a normal seating distance, not so much. It is what it is.
And what it is, is extraordinary, from first frame to last.
The imagery comes up a bit brighter, and those dupes possibly have a tiny bit more shadow information, but they still look like what they are – soft, poorly produced dupes on the early Eastman Color stock.
If only.
If only, this film had been set for dye transfer printing instead of Warner Color, but it wasn’t. That would be something devoutly to be wished.
What you’re getting in 4k is everything that’s on the original element.
The new 4k is a bare bones affair – no George Stevens documentary. You’ll have to keep your Dean collector for that on a separate disc. But you do get the wonderful commentary by Mr. Stevens, Jr., Ivan Moffat and Stephen Farber.
Image – 5 (HDR)
Audio – 5 (DTS-HD MA 2.0)
Pass / Fail – Pass
Plays nicely with projectors – Beautifully
Makes use of and works well in 4k – 3.75
Upgrade from Blu-ray – If you love the film
Very Highly Recommended
RAH
Produced in 1955, it looks correct in a 1.66 aspect ratio.
Problem with Giant is the way it was handled in post. Thousands of feet of horrific dupes, from which there’s no escape.
Newly scanned in 4k, and with a slightly updated color palette, it has a bit more life than the old Blu-ray.
If you walk up to a projection screen, you’ll see a tiny bit more detail in 4k, but at a normal seating distance, not so much. It is what it is.
And what it is, is extraordinary, from first frame to last.
The imagery comes up a bit brighter, and those dupes possibly have a tiny bit more shadow information, but they still look like what they are – soft, poorly produced dupes on the early Eastman Color stock.
If only.
If only, this film had been set for dye transfer printing instead of Warner Color, but it wasn’t. That would be something devoutly to be wished.
What you’re getting in 4k is everything that’s on the original element.
The new 4k is a bare bones affair – no George Stevens documentary. You’ll have to keep your Dean collector for that on a separate disc. But you do get the wonderful commentary by Mr. Stevens, Jr., Ivan Moffat and Stephen Farber.
Image – 5 (HDR)
Audio – 5 (DTS-HD MA 2.0)
Pass / Fail – Pass
Plays nicely with projectors – Beautifully
Makes use of and works well in 4k – 3.75
Upgrade from Blu-ray – If you love the film
Very Highly Recommended
RAH
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I think it’s going on be an upgrade over the Blu-ray even if you don’t love this film.
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It may come down to having twenty disposable dollars, if one already has the Dean set.
I think there may be more in play here, but won’t debate any further until I see this 4K disc on my OLEDs.
usrunnr
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I have 4K Blu-ray player, 4K Receiver, but not a 4K television yet. Some (but not all) 4K discs present darker than the previous blu-ray version. Can anyone explain to me why this is? I haven't seen the "Giant" 4K yet (soon), but as Mr. Harris states it's a bit brighter than the old disc, I wonder . . . .
Thank you.
Thank you.
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When overall darker, it seems to be the way the system registers HDR.
If you don't have a 4K display, that means your setup is doing an HDR->SDR conversion on any 4K content you play, and therein lies the rub. Sometimes things will look OK and sometimes they won't.
compson
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^ I don’t know about HDR->SDR conversion, but this Wired article explains why, even without conversion, HDR may mean a darker picture.
www.wired.com
Why HDR Looks Too Dark on Your TV, and How to Fix It
Wait, isn’t that fancy new TV supposed to deliver bright, beautiful images? If yours is a little dimmer than expected, we can help.
This thread probably isn't the place for yet another discussion about 4K looking darker in some instances.
Lord Dalek
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Sounds like a lot of guys from the other thread are in for a rude awakening.
sbjork
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That subject almost calls for its own sticky thread, just to keep it from sidetracking others. It's a valid problem for some people, but it should be a discussion of its own.
Angelo Colombus
Senior HTF Member
I will keep my pre-order to support Warner Bros in releasing more classic films and i do like the film.
OliverK
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Yep, something like HDR on different display types and configuration options.
Going back to Giant I am curious to see how much better it will look since I am not interested in the sizzle of specular highlights. So far especially with grainy films I always found grain reproduction to be improved at closer seating distances so that alone could be worth it.
Well, is anybody going to start a thread so I can sticky it?
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It appears that HDR was gently wafted above this one. All prior problems acknowledged, it’s a lovely release.
The bolded is what people should be paying attention to.
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I’ll add one further point - and I’m not a profit participant -
For those who may have never seen Giant, you’re in for a delectable treat. I’m jealous.
sbjork
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If you'll give me a bit, I'll do it. Little busy at this second, but I'll do it in the next few hours.
Brings back memories of things I had to do involving Static Guard and 35mm prints on platters back in my projection days.
sbjork
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Done. Hopefully it helps keep other threads on track.
