Calling Robert Harris - Lawrence of Arabia Redux (1 Viewer)

[Robert George]

Hello Robert. Long time.

I have stumbled upon a version of LOA that has me a bit perplexed. I'm referring to the transfer that can be found on streaming services, specifically Movies Anywhere for the purposes of this message.

What brought this to my attention was comments I read elsewhere noting some preceived "improvements" to be found in the streaming version compared to the 4K disc. I had to see that for myself. With a little digging, I was able to locate a downloadable file that is the "full size" file that streams on Movies Anywhere. I wanted to be able to have the file on local storage to enable a direct comparrison to the 4K disc, which I have now done extensively, including a full viewing of both versions.

My question is, are you familiar with this version that Sony has put on streaming, and do you have any comments you can share. I know what I think but I really would like to know what you think. I know you have some experience with this film .

 

[Peter Neski]

I think Those people weren't talking about a Movies Anywhere file, But the one from the Kaleidescape store which
is only good if you have their expensive equipment

​

 

[Robert Harris]

Hello Robert. Long time.

I have stumbled upon a version of LOA that has me a bit perplexed. I'm referring to the transfer that can be found on streaming services, specifically Movies Anywhere for the purposes of this message.

What brought this to my attention was comments I read elsewhere noting some preceived "improvements" to be found in the streaming version compared to the 4K disc. I had to see that for myself. With a little digging, I was able to locate a downloadable file that is the "full size" file that streams on Movies Anywhere. I wanted to be able to have the file on local storage to enable a direct comparrison to the 4K disc, which I have now done extensively, including a full viewing of both versions.

My question is, are you familiar with this version that Sony has put on streaming, and do you have any comments you can share. I know what I think but I really would like to know what you think. I know you have some experience with this film .

Sorry, Robert,

I've not seen, nor do I have any info.

Hope you're doing well!

R

 

[Robert George]

No, I don't think so. The comments I saw were fairly specific. I've comapred the two encodes myself and I prefer the MA file despite a rather heavier grain structure. For reference, the MA file is large for a streaming file, over 43 GB. Both 4K UHD discs stripped of all the dub tracks together are less than 95 GB. Two to one reduction in bitrate sounds like a lot but the original encode for LOA 4K was done more than 5 years ago, and Sony is well known for very high quality encodes at lower bitrates.

What I am curious about is which encode more closely aproaches the look of the master that Robert Harris would have seen when his restored film was scanned.

 

[Robert George]

Sorry, Robert,

I've not seen, nor do I have any info.

Understood. It might be worth the rental charge to take a look if you have that ability.

Hope you're doing well!

R

Better, these days. Thanks.

 

[Robert Crawford]

I thought you can’t download 4K files from MA?

 

[Tino]

You csn

I thought you can’t download 4K files from MA?

You cant.

 

[Neil S. Bulk]

What is the thing we're supposed to notice on the streaming version? This is all vague.

 

[Robert George]

You cant.

I'm not going to get into details here, but replace the word "download" with "copy" if that terminology fits better.

Yes, "copying" 2160p streaming files has been a thing for a long time.

 

[dpippel]

Hmmm, really? From a streaming service? I haven't seen that. In fact, some content providers, such as Apple, limit downloads of purchased content to 1080p, even if they stream the title at 4K.

 

[Robert George]

What is the thing we're supposed to notice on the streaming version? This is all vague.

The streaming version is sharper and more detailed than the 4K UHD at the expense of more visible grain structure. There is very obviously noticeable grain reduction going on the the UHD encode. The increase in fine detail also appears to enhance contrast slightly and the Dolby Vision grade only makes that more obvious. Black level is visibly improved.

For reference this is viewed on a 83" LG C4 OLED display.

 

[Robert George]

Hmmm, really? From a streaming service? I haven't seen that. In fact, some content providers, such as Apple, limit downloads of purchased content to 1080p, even if they stream the title at 4K.

C'mon guys. You aren't going to make me get into the "P" word here.

 

[dpippel]

This whole thread is a can of worms...

 

[Robert George]

Okay, the purpose of the original post was an examination of the content, not how it exists.

Does anyone not know what this is...

 

[Robert Crawford]

This discussion needs to take place offline and not publicly discussed on this forum. It’s against our forum guidelines to discuss pirated content. Therefore take the discussion to private messaging.

 

[tenia]

The streaming version is sharper and more detailed than the 4K UHD at the expense of more visible grain structure. There is very obviously noticeable grain reduction going on the the UHD encode. The increase in fine detail also appears to enhance contrast slightly and the Dolby Vision grade only makes that more obvious. Black level is visibly improved.

These caps are comparing the UHD to the MA version.

Since they're tonemapped, they won't allow to assess any difference in contrast, but there doesn't seem to be anything else, sharpness / details / grain wise than anything else than a slightly better encode on the MA version (which would be a shame for the Sony UHD if we're talking about doing so with a file one third of the size of the UHDs').