DVD Review HTF REVIEW: The War of the Worlds (1953) - Special Collector's Edition (Recommended) (1 Viewer)

[Mattias_ka]

GregK, Thanks for that comparison. For the record, what laserdisc player did you use and if you use a scaler/video processor, what kind? Thanks again

/Mattias

 

[dpippel]

Are you sure that's not the old release? My local Target has the new '53 Special Collector's Edition priced at $12.99.

 

[Brad M]

I can answer that, it is for sure, 100% without a doubt, the Special Collector's Edition. I saw the ad and thought they left off a 1 from the front. It is $4.99.

 

[CraigF]

I have seen re-release titles (very good ones!!) end up in the Wal-Mart bargain bins a week or two after release before...so I don't disbelieve you. What a bargain find this would be.

 

[PeterTHX]

Speaking of the HD version I hope to holy hell they don't crop it to 1.78 like they did on VOOM.

 

[Mark Lucas]

Looking back thru this thread I'm surprised there's been a lot of praise for the picture quality of this new edition when it's really obvious that an older transfer was used. Sadly though, it's probably the best it's ever looked on video, even with incorrect gamma and a mushy DNR look. :frowning:

 

[Ed St. Clair]

Twice again...
Where does this stereo track come from???
Its not the original (lost forever) & its not the LD (differant mix).
Anyone?

 

[Steve Christou]

If you listen to the commentary Joe Dante mentions something about them finding and restoring the original stereo tracks to this release, well he seemed very impressed with it.

 

[Ed St. Clair]

On the commentary track it is mentioned 'its great to have the stereo back' (or something it that effect). Your sure Steve, that the original ST was discovered?
What ever it is, its better than I had hoped for when it was said this new release would be w/o the Chase.

 

[Steve Christou]

Does he just say 'stereo back'? Or 'stereo tracks back'? I can't really remember Ed.

 

[Jeffrey Nelson]

Was an older transfer really used? I thought this one was supposed to be brand new...

 

[Scott Kimball]

I'm pretty sure this transfer was made from the restored 2003 print - so it can't be that old.

-Scott

 

[Bob Furmanek]

This is not the original 1953 stereo track.

 

[Mark Lucas]

I would hope it would be but I think it's more likley that it's derived from the previous transfer or a non-HD source.

 

[Scott Kimball]

And you're basing this on...?

Though there is no direct confirmation on the DVD, multiple mentions of the 2003 restoration are made in the commentary and extras for the disc. It would seem unlikely that so much would be made of it without utilizing the new print for the transfer.

Then there's the obvious physical evidence - scratches present in the old DVD that are gone in the new, different grain characteristics and color timing....

-Scott

 

[Mark Lucas]

I'm basing it on how soft and muddy the new dvd is. It just looks like an old transfer that was meticulously cleaned, not a new transfer of an old film. Did any of the prints of WotW have that kind of painted DNR look to them?

 

[Jeffrey Nelson]

I don't know what DVD you're looking at, but mine certainly doesn't look soft and muddy.

 

[PatW]

I agree, WOTW has never looked so bright and clear hence the wire debate.

 

[Scott Kimball]

I think he's expecting too much of a 1953 vintage technicolor film, in the way of sharpness.

-Scott

 

[Travis Brashear]

Or he's watching the original DVD and thinking he's talking about the new S.C.E.