Jeff - my query really had to do with the anamorphic labeling on the package and me mistakenly thinking it was non-anamorphic. Probably should have just deleted my whole post after I figgered it out! I don't think I've ever seen a movie start out non-anamorphic then switch after a few minutes...sure caught me out, the way I have the display set up. But I did notice the PQ in many scenes was way too "good", did not have that typical look of zoomed non-anamorphic, why I went back to check it later on. For instance, at the end when the two guys were fighting outside, the closeups of their faces/helmets (too bad the rest didn't look like that).
I haven't watched this disc in years, but my recollection is that this was indeed nonanamorphic (incorrectly labelled), and a straight port of the LD transfer.
The copy I got (WS/P&S flipper) definitely changes to anamorphic starting (edited) just after the opening setup with green typing on the screen. What they meant by "modified" is it's supposed to be 2.35:1 and it isn't after that part (it's 1.78-1.85:1). So guess what?, imdb was mostly wrong about the DVD AR...my goodness, have NEVER seen that before...
Edit: got another chance to look at this on the weekend. You guys are right, whatever the AR is, and I couldn't exactly figure that out, it is definitely not as specified on the package. And AR/format does change (on my version) just where I mentioned. The first 5-10 minutes were frightening as to PQ, but once past that I found it tolerable.
After reading this thread, I went to Amazon UK and found Outland WS along with Amazon Queen. I didn't notice that my order at DeepDD was for a full screen version. Even though I couldn't cancel my order, I appreciate the heads-up on Outland. (I also got some good info from DVDcompare.com.) Pete
Are you talking UK R2 or some other release? I have the original R2 anamorphic release of Outland and the transfer is atrocious. One of the worst looking DVD's I own. Sure it's anamorphic but that's not saying much. So unless they got a new release with a new transfer then our ideas of acceptable are a bit different. How much better it is over the R1 I don't know because I haven't seen the R1 version but the R2 is nowhere near acceptable.
I don't know about restoration but a huge clean up to remove spots and scratches similar to what films like Raiders and Star Wars received is surely needed before it gets it's HD release.
I was really excited when they announced a reissue. So i picked it up. Well you guys were right. Same old NON ANAMORPHIC transfer, and the quality is sub-Vhs picture wise. I could deal with the anamorphic issue, but its so grainy and dirty, its like watching it on youtube. And I am using a 34 inch widescreen HDtv...
For shame Warners. You even label it as anamorphic. The movie deserves a decent transfer even if its bare bones release. This disc isn't even up to early dvd standards.
But it did come with a ticket to see I AM LEGEND. So thats good I suppose.
I just rewatched this DVD that I've had probably since it came out. It is without a doubt the worst transfer of any dvd I have ever seen, & I have over 2000 dvds. I can't believe I even watched it when it came out, but I guess I didn't know any better back then. I also can't believe they are reissuing this garbage in 2007.
I wish they would have a decent FS release. that would be 10x better than the worthless WS. It's really a shame since this is a good movie & deserves better.