General Discussion Verified HD Digitals same as Warner Archive Blu-rays (2012-2025) (1 Viewer)

[Robert Crawford]

Not sure quite what it means, but strangely, MA does seem to have Dodsworth (that supposedly links to Apple/iTunes according to their site/app and will redirect you correctly if you follow the usual link), but for whatever reason, our copies on Apple/iTunes are not registering w/ them and not transferring normally as expected.

BTW, some go w/ FaH (or maybe F@H) to keep that shorter (than Vudu )... though yeah, I too tend to prefer just Vudu -- I suppose it's hard to teach this old dog such silly new trick, heh...

_Man_

I took another look and I have to correct myself. Dodsworth is on MA but like you stated it's not registered as being purchased and is not in my digital library there. Furthermore, Dodsworth isn't even listed on Vudu/F@H. There is no HD or SD digitals, nada.

 

[JPCinema]

Why do those look like super-glowing neon, LOL? Is that really how they're supposed to look?

_Man_

First pic is from the blu ray the second pic is from iTunes HD

 

[Mark-P]

First pic is from the blu ray the second pic is from iTunes HD

Thank god no Warner Archive Blu-rays ever looked like those captures. You’ve got the color saturation turned up to eleven!

 

[JPCinema]

FYI. VUDU has a new HD version of ARSENIC AND OLD LACE. By comparison the iTunes HD version is from an older transfer .

 

[cda1143]

FYI. VUDU has a new HD version of ARSENIC AND OLD LACE. By comparison the iTunes HD version is from an older transfer .

Thanks. Does the new VUDU transfer appear to be from the 2022 Criterion?

 

[JPCinema]

It appears to be. The iTunes title sequence is "window boxed", where as the title sequence on VUDU is the proper 1.37 aspect ratio, the same as the Criterion blu ray.

 

[ManW_TheUncool]

^I'm not sure, but IIRC, Arsenic and Old Lace was probably on SD on Vudu before, so makes sense they're getting the latest HD master for this update.

Hmmm... upon quick check (on BR.com), apparently, it was not available on Vudu at all until just a few months ago in HD, but same idea would apply...

Anyway, nice to know w/ certainty it's the newer transfer...

_Man_

 

[Robert Crawford]

Yet, another "lack of uniformity" example when it comes to the digital format. I bought "Arsenic and Old Lace" a couple of months ago on Vudu but didn't play it until today after reading this thread. Yes, Vudu's HD digital is derived from the same 4K scan used for the 2022 Criterion Blu-ray while iTunes and MA digitals are derived from an older scan. Anyhow, I've added this title to the first page listing but only have the new HD digital available on Vudu.

 

[ManW_TheUncool]

Basically, it seems to be roughly as George Feltenstein said some time back IIRC... that it's often upto the various platforms to request updates to more recent transfers/masters... but I'm guessing the various platforms may not be aware enough of what's available unless it's some clear new release or something (like actual 4K perhaps) perhaps being pushed by the studios instead. Also no idea what, if any, additional costs there are if the platforms actually make such requests -- that was not said/clarified near as I can tell.

So... yeah, seems like there's no uniformity probably largely because there's no structure nor clear policy to ensure new transfers/masters are pushed to the various platforms as soon as they become available... and nobody running these shows (on either side) seem concern enough to help ensure that happens (for our benefit)... and there's probably not nearly enough demand (from customers) for them to start caring much anytime soon, if ever perhaps...

_Man_

 

[Robert Crawford]

One more thing about Arsenic and Old Lace. The two actors that really crack me up in this film are Peter Lorre and John Alexander.

 

[JPCinema]

I purchased MISTER ROBERTS on VUDU in HDX. I am thrilled it is from the same source as the Blu ray, I also upgraded NATIONAL VELVET in SD TO HDX on VUDU and now the quality is of the same source as the blu ray. A great discovery!

 

[Robert Crawford]

I purchased MISTER ROBERTS on VUDU in HDX. I am thrilled it is from the same source as the Blu ray, I also upgraded NATIONAL VELVET in SD TO HDX on VUDU and now the quality is of the same source as the blu ray. A great discovery!

A word of caution to other people. Both of these titles are still in SD on iTunes/Apple+. Matter of fact I can't find another retailer, other than Vudu that has them in HD. Remember, purchasing a title in SD doesn't equate to a free iTunes HD upgrade.

Personally, I'm not going to purchase these Vudu digitals. I'm good with my WA Blu-rays for now.

 

[JPCinema]

This is very weird. I purchased THE FBI STORY on Vudu in HDX. I tried to watch it on my TV and after awhile of pinwheels, this showed up on my screen.

 

[Robert Crawford]

This is very weird. I purchased THE FBI STORY on Vudu in HDX. I tried to watch it on my TV and after awhile of pinwheels, this showed up on my screen.

Another movie only available in HD on Vudu while the rest of retailers only have it in SD. Plus, even though the HD digital recently showed up on Vudu back in April, it's never been released on Blu-ray. Personally, I'm going to avoid purchasing any Vudu HD digital under those conditions. It's just not worth the risk especially with Vudu's reputation of mislabeling formats.

 

[JPCinema]

and I am unable to watch it.

 

[Robert Crawford]

and I am unable to watch it.

Looks like you need to make some calls for a refund.

 

[Robert Crawford]

I will be adding Ladyhawke (1985) to the first page listing. It’s weird that the opening credits are window box on both the Blu-ray and HD digital. By the way, it’s $4.99 on iTunes.

 

[ManW_TheUncool]

I will be adding Ladyhawke (1985) to the first page listing. It’s weird that the opening credits are window box on both the Blu-ray and HD digital. By the way, it’s $4.99 on iTunes.

Great! I had previously wondered about that one, so gonna just get the digital then. Thanks!

_Man_

 

[JPCinema]

I watched “Some Came Running “ last night on iTunes. The HD version looks identical to the blu ray..

 

[ManW_TheUncool]

I watched “Some Came Running “ last night on iTunes. The HD version looks identical to the blu ray..

Awesome! I almost bought that BD a couple times in the past, but now, guess I'll just get the digital whenever that goes on sale (again?). It's definitely marginal enough for me that a good HD digital will suffice...

_Man_