8mm Forum: For Anyone who Doubts that Blu-ray is better than DVD.

8mm Forum

my profile | my password | search | faq | register | forum home

next oldest topic

next newest topic

»	8mm Forum » General Yak » For Anyone who Doubts that Blu-ray is better than DVD. (Page 1)

UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!

This topic comprises 2 pages: 1 2

Author

Topic: For Anyone who Doubts that Blu-ray is better than DVD.

Rob Young.
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1633
From: Cheshire, U.K.
Registered: Dec 2003

posted September 07, 2014 05:37 AM

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

Well, the other evening, I went to watch a recent Disney animation release in my home cinema.

Powered everything up and popped in the disc. After it had loaded, a Disney logo appeared and my first impression was, "Crickey...that looks soft".

So I start checking the player's output to make sure it hadn't been accidently altered. Switched it manually to 1080p...no better. By now the trailers are running and I'm thinking, "maybe the trailers are just not great quality..."

So the movie begins and I put the player into Source Direct mode, making sure the output is 1080p/24Hz. Still the image doesn't look sharp. Now I start delving into the projector settings and thinking, "what can have been altered?"

Scratching my head, I glance down at the disc box...it's a double play disc set and I've loaded the DVD version instead of the Blu-ray...

[Roll Eyes]

[Roll Eyes]

[Roll Eyes]

[Roll Eyes]

What a dope!

Loaded the Blu-ray and it was sparkling! If there was ever any doubt that Blu-ray was far superior to DVD...

Another lesson in "check the most obvious things first!!!"

| IP: Logged

Paul Barker
Master Film Handler

Posts: 395
From: Lancashire, England
Registered: Jun 2014

posted September 07, 2014 05:53 AM

Email Paul Barker

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

i still know people who project dvd and blu ray and still say they cannot see much difference between the two. the mind boggles. i swear by blu ray everytime. there is always a noticeable difference.

| IP: Logged

Pasquale DAlessio
Film God

Posts: 3523
From: Bristol,RI, USA
Registered: May 2010

posted September 07, 2014 05:56 AM

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

There is a big noticeable difference. If you have the right TV. [Eek!]

[Eek!]

| IP: Logged

Joe McAllister
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 179
From: London England
Registered: May 2007

posted September 07, 2014 09:27 AM

Email Joe McAllister

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

I think that when properly encoded Blu Ray looks better. However some early releases in this format used DVD masters which look no better than a DVD "upscaled" using an HDMI cable.

--------------------
Always interested in privately produced amateur and home movies.

| IP: Logged

Rob Young.
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1633
From: Cheshire, U.K.
Registered: Dec 2003

posted September 07, 2014 10:07 AM

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

Well, Joe, there were a handful of very early releases that did get things wrong, but that was many years ago now and pretty much irrelevant, as with all formats when they first launch.

Just look at the utterly inadequate masters that were used for many DVD releases back in the day. Bad master material married with low bit-rate digital masters, often resulting in DVD releases looking just like their VHS counterparts, but now with the addition of digital blocking!

Of course, this situation didn't last long as the public are not easily duped. It was just an early cash-in, as with any "new" format.

Also, "up-scaling"...hmmm...see I don't believe all up-scaling is equal given what I have experienced. If you're using processing to re-calculate 560i into 1080p, then there are many ways to do this and some are excellent, whilst some are, how to put this...rotten.

Not trying to be argumentative BTW, just saying what I have seen over the years. [Smile]

[Smile]

I've seen some very cheap DVD players do a fantastic job of up-scaling, whilst I've also seen some very expensive Blu-ray players make a right pig's ear of it. [Razz]

[Razz]

| IP: Logged

Maurizio Di Cintio
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 977
From: Ortona, Italy
Registered: Jan 2004

posted September 08, 2014 06:57 AM

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

I agree, BD's are great. And sometimes an upscaled DVD can improve a little.

--------------------
Maurizio

| IP: Logged

Paul Adsett
Film God

Posts: 5003
From: USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted September 08, 2014 08:56 AM

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

Rob, exactly the same thing happened to me a couple of months ago when I was showing The Sound Of Music. !
[Smile]

[Smile]

No question that most projected BD's look vastly superior to most projected DVD's. The best blu rays, the ones which the studios have lavished money on to restore and have been given a very careful digital transfer, look absolutely stunning when projected on a large screen. But, I have often seen BD's that look no better than DVD's, and I have often seen DVD's that you would swear were Blu Rays.
My Panasonic Blu Ray player seems to do an excellent job of upscaling most DVd'S.

--------------------
The best of all worlds- 8mm, super 8mm, 9.5mm, and HD Digital Projection,
Elmo GS1200 f1.0 2-blade
Eumig S938 Stereo f1.0 Ektar
Panasonic PT-AE4000U digital pj

| IP: Logged

Winbert Hutahaean
Film God

Posts: 5468
From: Nouméa, New Caledonia
Registered: Jun 2003

posted September 08, 2014 11:10 AM

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

If the films are from the same disc, it can be the DVD version was put deliberetly in low quality mode to save the storage capacity.

We should compare apple to apple between the best DVD vs BD.

To date I still don't have a BD player. I may jump to the next format generation which I hear is being made now.

This gonna be my second case where the first one is when I jumped from VHS to DVD without having LD in my film collection.

From my experience each format has 10 years life span.

I think now is already close to BD's 10 years anniversarry and it is the time to welcoming a new format generation :-)

Cheers,

--------------------
Winbert

| IP: Logged

Ken Finch
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 543
From: Herne Bay, Kent. U.K.
Registered: Oct 2011

posted September 10, 2014 02:39 PM

Email Ken Finch

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

Technically Bluray should be better than DVD. However, as well as the criteria already mentioned, one has to consider not only the player but the quality of the cables used in the link and also the quality and set up of the display. From my own personal experience I found that some VHS tapes were as good as the same film on DVD.
Also a lot of HD Television transmissions show no noticeable difference unless the TV is more than 32" but this not "Full H.D".
I do not have a Bluray player but do have one that upscales. I have also found that my replacement projector which is "Full H.D". displays much better quality images on DVD and VHS than the previous one and as I have a large collection of films on both formats see no reason to replace these with Bluray versions.
Are we in danger of becoming like the "Rivet Counters" amongst the model railway enthusiasts? I also remember that when HD TVs first came out in the shops, the displays carried a split screen of standard and HD images and the standard half was deliberately softened!! Perhaps the same trick is being used with these DVD versions suplied with the Bluray ones. Ken Finch.

| IP: Logged

Timothy Ramzyk
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 220
From: Milwaukee,WI,USA
Registered: Nov 2006

posted September 11, 2014 01:04 AM

Author's Homepage

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

I've been pretty amazed how film-like a well-done Blu-ray can look on my JVC DLA front projector. Many have made instant coasters of the prior DVDs (particularly early releases).

That said, be it DVD, Blu-ray, or Super 8. Crap in = Crap out. All formats have their unworthy eyesores and disappointments. I'm talking to you Niles Cinema. [Wink]

[Wink]

| IP: Logged

Vidar Olavesen
Film God

Posts: 2232
From: Sarpsborg, Norway
Registered: Nov 2012

posted September 11, 2014 06:58 AM

Author's Homepage

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

From what I've heard, The Back to the Future box set is totally messed up on Blu-Ray. I have a friend who screened the 35mm first and they decided to check out the Blu-Ray. It was appalling and no one said anything good about it. Plastic was the word used

Also I heard I shouldn't rid myself of the Laserdisc of Last of the Mohicans, as that one is better than the DVD/Blu-Ray. So it all comes down to what the companies decides to do with it. Blu-Ray is of course better in resolution than the DVD and LD's, but still there's something to pick on many releases

| IP: Logged

Paul Adsett
Film God

Posts: 5003
From: USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted September 11, 2014 09:45 AM

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

Sure there are some Blu Rays and DVD'S that are not the highest quality, but they are few and far between. At least there is zero disc-to-disc quality variation.

--------------------
The best of all worlds- 8mm, super 8mm, 9.5mm, and HD Digital Projection,
Elmo GS1200 f1.0 2-blade
Eumig S938 Stereo f1.0 Ektar
Panasonic PT-AE4000U digital pj

| IP: Logged

Andrew Woodcock
Film God

Posts: 7477
From: Manchester Uk
Registered: Aug 2012

posted September 11, 2014 12:28 PM

Edit/Delete Post

I have to say, to my eyes and ears , I haven't seen or heard a bad one yet. Ok some of the re-mastering touches on older films might not be to everyone's tastes, but you cannot fault a simply perfect picture and sound field which is what I see and hear each time I pop a Blu Ray disc in.

My Die Hard Blu Ray (watched two evenings ago) puts my 8mm print totally to shame for image quality and colour rendition and Die Hard is a decent print, make no mistake of that.

--------------------
"C'mon Baggy..Get with the beat"

| IP: Logged

Timothy Ramzyk
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 220
From: Milwaukee,WI,USA
Registered: Nov 2006

posted September 11, 2014 01:02 PM

Author's Homepage

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

I don't favor an over-processed image, and some early releases of blockbuster titles suffered from too much digital noise reduction (eliminating the appearance of grain) or edge enhancement (artificial sharpening). I think there was an initial fear that audiences wouldn't accept the appearance of actual film-grain that the extra definition would support. Thankfully that seems largely a thing of the past these days, and 95% of what I buy looks pleasingly like actual film rather than waxy video.

At least there are sights that credibly review BD, with frame grabs, so there isn't a lot of room for ending up with a bad surprise.

I'd put out there that seeing the Universal Blu-ray set of their classic monster films was nothing short of revelatory, partially because of the format, but mostly due to the spare-no-expense restoration work done on the films themselves.

| IP: Logged

Paul Adsett
Film God

Posts: 5003
From: USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted September 11, 2014 07:41 PM

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

There is no doubt in my mind that DVD and Blu Ray and digital projectors are the best thing that ever happened for film collectors.

--------------------
The best of all worlds- 8mm, super 8mm, 9.5mm, and HD Digital Projection,
Elmo GS1200 f1.0 2-blade
Eumig S938 Stereo f1.0 Ektar
Panasonic PT-AE4000U digital pj

| IP: Logged

John Hourigan
Master Film Handler

Posts: 301
From: Colorado U.S.A.
Registered: Sep 2003

posted September 11, 2014 11:32 PM

Email John Hourigan

Edit/Delete Post

Totally agree, Paul -- given the stunning restoration work on the classics, we're truly living in a golden age for film collectors. Talk about truly pristine prints (and sound) that are available via Blu-Ray!

| IP: Logged

Lee Mannering
Film God

Posts: 3216
From: The Projection Box
Registered: Nov 2006

posted September 12, 2014 02:53 AM

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

Blu-Ray is most definitely better in quality than DVD and the end result will be governed by how you view the disc.

The leading question at the moment is how long will they continue to manufacture Blu-Ray media as Sony have already revised production due to fall in sales. It seems the public are leaning more towards Netflix and ITunes which I am guessing is more about a younger generations choice of viewing method and clever marketing. Other factors have taken a toll on BR such as HMV closing high street stores thus reducing on the shelf availability but we shall see.

| IP: Logged

Graham Ritchie
Film God

Posts: 4001
From: New Zealand
Registered: Feb 2006

posted September 12, 2014 03:00 AM

Email Graham Ritchie

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

Without doubt Video projection has come a long way as with the quality of the image you now get from Blu-ray.

However with film collecting or film projection I do feel that's a different ball game altogether, regarding that certain on screen "look" of film, compared with a digital image that you might watch at the cinema.

Going to the cinema these days.....well you are certainly going to watch, say a movie... but sadly, not a film [Frown]

[Frown]

| IP: Logged

Vidar Olavesen
Film God

Posts: 2232
From: Sarpsborg, Norway
Registered: Nov 2012

posted September 12, 2014 05:20 AM

Author's Homepage

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

Unless you're lucky and live close to Mr. Tarantino's new cinema :-) Also heard something about his new film, The Hateful Eight, were going to be shown in 70mm theatres on real film before the digital version. I cross my fingers that many more people see and feel the difference and demand quality and life, not sterile, jerky, digital video

| IP: Logged

Andrew Woodcock
Film God

Posts: 7477
From: Manchester Uk
Registered: Aug 2012

posted September 12, 2014 06:47 AM

Edit/Delete Post

24fps was never without it's "jerks and "stutters"" Vidar, especially when panning or filming fast motion scenes.

--------------------
"C'mon Baggy..Get with the beat"

| IP: Logged

Vidar Olavesen
Film God

Posts: 2232
From: Sarpsborg, Norway
Registered: Nov 2012

posted September 12, 2014 08:17 AM

Author's Homepage

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

It's not the same stutter I see ... I know fast panning would give a little, but it's something I only see in digital (it might be compression issues or something, but it's not the same)

I see stutters in movement and everything in digital and will never enjoy a digital film as much as a reel film.

| IP: Logged

John Hourigan
Master Film Handler

Posts: 301
From: Colorado U.S.A.
Registered: Sep 2003

posted September 12, 2014 10:19 AM

Email John Hourigan

Edit/Delete Post

Agree, Andrew -- in dealing with both film and video in my professional life, there was always a "stutter" with fast pans in film, particularly when projected on a large cinema screen. But video shot at 24fps captures an amazing "film look" without the problems inherent with actual film, such as negative dust, etc. We employed video shot at 24fps for a series of commercials that aired nationally, and it absolutely captured the rich tones and vibrant colors, even when projected on a massive pano screen at a major event. And this is coming from a long-time film collector.

The video "stutter" issue referenced in previous posts seems to be limited to a few individuals who can, for whatever reason, seem to overly detect it. However, as I get older, I realize that my hearing isn't what it used to be, but that doesn't mean that FM radio is inferior to AM radio simply because I can't hear top-end frequencies like I used to when I was younger.

I am a film fan but, as Rob Young so eloquently put it in a post a couple of months ago, film now pretty much boils down to simply a matter of devotion rather than its technical merits in light of today's technology. Over 100 years is a very good run for any technology, including film, but thank goodness time marches on -- or we'd still be driving Model T cars! [Smile]

[Smile]

| IP: Logged

Paul Adsett
Film God

Posts: 5003
From: USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted September 12, 2014 11:41 AM

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

Anybody heard any news on 4K film software? Are the next generation films going to be sold on 4K Blu Ray discs?

--------------------
The best of all worlds- 8mm, super 8mm, 9.5mm, and HD Digital Projection,
Elmo GS1200 f1.0 2-blade
Eumig S938 Stereo f1.0 Ektar
Panasonic PT-AE4000U digital pj

| IP: Logged

Vidar Olavesen
Film God

Posts: 2232
From: Sarpsborg, Norway
Registered: Nov 2012

posted September 12, 2014 11:43 AM

Author's Homepage

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

So you are trying to tell me 24fps of celluloid stutter, while compressed video at 24fps do not? I was expecting, when blu-ray came and had 24fps, that the motion would be like film, but it's not. Compression, cpu power for decoding the compressed images are by far more prone to not update as quick as a raw photo. Technically, film looks, feels and is better than digital. What you say there does not make sense to me

| IP: Logged

Andrew Woodcock
Film God

Posts: 7477
From: Manchester Uk
Registered: Aug 2012

posted September 12, 2014 12:42 PM

Edit/Delete Post

I was merely pointing out that film isn't without motion stutter during panning etc just like nothing ever could be at 24fps. Digital is exactly the same at that filming speed. What's not to make sense out of that Vidar?

--------------------
"C'mon Baggy..Get with the beat"

| IP: Logged

All times are Central

This topic comprises 2 pages: 1 2

Move Topic

Delete Topic

next oldest topic

next newest topic

Printer-friendly view of this topic

Visit www.film-tech.com for free equipment manual downloads. Copyright 2003-2019 Film-Tech Cinema Systems LLC

UBB.classic^TM 6.3.1.2