8mm Forum: Napolean 1927

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Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on February 11, 2017, 02:48 PM:

I have just bought the BFI 2016 restoration 4-disc set of the 1927 French film of "Napoleon" by Abel Gance.
Can somebody please explain the following from the package:-

"DVD9 x 4:25fps. 5.1DTS-HR (48kHz/16-bit) and PCM 2.0 stereo (48kHz/16-bit)".

If you have this set I would be interested to read any comments.

Posted by Martin Davey (Member # 2841) on February 12, 2017, 03:38 AM:

The audio systems are quite normal and every day things. You have the choice of 2 channel stereo or ,DTS 5.1 (multichannel), all obtainable on virtually every DVD players output. If using an external AV amp, the sound will be decoded quite normally, just like any other DVD, depending on your set up. A TV will just reproduce the two channel sound. The PCM (Pulse code modulation) 2channel sound indicates that it is a high quality recording, higher than a CD, though in reality the DTS will sound better if if you have a multi channel set up and the audio quality will still be good and probably limited by your audio equipment's performance anyhow. I always go for the multi channel choice.
The DVD 9 means it is double layered, common for long films and again quite normal,
You have written DVD9 x 4:25fps, but it should be DVD9 x 4, 25fps. So you get 4 discs I presume.

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on February 12, 2017, 05:28 AM:

Thank you, Martin, for your comprehensive reply.

Yes, it is a 4-disc set. From what you said, the BFI printing appears to be incorrect regarding the audio. I copied it exactly as written.

I use a Sony Freeview disc recorder (includes hard-drive) for playback to my Panasonic 50" plasma. This has many speakers in it.

Each disc has a menu which includes Set-Up, this offers 5.1 audio or 2.0 audio. Regrettably, the former is set on each disc and at this setting there is no sound on my TV. It is therefore necessary to click on the 2.0 option to receive the sound. Very annoying to have to remember to go to this option as each disc is changed.

However, the sound is very good with its specially written orchestral score. It is a silent film with appropriate tinting.

http://shop.bfi.org.uk/napoleon-dvd.html#.WKBAT0xFDIV

Posted by Martin Davey (Member # 2841) on February 12, 2017, 06:06 AM:

My pleasure Maurice! Actually the audio is correct but what did confuse me was the '4:25fps'!
Some players have the option to automatically select the 5.1 track over the stereo track, and others do it the other way around. And then some discs, like 'Under the Skin' prioritise the 2 ch PCM over the 5.1. Its the same with Dolby digital vs DTS, so I find myself always going to that part of the menu on a DVD/ Blu-Ray every time. Its really annoying to start running a film and find that the preferred format is not playing!
You may find hidden on your TV and player the options, if you have not already tried, to force your equipment to play all audio 'folded' to a 2.0 signal, to make things simpler.
I hope you enjoy the viewing of your copy!

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