Final Countdown R1 remastered?
07-14-03, 12:19 PM
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Final Countdown R1 remastered?
I always knew how horrible the release of The Final Countdown DVD from PCE was. I ordered a copy when it was first released and didn't own it for a day before I resold it. It was that bad. Checking eBay listings now, I see new "remastered" versions from PCE being sold there.
Did PCE really redo the film? Auction listings say the picture is crystal clear. Anyone seen this new updated version? I was pretty much set on buying the Region 4 DVD and playing it on my region free player.
Did PCE really redo the film? Auction listings say the picture is crystal clear. Anyone seen this new updated version? I was pretty much set on buying the Region 4 DVD and playing it on my region free player.
07-14-03, 04:09 PM
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The quick use of the "search" function would have found you this thread:
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...inal+countdown
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...inal+countdown
07-14-03, 04:29 PM
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I used the search and found the thread before posting this thread. However, it doesn't answer my question. There are lots of eBay listings for a "remastered" version (Region 1) and I'd like to know if anyone has seen this updated version.
07-14-03, 08:34 PM
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From www.thedigitalbits.com today:
Okay... we've looked into this Final Countdown DVD from "Triumph Marketing" and we've discovered that they are, in fact, connected to Pacific Family Entertainment. That means that the DVD being offered on Amazon is likely the same disc PFE released before. We have it, and it's a real mess. The film transfer isn't anamorphic and the video is the worst we've ever seen on DVD. The film fades up from black (or should we say gray, because the blacks are washed out and lifeless) to the softest DVD video you'll ever seen. This looks like VHS tape. Hey... if you guys at PFE HAVE fixed this disc, drop us an e-mail and let us take a look at it. If it's better, we'll be the first to admit it. Otherwise, our suggestion to readers is to avoid it like the plague.
We are REALLY getting tired of talking about this film on DVD. Somebody PLEASE just release even a passable version of this flick on disc and be done with it! Sadly, "Triumph Marketing" also has the DVD release rights to Convoy, directed by Sam Peckinpah as well. 'Nuff said.
So there we are -- hopes once again crushed...
Okay... we've looked into this Final Countdown DVD from "Triumph Marketing" and we've discovered that they are, in fact, connected to Pacific Family Entertainment. That means that the DVD being offered on Amazon is likely the same disc PFE released before. We have it, and it's a real mess. The film transfer isn't anamorphic and the video is the worst we've ever seen on DVD. The film fades up from black (or should we say gray, because the blacks are washed out and lifeless) to the softest DVD video you'll ever seen. This looks like VHS tape. Hey... if you guys at PFE HAVE fixed this disc, drop us an e-mail and let us take a look at it. If it's better, we'll be the first to admit it. Otherwise, our suggestion to readers is to avoid it like the plague.
We are REALLY getting tired of talking about this film on DVD. Somebody PLEASE just release even a passable version of this flick on disc and be done with it! Sadly, "Triumph Marketing" also has the DVD release rights to Convoy, directed by Sam Peckinpah as well. 'Nuff said.
So there we are -- hopes once again crushed...
07-14-03, 11:00 PM
#5
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Originally posted by laseca
I used the search and found the thread before posting this thread. However, it doesn't answer my question.
I used the search and found the thread before posting this thread. However, it doesn't answer my question.
07-15-03, 01:35 AM
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Originally posted by danol
Too bad you all don't have what I have. I have the R4 version that with my x, y, scaling. I have a really clear view of now made anamorphic transfer, without any loss via zooming. There are 16 chapters including the closing credits.
Too bad you all don't have what I have. I have the R4 version that with my x, y, scaling. I have a really clear view of now made anamorphic transfer, without any loss via zooming. There are 16 chapters including the closing credits.
As for the original question, I'm curious as well to hear if the disc has been remastered. I noticed that PFE has finally put a UPC code on the dvd which was absent when I bought mine.
07-15-03, 09:10 AM
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Originally posted by skipnet
Josh:
People don't even aply proper ettiquette in their real lives anymore, why should they apply it to forum behavior.
Josh:
People don't even aply proper ettiquette in their real lives anymore, why should they apply it to forum behavior.
07-15-03, 01:03 PM
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Even though the release day for this "remastered" R1 version is in early August, I see many "remastered" R1 versions of this movie already up on eBay. I'd rather wait and hear some feedback after the official release.
07-15-03, 02:42 PM
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Originally posted by danol
...you don't have a clue as to what x, y, scaling is all about! You take a LBX 2.35:1 then scale if for anamorhic 2.35:1 then watch the rest of the movie anamorphicly.
...you don't have a clue as to what x, y, scaling is all about! You take a LBX 2.35:1 then scale if for anamorhic 2.35:1 then watch the rest of the movie anamorphicly.
Originally posted by D-Ball
Also, you can't make a disc anamorphic through the settings on you equipment. Either a disc is anamorphic or it isn't. You can't create picture information that isn't there in the first place.
Also, you can't make a disc anamorphic through the settings on you equipment. Either a disc is anamorphic or it isn't. You can't create picture information that isn't there in the first place.
Agreed. A DVD is either anamorphically enhanced for 16X9 TVs or it isn’t, regardless of one’s equipment. X, Y scaling on a DVD player has nothing to do with how a disc is encoded. I use scaling all the time on my Malata for non-anamorphic discs, but it by no means makes the picture data “anamorphic.”
Last edited by Commander Dan; 07-15-03 at 02:46 PM.
07-15-03, 06:57 PM
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It should go without saying that Danol is incorrect. He does not seem to understand what "anamorphic" actually means.
07-15-03, 07:33 PM
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Sorry to take this further off topic but why do people use X-Y scaling and not Zoom? I have a player with this feature but I don't understand the benefit, probably because I don't have a widescreen setup. Isn't X-Y scaling going to either crop the sides or distort the image?
The only time I used scaling was to correct a vertically stretched lousy transfer. Found it to be a very handy feature to have in that unusual situation.
The only time I used scaling was to correct a vertically stretched lousy transfer. Found it to be a very handy feature to have in that unusual situation.
07-15-03, 07:41 PM
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Originally posted by philo
Sorry to take this further off topic but why do people use X-Y scaling and not Zoom? I have a player with this feature but I don't understand the benefit, probably because I don't have a widescreen setup. Isn't X-Y scaling going to either crop the sides or distort the image?
The only time I used scaling was to correct a vertically stretched lousy transfer. Found it to be a very handy feature to have in that unusual situation.
Sorry to take this further off topic but why do people use X-Y scaling and not Zoom? I have a player with this feature but I don't understand the benefit, probably because I don't have a widescreen setup. Isn't X-Y scaling going to either crop the sides or distort the image?
The only time I used scaling was to correct a vertically stretched lousy transfer. Found it to be a very handy feature to have in that unusual situation.
07-15-03, 10:36 PM
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Since nobody has updated this thread with the new info from www.digitalbits.com
Here ya go:
In other news this morning, we have an update on the new Final Countdown DVD, finally with at least a little bit of new information. In retrospect, our comments yesterday were a bit harsh, reflecting our frustration with the previous DVD release. So our apologies to Pacific Family Entertainment and Triumph Marketing for that. The good news is, we have been in contact with PFE, and they've officially confirmed to us that the DVD has been remastered to improve the video quality of their original release. So the new DVD up for sale on Amazon.com (due on 8/19) is the remastered version. The bad news is, we have no further official details than that, and it's unlikely we'll see the disc before its release. However, we've also been in contact with a video retailer who we trust, who has seen the new version. He tells us that, while the newly remastered widescreen video isn't anamorphic, it IS an improvement on the original PFE release. We don't know whether the audio has also been remastered, but it should be Dolby Digital 5.1 like the original disc. The disc should also include the film's theatrical trailer, as did the original. So while it still isn't the special edition many of you have been waiting for, the improved quality should make it at least worth a purchase for fans. We get at least 2 or 3 e-mails a week about this title, so we know how badly you guys out there want this film on DVD. Hopefully, if this disc sells well, PFE and Triumph will revisit the title with more extras and an anamorphic transfer in the future. Note that the disc art above is for the original version - we don't know if the new art is identical or not
Here ya go:
In other news this morning, we have an update on the new Final Countdown DVD, finally with at least a little bit of new information. In retrospect, our comments yesterday were a bit harsh, reflecting our frustration with the previous DVD release. So our apologies to Pacific Family Entertainment and Triumph Marketing for that. The good news is, we have been in contact with PFE, and they've officially confirmed to us that the DVD has been remastered to improve the video quality of their original release. So the new DVD up for sale on Amazon.com (due on 8/19) is the remastered version. The bad news is, we have no further official details than that, and it's unlikely we'll see the disc before its release. However, we've also been in contact with a video retailer who we trust, who has seen the new version. He tells us that, while the newly remastered widescreen video isn't anamorphic, it IS an improvement on the original PFE release. We don't know whether the audio has also been remastered, but it should be Dolby Digital 5.1 like the original disc. The disc should also include the film's theatrical trailer, as did the original. So while it still isn't the special edition many of you have been waiting for, the improved quality should make it at least worth a purchase for fans. We get at least 2 or 3 e-mails a week about this title, so we know how badly you guys out there want this film on DVD. Hopefully, if this disc sells well, PFE and Triumph will revisit the title with more extras and an anamorphic transfer in the future. Note that the disc art above is for the original version - we don't know if the new art is identical or not
07-15-03, 11:12 PM
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Originally posted by Muah'dib
Since nobody has updated this thread with the new info from www.digitalbits.com
Here ya go:
In other news this morning, we have an update on the new Final Countdown DVD, finally with at least a little bit of new information. In retrospect, our comments yesterday were a bit harsh, reflecting our frustration with the previous DVD release. So our apologies to Pacific Family Entertainment and Triumph Marketing for that. The good news is, we have been in contact with PFE, and they've officially confirmed to us that the DVD has been remastered to improve the video quality of their original release. So the new DVD up for sale on Amazon.com (due on 8/19) is the remastered version. The bad news is, we have no further official details than that, and it's unlikely we'll see the disc before its release. However, we've also been in contact with a video retailer who we trust, who has seen the new version. He tells us that, while the newly remastered widescreen video isn't anamorphic, it IS an improvement on the original PFE release. We don't know whether the audio has also been remastered, but it should be Dolby Digital 5.1 like the original disc. The disc should also include the film's theatrical trailer, as did the original. So while it still isn't the special edition many of you have been waiting for, the improved quality should make it at least worth a purchase for fans. We get at least 2 or 3 e-mails a week about this title, so we know how badly you guys out there want this film on DVD. Hopefully, if this disc sells well, PFE and Triumph will revisit the title with more extras and an anamorphic transfer in the future. Note that the disc art above is for the original version - we don't know if the new art is identical or not
Since nobody has updated this thread with the new info from www.digitalbits.com
Here ya go:
In other news this morning, we have an update on the new Final Countdown DVD, finally with at least a little bit of new information. In retrospect, our comments yesterday were a bit harsh, reflecting our frustration with the previous DVD release. So our apologies to Pacific Family Entertainment and Triumph Marketing for that. The good news is, we have been in contact with PFE, and they've officially confirmed to us that the DVD has been remastered to improve the video quality of their original release. So the new DVD up for sale on Amazon.com (due on 8/19) is the remastered version. The bad news is, we have no further official details than that, and it's unlikely we'll see the disc before its release. However, we've also been in contact with a video retailer who we trust, who has seen the new version. He tells us that, while the newly remastered widescreen video isn't anamorphic, it IS an improvement on the original PFE release. We don't know whether the audio has also been remastered, but it should be Dolby Digital 5.1 like the original disc. The disc should also include the film's theatrical trailer, as did the original. So while it still isn't the special edition many of you have been waiting for, the improved quality should make it at least worth a purchase for fans. We get at least 2 or 3 e-mails a week about this title, so we know how badly you guys out there want this film on DVD. Hopefully, if this disc sells well, PFE and Triumph will revisit the title with more extras and an anamorphic transfer in the future. Note that the disc art above is for the original version - we don't know if the new art is identical or not
Last edited by Iron_Giant; 07-15-03 at 11:14 PM.
07-16-03, 01:17 AM
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So those who bought the first release were guinea pigs, nothing more than financers for the second release... and those who buy the second release will foot the bill for another, better release later? Third release anamorphic, no extras? Fourth release will add a few extras? Fifth release will cram a ton of extras on with the movie on one side? Sixth release will be remastered, with the movie on one side and the extras on another? Seventh release will be a limited edition three-disc set including John Scott's score on a separate CD?
My god, please, if you don't get it right the first time, AT LEAST GET IT RIGHT THE SECOND TIME!
My god, please, if you don't get it right the first time, AT LEAST GET IT RIGHT THE SECOND TIME!
07-16-03, 09:56 AM
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Originally posted by philo
Sorry to take this further off topic but why do people use X-Y scaling and not Zoom? I have a player with this feature but I don't understand the benefit, probably because I don't have a widescreen setup. Isn't X-Y scaling going to either crop the sides or distort the image?
Sorry to take this further off topic but why do people use X-Y scaling and not Zoom? I have a player with this feature but I don't understand the benefit, probably because I don't have a widescreen setup. Isn't X-Y scaling going to either crop the sides or distort the image?
I believe, however, that some folks use the X, Y scaling to make a 1.85:1 image fit perfectly to their 16X9 (about 1.78:1) screen by distorting the image slightly.
Hey, where did all of Danol’s posts go?
Last edited by Commander Dan; 07-16-03 at 10:50 AM.
07-16-03, 10:36 AM
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PFE can kiss my ass. I will never purchase another product from them as long as I live. I feel personally insulted by that piece of crap disc they released. As far as I am concerned, they stole my money and I will never give them another cent. And then there was their attitute that there was nothing wrong with the transfer and that it looked great to them. Maybe to a blind man it would look great.
07-16-03, 09:22 PM
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I'm surprised Digital Bits is taking the word of PFE as true! This company has lied constantly about the first DVD and to beleive they actually remastered is rediculous! They are such a nothing company they don't have the money to do a remastered even if they wanted to!
I never bought this DVD but I did actualy view it. It is with-a-doubt the biggest piece of garbage ever released on DVD! If I had bought it I would have been absolutely livid!
DO NOT SUPPORT a trash company like PFE by buying ANY of their products. The actions of this company are bad enough to warrant wishes of them going out of business!
I never bought this DVD but I did actualy view it. It is with-a-doubt the biggest piece of garbage ever released on DVD! If I had bought it I would have been absolutely livid!
DO NOT SUPPORT a trash company like PFE by buying ANY of their products. The actions of this company are bad enough to warrant wishes of them going out of business!
07-16-03, 09:30 PM
#22
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Just popped it in tonight....same pathetic non-anamorphic transfer...
On the other hand, "Convoy" is fake-anamorphic...it's squeezed on my 4:3 monitor, but I used the full feature on my widescreen set and it's 2:35 (looks alot better than "Final Countdown"!).
(This isn't an advertisement or anything, but I have both up in a 2-For-1 trade right now...)
On the other hand, "Convoy" is fake-anamorphic...it's squeezed on my 4:3 monitor, but I used the full feature on my widescreen set and it's 2:35 (looks alot better than "Final Countdown"!).
(This isn't an advertisement or anything, but I have both up in a 2-For-1 trade right now...)
07-16-03, 11:01 PM
#23
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Originally posted by Mao
Just popped it in tonight....same pathetic non-anamorphic transfer...
On the other hand, "Convoy" is fake-anamorphic...it's squeezed on my 4:3 monitor, but I used the full feature on my widescreen set and it's 2:35 (looks alot better than "Final Countdown"!).
(This isn't an advertisement or anything, but I have both up in a 2-For-1 trade right now...)
Just popped it in tonight....same pathetic non-anamorphic transfer...
On the other hand, "Convoy" is fake-anamorphic...it's squeezed on my 4:3 monitor, but I used the full feature on my widescreen set and it's 2:35 (looks alot better than "Final Countdown"!).
(This isn't an advertisement or anything, but I have both up in a 2-For-1 trade right now...)
If it is the same Video transfer (I know it is not anamorphic) PFE better beef up there mail system, I'm sure alot of people will be email their displeasure.
07-17-03, 10:44 PM
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[QUOTE]Originally posted by Mao
[B]Just popped it in tonight....same pathetic non-anamorphic transfer...
According to Amazon, the remastered version of the Final Countdown isn't scheduled for release until August 19. Did you somehow get an advance copy for review?
[B]Just popped it in tonight....same pathetic non-anamorphic transfer...
According to Amazon, the remastered version of the Final Countdown isn't scheduled for release until August 19. Did you somehow get an advance copy for review?