Are Superbit DVDs any better?
#1
DVD Talk Special Edition
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Are Superbit DVDs any better?
I'm just wondering if Superbit DVDs are any better than regular DVD versions of the film. I'm not upgrading to HD-DVD or Blu-Ray yet, so I was considering checking out some Superbit DVDs.
Thanks in advance!
Thanks in advance!
#2
DVD Talk Legend
Superbit is a Sony marketing brand. Generally, Sony makes really mediocre DVDs. They then reissue them in the quality they should have had the first time around and call it "Superbit".
So, on the one hand, yes Superbit discs are usually better than the non-Superbit edition of the same movie. But on the other hand, no Superbit discs are not anything special in comparison to discs from other studios. Studios like Warner and New Line routinely put out discs that are as good or better than "Superbit" quality without the fancy marketing label.
So, on the one hand, yes Superbit discs are usually better than the non-Superbit edition of the same movie. But on the other hand, no Superbit discs are not anything special in comparison to discs from other studios. Studios like Warner and New Line routinely put out discs that are as good or better than "Superbit" quality without the fancy marketing label.
#4
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Originally Posted by Overpar
Thanks for the input. Just wondering if I should upgrade, but sounds like just a marketing tool.
#5
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If you have a TV smaller then 40 inch I doubt you’ll notice the difference. The difference might be subtle but with DTS included in all the Superbit titles some are worth it. Here are some Superbit movies which I think is worth replacing over the standard edition.
Spiderman 1, 2
The Patriot
Gattaca
Fifth Element
Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon
Desperado
Dracula
Spiderman 1, 2
The Patriot
Gattaca
Fifth Element
Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon
Desperado
Dracula
#6
DVD Talk Reviewer
Agreed that the Spider-Man and Gattaca Superbits are completely worth it, especially since it's possible to pick up the supplemental discs used with the regular release DVDs for rather inexpensive. Another thing you might want to keep your eyes on are the Leon: The Professional and Fifth Element Ultimate Editions, which are both "Superbit" releases. The video/audio on FE is outstanding. The Leon UE is terrific too, minus a few flaws. Still a tremendous transfer.
As stated, it's a pseudo-marketing ploy that's kind of hit and miss with some flicks and won't REALLY matter unless you've got a slightly larger set (over 27"). DTS is undoubtedly a plus too, if you can support the track.
Oh, and unless it's changed, the only way to get Quick and the Dead in an anamorphic release on it's own (outside of the Bite the Bullet pack) is with the Superbit.
As stated, it's a pseudo-marketing ploy that's kind of hit and miss with some flicks and won't REALLY matter unless you've got a slightly larger set (over 27"). DTS is undoubtedly a plus too, if you can support the track.
Oh, and unless it's changed, the only way to get Quick and the Dead in an anamorphic release on it's own (outside of the Bite the Bullet pack) is with the Superbit.
#7
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Thread Starter
I've got a Toshiba 52" DLP TV and Onkyo 6.1 DD and DTS and a Samsung upconvert DVD player. I would like to check out that Leon: The Professional DVD. I haven't seen that movie yet, but it looks like I would like it. I was considering Resident Evil and Underworld Superbits. I'm not a big fan of the Spiderman movies or the other ones that were listed previously. I DO love DVDs that come with a DTS track! It always seems to sound crisper and better mixed than the DD track. Thanks for everyone's input.
#8
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Originally Posted by Josh Z
Superbit is a Sony marketing brand. Generally, Sony makes really mediocre DVDs. They then reissue them in the quality they should have had the first time around and call it "Superbit".
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It's funny I pop in a Superbit like Air Force One, Vampires or Dracula and the picture quality is very good...but then I get the Blockbuster rental, 'She's the Man,' and the video quality blew the others away...great vibrant colors and a very detailed picture...who can tell what will look good? I have a '60 Sony LCD.
#11
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by thursdaynighter
It's funny I pop in a Superbit like Air Force One, Vampires or Dracula and the picture quality is very good...but then I get the Blockbuster rental, 'She's the Man,' and the video quality blew the others away...great vibrant colors and a very detailed picture...who can tell what will look good? I have a '60 Sony LCD.
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Re: Are Superbit DVDs any better?
I found the Superbit of Panic Room pretty good but really the big decision with Superbit is can you risk losing the special features for a little better quality. For example Spider-Man 1/2 regular DVDs had a whole second disc of some pretty nice features. The Superbit had better quality but could you really give up all the features. It's more of what you want.
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#16
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Re: Are Superbit DVDs any better?
I like The Mask of Zorro Superbit DVD for its picture quality. And it also had the bonus disc from the SE version so the only supplement missing was the director's commentary (not sure how good that one is and if it's missed).
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