Alan Smithee

Watched the DVD last night and it looked like ass on my HDTV so I want to get it on Blu-Ray. I know there's 2 editions available, the original issue with extras and a "Mastered in 4K" disc with no extras, which reviews say does look better. What I need to know though is did Sony mess with the burned-in subtitles that are in two scenes on either of these discs? Lately they seem to like taking those out and using player-generated subs instead that don't even match the font used in the film prints, but the DVD had them as they should be.

Ringmaster

Blu ray? We all know you want this on laserdisc

Alan Smithee

It was actually available on LD a long time before the DVD came out due to politics with Steven Spielberg. I think the LD also has a different commentary track, but it was overpriced when it came out ($39, spread to 2 discs to make one side in CAV) and I never got it. I bought the "Limited Edition" DVD in the cool-looking black cover since I was a sucker for those at the time, but it has far too many compression artifacts since they crammed a stupid "foolscreen" version on the same disc.

Why So Blu?

Awful movie.

Alan Smithee

I actually thought it would suck before it came out (was working at a theater then) but ended up being OK, and actually enjoyed it more after watching it at my friend's house on laserdisc.

So does anybody know if the original subtitles are on either of the Blu-Rays?

E Unit

As far as I know, Sony always redoes the subtitles. But it's not I've watched every Sony blu, I'm just going by what I know I have.

My Other Self

I have the 2008 BD. I can look tonight if I remember.

Men in Black II is pretty bad, but the first is easily one of the best comedies of the 90s. Men in Black 3 was awesome too.

Josh Z

$39 was a typical list price for a Laserdisc back in the day.

I will give you the complaint about needlessly spreading the movie to three sides. At only 98 minutes long, the film could have easily fit on two CLV sides.

The Laserdisc had two pressing runs: one by Sony DADC almost certain to suffer from Laser Rot, and one by Pioneer more likely to be clean.

bunkaroo

I have the 4K disc. I'll try to check it for the subtitles later tonight.

milo bloom

I also bought that black LE version on DVD, haven't watched it in years. Need to spin it up soon to see just how bad those artifacts are.

PfR73

The original BD has the burned in subtitles; don't know about the 4K.

bunkaroo

Forgot to check last night - maybe tonight!

TomOpus

At least you could've said you got neuralized

Obi-Wanma

Maybe he did. If he had been, how would he know?

Alan Smithee

Cool, looks like I'll have to buy the White Album again. I scanned through it on Vudu also and the subs were there (during the free 2-minute preview, you can fast-forward through the entire movie.) Will probably get the 4K disc as I've heard it really does look better, and don't care about the extras anyways.

Darth Maher

Any word on a trilogy non-gift set box?

fumanstan

So nice of you to chime in.

bunkaroo

Nice!

I did check the 4K - burned in subs, not player generated.