parker63

I'll cut to the chase: In my opinion, it isn't very good. Like so many others, I was curious to know what kind of picture I could get from a VCD. I decided to take a risk and buy the non-subtitled version of Phantom Menace on VCD (Malaysian).

I've read people selling on Ebay about how sharp the picture is, etc., etc. All that I can tell you is that after watching it on my setup (Sony 550DVP, Sony 27" Monitor), there is artifacting all over the place (especially in bright scenes) and even the sound wasn't real impressive. I put it on my computer, and it looks really good on there, but as far as my TV set, it just didn't cut it. This is apart from the film being in pan & scan (the scene where Obi Wan jumps up to kick away the two droids...in the video, it looks like he just jumps up in the air!?!).

Anyway, for those of you considering the non-subtitled VCD of Phantom Menace, be aware that: 1) yes, it is slightly sharper than VHS, but only slightly, and 2) there are scenes where it looks like you're watching a streamed Quicktime movie on your TV set. Digitized squares of the picture appear constantly throughout the movie. Maybe it's just my equipment setup? If anyone has had a different experience, or has personal knowledge that the Hong Kong subtitled version is *dramatically* better, please post your reply with information.

Anyway, I was curious, and now I know: if this is what VCD's look like on average, then I won't be buying any more VCD's in the near future.

bboisvert

parker63 --

1. Where did you order this and how much did you pay?

2. Does this include the brief (15 minute) documentary footage on the VHS release?

Thanks...

parker63

http://www.coolvcd.com/vcd-movies/S0162.html

$13.88 per copy (ordered two, selling the second one on Ebay right now). You have to order a minimum of two in order to get it shipped via FedEx 2-5 Day Delivery, otherwise, it's a 3-week wait and shipment is NOT guaranteed.

No, it does not include the 15-minute documentary.

sethblaylock

Parker-

I heard that it was PAL formatted,
which seeems bizarre since when I ordered
mine (shipped out today from Malayzsia)
the on-line order form asks you which
region you want.

By selecting region 1, isn't obvious
that I want the NTSC version and NOT PAL,
since who ever heard of PAL and REGION 1???


Just wondering.

(I have an Apex as my back up player,
but I would rather be able to use my
"normal" DVD player.)


Seth

Topgun94

Pal should not be a major problem. It should play on your player, but may be slightly cropped. It played pretty well on my Apex, but my Sony has a little trouble centering PAL VCDs.

And to answer Parkers question. Yes, this is what most VCDs look like. Some are better, but most are the same or worse. This is actually the best looking Malaysian disc I have bought. The Hong Kong VCDs are usually of slighty better quality, but all will have artifacts. The best quality VCDS I own are the ones made by Phillips for the CD-I.
------------------
Aaron
My DVD List

[This message has been edited by Topgun94 (edited April 12, 2000).]

raytrade

I was very satisfied with my Hong Kong NTSC VCD- one of the best looking VCDs I have ever seen. There is occasional very minor artifacting but I get the feeling the Malaysian version may be inferior.

EAV

quote:<HR>Originally posted by raytrade:
I was very satisfied with my Hong Kong NTSC VCD- one of the best looking VCDs I have ever seen. There is occasional very minor artifacting but I get the feeling the Malaysian version may be inferior.<HR>

Where did you buy the HK NTSC version?