Overpar

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!

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".

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.

Overpar

Thanks for the input. Just wondering if I should upgrade, but sounds like just a marketing tool.

Johnny Zhivago

Upgrade which title? Some SBs are absolutely worth the upgrade... Some are not. Ask if you're curious, I'm sure someone around here can tell you if it's worth your time and effort.

Crowbar

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

gryffinmaster

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.

Overpar

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.

Joe Molotov

And that's the best case scenario. Don't even get me started on the Heavy Metal Superbit. I sure am glad Sony got rid of all those really good special features so we could get the "optimal video quality"!

Defiant1

I wonder if Sony will eventually start selling Superbit Blu-Ray DVDs?

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.

Drexl

That's partly because the transfers for those Superbits are about 9 years older than the new transfer for STM. If it had a digital intermediate, it may have even gotten a high-quality digital transfer before it was released to theaters. Differences in styles and film stocks can also affect perceived quality.

davidh777

Lawrence of Arabia

lovgun7

does anyone have "Air Force One" ????

its 4 bucks at Frys and im thinking about getting it

american-pie92

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.

blued888

The Superbit version? I like the soundtrack of Air Force One, I have the Superbit version. Got it for $4 used.

dhmac

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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