Just curious --- if they are releasing the IMAX version, this would mean a different source/transfer for this version? Any hope they are doing it for the 2:35? Probably not I guess since they would mention it in the press release as they have done with Casino.

I see that thedigitalbits.com has posted a review of the new Apollo 13 this afternoon that is a lot more positive than I expected. Now I am even more uncertain as to upgrading or double dipping. To quote Bill Hunt:

"The video quality on both versions is absolutely superb. The theatrical version has been given a brand new HD transfer that really improves upon the original DVD release dramatically. Colors are accurate and more subtle, there's significantly more detail visible in the image, contrast and shadow detailing is slightly improved. Gone is that annoying water mark as the crew walks across the gantry before launch. Apollo 13 was one of Universal's first real "collector's editions" back in 1998, and I was plenty happy with it back then. This new DVD just really surprised and pleased me."

He states that there are new extras as well, and that they have also retained the extras from the original release (non DTS version). Read the full review here:

http://www.thedigitalbits.com/review...eet032305.html

What do you all think now? seek out the original DTS version still? I welcome your input.

Interesting. Since I don't already have the DTS version, I may spring for this if I can get it cheap through CH for the improved video since I now have a display that can show the difference in video quality.

FYI: Best Buy will have this for $15.99 release week.

I would definitely go with the new version. The original version's transfer is quite mediocre for today's standards. Based on Hunt and Colin Jacobson's review, the new version is a big improvement. My original version just went up for sale.

Looks like I may get this after all. I didn't expect much from Universal.

I too was on the fence with this one. I have both the DD and DTS versions of the film but the transfer is, as has already been stated, not the best. Given the comments in the reviews, I'm just going to go ahead and pre-order it anyway. I guess the "Marketplace" is going to get at least one of my dsics.

I'm delighted to finally know whether or not to buy this (I will), but I'm so irritated at these review websites that want to make claims about re-releases retaining ALL of the extras of the first release when they damn well know they often don't (in the case of this title, if you sell off your old copy, you will be losing the complete isolated film score Easter egg, with included track cues, so seller beware).

*WARNING* Be EXTREMELY careful taking the "Made in Mexico" sticker off the slipcover on this. When I started to peel this one off, the back cover-art started to come off with it, so I just reattached it, and left it alone.

If you bought this at Circuit City like I did, $13.99. You might as well kiss the slip cover goodbye. First you have to take off the AOL Disc bundled with the DVD. I think they used packing tape. Then you have to take off the price sticker and the 2 Disc sticker. Then there is the "Made in Mexico" sticker which as stated before, will rip off the black of the cover.

Saxon

Is it a keepcase or digipak?

It's a keepcase with a slipcover.

Got it at kmart for $12.99, and they had one of the security devices stuck to the back. Would have came off clean, except it overlapped the UPC sticker on the slipcover.

So this new edition is a new transfer with the same features as the original CE minus the isolated score?

Correct. Plus a couple of additional featurettes.

Plus the IMAX version, although I'm confused why anyone would even consider watching this at home.

...And here I am with my IMAX screen, and you have the nerve to sit here complaining about IMAX titles being released just because YOU do not have an IMAX theatre. RACIST.

I'm truly baffled by its inclusion as well. And the fact that only this shortened, non-OAR version has a DTS soundtrack seems almost confrontational.

On the other hand, I did actually see this at an IMAX theater (got to keep peace in the family while on vacation, sometimes) and by and large the edits didn't show. The film didn't look very good blown up that big, though. Sound was great.

RichC

I was also disappointed that the dts was missing on the theatrical cut. But since I didn't already own it, and in fact, have never seen it, I went ahead and picked it up.

Picked this up at Wally World. Two stickers on the slipcover, not including that large "IMAX" sticker platered across the front.... Couldn't get the two smaller stickers off cleanly, so it's a lost cause. However, the discs are excellent, so

Got mine at Walmart for $13.50, not too shabby, peeled the back label off VERY slowly and it was fine.

Fred Meyer has this problem too. All their DVD price stickers also double as security stickers, so it ain't coming off the cardboad slipcase.

Target doesn't slap any pricetags on their DVDs, but they don't price match either.

Best Buy's price tags are pretty easy to remove though.

This is definitely one of the most challenging dvds in which to remove those annoying stickers to date. My Wallyworld copy had four stickers (UPC, IMAX, Walmart and Made in Mexico). The IMAX and Walmart stickers came off pretty easy. The UPC sticker was a challenge and required goo gone to completely remove (and lots of patience...reminded me of the Hero dvd slipcover stickers). As previously stated, the Made in Mexico sticker will not come off without removing some of the artwork, so I too left it on. I guess I'm anal about my dvd collection in that I will attempt to remove all stickers from both outer slipcovers and digipaks as long as it won't damage them. Displaying the titles in my dvd collection is one thing...displaying which retailer they came from is another matter.

Jesus.... they can (try to) send a man to the moon but they can't make easy-to-remove stickers

You can remove the stickers easily without ruining the box if you heat them up with a Hair Dryer first. Works every time for me.

I buy a lot of DVDs from Fred Meyers. Their prices aren't the best, but they never give me problems if I need to return something.

Anyway, I know the price tag / security stickers you're talking about. But I never have a problem removing them. You need to be very, very careful, but I always get them off with absolutely no damage. I'm not sure if it matters or not, but they also always tend to be new releases. Not sure how easy it would be if it sat around for a year or so.