bsmith

Hypothetically speaking I can't see why anyone wouldn't but it wasn't asked as a hypothetical question. In the real world everyone has to make choices, some more difficult then others.

Take komsik's comments above for example. He obviously puts a much higher importance on film content then the highest video quality available. Therefore, he may choose a possible 3 to 1 ratio of having more SD DVD content then BR content. I would contend that such a choice emphasizes how much of a cimephile he might be because he stresses having more content over video quality.

Now this doesn't put him above someone that can just as easily have both with no sacrifice but it doesn't minimize his appreciation because he chooses not to.

Also, why stop at BR vs SD. Content is only part of the experience, you still have to maximize the use of the content. So if someone doesn't have a commercial theater capable projector or a 7.1 speaker setup of B&W Nautilus speaker or a 5+K BR player or the best external video processor available or a professionally designed and acoustically treated room, does that mean they aren't cinephiles because they aren't going for the very best available. Where does it all stop.

starseed1981

I buy both. I would say that 95 % of what I watch is TV on DVD. Usually, I'll only watch an episode once...so for me that just doesn't justify the purchase of a Blu-Ray version for alot of additional money. However, if I get a feature I'll almost always go with Blu-Ray (sole exception of mega deals on something I might only watch once).

But I will say that if a Blu-Ray player didn't come with my PS3 I would probably never have upgraded to the format.

RyoHazuki

Upgrading to a Blu-ray is one thing. Swearing off dvds is another. Do you still purchase dvds? I bet you have hundreds in your SDVD collection that will never make it to Blu-ray. I think the true film fan would want to actually watch the movie wherever availible rather than holding out for a blu-ray and never watching the damn movie.

beebs

Personally, I'd like to see them in a big dark theater with an audience of other passionate film fans.

-beebs

wakwak007

This is an interesting topic. With Christmas approaching, I contiplated whether to ask for movies on Blu-Ray or DVD. I still think my DVD looks pretty good on my 32' HDTV; I decided stay with DVD for a little bit more. Last year I truly thought and still think that HD-DVD was a better product. I bought an HD-DVD player, which I still enjoy. Now that the format is dead and my bitterness has dispated, I am certainly open to buying into Blu-Ray. However, I'm going to wait to see if Blu-Ray will be around (Once bitten, twice shy.) I also will wait for the price to go down and/or one of my other DVD players die.

sparks

Couldn't have said it better myself!!!

I'm into sci-fi/horror and do you really think that most of the older films will ever be put out onto BD???

10 years plus and some are still not on DVD and quite a few never even made it to LD!!!

I only double dip on BD if it is indeed an improvement. Case in point, I love the new "Planet of the Apes" but the BD version at MPEG2 was hardly a step up from the SDVD version...so no double dip.

I have 15 SDVDs coming in the next week and I want to see them in my lifetime...not my grandkids lifetime!!!

DerangedHermit

I don't have the money to waste on a Blu-Ray player and I mainly collect wrestling and TV season DVDs. There's been a grand total of ONE stinking BR WWE DVD released and half the stuff I buy wouldn't benefit from being/wouldn't be a Blu Ray release (Simpsons, South Park, Scrubs and older TV shows).

The Bus

Honestly, I didn't go through and read all the posts in the thread. Is BD the best possible option for every movie, if available? In almost every situation, yes.

Does that make someone who hasn't moved onto Blu a "lesser" movie fan? If your answer is no, then we're in agreement.

I think things would be better if the anti-Blu crowd, instead of saying "there is no difference between upconverted DVD and Blu-ray/HD" simply said "that difference is not worthy investment for me"... that would cut down on about half of the arguments.

Kurt D

I'll go Blu when my current player breaks. Not enough money to supplement yet. When I do, I'll likely only double dip for my personal essentials.

I've read plenty of places that HD is irrelevant for those with screens smaller than 40" (of course I had just purchased a 37" 1080p screen when I started noticing these comments!) so I guess I'll just have to decide for myself if the difference is noticeable. FWIW the first OTA HD broadcast I saw knocked my socks off.

And, as always, my wife really determines when I can spend money on new tech, and in her opinion, a larger screen is out of the question - even if we happened to win the lottery. She thinks large screens are obscene.

pro-bassoonist

I think that there are quite a few people here who didn't really take the time to read what is written:

Who said that? Would you mind quoting the poster?

Thank you for actually reading what is posted.

Allow me to help then:

Does referring to Blu-ray as supplement sound to you as: Blu-ray is the only option if you are a film collector, obviously, concerned with content and quality?

I've quoted my initial post above. Simple question for you - if I was swearing off DVD why would I refer to Blu-ray as supplement, for now? Wouldn't I want to say that it is the only format a true film afficionado should adopt?

Thank you for actually being honest and admitting it . Looks like there are other posters who did not read either, and started producing some very strange statements.And yes, as my posts reveal, we are in full agreement.

Pro-B

bsmith

I have read the whole thread and restating the extact same text doesn't clear up your stance, if it was or wasn't interpreted correctly the first go around. You continue to refer to content and quality in the same sentence with true film collector. You mention BR as a supplement to mean SD DVD's are acceptable in circumstances but it is not clear what the circumstances are in your definition of a true film collector.

Let me put it more simply. I know you have stated BR isn't the only option and that you are looking for the best quality available regardless of what the media that might be. Therefore, I would classify you as a film collector, videophile, and audiophile.

What this has turned into is a debate as to whether to be considered a true film collector one HAS to seek out the best quality media. I say no, a film collector is someone that has a deep appreciation for film regardless of the media quality they choose given what is available. It still isn't clear, in my mind, whether you agree with this or feel that one is not a true film collector unless they also seek out the best media available, in this case BR.

Pointyskull

I feel your pain, brutha. For years, despite my best sales pitches, my wife was dead set against a big screen for the same reason. So I was stuck watching a 27 incher, at least until last year.

The fates aligned and we ended up with a 50" plasma, and now the woman who never liked to watch TV and rarely gave a crap about watching a DVD is hooked. She admits she was wrong, and can't believe how much different the experience is.

Be patient, and I wish you luck....

MrVette99

My neighboor has a High-Def 50+ LCD and a blue ray player, and there is no doubt that the quality is there and dramatically so. Still though, standard DVDs offer sufficient quality for me, especially so on my 110 projector screen. I just can't justify the investment in equipement, and the 50+ movies I would be compelled to buy in the upgrade.

Cheato

DVDTalk Forum Collector's Series.

sparks

You mean you have a 110" screen and don't have a BD player???

Boy, are you missing the whole "HOME THEATER " experience.

I saw my brothers 95" and watched a few BD movies on it...and I thought my 65" ISFed RPTV was great, boy was I wrong.

You already have the equipment, you just need the BD player. Once you see a movie on it, you'll be hooked!!!

A projector and screen for me if and when my RPTV dies!!!

bsmith

I've been using a 92" screen for 5 years now. I feel the same "HOME THEATER" experience now as I did when I watched my first movie in it. BR is nice and I will add a player within the next year but lets not go overboard.

beebs

Here is exactly the reason that this knowledgeble gentleman/woman is maligned by some folks. Don't even try to have an exchange or clarification with him/her, it's like trying to corner Black Adder in a lie.

-beebs

Sessa17

Really? What kind of set-up do you have b/c I couldn't disagree with you more on the difference. The detail reproduction throughout the film is exceptional.

Lutz

When I bought my DVD player the only prerequisite I had was that it be region free. I will buy a Bluray player when they become region free as well.

sparks

A ISFed by 2 of the best in the business Mitsubishi 65711 CRT RPTV.

Before I plunk down my hard earned cash for a double dip, I read the reviews. The reviews (one of them is on this site) say it's a crappy transfer and needs a do over.

I'm glad you find it good, but I'll wait. They'll redo it and then I'll double dip.

MBoyd

Most cinephiles I have encountered are interested in technical merits like lighting, shots, sound etc and not just the content of the film. Being a cinephile is about the whole experience in my opinion.

MR Round

I still buy Dvd because Blu is pointless to me I think the difference is nothing to go and clamor over just for a tiny bit better picture.And for 35 bucks a pop sometimes when I could get a couple of DVDs for that price is just stupid.
Though one day I will Eventually upgrade when the price dosent seem so stupid to me.

Willo007

Is there anyone here (Christmas present notwithstanding) still using DVD?


I don't understand this question, Did a particular BlueRay release outsold a DVD release?

A better question would be:
Do you actually think the BlueRay Dark Knight would outsell the Dark knight DVD?

toddly6666

There have been video/audio reviews of HD-DVDs that have slightly better quality than the Blu Ray counterpart. There have been video/audio reviews of Blu Rays that have slightly better quality than the DVD counterpart.

If one really cares about the best possible version, why don't you buy the HD-DVDs that have better quality than the Blu Rays? Because HD-DVD is obsolete? It shouldn't matter, because you should buy the obsolete HD-DVD player if you want "the best possible video/audio" quality or "if you are true movie fan".

Blu Ray does not represent the best possible reproduction of a film, Blu Ray represents sucker consumerism and just another reason to rationalize out-of-hand movie media buying, especially when the ratio of buying more movies than able to watch them is out of hand...

pro-bassoonist

Could you list a few examples?

Thanks.

Pro-B