Life on Mars R2 - difference between individual series and the box set?
#1
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#2
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meh, i figured i'd bump this instead of making a new thread. i've enjoyed the american version, and did a quick currency converter and on amazon its about 50 bucks and change plus shipping for the series, so i was wondering if it be worth picking up or not. i checked ebay, and its goin for a hundred bucks for the same sets.
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Are you asking if the series is worth picking up or just the box set? I have both individual series and they're my most-watched DVD sets in my collection. I have been through the series twice now in a few months and it is one of the greatest TV series I have ever seen. No offense, but the American version is complete rubbish after seeing the original. The U.S. version has none of the subtlety or character development of the UK version, and O'Mara just seems to be reading his lines, where John Simm balances anger, confusion and occupational dedication perfectly. Harvey Keitel is a great actor, but Philip Glenister OWNS the Gene Hunt role!
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I haven't managed to pick up the DVDs yet. Since I just finished watching the series for the second time, I was gonna wait until I was in the mood to re-watch the series to order them (or found a super good deal).
So I can't comment on the quality of the DVDs, but the show is amazing. I plan on catching the American one but I can't see it being nearly as good as the original, especially because the lead actors have created these extraordinary characters.
You might also want to check out the follow-up series Ashes to Ashes. The first season is on DVD in the UK, but the second one hasn't aired yet. It still has a few of the same characters, most notably Gene Hunt. It doesn't come close to the quality of Life on Mars, but it's still a fine show compared to most of the crap on tv.
So I can't comment on the quality of the DVDs, but the show is amazing. I plan on catching the American one but I can't see it being nearly as good as the original, especially because the lead actors have created these extraordinary characters.
You might also want to check out the follow-up series Ashes to Ashes. The first season is on DVD in the UK, but the second one hasn't aired yet. It still has a few of the same characters, most notably Gene Hunt. It doesn't come close to the quality of Life on Mars, but it's still a fine show compared to most of the crap on tv.
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I got the complete set for 35£ this summer in Stratford-upon-Avon (HMV I think it was).
The DVDs are exactly the same as is the packaging. The complete boxset just has a flimsy outer cardboard box.
P.S. The US series sucks major ass compared to the original. Ashes to Ashes is also great.
The DVDs are exactly the same as is the packaging. The complete boxset just has a flimsy outer cardboard box.
P.S. The US series sucks major ass compared to the original. Ashes to Ashes is also great.
Last edited by Dak; 10-26-08 at 04:23 PM.
#10
DVD Talk Hero
The blu-ray has been confirmed as Region A compatible (sort of):
http://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=68168
The episodes play in Region A players but the extras don't.
$44.78 shipped for both seasons at Sendit. Not a bad price at all. Thanks, strengthening dollar!
The quality won't be stellar because it was filmed in 16 mm. I'm hearing lots of grain but good colors. Lots of arguing over how good it is. I took a chance and ordered the blu-ray. It's almost the same price and I figure I'll get a region free blu-ray player for the extras eventually.
http://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=68168
The episodes play in Region A players but the extras don't.
$44.78 shipped for both seasons at Sendit. Not a bad price at all. Thanks, strengthening dollar!
The quality won't be stellar because it was filmed in 16 mm. I'm hearing lots of grain but good colors. Lots of arguing over how good it is. I took a chance and ordered the blu-ray. It's almost the same price and I figure I'll get a region free blu-ray player for the extras eventually.
#11
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
The blu-ray has been confirmed as Region A compatible (sort of):
http://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=68168
The episodes play in Region A players but the extras don't.
$44.78 shipped for both seasons at Sendit. Not a bad price at all. Thanks, strengthening dollar!
The quality won't be stellar because it was filmed in 16 mm. I'm hearing lots of grain but good colors. Lots of arguing over how good it is. I took a chance and ordered the blu-ray. It's almost the same price and I figure I'll get a region free blu-ray player for the extras eventually.
http://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=68168
The episodes play in Region A players but the extras don't.
$44.78 shipped for both seasons at Sendit. Not a bad price at all. Thanks, strengthening dollar!
The quality won't be stellar because it was filmed in 16 mm. I'm hearing lots of grain but good colors. Lots of arguing over how good it is. I took a chance and ordered the blu-ray. It's almost the same price and I figure I'll get a region free blu-ray player for the extras eventually.
#12
DVD Talk Hero
The picture is definitely not glossy. There is grain but it's not overwhelming or improper looking. It's an appropriate look for the 1973 setting.
And it has a Dolby TrueHD soundtrack.
All in all I'm delighted and looking forward to watching the entire series.
#13
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Bump. I've been doing some research on this and it's questionable how HD the source material is. Not that the source material does not have more detail than HD, but was the the process film-->SD-->Upconvert, or was it redone film-->HD encode.
http://www.avforums.com/forums/blu-r...s-blu-ray.html (More info there than on the Blu-ray.com thread).
http://www.avforums.com/forums/blu-r...s-blu-ray.html (More info there than on the Blu-ray.com thread).