Blu-Ray Best Of The Best - for discussing releases only

[JP]

The Battle Royale: Special Edition blu-ray has been delayed for a second time, this time it's gone back a month to December 14th. I'm starting to worry about this a bit now.

EDIT:
Forgot to mention, just had a quick look at Fantasia and the next two classic blu-rays are Bambi & The Lion King.

[Dogg Thang]

Yeah I got the delay notification on Battle Royal from Amazon. Twice. Two different order numbers. Did I order it, forget and then order it again? Sounds like the kind of thing I'd do.

[Concrete donkey]

When did you guys receive the delay notifications for Battle Royal. I can't find anything in my emails about it ?

Never mind: Found it. Oh well. Didn't the original special edition DVD get delayed lots of times before they finally released it?

[SuperBeatBoy]

So did anyone pick up Metropolis then? Will pick it up tomorrow if HMV have it.

[SmokeMeAKipper]

First review I've seen of Inception Blu-ray - I wonder if the lack of special features precludes a double-dip down the line?

http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Inception-Blu-ray/14492/#Review

[Lyris]

Wow, pretty disappointing video. Not awful by a long shot, but pretty damn soft.
Does Christopher Nolan have a curse on his home video releases or something? Batman Begins was a blur-fest on HD DVD, The Dark Knight had most of its fine detail filtered away, now this?

[SuperBeatBoy]

Watched Metropolis the other night, considering the damaged new footage it still looks steller. Fabulous film and the remastered score is a delight on the ears.

[JP]

My copy was delivered today. I ended up going for the steelbook edition which I usually avoid but seeing them both in a shop I just love the packaging on that version.

I put it on earlier to quickly see how the picture quality held up and I was very impressed, sometimes these things are overdone but they appear to have handled it well.

As mentioned the newly recorded DTS-HD master of Gottfried Huppertz' original score is absolutely fantastic and far better than I was hoping for.

The brief five minute look turned into 30 minutes before I had to force myself to stop watching it as I just didn't have time to. Can't wait to spend some proper time with the film though.

I still think 'M' was his best work but this is still a pretty special experience and so far ahead of it's time.

[Super Grover]

Wow, pretty disappointing video. Not awful by a long shot, but pretty damn soft.
Does Christopher Nolan have a curse on his home video releases or something? Batman Begins was a blur-fest on HD DVD, The Dark Knight had most of its fine detail filtered away, now this?

The reviewer gave it 4.5/5 for video, so tho' not perfect, it's not a disaster (tho' I agree it would have been nice for 5/5).

[SuperBeatBoy]

I also went for the tin. Also the book is a fantastic read too.

[Lyris]

The reviewer gave it 4.5/5 for video, so tho' not perfect, it's not a disaster (tho' I agree it would have been nice for 5/5).

I'd sooner trust Stevie Wonder to assess a video transfer than I would most reviewers, quite frankly!

[Atticus]

Picked up The Promise: The Darkenss On The Edge Of Town Story (3CD & 3 Blu-Ray Bruce Springsteen box-set). The Blu-rays are ace; one with a feature length documentary on the making of the album, one with a 2009 live performance of the album plus practice and live footage from the mid to late 70s, and lastly a full live show from '78. Bit of a niche set but a dream come true for me. I can see me watching these over and over.

Also treat myself to the newly relased (in America) Deadwood: The Complete Series. Already watched the show in its entirity through twice (rarely do this with TV but this show requires repeat viewing). Only had a quick look at the first ep and the PQ is a significant upgrade over the dvd. It's looks fabulous. i know this set isn't exactly cheap, but the quality of the content and the beautiful packaging (production values on the box and insert are top drawer) make it a worthy buy if you're a fan.

[Nisa]

Where are you guys buying your US Blu-rays from? I used to use Play USA for my region 1 DVDs but it looks like they're closing down as the site hasn't been updated in ages.

[Atticus]

I've recently started using dvdworldusa.com (based on a couple of recommendations on here). Placed a few orders with them now and never had a problem. They ship within the UK too so no nasty customs fees.

[JP]

Just finished watching Metropolis.

I've not watched it for years but the additional 25 minutes that was discovered a couple of years ago fills in a lot of gaps in the storyline and the 2 hours 30 really shot by as we watched it.

As happens every time I watch the film I seem to fall madly in love with Brigitte Helm and her crazy fool eyes!

The newer footage is taken from an Argentinian 16mm reduction copy and understandably the quality is far from perfect in comparison to the 35mm original which looks amazing. The 16mm quality doesn't once get in the way of the film though and it's a much better experience for having that footage in there.

There is still some footage missing from this version but it's unlikely we'll ever get to see the original version as at the time the film wasn't just edited by censors, the original film stock was actually destroyed by them due to it being considered dangerous for the general public to see it.

I'm so pleased with this restoration that I can't stop smiling about it and I'm even sort of thinking about putting it straight back on but I really shouldn't do that as I have to be up really early tomorrow.

I might just watch a bit of it though, maybe...