2. home-theater
  3. 1217481047

Are you buying blu-ray versions of older movies?

Because our DVD player happens to be close to the end of its life, I posted a question in another thread whether to replace it with a very good conventional player like Oppo or a Blu Ray one. I have learned greatly from all the replies and thank everyone who posted one.

I guess what it comes down to is this: BD format just "won". Therefore, if I am not buying Blu Ray DVD's now, it would be better to postpone the player purchase and get an Oppo instead, as BD units are expected to get better and cheaper in near future. However, if I am buying Blu Ray DVD's now, then of course we need a player to play them.

Looking at our DVD purchase requirements, what is desired in our family right now are older "Nature" type films, from PBS and BBC, as well as March of the Penguins etc. None of these were shot in HD. Therefore does it make sense to buy their BD versions or would SD ones be just as good? That will decide the player we buy for the time being...

I can see the jump in convenience if not always quality from VHS to DVD (for older material), but would you buy the BD version of the older movies or stick to SD?

All advice greatly welcome.
aktchi
7 responses Add your response
ejliu
109 posts
 
Yes. I want to get Godfather trilogy and Band of Brothers for starters on Bluray. Maybe Dirty Harry series. Maybe a few more classics if the transfer is from original film.

I just hope the transfer does not include tons of digital enhancement and etc. I love the film grain look.

It's really like buying SACDs of Kind of Blue. I think I have at least 6 different versions of the same CD/LPs.

The main problem for me is actually lack of Bluray player in the bedroom. Buying all bluray means I can only watch it in the main TV.
drew_eckhardt
394 posts
 
>Looking at our DVD purchase requirements, what is desired in our family right now are older "Nature" type films, from PBS and BBC, as well as March of the Penguins etc. None of these were shot in HD. Therefore does it make sense to buy their BD versions or would SD ones be just as good? That will decide the player we buy for the time being...

Most commercial films are shot on 35mm film which has a projected resolution (the negatives and early prints have a highe resolution, but release prints are worse and you loose some effective resolution as the film wiggles around while being projected) comparable to 1920x1080 HD.

SD doesn't even compare to 16mm film.
kennyt
1,226 posts
 
Rakuennow,

You would think so, but you are very wrong, only one or two movies have to date been recorded in native 4K!!! Yes, this is true!
rakuennow
81 posts
 
All digital are shot in 4k or 8k resolution, far higher than 1080p. This would make practically any movie and most documentaries "1080 source material". The PS3 can play regular DVD's. Hope this helps.
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
No, just br of 1080 source material like planet earth. Oh, can the playstation actual play regular dvd's?
aktchi OP
274 posts
 
Alright, which Blu Ray player is the best value in the current market?

OR, would it make sense to wait a few months to see the models brought out for the forthcoming Holiday season? Thanks.
kennyt
1,226 posts
 
By that logic, why not buy a VCR and get tapes? Your still looking at outdated technology!!! Blu-ray players will upconvert your SD DVDs and when you buy something, say planet earth that WAS shot in 1080, you'll get all the best picture you can have.
Log in to respond
More to discover
Fathom f112v2 Subwoofer
80x80
Audioengine Audioengine S8W3 Wireless Subwoofer
80x80
California Audio Technology CAT MBX S8