So ultimately the DVD release is inferior to the laserdisc, due to the generational losses from the conversion?
Can anyone give me a hint about the actual useful vertical resolution of a widescreen LD?
They transferred the Laserdisc master poorly, yes. IIRC, Laserdisc is SD, so 480i, minus the black bars of a 4:3 matted release…
Laserdisc is actually less than 480i. Its actual (NTSC) resolution is 425 TVL. DVD resolution is roughly equivalent to 500 TVL.