THX-1977

User Group: Members
Join date: 8-Aug-2006
Last activity: 20-Sep-2006
Posts: 22

Post History

Post: #246426
Topic: How Do You Tell If the disk is anamorphic? (not what you think)
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/246426/action/topic#246426
Time: 20-Sep-2006 3:29 PM

Arnie.d - yes! Thank you for that link, I will bookmark that one. This brings up another question though. The link provided states that "for people with a standard TV set this would be useless." Does this mean that you won't notice much difference at all on regular sets? I have no immediate plans to buy a widescreen television. My own is doing quite fine for the moment. Will this whole business of anamorphic or not matter very little on regular televisions? What about computer screens? Would you notice almost no difference between the OUT and an anamorphic copy?

Post: #246389
Topic: The X-Files - Worth Watching?
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/246389/action/topic#246389
Time: 20-Sep-2006 2:12 PM

The only thing I would caution about the X-Files is for those who are in a depressed state. Because of the very nature of the show, it could get pretty bleak. The first couple seasons had some of this quality, but they really had some "no way out" episodes later in the run. They also had some cheery "no brainer entertainment" ones as well once the action moved to Hollywood. Usually Mulder's humor and the interplay between Scully and Mulder were the comedy relief. Sort of the fools in Shakespeare. Coming from a family background of depression, I sometimes found myself changing the channel to something like "Lois and Clark" But other than that, the series though cynical to the bone, was extremely well written, took major chances, and is I think the biggest success ever to come from that lowly Friday Night death slot. I've been tempted to pick up the season sets on more than one occasion, but I have most of the series on video already and they still play great with no apparent degrading, which is just fine for occasional viewing. The movie is great too, it was done during the height of X-Files popularity before Doggett and Reyes were introduced, and is sort of a bookend to the first chapter ending in Vancouver. From that point, filming moved to L.A. where things were never quite the same.

Post: #245955
Topic: How Do You Tell If the disk is anamorphic? (not what you think)
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/245955/action/topic#245955
Time: 19-Sep-2006 3:45 PM

Wow, I didn't think it was possible to be more confused than I was, but I was wrong. I'll figure it out. Just have to reread that a few dozen more times.

Anyway, the outer box says it's widescreen and letterbox 2:35:1 ratio, but if you've followed my other thread, that may or may not be accurate. The box also says a bunch of trailers and interviews are present, and I don't think they are....I'll try it in ifoedit and see if it stretches.

So if the image with bars is letterbox, and anamorphic removes the bars, do you still call it letterbox? Is that why the info in configuration states "not letterboxed"?

Post: #245946
Topic: Info Wanted: Which version is this?
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/245946/action/topic#245946
Time: 19-Sep-2006 3:34 PM

It's a bit small yes, but I get the gist. No, the cover is the same other than "widescreen", the back is slightly different. The spine is identical. Perhaps I should have used "front cover" to avoid confusion. Other than a couple minor word changes, the back is exactly the same too, save for the "disc features" section which as I said, lists all that other stuff being included, not just the three things on the Gonzo section.

Post: #245911
Topic: How Do You Tell If the disk is anamorphic? (not what you think)
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/245911/action/topic#245911
Time: 19-Sep-2006 1:37 PM

Hmm...I'm still not sure on a couple points maybe you can clear up. So the image will only look stretched in the anamorphic when the picture is froze while in ifoedit right? The picture will appear normal (though less black bars at the top and bottom of the screen) during regular playback correct? And ifoedit can only be used when the movie is on your HD and not burned to disk right? There is a difference between 16:9 and 2:35:1? Your above post seems to indicate that, but I thought there was only 4:3 and 16:9 and 2:35:1 was just another name for 16:9. Correct me if I read that wrong.

On the disk in question, when I open with PowerDVD and check the configuration tool, the video information shows this information. Is it enough to get the answer? :

Video Attributes:
Video compression mode: MPEG-2
TV system: 525/60 (NTSC)
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Display Mode: Only Letterbox
Source picture resolution: 720x480 (525/60)
Frame Rate: 30.00
Source picture letterboxed: Not letterboxed
Bitrate: 4.13Mbps

Thank you for your help.

Post: #245901
Topic: Info Wanted: Which version is this?
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/245901/action/topic#245901
Time: 19-Sep-2006 1:19 PM

Thank you again, Darth. I should clarify, I'm only asking this for informational/historical purposes. I'm not trying to say I disbelieve anything, and certainly not trying to be difficult. I'm sorry if it may look differently. I know I may well have the "LOOK" version as you stated, but was curious if any other known mass produced versions had that "look" (god that pun's getting old already) as well.

On the Gonzo cover, I didn't mean to insinuate that my cover was drasticly different. Everything is the same on mine as Gonzo's except the "widescreen" at the top. Even though it is widescreen. Sorry if that wasn't clear earlier. So in theory, if the outside cover says they're there, they should be. That's why I've been asking if maybe they were hidden. I guess I know now that they aren't and I'll stop looking. However, if anyone did recognize that cover version and knew which one, maybe they would in fact be there just hidden somewhere on the disk. Stranger things have happened. That's why all the fuss.

By the way, the section that mentions those extras can be found on the picture I linked (check the middle left hand corner) under "disk features" That's where mine lists all those.

As for the "Making of Star Wars" I was trying to find out if it was ever available in one of those sets because I am looking to replace an old video tape. It's great to learn that it is in fact available in some form or other in another format.

Post: #245821
Topic: Info Wanted: Which version is this?
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/245821/action/topic#245821
Time: 19-Sep-2006 1:37 AM

Ok here's an update with what i have so far, and what is still not defined. Any help pinpointing these would be very welcome:

Empire is definately Gonzo, and it appears, anamorphic. But I still need to know if any of these were on that disc, or if it was all in the extras disc (which I don't have):

Separate interview with Lucas, Original Teaser and Theatrical Trailers, Interview with Ben Burtt, walk through with Dennis Muren of the At-At Walker sequence (it's on the commentary, but not separate--is it supposed to be??) And finally no storyboard to film comparison of the asteroid chase sequence (unless it's hidden??!) Seriously, if I'm missing these, please point them out!
Also, still needing to know if the menus on the "LOOK" versions were unique to that set or not. Thanks!

Lastly, was the "Making of Star Wars" from 1977 included on the Definitive Collection laser disc or any other official release and/or fan preservation project? Or was it just the 3 part interview with Lucas?

Post: #245818
Topic: Things that piss me off when opening new DVDs
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/245818/action/topic#245818
Time: 19-Sep-2006 1:20 AM

I'm a big fan of the slim cases mainly for just that fact. I too like the "click" but I'm not too fond of the "snap" when placing a dvd onto the peg. Seems to me one of those dvd's is just going to "snap" in two doing that someday. Thankfully it hasn't happened yet. *knock on wood*

Post: #245645
Topic: Star Wars DVD Covers
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/245645/action/topic#245645
Time: 18-Sep-2006 6:55 PM

Thanks for clarifying, Darth Mallwalker. Ok that's one mystery out of the way. Leaving one more...whether the look of the "LOOK" menus were ever available on any other versions than the "LOOK". But I guess that's another thread...

Post: #245635
Topic: Star Wars DVD Covers
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/245635/action/topic#245635
Time: 18-Sep-2006 6:42 PM

Ok, but were they ever available through actual release, or just fan covers?

By the way, some VERY NICE covers in this thread too!

Post: #245618
Topic: How Do You Tell If the disk is anamorphic? (not what you think)
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/245618/action/topic#245618
Time: 18-Sep-2006 6:29 PM

How can you tell if the dimensions "look" 4:3 or 16:9? What exactly are you looking for?

Post: #245591
Topic: How Do You Tell If the disk is anamorphic? (not what you think)
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/245591/action/topic#245591
Time: 18-Sep-2006 6:05 PM

Arnie, I'd like to download the IfoEdit. Which version do you prefer? The site says the top is the newest but the middle ones are the "stable" I guess meaning "proven" and "without much bugs" versions. Which one has the best overall interface package?

Post: #245584
Topic: Star Wars DVD Covers
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/245584/action/topic#245584
Time: 18-Sep-2006 5:54 PM

As long as we're talking about covers, could someone please have a look at this cover, and tell me which versions these are, and if they can be found on any of the fan preservation disks floating around? I have pretty much figured out I have a Gonzo ESB disk, but not sure if the covers are from that set or another. Is this what the Definitive Collection covers look like beyond that stark black/white cover (notice the fourth pic)?

Here's the links:

http://www.geocities.com/unclejrusenet/sw.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/unclejrusenet/tesb.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/unclejrusenet/rotj.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/unclejrusenet/extras.jpg

Post: #245332
Topic: Superman - Where Did These Scenes Come From??
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/245332/action/topic#245332
Time: 17-Sep-2006 11:14 PM

I actually just looked up the 2000 director cut on google and one of the first links under "alternate cuts" took me to the answer...it was the ABC extended cut first broadcast in the late 80's...although this was later. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078346/alternateversions

"In a 1980's ABC-TV version of the film, when Superman is trying to get to Lex's underground hideout, he is subjected to machine gun fire, a giant blow torch, and is frozen in ice. Much of this footage was used in Superman II, in the scene where Superman's powers are stripped away by the molecule chamber in the Fortress of Solitude. Lex Luthor plays the piano in several scenes.

In the ABC version, after Superman saves Lois at the end and flies off, he's seen rescuing Miss Tessmacher from the lions' den where Lex had dropped her in.

In the ABC version, the little girl who sees the teenage Clark running faster than the train is revealed to be Lois Lane, a fact revealed when her parents talk to her by name. This revelation scene is not present in the shorter theatrical release.

Only in the ABC version are young Lois Lane and her father seen in the train. In the ABC version, Ned Beatty's walk down the street is longer. Kirk Alyn (the original screen Superman) and Noel Neill (as Lois Lane's parents) have their speaking roles restored. Ned Beatty's walk down the street is longer."

Ok just found out the versions are discussed more here: http://www.supermancinema.co.uk/superman1/general/extrafootage/page2.shtml

There's the ABC Extended cut and the International cut...which is the more worthy of tracking down, and was either ever available to the home theater public?

Post: #245313
Topic: How Do You Tell If the disk is anamorphic? (not what you think)
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/245313/action/topic#245313
Time: 17-Sep-2006 8:30 PM

That's a good point. Ok, maybe I read that wrong. But would the configuration setting change based on the size of/or stretching of your window? Like if you full size it, shrink it, whatever? Or is that information rock solid for the whole of the disc (ie does not change between the film and the extras, intros, etc or any physical change you make of the viewing window)?

Post: #245307
Topic: Superman - Where Did These Scenes Come From??
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/245307/action/topic#245307
Time: 17-Sep-2006 8:15 PM

Ok, so reading the Superman Returns thread, I remembered a showing of the original Superman quite a few years back. What stuck out at me was that I distinctly remember deleted scenes made their way back INTO the TELEVISION broadcast (most of the time they like it cut short and sweet of course for more commercials). I don't remember these scenes ever being in the original movie, or maybe I just wasn't paying attention. Anyway, it's an extended scene of Superman finding Luthor's lair and going through a lot of extra steps to get there after going underground. I think there may have even been an extra scene of how one of the other characters made it down there at some point too. There were several booby traps that Luthor had installed to keep Superman out that I don't remember being part of the original. There were also I believe a couple other scenes that were new (maybe from the heist?). It really stood out to me and added some depth to the film (also clocked it at nearly 3 hours if I remember--part of it was commercials). I'd like to see this version again--was the footage added back in one of the dvd releases? Which version of the film is this? Thanks!

Post: #245301
Topic: 'I Bent My Wookie' - The Animated Tribute Project (* unfinished project *)
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/245301/action/topic#245301
Time: 17-Sep-2006 7:55 PM

One Family Guy episode has Peter shoo'ing Jawas away from his car, but I can't remember which one. The newest season's first episode also opened with a complete Star Wars throne room celebration recreation. There are also two scenes throughout the series where Ben is instructing Luke on the Force.

That one was just on the other day actually. The 90 minute episode centered on Stewie. It's actually Stewie doing the shooing when he's after his "real father". There was an episode that spoofed "Police Squad" that had a trench run in it, and an episode that closed with the Yavin Ceremony scene.

South Park had an episode that actually spoofed ALL the Lucas/Spielberg films at once! It was the one about the "Special Editions" There's gold in that one.

Post: #245293
Topic: How Do You Tell If the disk is anamorphic? (not what you think)
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/245293/action/topic#245293
Time: 17-Sep-2006 7:37 PM

I'm reading apparently PowerDVD will allow you to check to see if your disc is anamorphic or not without playing it? Could anyone explain how? Google is useless on this subject and I don't see any threads devoted to it here. Thanks in advance.

Post: #245216
Topic: Info Wanted: Which version is this?
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/245216/action/topic#245216
Time: 17-Sep-2006 3:57 PM

Darth, thank you for that link!

From those screen shots, the menu of Gonzo looks EXACTLY like my Empire disk, however like you said, the covers are different. I found a picture of the cover in question. It's here: http://www.geocities.com/unclejrusenet/tesb.jpg The exact same except the "Widescreen" at the top is not there. I actually prefer my cover as it looks more "original"

Anyway, are the extras I mentioned missing only on the supplmental disk or the movie itself? I can't find anything different from the menus, so if it's there, it must be well hidden. Also, the link shows the Gonzo set to be Anamorphic. How can you check this with a regular computer? Finally, did the "LOOK" version menus appear on any other versions? It appears to be the only one of its kind among the list from that particular page. Thanks again.

Post: #245115
Topic: Info Wanted: Which version is this?
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/245115/action/topic#245115
Time: 17-Sep-2006 9:08 AM

Sorry it took so long to get to this. Between work and my computer going in for repairs I've had no time of late. I can't get the caps to work, but here is a complete description of what you see on the DVD's. I appreciate any efforts to name where they came from:

Star Wars:

Features - First part of interview with George Lucas (I think it's the original trilogy interview from the first THX set 1995) Very short.
3 original trailers - the first one with the logo coming toward the screen (no completed lightsabers), the second one (more action against the Star Wars logo) and Winner of 7 Academy Awards, Coming Back to Your Galaxy for Two Weeks Only
McQuarrie Production Gallery

The Movie starts out with a "THX Laser Disc" logo.

Empire:

Appears to be from the Definitive Collection (that's the logo on the title screen anyway). Audio is Dolby 2.0 Surround.
Commentary from Lucas, McQuarrie, Muren, Oz, and Ralston.

Has the THX Trench Run (opens up to a THX explosion ala the Special Edition and "The Audience Is Listening"

Other Extras: Chapter Selection, Audio Options (2 options), and Production Notes, and an "Easter Egg" Darth Vader that plays a tune called "Scoundrel" that is oh so not Star Wars.

The Cover shows it to be the WS letterbox 2:35:1 aspect ratio (so how can you tell if it's anamorphic or not??)

The front cover is the classic Empire "Gone With The Wind" and says "Digitally THX Mastered" at the bottom. The back has several montage shots on a black background.

There's also "supposed" to be another interview with Lucas, Original Teaser and Theatrical Trailers, Interview with Ben Burtt, walk through with Dennis Muren of the At-At Walker sequence (it's on the commentary, but not separate--is it supposed to be??) And finally no storyboard to film comparison of the asteroid chase sequence (unless it's hidden??!) Seriously, if I'm missing these, please point them out!

That's it for Empire (the most robust of this set I think)

Return of the Jedi -

Three Trailers - #1 - original Revenge of the Jedi, #2 - the changed "Return of the Jedi", and #3 final "Return of the Jedi" (which is rather stale sounding, but that's probably just the announcer who sounds like a theater manager or something...)

Also a rather lengthy interview with Dennis Muren broken into parts. Highlights include the Rancor, Speeder Bikes, a storyboard for the Endor space battle, the original slave girl video from Jabba's Palace, and a couple more.

Scene Index and main page with three faces - Darth Vader, Leia, and Luke, and something called the "DCS" which is just an advertisement.
The DVD Cover - the classic Return of the Jedi full cast poster
The DVD Back - "The Empire Falls..." Montage shots

The DVD - Starts with liquid rain Dolby Digital short. THX logo

And although not part of the set, I have a separate "making of Star Wars" told by R2-D2 and C-3PO that sure seems awfully familiar. Was this released as part of the "extras" DVD for the first SE DVD set?

Post: #233322
Topic: Info Wanted: Which version is this?
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/233322/action/topic#233322
Time: 8-Aug-2006 4:10 PM

I'll try to get some screen caps later today. Thanks

Post: #233275
Topic: Info Wanted: Which version is this?
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/233275/action/topic#233275
Time: 8-Aug-2006 2:12 PM — Edited 4-Jul-2020 11:27 AM

Having read some of the discussion on here about the various ‘alternative’ versions of the OT makes me wonder about something. A while back I found a set of the original Trilogy DVD’s at a trade show. Since they weren’t available in stores, I picked them up. I’d like to find out which version I have and if in fact it might be superior to the September release version. No sense in paying twice and ending up with the same or even lesser product But beyond that, I’d just really like to know which “versions” I own. If this topic is no longer welcome because of the new DVD’s I understand, but would still like to satisfy the curiosity of knowing whether or not I should upgrade my set. So please PM me or just post here if you know. Thanks, and here’s the information about the discs:

ANH and ESB - both have original movie poster cover. Star Wars has the original moody black and grey, not the blue that came later.
ESB is the classic with Han and Leia on the cover. ROTJ is from a different source, but has the original Jedi artwork as well.

ANH - Dolby Digital NTSC THX Widescreen - letterbox 2:35:1
Disc Features: complete film in theatrical aspect ratio
Interview with Lucas
Interview with McQuarrie
Origial Teaser and Theatrical release trailers

Empire - Dolby Digital NTSC Widescreen - letterbox 2:35:1
Disc Features: Audio - Dolby Surround
Interview with Lucas
Original Teaser and Theatrical release trailers
Interview with Ben Burtt
SFX Supervisor Dennis Murren narrates time lapse footage of Imperial Walker sequence
Storyboard to Film Comparison of the asteroid chase sequence

Jedi (different look from the others and source) - Dolby Digital NTSC Widescreen - letterbox 2:35:1
Disc Features: Theatrical Trailers 1,2, and 3
Subtitles: English, Malay, Chinese, and Indonesia
Language: English
DB-85019 - MPEG2 THX Digital

And I think though I haven’t watched them in a while, that ANH and ESB have the Death Star THX Trench runs on them.

Sound familiar to anyone?