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Info Wanted: LD FAQ - especially re the Faces & Definitive Collection LDs

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 (Edited)

Well, i searched the boards & didn’t find anything like this, so i thought i’d join the forum & start one.

I’ve noticed in several threads people mention the various laserdisc releases and the pros/cons to each. I personally rushed out & bought a nice LD player & the Definitive Collection LD boxset when i heard about the no OT dvd news. I’ve been very happy with the set (great picture for the most part, awesome bonus features, wonderful full feature CAV format, etc.), but i’ve seen several people comment that the “faces” version is better. Why is this? Please use this thread to discuss the good, the bad, & the ugly of each version of STAR WARS on laser, so those of us who like to have offical releases (even as supplements to fan preservations) can get the best versions out there.

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In a nutshell, both versions started with the same transfer, but the Def. Col. has a number of documented problems, and the transfer had a lot of extra processing as well. The Faces set came out a few years later, and has far fewer problems.

A lot of people argue about the CAV vs. CLV difference, but newer LD players have digital memory which allow you to pause on a frame regardless of the format. Also, the last side of Faces: ANH is in CAV anyways, which is the most exciting part. Either way, there's a truly unremarkable difference in quality between the two formats - most people would never notice it.

Personally, I find the colors and contrast of the Faces set to be far superior, and having fewer sides/discs makes it easier to capture. I have the Faces set for my (original) transfer, and the Definitive Collection for the extras.

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: Sadly, I believe the prequels are beyond repair.
<span class=“Bold”>JediRandy: They’re certainly beyond any repair you’re capable of making.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: You aren’t one of us.
<span class=“Bold”>Go-Mer-Tonic: I can’t say I find that very disappointing.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>JediRandy: I won’t suck as much as a fan edit.</span>

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Thanks. What are the problems with the Definitive Collection? I know of the Leia welding mishap, but my copy must be a later one, b/c it has the scene intact. What are other problems? i don't know of anything else. I also must have a slightly older player b/c it certainly won't freeze frame on CLV discs. But even the newer players that will; will they step frame & perform all the slow-mo features, etc. on CLV discs, or do you still need CAV for that? Sorry for all the noob questions, but all the LD stuff is still fairly new to me. I was at least smart enough to read up to know that i wanted CAV format & a double sided player though.

Oh, & i've seen mention of extras on the Faces discs. what are they? i would imagine they might be trailers or that interview with lucas that was on the vhs faces release? certainly nothing as extensive as on the definitive set though?
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"Thanks. What are the problems with the Definitive Collection?"

Flaws list.

"But even the newer players that will; will they step frame & perform all the slow-mo features, etc. on CLV discs, or do you still need CAV for that?"

I have a Pioneer 701, and it performs all these functions on my Faces set.

"Sorry for all the noob questions, but all the LD stuff is still fairly new to me. I was at least smart enough to read up to know that i wanted CAV format & a double sided player though."

Not a problem at all. I use to contribute regularly to an LD FAQ thread on TFn. I love spreading the word of LD.

"Oh, & i've seen mention of extras on the Faces discs. what are they?"

Each has an different interview with Lucas and Leonard Maltin (It's the same interview, split into three parts.) There are no other extras (and the interview is boring. )




<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: Sadly, I believe the prequels are beyond repair.
<span class=“Bold”>JediRandy: They’re certainly beyond any repair you’re capable of making.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: You aren’t one of us.
<span class=“Bold”>Go-Mer-Tonic: I can’t say I find that very disappointing.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>JediRandy: I won’t suck as much as a fan edit.</span>

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The only gripe I ever had about the CLV digital freeze frame on my player is the resolution drops compared to a CAV paused frame. Running the explosions backwards in CAV was always great fun though. Try that with a DVD!
Forum Moderator

Where were you in '77?

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Ain't that the truth. LD Fast Forward and Reverse will always be superior to DVD.

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: Sadly, I believe the prequels are beyond repair.
<span class=“Bold”>JediRandy: They’re certainly beyond any repair you’re capable of making.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: You aren’t one of us.
<span class=“Bold”>Go-Mer-Tonic: I can’t say I find that very disappointing.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>JediRandy: I won’t suck as much as a fan edit.</span>

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Doesn't the Faces set have a different sound mix than the Definitive Collection?
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They are 99% equal (Same soundtrack, but a few minor differences at the ends on swaps/flips)

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: Sadly, I believe the prequels are beyond repair.
<span class=“Bold”>JediRandy: They’re certainly beyond any repair you’re capable of making.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: You aren’t one of us.
<span class=“Bold”>Go-Mer-Tonic: I can’t say I find that very disappointing.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>JediRandy: I won’t suck as much as a fan edit.</span>

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OK. What about the original widescreen editions from '89? Is that sound mix closer to the original?
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Not sure, but I know that the video for ANH is royaly screwed up.

The Aspect Ratio decreases over time as you watch it. Rendering it unwatchable, and setting a precident that continues today.

Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabris, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam.

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There was a reissue in '92 to fix that problem, although I think more of the problematic discs exist than the fixed copies. The way to tell them apart:
The original pressing has a CBS-FOX logo at the bottom of the front cover
The reissue reads Fox Video with a different logo and has a 1992 date on the back
Other than these minor differences the sleeves are identical.
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Here is a cool site detailing the various LD releases.
Forum Moderator

Where were you in '77?