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Star Wars - The Phantom Menace - DLP Presentation Question

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Now, I know this is originaltrilogy.com but the people here are probably more knowledgable about different versions of ALL Star Wars movies then anyone. And trust me, this is extremely trivial. I was fortunate enough to catch the DLP screening of The Phantom Menace when it was playing in Burbank, California in 1999. Now, when I'm watching it I noticed that when you see Aurra Sing, the same little creatures that Jabba flicks off the balcony are by her feet. So fast forward to the other day when I'm watching The Phantom Menace on DVD and I can't even see her feet. So, my question is...was the DLP presentation of The Phantom Menace in a different aspect ratio then regular version? Or is there some other answer out there? If somebody has an answer to this ridiculous question I would appreciate it! Thanks!
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HotRod, it's getting very difficult to tell if your recent posts are intended to be funny. If so, please try to tone them down. If not, then just refrain from posting.

<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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Originally posted by: HotRod
Who gives a shit!


that was rude.

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Sounds like a framing issue...a lot of times you see things on the screen in a theatre that just don't show up on TV...even at widescreen.

Remember the THREE falcons in TPM while landing at the Naboo docks? Well only one is visible on the hi-def widescreen I watched it on tonight....
  • Todd

STAR WARS: Symphony for a Saga

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I know that at times with Full Frame movies, there is more information at the bottom of the screen then a Widescreen film. Is this the case with Star Wars too? I've never watched the full frame versions but I guess it might be mildly interesting to watch them if there is more info at the bottom. Does these movies get a special Full Frame transfer like the Pixar movies do? Just curious. Thanks!
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I get your point about Star Wars but what about the prequels? Would the 3 Falcons be visible in the Full Frame version? Also, why would they waste time creating CGI that would never be seen in the offical aspect ratio on DVD?
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The point here is that a lot of times information that *is* on a disc isn't shown on the screen - a little bit always gets cut off the edges on TV screens. TPM was probably framed wrong as that was a 35mm transfer. Example from BEN-HUR:

Actual 70mm scan from the film:



Fixed aspect ratio:



Fixed aspect ratio with the DVD image over the top:




See how much of the image is lost there? That's probably what happened with TPM.

(images taken from the "American WideScreen Museum")
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why did they do that to Ben Hur?!? I have that DVD! I want my money back!!!
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ChainSawAsh, nice demo.

[/golf clap]

(10 points to whomever gets the reference. )

<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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Men at Work
40,000 million notches away
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There were no differences in the DLP version of TPM and the 35mm theatrical cut. I travelled to see the DLP version of it for my 10th viewing in 1999 and noted no differences.

Neil

Well at least the reversed surround channels have been addressed.

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Hey Neil,

I've followed your posts at the many different sites you post at. I value your opinion. However, the images that I saw are not currently on the DVD. For all I know, those images might have been on the regular prints as well. Bottom line...there were CGI images on at least a few frames of the DLP version that is not visible on the DVD and I am curious why.
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"Men at Work"

Attaboy, Windexed.

<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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I got really bored and started peeking around that site again. This is to show that it's not exactly a rare error to make when making a DVD. Same comparison, this time with Vera Cruz:

Film frame:


Corrected aspect ratio:


Above, with DVD overlay:


Just for kicks.
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What the hell is Vera Cruz?

<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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Vera Cruz is one of the first films released by RKO in SuperScope, which was the forerunner to today's Super 35 filming format. Go to widescreenmuseum.com to find out more.

Princess Leia: I happen to like nice men.
Han Solo: I'm a nice man.