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4K restoration on Star Wars — Page 315

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I’ve said it a few times on these threads, the HDR alone is worth the purchase. If you have a TV and disc player capable of playing HDR, go get these discs. If not, then these discs are significant enough to warrant an upgrade to HDR equipment.

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Stotchy said:

Not sure what FHD is?

FHD Full HD (1080p)
UHD Ultra HD (4K)

I was asking about the the 2020 FHD blu-rays that came out with the 4k ones. But I guess since those come from the same “new” sources as the 4K versions, the colors, the tighter framing etc. are identical to those of the 4k ones. Minus the higher resolution and HDR ofc.

“The ability to speak does not make you intelligent.”

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Rodney-2187 said:

I’ve said it a few times on these threads, the HDR alone is worth the purchase. If you have a TV and disc player capable of playing HDR, go get these discs. If not, then these discs are significant enough to warrant an upgrade to HRD equipment.

Btw, has it not been a known fact that the OT’s HDR isn’t a true HDR?

https://youtu.be/VGZmMjPJiAk

It’s interesting to note that watching these in the form of properly tone-mapped HDR -> SDR 4k video files provides some really nice images as well.

“The ability to speak does not make you intelligent.”

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Vladimon said:

Rodney-2187 said:

I’ve said it a few times on these threads, the HDR alone is worth the purchase. If you have a TV and disc player capable of playing HDR, go get these discs. If not, then these discs are significant enough to warrant an upgrade to HRD equipment.

Btw, has it not been a known fact that the OT’s HDR isn’t a true HDR?

https://youtu.be/VGZmMjPJiAk

That video is referring to the Disney+ streaming. In my opinion, physical discs look and especially sound significantly better. I’m not against streaming. I subscribe to Disney+ and several other streaming services. But even my untrained eyes can see the discs look better. The increase in sound quality is even more noticeable.

That being said, I still think even the streaming versions in 4K with HDR look noticeably better than the 1080p discs. I don’t care what they call it or what sort of computer they analyze it with to tell them what it is, I see a dramatic difference. Space is actually black instead of a really dark gray.

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This probably isn’t a great sign when it comes to any future physical releases of Star Wars

https://thedigitalbits.com/columns/my-two-cents/080720-1600

The article makes room for possible Star Wars releases still, but it really sounds like Disney’s about done with physical media, period. No catalog releases going forward. No promotion for the catalog releases they’ve already got.

If you were waiting for a 50th/60th anniversary box-set, you might never stop waiting.

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Broom Kid said:

This probably isn’t a great sign when it comes to any future physical releases of Star Wars

https://thedigitalbits.com/columns/my-two-cents/080720-1600

The article makes room for possible Star Wars releases still, but it really sounds like Disney’s about done with physical media, period. No catalog releases going forward. No promotion for the catalog releases they’ve already got.

If you were waiting for a 50th/60th anniversary box-set, you might never stop waiting.

While that may be true for now, it can change easily.

Firstly, there are all the physical media that is released to this point. If they don’t release anything ever again, prices of them will increase incrementally when people want to own something from their catalogue -> it’s up to Disney when they want to cash in on that and make their own releases again.

Secondly, if they don’t release any physical media at all, people will start (or continue…) torrenting the streaming content. The more they don’t want to release them, the more they will pirated -> again, it’s up to Disney how long they want to continue that happening.

Thirdly, people will sooner or later get fed up if/when Disney begins controlling what movie/version is available and what isn’t. When they do, they vote with their wallets and leave, and start contributing points 1 & 2.

Fourthly, I have a hard time to think that people will forever pay for D+ anyways. Again, points 1 & 2 will start to interest.

And in the time of greatest despair, there shall come a savior, and he shall be known as the Son of the Suns.

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LexX said:

While that may be true for now, it can change easily.

If they’re moving forward with discontinuing the release of catalog titles (or possibly licensing those titles to boutique labels) they obviously don’t believe there’s much money here. Disney could “cash in” now if they want, and they don’t. They sent the Skywalker Saga set out to die, basically, and they hardly promote any of the new releases they do have. Physical media is dying and it seems like Disney has decided to (pun intended) let it go. It seems very, very much like they’re going to address the “do you want to own something from our catalog” situation by pointing people to Disney+. That’s the “cash-in” they’re pursuing.

If Mulan clears a profit (and it might be able to considering Disney doesn’t have to share any of that revenue with anyone, so the amount of money it needs to gross is much smaller) it seems like Disney+ is going to be how they move forward for everything. The physical media audience is niche enough that they don’t need to cater to it anymore, so they won’t. They’ll maybe accept money from some boutique label to press up limited edition blu-rays, but I wouldn’t be surprised if those licenses aren’t cheap and so whatever hopes of a Criterion-esque (or even Criterion) release of Disney/Fox classics will be limited. That’s if Disney decides to let those titles be licensed.

Piracy really isn’t that much of a concern to the bottom line, and hasn’t been for long while. It’s been more of a boogeyman than an actual threat to business, especially not to any business the size of Disney. Pirated copies of Hamilton and Black is King aren’t even denting Disney’s subscription numbers, for example.

I think if there are hopes for a future Star Wars release that maybe someday possibly involves an official release of the theatrical versions, that release is going to be on Disney+. It’ll be a bonus feature they add one day. This announcement seems to be pointing that way.

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I’m not talking about now or the upcoming months but like the next ten years and more. If there isn’t much money now, there for sure will later when physical Disney properties are commanding hundreds of dollars when they’ve been OOP for 20 years or more. Even VHS tapes are now in high demand on crappy films that don’t have any later releases. Just wait and see.

And in the time of greatest despair, there shall come a savior, and he shall be known as the Son of the Suns.

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Broom Kid said:

LexX said:

While that may be true for now, it can change easily.

[…] they obviously don’t believe […] Disney could […] it seems like Disney has decided […] It seems very, very much like […] it might be able […] it seems like Disney+ is going to be […] they don’t need to cater to it anymore, so they won’t […] They’ll maybe […] but I wouldn’t be surprised if […] Disney/Fox classics will be limited […] if Disney decides […] Piracy really isn’t that much of a concern […] and hasn’t been for long while […] It’s been more of a boogeyman […] I think if there are hopes […] maybe someday possibly […] It’ll be a bonus feature […] This announcement seems to be pointing that way.

Too M-U-C-H assumptions. Move along.

Rogue One is redundant. Just play the first mission of DARK FORCES.
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‘The best visual effects in the world will not compensate for a story told badly.’ - V.E.S.
‘Star Wars is a buffet, enjoy the stuff you want, and leave the rest.’ - SilverWook

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LexX said:
Even VHS tapes are now in high demand on crappy films that don’t have any later releases. Just wait and see.

But those companies aren’t re-releasing VHS tapes to respond to that secondary market demand. You seem to be suggesting that because old, dead media fetches a high price on the resale market due to scarcity, it’s a no brainer that Disney will re-release that media.

If Disney is really deciding to call it a day with physical media releases for catalog product, as the report states, the used market gouging itself isn’t going to be justification for their starting it back up again a decade later, I don’t think. In 10 years what’s a little more likely is that physical releases end up occupying the same collector’s niche that vinyl and cassettes occupy now, IF that. But considering what the last 10 years of home entertainment has looked like, barring a significant disruption of internet access worldwide, it seems pretty clear that physical media distribution isn’t going to enjoy a renaissance, especially not if one of its major producers decides they’re done with it for the most part.

Haarspalter said:

Too M-U-C-H assumptions. Move along.

How was that post “assumptive?” I’m speaking on the report I shared. I didn’t file the report, or do the reporting, so I’m not trying to make a bunch of declarative, concrete statements, because I don’t have the firsthand knowledge to do so. Why is that worthy of criticism? And what other way SHOULD there be a conversation about things you don’t have firsthand access to?

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Vladimon said:

Stotchy said:

Not sure what FHD is?

FHD Full HD (1080p)
UHD Ultra HD (4K)

I was asking about the the 2020 FHD blu-rays that came out with the 4k ones. But I guess since those come from the same “new” sources as the 4K versions, the colors, the tighter framing etc. are identical to those of the 4k ones. Minus the higher resolution and HDR ofc.

Keep in mind those are only available in the box with the 4K, the individual releases are still the 2011 version.

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doubleofive said:

Vladimon said:

Stotchy said:

Not sure what FHD is?

FHD Full HD (1080p)
UHD Ultra HD (4K)

I was asking about the the 2020 FHD blu-rays that came out with the 4k ones. But I guess since those come from the same “new” sources as the 4K versions, the colors, the tighter framing etc. are identical to those of the 4k ones. Minus the higher resolution and HDR ofc.

Keep in mind those are only available in the box with the 4K, the individual releases are still the 2011 version.

Have we ever gotten confirmation of that? Only one source said that, and it only said it was a rumor, so I’m not sure.

My preferred Skywalker Saga experience:
I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX

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StarkillerAG said:

Keep in mind those are only available in the box with the 4K, the individual releases are still the 2011 version.

Have we ever gotten confirmation of that? Only one source said that, and it only said it was a rumor, so I’m not sure.

I believe that’s correct: the new masters on blu-ray are only included as a pack-in on the 4K UHD releases (either the full box or the individual titles). The discs in the blu-ray only release are from 2011. I believe there is no way to buy the new masters on blu-ray unless you are buying the 4K discs.

The UK blu-ray only Skywalker Saga box that was talked about frequently in this thread before the release might be different, but I don’t know that anyone who bought that one (the Wal-Mart link that kept getting posted was essentially a link to import the UK set) has written about it since they got it.

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And nothing on the package to indicate they’re the 2011 masters? What a rip off.

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I believe that’s the case, yeah: If you buy the individual 4K releases, you get the new blu-ray pressing as a pack-in w/ the new 4K disc. But since the individual blu-ray-only releases came out BEFORE the 4K releases (before they were even announced, I think?) those discs are just repackaged 2011 blu-rays.

The covers, aside from the top banner saying whether it’s a 4K UHD or blu-ray only release, are identical otherwise.

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I could see Disney doing a massive set of their animated films, which would then be the only way to get The Black Cauldron, just to tick me off. 😉

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Haha! I was pretty surprised to actually see it on Disney+ when I was scrolling thru the other day. I thought for sure they were going to try burying the evidence of it ever having existed, but there it was! And it turns out the only thing I actually remember about the movie is John Byner voicing Gurgi (munchies and crunchies!)

Oh wow, just checked - apparently it’s available in 4K HDR10 there. I didn’t even know until just now.

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doubleofive said:

Vladimon said:

Stotchy said:

Not sure what FHD is?

FHD Full HD (1080p)
UHD Ultra HD (4K)

I was asking about the the 2020 FHD blu-rays that came out with the 4k ones. But I guess since those come from the same “new” sources as the 4K versions, the colors, the tighter framing etc. are identical to those of the 4k ones. Minus the higher resolution and HDR ofc.

Keep in mind those are only available in the box with the 4K, the individual releases are still the 2011 version.

And it seems the only reason they did that was because they didn’t want to have the newer 4k-derived transfer out there in any form (not even as a regular 1080p blu-ray) until it debuted on day 1 of Disney+ and then later in physical form with the UHD release. But now, simply because they wanted the individual blu’s out there when they did, it’s going to create confusion for people who see identical cover art to the 4k expecting it to contain the newer transfer. (EDIT: SilverWook and Broom Kid basically beat me to it)

Were the 2011 versions ever released as just dvd-only or were they only included with the dvd/bd trilogy combo packs that came out in 2013? If it’s the former then we might be looking at a repeat here, only minus the trilogy part.

Also, were the OT films (any version) ever released on dvd individually outside of the 2006 GOUT?

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Broom Kid said:

Haha! I was pretty surprised to actually see it on Disney+ when I was scrolling thru the other day. I thought for sure they were going to try burying the evidence of it ever having existed, but there it was! And it turns out the only thing I actually remember about the movie is John Byner voicing Gurgi (munchies and crunchies!)

Oh wow, just checked - apparently it’s available in 4K HDR10 there. I didn’t even know until just now.

It’s been on DVD twice.

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Where were you in '77?

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But nothing past DVD, right?

I didn’t even click on the tile when I saw it, I just figured it’d be at best an upscale of the original DVD release, but I guess it’s full-on 4K.

This (and Fang’s post above) lends credence to the idea that they’re not going to do anything with their catalog on physical media. They’ll restore their movies and give them new 4K transfers, but it definitely seems like they want you to see them on their platform, and not on a disc.

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Fang Zei said:

Were the 2011 versions ever released as just dvd-only?

The 2011 version of the OT & PT films were released as individual DVDs late September of 2019 (along with R1, Solo, TFA & TLJ):-

2019 re-release of the Original Trilogy films on blu ray & DVD (2011 SE version)

(^ They were also available on blu ray too.)
 

A little patience goes a long way on this old-school Rebel base. If you are having issues finding what you are looking for, these will be of some help…

Welcome to the OriginalTrilogy.com | Introduce yourself in here | Useful info within : About : Help : Site Rules : Fan Project Rules : Announcements
How do I do this?’ on the OriginalTrilogy.com; some info & answers + FAQs - includes info on how to search for projects and threads on the OT•com

A Project Index for Star Wars Preservations (Harmy’s Despecialized & 4K77/80/83 etc) : A Project Index for Star Wars Fan Edits (adywan & Hal 9000 etc)

… and take your time to look around this site before posting - to get a feel for this place. Don’t just lazily make yet another thread asking for projects.

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doubleofive said:

Vladimon said:

Stotchy said:

Not sure what FHD is?

FHD Full HD (1080p)
UHD Ultra HD (4K)

I was asking about the the 2020 FHD blu-rays that came out with the 4k ones. But I guess since those come from the same “new” sources as the 4K versions, the colors, the tighter framing etc. are identical to those of the 4k ones. Minus the higher resolution and HDR ofc.

Keep in mind those are only available in the box with the 4K, the individual releases are still the 2011 version.

In the UK, the 3-disc steelbook releases of the individual Original Trilogy films (exclusive to Zavvi; 1 4K disc, 1 blu ray disc, 1 bonus material disc) does apparently feature the 2019 SE version on the blu ray.

SW - https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Star-Wars-Episode-IV-A-New-Hope-4K-Blu-ray/269035 : 27 July
ESB - https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Star-Wars-Episode-V-The-Empire-Strikes-Back-4K-Blu-ray/270301 : 3rd Aug
ROTJ - https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Star-Wars-Episode-VI-Return-of-the-Jedi-4K-Blu-ray/270368 : 10th August

^ Needless to say they sold out in ‘pre-order’ very quickly (hopefully they’ll do another re-issue soon due to the huge demand).

There are a few ‘unboxing’ and ‘review’ type videos out there on youtube about these UK steelbook releases too.

 

Just for info and anyone interested…

TPM - https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Star-Wars-Episode-I-The-Phantom-Menace-4K-Blu-ray/271045 : 7th Sept
AOTC - https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Star-Wars-Episode-II-Attack-of-the-Clones-4K-Blu-ray/271811 : 21 Sept
ROTS - https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Star-Wars-Episode-III-Revenge-of-the-Sith-4K-Blu-ray/272419 : 12 Oct

TFA - https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Star-Wars-Episode-VII-The-Force-Awakens-4K-Blu-ray/272728 : unknown
TLJ - https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Star-Wars-Episode-VIII-The-Last-Jedi-4K-Blu-ray/274253 : unknown
TROS - ? (this was released in April '20 - https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Star-Wars-The-Rise-of-Skywalker-4K-Blu-ray/259259 - maybe they’ll do a re-issue…?)
 

Some of the other main European countries may have had similar deals and releases?

 

Edit: Nathan P Butler confirms that the 3-Disc Australian releases of the individual films in 4K does indeed feature the 2019SE version of the OT films on the blu ray discs:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulN76xipoaE - Nathan discusses the content around 4 minutes in.
 

A little patience goes a long way on this old-school Rebel base. If you are having issues finding what you are looking for, these will be of some help…

Welcome to the OriginalTrilogy.com | Introduce yourself in here | Useful info within : About : Help : Site Rules : Fan Project Rules : Announcements
How do I do this?’ on the OriginalTrilogy.com; some info & answers + FAQs - includes info on how to search for projects and threads on the OT•com

A Project Index for Star Wars Preservations (Harmy’s Despecialized & 4K77/80/83 etc) : A Project Index for Star Wars Fan Edits (adywan & Hal 9000 etc)

… and take your time to look around this site before posting - to get a feel for this place. Don’t just lazily make yet another thread asking for projects.

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Using original poster art is like false advertising at this point.

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Where were you in '77?

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In the UK, the 3-disc steelbook releases of the individual Original Trilogy films (exclusive to Zavvi; 1 4K disc, 1 blu ray disc, 1 bonus material disc) does apparently feature the 2019 SE version on the blu ray.

Unfortunately there are reports of scratched cases with these steelbooks. I have not had a chance to check mine yet and won’t be able to for a couple of weeks.

People have been offered partial refunds, but not exchanges, which suggests there are no more discs left. Episodes IV and V were offered for sale twice, VI just once I think. The prequel discs have been offered twice, the sequel trilogy just once as far as I’m aware (that is, for the current ST steelbooks, there have been previous editions).

The run has been estimated as about 3,500 per title. Zavvi exclusives usually sell out within a day, the SW titles sold out within hours.

Given the steelbook situation I might get the plastic case 4k discs from FNAC or Amazon France as they have them for sale, unlike Amazon UK and Zavvi.

“If it ain’t workin’, eat sugar.”