Info Wanted: Superman laserdisc audio - has anyone preserved the laserdisc audio?

Author: rockin
Date: 6-Apr-2013, 6:55 AM

Author: rockin
Time: 6-Apr-2013 6:55 AM (Edited)
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I thought while we’re all trying to preserve various bits and pieces from laserdiscs lately, that I would ask if anyone has successfully ripped PCM audio from any of the Superman laserdiscs?

I understand the blu-rays have the original 1978 audio in DTS-HD, but I would like to try and preserve the original 1978 sound from the laserdisc and to also see if there are any real differences. And it would be nice to sync the ld audio with the blu-rays as other optional tracks.

Furthermore, alternatively, we could try and preserve the whole laserdisc with the video as well, as I know some people have always wanted to see the colour timing before it changed on DVD and Blu-ray (myself included) but I assume this is a bigger undertaking.

Not sure how many are fans, but thought I would ask anyway!

Author: skyjedi2005
Time: 9-Apr-2013 7:18 PM
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If the audio was not on the BD i would suggest getting it off of the last issued version of the movie on laserdisc from Japan. But seeing as the audio was included on the blu ray the cost of importing a rare and expensive laserdisc is rather silly.

“Always loved Vader’s wordless self sacrifice. Another shitty, clueless, revision like Greedo and young Anakin’s ghost. What a fucking shame.” -Simon Pegg.

Author: Chewtobacca
Time: 9-Apr-2013 7:45 PM
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The DTS-HD MA 2.0 on the theatrical BD sounds very good to me. Wasn't there some sort of mono-to-stereo effect originally in the opening credits? I don't know what the LD audio is like, but I'm happy to have the stereo mix that's on the BD.

Author: rockin
Time: 10-Apr-2013 4:04 AM
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Ok, wasn;t sure if there was anything significant between the laserdisc and the blu-ray audio.

If anyone still wants to go ahead with this idea let me know.

Author: TServo2049
Time: 10-Apr-2013 11:17 AM (Edited)
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I keep reading that there's some sort of phase/channel bleeding issue in the 2.0 mix on DVD/BD.

Listening to it through headphones, I do hear an echo effect in the music, but I'm not sure that's the same thing they're talking about (there's a similar echo in the 1977 Dolby Stereo mix of Star Wars).

Either way, a preservation of the LD audio would still be good - these same people say the LD didn't have the problems the DVD/BD 2.0 mix has.

I think the widescreen LDs for all the films should be preserved at some point. II and especially III had different color timing (daytime skies were originally "bleached" in the lab to hide the wires holding Superman, Zod, etc.), and the Japanese LD of IV is the 93-minute overseas cut.