Jay

User Group: Administrators
Join date: 22-Feb-2003
Last activity: 26-Jun-2025
Posts: 2,437

Post History

Post: #86093
Topic: My apologies to the members of this forum.
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/86093/action/topic#86093
Time: 13-Jan-2005 12:38 PM

As many of you have probably noticed, I haven't been frequenting these forums much lately.

The holidays are a busy time of year for everyone. Add in a new job and relocation, and they're even busier.

Still, as administrator of this site, it's my responsibility to maintain it, technically and socially--neither of which I've been doing.

During my lapse, it seems another troll has invaded the forum and, as a result, we may have lost a few of our members.

I offer my sincere apologies to those who have been driven away, and I would like to invite them back to a socially sound forum so they may continue to offer their valuable participation.

It appears zion has been nominated to be a moderator of the Original Trilogy Preservation forum. Since the members here would know better than anyone who is up to the task of maintaining order, I'll accept their opinions as valid and assign moderation duties to zion for the time being.

There are improvements I'd like to implement in other areas of the site too. The issue of funds must be addressed, however. I will be posting a separate topic in every forum about that. It may be time for me to make the request that every webmaster dreads asking of his visitors.

In the meantime, continue to enjoy the forum, and thanks to you for the contributions you make

Post: #82375
Topic: An option to search text within posts
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/82375/action/topic#82375
Time: 21-Dec-2004 11:23 AM

Not really. The site is pretty much on autopilot right now. Just moved, started a new job, and starting a new business after the new year. Lots to do.

I think the other thing holding up the move was the lack of a final script to move everything from FuseTalk to vBulletin. They may have completed it by now though.

I need the script because I'd have to transfer everything by hand otherwise.

Not gonna happen.

Post: #81233
Topic: HD-DVD vs. Blu-Ray
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/81233/action/topic#81233
Time: 10-Dec-2004 11:30 AM

I think manufacturer support is going to come into play at some point.

The vast majority of manufacturers are behind BluRay--Matsushita (Panasonic), Sony, Phillips, Pioneer, Dell, HP, etc.

HD-DVD has NEC (what have they done lately in the consumer sector?), Toshiba (makers of the world's worst DVD players), and I believe Samsung (makers of the world's second worst DVD players).

Think Toshiba, NEC, and Samsung can keep up with hardware demand? No way.

The victor will most likely be decided by the enthusiasts who purchase the first decks. The vast majority of people I've spoken with are firmly behind BluRay or plan on purchasing both.

It's the killer film arsenal brought to the table by the studios that will ultimately decide the outcome though. Both sides have strong content.

Post: #80736
Topic: ROTK
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/80736/action/topic#80736
Time: 6-Dec-2004 5:59 AM

Quote
Originally posted by: PSYCHO_DAYV
THIS IS TOTALLY REDUNDANT. THAT LINK HAS ALREADY BEEN POSTED IN THE LOTR THREAD. DO A LITTLE MORE RESEARCH THAN JUST LOOKING AT PAGE ONE OR TWO IN THE TOPIC THREAD PAGES, SHIMMY.

Switch to decaf, Dave.

Post: #80735
Topic: An option to search text within posts
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/80735/action/topic#80735
Time: 6-Dec-2004 5:57 AM

I'd have control over color schemes and font treatments within the administration software, and I could also recode the templates if I wanted to in order to maintain the same overall look.

Post: #78326
Topic: ORIGINALTRILOGY.COM T-SHIRTS
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/78326/action/topic#78326
Time: 17-Nov-2004 1:32 PM

I like the font I used in the masthead. Simple and clean.

Since Dave is planning on doing multiple runs, there's certainly room for different designs.

Post: #78294
Topic: ORIGINALTRILOGY.COM T-SHIRTS
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/78294/action/topic#78294
Time: 17-Nov-2004 8:47 AM

Quote
Originally posted by: TheSessler
I thought another website already had a shirt that said "Han Shot First" on the front? No use in using the same line.

"Han Shoots First" was our original tagline. I like it and wouldn't mind having a shirt that uses it.

Besides, when you're talking about literature or film, it's proper to use present tense, not past tense.

Sorry. English major. Stickler.

Post: #77917
Topic: An option to search text within posts
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/77917/action/topic#77917
Time: 15-Nov-2004 9:16 AM

I haven't investigated this any further because I'm considering moving the forums over to vBulletin. Its search function is much more robust, as is the interface.

Post: #77196
Topic: ROTJ is worse than I remember.
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/77196/action/topic#77196
Time: 11-Nov-2004 9:18 AM

Quote
Originally posted by: Darth Justin
About Han, he was not comic relief. His character seems to be the same as it was throughout the other films (he was always funny), except when he's thawed from carbonite. But he was weird like that after torture in ESB too. Remember Han screaming while chasing the stormtroopers in ANH? How can you say he was comic relief in ROTJ?

You can't. It's not limited to the one film.

There's a big difference between a real character who says and does funny things and a character who does little more than make you laugh ("comic relief"). Han seemed more like a screwball, silly kind of funny in ROTJ. Not quite as clever and sarcastic as he was in ANH and ESB.

ANH/ESB Han = George Carlin

ROTJ Han = Carrot Top

I agree with your comments on the Emperor though. He's a creepy little smartass, and it's great watching him taunt Luke.

Post: #76777
Topic: ROTJ is worse than I remember.
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/76777/action/topic#76777
Time: 9-Nov-2004 5:37 AM

I refuse to buy the box set. However, I did feel the need to rent it so I could see exactly how good (or bad, depending on your point of view) the restoration is.

For the purposes of this discussion, I'm ignoring the major changes/additions included in the 97 SEs and the 2004 versions; this includes the new errors introduced as well (swapped surrounds, poorly done lightsabers, etc.). I'm looking at the films with occasional blinders in place and am pretending the changes never happened, trying to enjoy what hasn't been molested.

I watched ANH first. It was awesome to see the first film in such great shape. Thankfully, the content has held up well also. I really enjoyed the experience that is ANH--so much so that I watched it several times over the course of several days.

I watched ESB about a week later. AWESOME. I love ESB. ANH is great because it came first, but ESB has better writing, better acting, and better directing.

Earlier this week, I finally managed to squeeze in ROTJ. I was excited going in, but my excitement gave way to the same nausea I get when I watch Ep. I. Han is now comic relief, the cinematography is crap (flat and lifeless compared to the depth and richness of ESB), and for the first time it occurred to me that the Empire built several gaping holes in the new Death Star so Rebel ships could fly directly into the core and blow it up. And just as with Ep. I, the great fight at the end is satisfying, but it's the same kind of satisfaction you get from eating Chinese food. It's filling at the time, but leaves you wanting later on.

I'll continue to watch all three movies in order as I always have. I'm a completist by nature; I can't watch FOTR without following it up with TTT and ROTK either. But ROTJ will always feel like I'm watching it because I have to, not because I really want to.

Post: #75032
Topic: My 2 cents releasing the OT on DVD
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/75032/action/topic#75032
Time: 1-Nov-2004 4:23 PM

Quote
Originally posted by: GundarkHunter
like Stimpy, he can't resist pushing the History Eraser Button.

That's because it's so shiny and candy-like.

Post: #74701
Topic: Info: Everyone buy this DVD before you watch Star Wars (calibration & optimization)
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/74701/action/topic#74701
Time: 31-Oct-2004 11:08 AM

I use this:

http://www.ovationmultimedia.com/aviapro.html

and this:

http://www.ovationmultimedia.com/opticone.html

But I'm nuts.

I would pick up both Avia and Digital Video Essentials if you can. Avia's only real flaw is that it can't pass blacker than black. Otherwise, it has more test patterns that are of higher quality than those included with DVE. DVE also has some of the most maddening, illogical user menus I've ever seen. It's a lesson in bad user interface design.

Post: #73356
Topic: Jim Ward on SE Changes...
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/73356/action/topic#73356
Time: 24-Oct-2004 6:40 PM

If Jim Ward bothered to check the petition, he'd know that there are far more than 5 people concerned about the changes.

Of course, it's probably very difficult to view a computer monitor clearly with one's tongue jammed so far up George's ass.

Post: #73359
Topic: an idea...Star Wars Trilogy as a SUPERBIT release
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/73359/action/topic#73359
Time: 24-Oct-2004 12:51 PM

As it was noted in the second post, Superbit is a Sony/Columbia brand. It's also nothing special in terms of technology; all they do is maximize bitrate (which isn't always the case anyway) and minimize the vertical filtering found on many DVDs that destroys detail (which they don't always do either). As someone else said, it's hit-or-miss. Some Superbits are consistently held up as reference quality (The Fifth Element), but some aren't.

Basically, it's a crock. There are plenty of studios releasing reference-quality DVDs without any special fanfare or silly marketing gimmicks like Superbit.

Quote
Originally posted by: bad_karma24
What was wrong with the Royal Tanebaums?

Halos out the yingyang and, if memory serves, a very unnatural graininess--much worse than typical film grain. Both halos and excessive grain are often the consequences of excessive sharpening applied during the mastering process.

Quote
Originally posted by: GundarkHunter
I suspect that Criterion didn't have much to do with the actual mastering of Tenebaums, as it was distributed by Touchstone and carried a Touchstone-level price point.

I didn't know it was a Touchstone job. That would explain things.

Post: #72578
Topic: StarWarsLegacy.com - The Official Thread
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/72578/action/topic#72578
Time: 20-Oct-2004 3:54 PM

Cool project Mike.

The only suggestion I would make is the use of a better LD player. Lesser models like the 91 can cause a lot of the video noise that you're seeing.

Consider using something like the CLD-97, which has excellent composite output. You could send that to a capture card with a top-of-the-line comb filter. I think that would provide the best results.

The component mod you've made to the 91 is intriguing though. What kind of comb filter/transcoding solution does that employ?

Post: #72579
Topic: Line Graph For Signatures
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/72579/action/topic#72579
Time: 20-Oct-2004 10:01 AM

The signatures are actually stored in a SQL database with a time/date stamp, so manipulating the numbers wouldn't be that tough.

However, the actual value of the graph wouldn't be worth the work involved. There were two big spikes: one when the site first launched, and a bit of a spike leading up to the release of the DVDs. Other than that, it's a few signatures a day. Not much of a story to tell really.

Post: #72424
Topic: In Memoriam: jimbo September 2003 - October 2004
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/72424/action/topic#72424
Time: 19-Oct-2004 4:50 PM

I think that's enough jimbo bashing. Time to move on.

Thread closed.

Post: #72272
Topic: In Memoriam: jimbo September 2003 - October 2004
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/72272/action/topic#72272
Time: 19-Oct-2004 9:26 AM

If he were simply a disagreeable prick who loved to tweak the noses of SE haters, he'd still be around. He provided valid points at times and served as a foil to the predominantly anti-SE group we have here. That's why he was allowed to stay for so long, despite the constant calls for his removal from other members. He added flavor to our discussions, and that will be missed.

Too bad he had to spoil it with his bigotry.

Post: #72161
Topic: Lack of humanity in prequels?
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/72161/action/topic#72161
Time: 18-Oct-2004 7:31 PM

You make it sound as if it's still under consideration.

It's a done deal.

Post: #72074
Topic: EVERYONE MUST READ: Forum Rules (defunct)
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/72074/action/topic#72074
Time: 18-Oct-2004 3:02 PM

Originally posted by: oojason
Jay - would it be possible to keep the TR47, Dr Gonzo, ISOMIX, Farsight, MeBeJedi, Zion version info threads, along with the 'official screenshots' thread pinned at the top of the page?

Done.

Post: #72073
Topic: Please keep the debates civil (RE: personal attacks and forum moderation)
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/72073/action/topic#72073
Time: 18-Oct-2004 8:46 AM

He's had one time-out session already. That was enough of a warning.

Hope you said your goodbyes, because jimbo won't be posting here anymore.

Post: #72072
Topic: Lack of humanity in prequels?
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/72072/action/topic#72072
Time: 18-Oct-2004 8:43 AM

Take it easy with the "dead topic" declarations guys. Nobody here has the right to shut down any thread, even if it's gone wildly off topic. I don't care how many posts you've racked up. While the guidance of long-standing members is appreciated, there are no hard and fast rules regarding thread closures.

Oh, one more thing.

Jimbo, you're done. Goodbye.

Post: #69970
Topic: What's better than sitting down and watching the original Star Wars on laserdisc?
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/69970/action/topic#69970
Time: 5-Oct-2004 5:42 PM

Budget?

Post: #69902
Topic: Info: Amazing Stories, Issue 605 November 2004 - Jay quotes...
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/69902/action/topic#69902
Time: 5-Oct-2004 3:25 PM

I completely forgot about this. It was so long ago.

My feelings on purchasing the box set have changed since that interview. I hadn't watched Star Wars in a year and a half, and I was pretty anxious to see it again. I'd sold my LD players, but kept the 1995 THX LDs. Not being able to watch them made me more impatient I think.

I just acquired a CLD-99 this past weekend and watched ANH. I was VERY pleased by the image quality and no longer feel the need to buy the box set. The detail and color obviously aren't on par with the new DVDs based on the screenshots I've seen, but at smaller screen sizes (32" in this case) the LDs are very satisfying.

I've placed the box set in my Wal-Mart DVD rental queue though because I want to see the changes/problems for myself.

Post: #69604
Topic: OT.com appearing in GQ Magazine in September
Link: https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/69604/action/topic#69604
Time: 4-Oct-2004 5:32 AM

Kevin Smith is a hack who hasn't made a really good movie since Chasing Amy.

And Clerks is way overrated.