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RowMan

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Join date
2-Apr-2004
Last activity
5-Feb-2023
Posts
315

Post History

Post
#55356
Topic
Info: OT Bootleg DVDs
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/55356/action/topic#55356
Time
Originally posted by: digitalfreaknyc
What's the deal with the new dual layer set that's just come out? I just saw it on a brand new "bootleg" site. It's $32 for the whole set and they're the original versions. Brand new.

Anyone?


I bought it and it sucks. Look at my posts on the previous page of this thread (page 48). TR47 and I are referring to this set and its flaws. The TR47 and anamorphic trilogies are still tops overall in quality.
Post
#55216
Topic
The Original Trilogy - Laser Disc Conversion Thread
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/55216/action/topic#55216
Time
If you have the Definitive Collection (with the corrected ESB error), stick with it. The same master was used for this and the Faces set, but the faces set was produced in the (slightly) lower quality CLV mode.

As far as the "tractor beam" line, this was on the very first widescreen SW laserdisc released in 1989. If memory serves, this line was on the original home video version sound mix, but was not heard in theaters.
Post
#55092
Topic
Info: OT Bootleg DVDs
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/55092/action/topic#55092
Time
Originally posted by: TR47
It sounds like somehow the interlacing got transferred incorrectly-that's all I can think of that would cause that sort of problem. I still have not actually seen the set so I can't judge for myself, but it doesn't sound like I am missing anything-just more typical asian BS.


THAT'S the word I was looking for. INTERLACING. That is what seems wrong with the dual-layered set.

This set is factory pressed and was probably done with professional equipment. It still astounds me that they screwed it up.
Post
#55089
Topic
Info: OT Bootleg DVDs
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/55089/action/topic#55089
Time
Originally posted by: TR47
Does it look like motion blurring? Prillaman seems to cast this set in a somewhat favorable light, but not having actually watched them thoroughly, it would seem he was being hasty in doing so. One thing he mentioned is that there is slightly less dot crawl on certain scenes, but honestly I'm not really sure what that means exactly-I'm knowledgeable but not an A/V expert.


I'm not sure what "dot crawl" is either or maybe I don't know what to look for, but it definitely doesn't look like motion blur to me.

When some objects move across the screen (whether it be a character or a spaceship), it looks like half of (meaning "every other") scan line of the previous frame lags behind. In ANH I first noticed it in a bust shot of Tarkin as he walked across the screen. In ROTJ it was VERY noticable in the first few shots after our rebels first land on Endor and are walking through the forest. A lot of "scanline lag" can be seen on Han as he leads the team. Looking carefully, this problem can be seen throughout all of the films, just at different intensities depending on the action of the scene.

Also, people, let's just correct what seems to be the proliferation of disc errors by bad burns and be done with it. Don't turn this into a pissing contest by blaming each other for it. We're all here for the same cause. Let's just continue to help each other out and move on.



Post
#55061
Topic
Info: OT Bootleg DVDs
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/55061/action/topic#55061
Time
I have watched my TR47 set (which was purchased directly from him) a few times and have only seen the "gap" error in TESB. Everything else was perfect.

As far as the prillaman.net review of the dual layered bootlegs, it mentions...

"...At the time of this writing, I have not had a chance to play through all three movies in their entirety, but I have played through each disc at some length and compared them to the TR47 discs. If schedule allows, I will sit down and watch each from beginning to end and note any additional observations that come to mind..."

I have the dual layered set and its main problem is what I can only describe as "scanline lag." It can be seen in many scenes with fast motion in all three movies, but mostly in the Endor forest scenes in Jedi.

If you can get un-corrupted copies, the TR47 and the Anamorphic boots are still the best out there. I was extremely disappointed in the dual layered set.
Post
#54206
Topic
Star Wars - The Edits and DVDr releases thread
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/54206/action/topic#54206
Time
Rik,

PM'ed you. I can get you a copy of my TR47 Jedi.

I also have the DVD-9 Five Star SE set. I don't have the ability to screen capture, but the menus on all three movies are generally the same. A swirling star-field with the John Williams theme playing in the background. The transfer is pretty good. A 2002 review can be found here...

http://www.pulpfilm.com/reviews/swbootlegs.html

On eBay someone tried to sell me a DVD-9 to DVD-5 conversion. I sent them back because they didn't make clear that they were copies. The discs even had the DVD XCOPY "back-up" warning at the beginning. Jedi was the poorest looking of the conversions because he kept all of the audio tracks (including the fake DTS and 5.1) and the 30 documentary at the end. I told the seller that the three films would probably look a lot better if he got rid of all those extra things because there would be much less disc info to compress.
Post
#53701
Topic
Info: OT Bootleg DVDs
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/53701/action/topic#53701
Time
Originally posted by: dx3
...Rowman mentions that he knows TR47 uses high quality media and he is not sure what media Rikter uses but has had no problems.

Can someone explain why the media quality matters? It seems to me that since we're talking digital - 1's and 0's - that as long the player can read those binary digits then the quality will be defined by those digits, not by the media.

I'm sure I'm wrong, but I'd like to understand why...


From what I understand, higher quality media does not necessarily give you better picture quality, but better burns. I've tried a few different brands of discs and the real cheapies have given me stuttering, freezing, or just plain unreadable DVDs. I've had my best luck with Fuji, TDK, Memorex, and Ritek. CompUSA brand was the worst. My DVD recorder wouldn't even recognize 6 discs out of a 10-pack in the last instance so I gave up on them.
Post
#53566
Topic
Idea: Preserving the 1997 Special Editions of the Star Wars Original Trilogy on DVD-R
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/53566/action/topic#53566
Time
Quote
Originally posted by: Mr.Coffee
Sony still manufactures BETAMAX. At least they did about a year ago. I still see them at my local Sony store but they are quit pricy!


Actually, Sony officially announced Betamax's demise on August 28th, 2002. If you have an extensive collection on Beta, either get a new one from a Sony store or check eBay. My SL HF500 from 1984 is my last Beta machine to be working so I'm transferring any important material to DVD.

Back to the topic...

Although I don't like the 1997 Special Editions as much as the originals, I'd like to see the SEs preserved as well to show the progression of change. The current "5 Star Edition," factory pressed, DVD-9, Asian bootlegs look really good, but I think someone can do better.

Post
#53495
Topic
Star Wars DVD Covers
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/53495/action/topic#53495
Time
Originally posted by: jimbo
The thing is I am a huge Star Wars fan. I love A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back and I like Return of the Jedi. But lets face it the Special Editions are the same movie just with better effects. These are the way the movies always should have been. I don't agree with every little change. But how can anyone want to watch the movie with matte lines around the ships, lame dead slum cities, hidden creatures. Same story, same acting, same action, better effects. I am hear because someone hear needs to defend Lucas and his superior versions. Why even discuss something if everyones gonna agree with you. Its more better to have individuels with different views. This site needs more people like me.


Hey, jimbo. You have every right to be on this website forum to discuss your views on Lucas' so-called "superior versions." I actually like the special effects improvements (only) myself, but this particular THREAD is mainly about the Definitive Collection DVD Covers which are from the original theatrical trilogy. Just be fair and express your views in the proper thread and quit baiting people.

Post
#52740
Topic
Info: OT Bootleg DVDs
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/52740/action/topic#52740
Time
You're not the only one. We would all love to see a super high quality, dual layered version of the original trilogy, but the one from endorforest.com is definitely not it. With their technology and the equipment, the authors of that set could have made what we want (even without using the TR47 or Anamorphic set as masters), but they messed it up. It's been years since a factory pressed bootleg of the OT has been made and because this version is still better than previous versions, I don't see a new one being done in this fashion for some time (if at all). Dual layered DVD-R and +R are still too new to see a set done properly (and inexpensively) in our own homes without compatibility issues real soon, but they will come. In the meantime, the TR47 and Anamorphic sets are the best versions available. I just don't want to see anyone throwing their hard earned cash away on the endorforest.com set because even with being dual layed and factory pressed, it is still inferior to the other two sets we have already seen (which are cheaper)!

Also, the official release will have new and improved extras, but I would like to see The Definitive Collection preserved as is on DVD because it was made in 1993 and captures the feeling of that time before all of the hoopla of the CGI Special Editions.


Post
#52730
Topic
Info: OT Bootleg DVDs
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/52730/action/topic#52730
Time
Originally posted by: Death Star aka Endor Forest
TR47 totally cannot compare with the real DVD from EndorForest.com, because the DVD from EndorForest is a state of the art masterpiece. The DVD has been printed (stamp) by the same machine which produce the SE version, some of you who didn't know about it, for your info, most of the DVD released in the States were printed in Asia. That is how the movie industry stay alive during the economic crisis. Cut cost.... cut cost.... that is how they can still make money, if it were to be printed in US, I think the it won't cost you the price you can buy it.


Just because something is factory made does not make it better. I think many of us here have been disappointed by other manufactured original trilogy DVDs made in recent years. I know I have. Unforunately, the EndorForest.com set is no exception. Nice artwork was made for covers, inserts, and disc art, but that's it. Whoever made these discs really missed the boat. All of the work was already done for them with the TR47 set and the Anamorphic set, but they decided to do their own transfer and botched the job. It has no PCM audio, no commentary track, with low contrast, fuzzy and jittery video. What the hell happened? With dual-layer capability, the EndorForest.com set could have given us the audio and video quality of the TR47 set AND all of the bells and whistles of the Anamorphic set on beautifully packaged, factory manufactured DVDs. No dice. I have all three sets mentioned here. The TR47 set and the Anamorphic set are still the best available. Pass on EndorForest.com.
Post
#52694
Topic
OT bootleg DVD reviews
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/52694/action/topic#52694
Time
Quote
Originally posted by: DaveTheHutt
As another UK SW fan desperate for a decent OT bootleg, anyone got any views on Kriegersaurus' versions - link below?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6301144525&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

Are these just copies of TR47's disks, the Anamorphic ones or something new? Of course, I guess they could be the old ones from Honk Kong. I bought some bootlegs from the Far East about a year ago, and they were *just* about okay - apart from the generally fuzzy and over-saturated video and the sound in ROTJ lagging a fraction of a second behind the lip movements! Aaargh!

Personally I'm desperate for a copy of TR47's disks - I just want a decent quality, unmessed-up version of the films that I loved as a kid to show to my kids when they're old enough. Is that too much to ask for, George?

Any help much appreciated,
DaveTheHutt


From the description, that set may be the Anamorphic as it mentions the interactive menus which the TR47 set does not have, but there's not enough info or screen shots to be sure. Who knows? It could be yet another laserdisc transfer that we haven't seen yet.