James Bond on Blu-ray/4K

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  • Sorry if this has been mentioned, but will we get NTTD in 4k upon blu-ray release. That seems to be the trend now. I don't remember 4k being a big deal when SP was released. Also, not sure what forum this belongs on, but any chance we could be seeing more steelbooks around the release of NTTD like they did with SP?
  • MakeshiftPythonMakeshiftPython “Baja?!”
    Posts: 8,000
    I think it’s extremely likely NTTD will get a UHD release on disc. It was only brand new at the time SP came out m, and now that the other Craig films got released on the format it’s a sure thing.
  • Posts: 725
    Definitely.
  • There's a much quicker turnaround after a film is released that they are printed to disc. We should have 4K/blurays by end of July or August.
  • MakeshiftPythonMakeshiftPython “Baja?!”
    Posts: 8,000
    I’ve been slowly archiving the screencaps taken last Fall on this blog I’ve made so there will be easier access to seeing comparisons. I’ve added additional screencaps on some films that weren’t previously there like the main titles. Only up to YOLT at the moment, but slowly adding the remaining films.


    https://007homemedia.blogspot.com/
  • Posts: 5,767
    Brilliant work @MakeshiftPython. A National Treasure.
  • MakeshiftPythonMakeshiftPython “Baja?!”
    Posts: 8,000
    Well it's a good thing I've saved the screencaps for archiving, because Photobucket seems to have crashed. I'm only up to DAF on the blog so far, but it'll all be up there.

    Which brings me to a bit of news: I finally found a copy of a widescreen LD for TMWTGG, which I’ll post on the home video blog for comparisons. Most curious thing happened as I began to play for screen capping: the opening dots are NOT blue. On the SE DVD (and from memory the 2000 VHS) the opening dots were colored blue, whereas starting with the UE DVD they became white. I assumed Binder wanted to start tweaking more with the gun barrel sequence with different colors before deciding to stick with white from TSWLM on. Now seeing this LD copy with white dots, I wonder if the later VHS and SE DVDs were in error?

    @ToTheRight wondering if you can recall a 35mm print featuring blue dots or not.
  • Posts: 15,785
    Well it's a good thing I've saved the screencaps for archiving, because Photobucket seems to have crashed. I'm only up to DAF on the blog so far, but it'll all be up there.

    Which brings me to a bit of news: I finally found a copy of a widescreen LD for TMWTGG, which I’ll post on the home video blog for comparisons. Most curious thing happened as I began to play for screen capping: the opening dots are NOT blue. On the SE DVD (and from memory the 2000 VHS) the opening dots were colored blue, whereas starting with the UE DVD they became white. I assumed Binder wanted to start tweaking more with the gun barrel sequence with different colors before deciding to stick with white from TSWLM on. Now seeing this LD copy with white dots, I wonder if the later VHS and SE DVDs were in error?

    @ToTheRight wondering if you can recall a 35mm print featuring blue dots or not.

    @MakeshiftPython, unfortunately, TMWTGG is the only Bond film I've never seen on the big screen.
    Funny thing, the first time I saw the film was on the old CBS/Fox VHS edition and it definitely had bluish dots. On my television set a t the time it looked a bit bluish/violet in hue. I think it was the way my Dad had the set adjusted.

    That VHS edition was missing some of John Barry's score, during the section where Bond arrives at Hi Fat's for dinner and is attacked by the wrestlers.
    I do recall another VHS copy having white dots. Perhaps either the 1989 MGM/UA version, or the 1992 remastered edition. Not sure which one at the moment.
  • AgentJamesBond007AgentJamesBond007 Vesper’s grave
    Posts: 2,630
    Covers revealed for the 4K editions of the Craig Bond films:

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    3jzgnwr4qda41.jpg
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,371
    Some pretty awful covers, in my opinion. Didn't even care for the CR or QoS upgrade (blu-ray edition is so much better) but I might have to pick up the one for SF.
  • Hopefully we get some decent bonus features on the SP one in particular.
  • Man, I thought the 4K steelbooks looked lazy, but somehow these look even worse to me... Something about the screencap - looking lazy Photoshop backgrounds.
  • DeerAtTheGatesDeerAtTheGates Belgium
    Posts: 524
    2Wint2Kidd wrote: »
    Hopefully we get some decent bonus features on the SP one in particular.

    Sorry, but I can't help but laugh. Bonus features?! What are those?!

    In all seriousness, I wouldn't expect any more 'features' than there were on the original disks. They won't get Mendes in a booth to record a commentary track.
    If we get more features down the line, I think it'll be included in the (inevitable) new box set with "24 films and room for No Time To Die", and not with individual disks. And I'll bet you won't see bonus features on individual films either, but things in the form of retrospectives like 'The Story So Far' and Purvis and Wade's rundown on the Spectre organisation.
  • 2Wint2Kidd wrote: »
    Hopefully we get some decent bonus features on the SP one in particular.

    Sorry, but I can't help but laugh. Bonus features?! What are those?!

    In all seriousness, I wouldn't expect any more 'features' than there were on the original disks. They won't get Mendes in a booth to record a commentary track.
    If we get more features down the line, I think it'll be included in the (inevitable) new box set with "24 films and room for No Time To Die", and not with individual disks. And I'll bet you won't see bonus features on individual films either, but things in the form of retrospectives like 'The Story So Far' and Purvis and Wade's rundown on the Spectre organisation.
    It's a sad reality isn't it. My only solace is that it isn't just Bond fans who are suffering but movie fans in general. I was extremely disappointed to see the lack of quality extras on my Avengers: Endgame blu-ray, only to find more extras on Disney+. I think we have to deal with the realization that bonus features are a thing of the past.
  • ShardlakeShardlake Leeds, West Yorkshire, England
    Posts: 4,043
    I've got the 4K Craig set so that is a pass for me.

    I buy physical formats for the content what I hear and see and while it is nice for the packaging to be special I'm certainly not going to buy it multiple times for the packaging.

    As for the original 20, I'm definitely getting OHMSS 4K and will assess how the others turn out and go from there, possibly FRWL and some others. Though they'll be when they discounted or if I can get them pre-owned from CEX or the like.

    I'm certainly not shelling out on a 4K complete set I know that, the same way I'm not paying out for that Skywalker saga 4K set, I'll wait for the OT to be available separately.

    I have no desire to see the PT be it any format definition etc and as for the ST, no real rush. I liked TFA and definitely TLJ is my favourite, TROS is definitely the worst of the bunch so possibly wait till it is on offer when they release is as a trilogy set.

    I've watched both CR which I noted a noticeable but not a revolutionary increase in PQ.

    QOS again not as much but still happy. I've not watched SF just peaked at it as I was going to the In Concert performance.

    I intend to watch SP before I go to see NTTD, I know it is noted this one is by many as the best for PQ but due to my feelings on the film I won't savouring the experience like I do the others.

    NTTD I imagine will be day one 4K.
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,371
    2Wint2Kidd wrote: »
    Hopefully we get some decent bonus features on the SP one in particular.

    It's just a port of what the existing 4K set already contains, which is nothing new.
  • MakeshiftPythonMakeshiftPython “Baja?!”
    Posts: 8,000
    We know for a fact that a commentary by Marc Forster was recorded for a cancelled collector's edition for QOS. Why it still collects dust to this day is a mystery.
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,371
    We know for a fact that a commentary by Marc Forster was recorded for a cancelled collector's edition for QOS. Why it still collects dust to this day is a mystery.

    I've said it a few dozen times now, but I'd pay any amount for a QoS Collector's/Ultimate Edition, with commentary, all of the deleted scenes/the alternate ending, etc.
  • MakeshiftPythonMakeshiftPython “Baja?!”
    Posts: 8,000
    Finally got the widescreen LD caps for TMWTGG to compare to all other formats. Seeing the formats all across, something really went off with the SE DVD. Some kind of color boosting and black crushing. The remasters after definitely fixed that, though the colors are not quite as saturated as the LD.


    https://007homemedia.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-man-with-golden-gun-1974.html
  • Posts: 15,785
    Finally got the widescreen LD caps for TMWTGG to compare to all other formats. Seeing the formats all across, something really went off with the SE DVD. Some kind of color boosting and black crushing. The remasters after definitely fixed that, though the colors are not quite as saturated as the LD.


    https://007homemedia.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-man-with-golden-gun-1974.html

    Those are great screencaps. The SE DVD is definitely the most saturated. Cool 007 Home Media page as well.
  • Some very good news for Apple 4K TV users.
    I noticed a week ago that all the Craig films were not only in 4K(which they have been for some time), but now they’re also in Dolby Vision(HDR)! And just today, the other 20 films are also now in Dolby Vision!
    If you have an Apple 4K TV box and and a 4K HDR TV, the results are spectacular- especially the first 10 films(brighter, deeper colors)!
    Check it out!!
  • infoviseinfovise Ireland
    edited April 2020 Posts: 114
    I don't know if anyone on the forum owns one (I don't) but every Bond film just got released on the Kaleidescape a few days ago in 4K UHD, unfortunatetly there is still no HDR for the first 20 films, however, this is still a very significant release because all the films are downloads that are in the 60-80+ GB range meaning that they have around the same quality you would get from a 4K Blu-Ray disc.
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  • Big_GeeBig_Gee Wales
    Posts: 24
    Amazon shows the SPECTRE Blu-Ray has 2 discs but does not indicate what is on the second disc. Has anyone got the 2 Disc version and if so, are they new extras or just the same ones' as on the single disc DVD ?
  • Posts: 698
    Big_Gee wrote: »
    Amazon shows the SPECTRE Blu-Ray has 2 discs but does not indicate what is on the second disc. Has anyone got the 2 Disc version and if so, are they new extras or just the same ones' as on the single disc DVD ?
    I saw that too. I'm wondering if it's just the 4k and blu ray discs, but I am hopeful it is some new extras with hopefully a director's commentary!
  • MakeshiftPythonMakeshiftPython “Baja?!”
    Posts: 8,000
    It’s just the 4K and Blu-ray Discs. It’s the same exact ones from the 4K Craig collection.
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,371
    I might pick up the 4K release of SF eventually - the quality on that one is stunning - but I have no use for the others. I almost never rewatch SP and I heavily prefer the blu-ray versions of CR and QoS.
  • Posts: 113
    Glad to see your comparisons over here Python!
    The prospect of Martin Campbell coming back (presumably for the new Bond) is something I could take or leave, but what I would certainly look forward to is Phil Méheux coming back as DP. Aside from Deakins' work on SKYFALL, Méheux's work on GOLDENEYE and CASINO ROYALE were top rate for the Michael/Barbara years.
    That would be lovely. His work on GE is vastly undervalued. While I'm not a fan of CR06 it at the very least had visual stimulation which to me none of the entries to follow have had-even SF had that sort of sedate quality to it which CR06 does not.
    ToTheRight wrote: »
    None of the GE releases look quite like the cinematic prints. The new 4K version is closer.
    The 4K looks to have the correct color levels and the best contrast.
    The gunbarrel blood was an extremely dark maroon, which was the first thing I noticed opening day.

    The original SE DVD seems to have used the same source from the old VHS and laser disc. The VHS was much brighter than the film. As digital transfers were becoming the norm in the '90's new VHS releases were timed brighter than their cinematic counterparts. The Coppola DRACULA being a good example.
    Of the 4 Pierce films, TND and DAD I felt both had reasonably faithful transfers to DVD and Blu-ray.
    The cinematic prints of TWINE were bright and yellowish, almost leaning towards green in the PTS bank scene, an the Istanbul sequences.
    I think the Craig films on Blu-ray all more or less look like their cinematic counterparts. Of course some cinemas project at a different level causing a darker picture. SF looked different in the various theaters I saw it in.

    I wish I had better recall of seeing the Brosnan films opening week. I remember queuing in line and bits and pieces but not specifics outside of the fantastic DTS presentations. Of those four on disc as technology improved so did transfers and newer films benefited. GE and TND were issued when Laser and VHS were still high priority though DVD was sweeping in. TWINE was the interim period where they still made the former but the DVD is earlish and not a very good transfer these days. DAD was a great DVD at the time but now shwos off some edge enhancment and other stuff.

    GE-The LD era master has been held onto for a long time. The LD is reference grade and on a proper setup I think outshines the first DVD. The old dolby mix is bass heavy and fun but the DTS LD is phenomenal. The Lowry master on the UE zooms in the picture and changes color timing. The BD reverted to something very much like the LD/SEDVD master and added another pass of DNR sadly. The audio of the BD is near perfect but to my ears the DTS LD is slightly ahead. The new 4K edition looks to be a drastic improvement on all fronts but of course being a fanatic I only wish it could be better.
    TND-the LD is even better than GE's was and is one of if not the best I've ever seen on the format. I currently rank it at no.1 for best LD picture quality. The DVD was early and not as good as the LD with some pinkish-magenta tones and player generated captions. The Lowry presentation was a jump forward in detail and balance and the Bd bumped that to 1080p. The 4K looks to advance this further. The audio mix is and always will be world class. It sounds great on all releases but the DTS LD took it to another level of performance. Again I slightly prefer the DTS LD to the BD audio but only slightly.
    TWINE-Here it gets interesting. The SE DVD is a bit off in color overall and has some saturation issues in addition to edge enhancement and DVD era issues but is still pretty solid. If you want to go the insanely expensive route there is the Japan exclusive late release Laserdisc that I've gotten to review but never actually own. I'd argue the transfer on that going head to head very much holds it's own and had better balanced color in most scenes. But $350 for a LD vs a 99 cent DVD copy that can't help but vault ahead due to component 480p vs 420i analog isn't a fair comparison. The 5.1 sounded identical on both. The Lowry scan of the UE and BD seems much improve don all fronts with better color that was like the JPN LD and the BD has the advantage of resolution. The 4K looks to vault ahead again. The audio sounds the same on all with the BD having the lossless advantage. This was an EX mix so there is rear surround information that can be decoded out in the receiver but I've never felt the mix was a strong as the other three.
    DAD-Again first DVD great for the time but now shows its age. Lowry's revisit fixed a lot of issues and this got bumped to 1080p. I hope the 4K can be even better. The audio mix here is big loud and the best part of the film. The SE DVD has is encoded as EX and 6.1 but later release can still decode the extra info just fine.

    What's really fun is to compare all four in their pan n scan VHS glory...which I have done. I'm such a nut I even threw in the PSX TWINE game for the horribly compressed film clips.

    The new films should fare best because only the CR06 and QOS had actual film exhibitions while the others should be straight ahead digital conversions. The real issues appear in HDR grading and the fact that none were ever fully finished at 100% 4K IIRC. While SP was a film shoot the final render was of course not and I don't think there were standard 35mm prints made for it.
    boldfinger wrote: »
    I´m a bit frustrated because it seems how good a film looks depends at least as much on how it was transferred and what was done to it during the process as it does depend on the format. In this truly marvellous compilation of screenshots in this thread I´ve seen instances where 4 K looked best to me, I´ve seen instances where BR looked best to me, and I´ve seen instances were DVD looked best to me.
    Admittedly, these are just stills, and movies are moving and making sound. I compared a few films from the 2000s on DVD and BR, and while I couldn´t really detect differences when I hit pause (32" screen), I could make out clear differences when the picture was in motion. And I don´t care much for surround sound at home, so there´s that. But still, I wish the choice would be made easier.

    Welcome to the curse of being a die hard film enthusiast and always being able to see the seams of something being off or wrong! That being said if the mastering is good and you're watching on good equipment with proper calibration than even older formats should still shine.
    Before HDTVs, televisions used to have a thing called “overscan” which meant you were not going to get the full image displayed on your set, so you’d essentially lose information on all sides of the screen. It was a very common limitation of CRT TV sets. One of the ways of trying to combat that was to do picture boxing, so that you’d be able to see the full image of the signal. Picture boxing wasn’t very common, but few have done it and for Bond it was a great way of ensuring you’d see the full image of the titles. There used to be cases where certain names would trail off the screen so you’d see Peter Lamont’s name butchered to “Peter Lamo” if his credit was on the far side. Some LaserDiscs did that as well such as GF.
    But ever since the advent of HTDVs displaying the full image on screens, picture boxing is really no longer necessary. You were never meant to see those black borders on the sides of old TVs anyway, but now with HDTVs it’s hard not to see those black borders.

    In 2006 overscan wasn't as big of an issue but Lowry windowboxed all the credits anyway. It's rather annoying but then again Criterion did the same thing on their dvds at the time. Overscan is a much bigger issue in CRTs and you have to manually adjust for it in the service menu with test patterns. This gets extremely tedious with high end late model HDCRTs and is something I've had to do many, many times. Modern panels and their fixed pixel status are like magic in that respect.

    And titles used to get cut off like mad which always made me laugh growing up. It still does when I'm comparing old Bond transfers.


    In the end all of the old transfers until the THX LDs and first DVDs came about are remarkably accurate in color and sound. The THX LDs/DVDs and SE DVDs played around with color a heck of a lot at times. Then Lowry mucked up all kinds of stuff in 2006 which got somewhat addressed on the BDs. The 5.1 remixes were done for the 2006 UE DVDs and are abhorrent. It seems so far that all the 4K materials will be improvements for each of the original 20 even if only in small areas so that is indeed good news.
    But sound wise unless they do new transfers of the original audio tracks without messing around with them the best sound experience you'll find will be on the Laserdisc releases.

    Lastly, Python I can confirm the blue dots in the gunbarrel of TMWTGG are on both the Japanese 1982 pan n scan evergreen release and the CBS/FOX 1983 pan n scan LD. Why this is I have no idea.
  • MakeshiftPythonMakeshiftPython “Baja?!”
    Posts: 8,000
    I wasn't going to do a CR comparison like for other films, but then I remembered something: Not only was the film shot in Super35, but it even had a "full screen" DVD release. Bond films 1-20 would be heavily cropped through "Pan and Scan" in order to fit on a 4:3 TV. However, CR was shot in the Super35 process, which meant that the home video release could actually add extra information on the top and bottom of the image. Many movies shot in Super35 got this treatment on home video like TOP GUN. Instead of losing image, you get more of it.







    However, looking at the CR full screen disc, it appears the extra information on top and bottom only happens for very certain shots rather than the whole movie. The shot with Bond and Dryden sitting far apart may have been opened up, but the close ups of the two have no extra information on top and bottom. It's similar with the scene with Bond and Vesper on the train. Even the title sequence isn't completely opened up throughout, as you can see the extra info below Bond's right foot. So the image really only opens up when important parts of the image are far too apart like Bond and Dryden. I've only really scratched the surface, so I don't know how much of the "full screen" DVD has the image opened up. So far it doesn't look like too much was.

    That said, even though QOS was also shot in Super35, it did not have a "full screen" release. CR's came around when 4:3 TV sets had just laid on their death bed. I think THE DARK KNIGHT was one of the last films to get a "full screen" release (which shows the full IMAX aspect ratio I think).




    2007 Sony Full Screen DVD
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    2007 Sony Blu-ray
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    2007 Sony Full Screen DVD
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    2007 Sony Blu-ray
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    2007 Sony Full Screen DVD
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    2007 Sony Blu-ray
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    2007 Sony Full Screen DVD
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    2007 Sony Blu-ray
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