TF Movie DVD - 2000 vs. 2006

[CkRtech]

Hey all -

 

Well the new release of our 1986 classic is finally here. Just as various advanced reports on the net have stated, it is absolutely stunning.

 

Many of you are possible home theater heads like me. I have a fairly decent-sized TV set in my home theater - 57". The original 2000 release of Transformers The Movie on DVD looked absolutely HORRIBLE at times when played back at 27" ...even more so at 57" and beyond.

 

I almost minored in telecommunications & took quite a few film courses while I was in college.

 

These two facts about me are partially the reason why I took a few screen captures.

 

It is worth noting that the original release was done on a single layer, single-sided DVD by the now despised Rhino. Obvious advances in compression technology as well as the fact that Sony put more money into this release than Rhino did helps bring out Transformers The Movie in a way worth bragging about.

 

Notes

 

There were two major complaints I personally had about Rhino's release - aside from general nitpicking.

 

1st - The opening scene has a lot of flashing in it, and this is something that doesn't work well with compression used on DVDs. The Sony release is much better in this area, but not perfect. (It is possible that it will never be perfect with DVD technology)

 

2nd - The Planet Junk - as depicted in my screen captures - looked like absolute JUNK on the original DVD. I guess they substituted a VHS tape for missing footage.

 

This was one major thing I was looking forward to seeing on the new DVD. Since I go for original theatrical release & have a widescreen TV, I used the widescreen transfer of the film to compare.

 

Let's begin. (First shot is Rhino DVD. Second shot is Sony. Images come from PowerDVD & have been resized to maintain proper aspect ratio)

 

You may notice that while the widescreen release from Sony is loses picture in the top and bottom, it also gains picture on the sides - At least for the Planet Junk scenes starting here:

 

 

 

Didn't notice the line on the right side of the Sony while watching the film. It may have just appeared in the one frame I captured:

 

 

 

Note how each of these screen captures demonstrates a superb improvement in color saturation:

 

 

 

The backgrounds have a lot more detail and help make the shot have the beauty it should:

 

 

 

Did you notice the debris under the cycle while watching the Rhino version? Well...it's there:

 

 

 

 

 

Foreground/Background in good contrast:

 

 

 

Quite possibly the worst shot of the entire Rhino disc vs. Sony release:

 

 

 

--------------

 

The pictures do the talking. I am pretty darn happy with this release, and this has nothing to do with the extras - which are also nice - but rather with the film itself. Make no mistake about it, this was the pinnacle component of animation from the Generation One era. No low budget, quickly drawn filler background, etc...like the TV series had. Sure there may have been animation mistakes in the film, but the great artwork is undeniable.

 

I suggest picking up the disc if you haven't already.

[Reminator]

:) Cool, thanks for the images. Indeed, Sony version does look more clearer and sharper as well as better coloring from your PowerDVD. TFTM had always been my favorite cartoon, I'll definitely pick up the Sony version despites already had the Rhino Version.

[pogoman]

I'm a home theater nut so this sounds like a good purchase next time I swing by best buy.

[Reminator]

:) Someone people mentioned that their 20th Anniv DVD didn't come with the Lenticular Cover so be on alert.

[Elias]

Mine didn't change, which sucks. It's just the static image of Prime holding up the Matrix. Like I care anyway because the DVD cost me 16 Cdn, and with it I got a free 20th Anniversary Transformers: The Movie t-shirt with it. Has the Autobot logo over the font.

 

So I ain't complaining! The shirt is actually nice, so in a way it's like the DVD was free, because most TF shirts usually sport a 20 Cdn price tag. All around, a great deal! Even if you own the Rhino DVD!

 

Now what to do with my older copy? Do I give it away or sell it? Or keep it... @hmmm@

[DPrime]

Mine didn't change, which sucks. It's just the static image of Prime holding up the Matrix. Like I care anyway because the DVD cost me 16 Cdn, and with it I got a free 20th Anniversary Transformers: The Movie t-shirt with it. Has the Autobot logo over the font.

 

So I ain't complaining! The shirt is actually nice, so in a way it's like the DVD was free, because most TF shirts usually sport a 20 Cdn price tag. All around, a great deal! Even if you own the Rhino DVD!

 

Now what to do with my older copy? Do I give it away or sell it? Or keep it... @hmmm@

 

Where'd you get it? 16 CDN doesn't sound like a bad deal...

[Elias]

Mine didn't change, which sucks. It's just the static image of Prime holding up the Matrix. Like I care anyway because the DVD cost me 16 Cdn, and with it I got a free 20th Anniversary Transformers: The Movie t-shirt with it. Has the Autobot logo over the font.

 

So I ain't complaining! The shirt is actually nice, so in a way it's like the DVD was free, because most TF shirts usually sport a 20 Cdn price tag. All around, a great deal! Even if you own the Rhino DVD!

 

Now what to do with my older copy? Do I give it away or sell it? Or keep it... @hmmm@

 

Where'd you get it? 16 CDN doesn't sound like a bad deal...

 

Good old HMV! If you find the right one you may still be able to pick up a t-shirt along with it at no extra cost! It's actually a good deal, shirt or no shirt.

[slippy]

hmv was offering the deal, but the movie and get a free tshirt

i hope my hmv still has this deal

i'll check it out tomorrow

[Elias]

Beat yeah to the punch there buddy!

 

Hopefully you can still get that promotion, but be prepared not to get one. Those shirts are very limited. I actually got the last t-shirt with my DVD at the one HMV I called. I was thankful that I called to save both of them when I did. 5 minutes more and I could have lost out.

[DPrime]

Mine didn't change, which sucks. It's just the static image of Prime holding up the Matrix. Like I care anyway because the DVD cost me 16 Cdn, and with it I got a free 20th Anniversary Transformers: The Movie t-shirt with it. Has the Autobot logo over the font.

 

So I ain't complaining! The shirt is actually nice, so in a way it's like the DVD was free, because most TF shirts usually sport a 20 Cdn price tag. All around, a great deal! Even if you own the Rhino DVD!

 

Now what to do with my older copy? Do I give it away or sell it? Or keep it... @hmmm@

 

Where'd you get it? 16 CDN doesn't sound like a bad deal...

 

Good old HMV! If you find the right one you may still be able to pick up a t-shirt along with it at no extra cost! It's actually a good deal, shirt or no shirt.

 

HMV eh? Might have to go by the mall tomorrow... I can definitely live with 16 bucks, shirt or not.

 

Thanks for the info!

[canonwars]

I got it at HMV today with the T-shirt as well.

Here's a pic of the shirt. The color of the logo is actually more red...my camera sucks

[Postalboy]

How does the picture quality compare to the Chinese release? I bought one on ebay,likethis one for $17 plus shipping.

[synch]

Wait so the one that changes is a special or what?.. & that tshirt is cool can you get them anyplace?! Man, I have to go shoping tomorrow!

[CkRtech]

Gee thanks for hijacking my thread, guys. lol

[synch]

closets hmv near me is about an hour away :S wonder if its worth the drive...

 

Abbotsford

Seven Oaks Shopping Centre

:|

 

Don't feel bad ckr you helped spark up some conversation and thats all that counts, after alll we could JUST be ignoring you're post if anything

[DPrime]

Gee thanks for hijacking my thread, guys. lol

 

Well, your images did help me make up my mind about this, so thanks!

 

I hope they do the same with the GI Joe movie (not to mention the series).

[khamla]

Nice work, i'll be getting this for sure now!

[Starscream49]

Im not sure any covers change. I bought it and it was merely a cardboard on top of the real prime cover.

 

I got it today and it does look nice.

[synch]

Im not sure any covers change. I bought it and it was merely a cardboard on top of the real prime cover.

 

I got it today and it does look nice.

 

Say what?...

[Reminator]

:) Some people said they have it, some say they don't. So, if you want that special cover, you'll have to search for it. People mentioned Circuity City have both version of the cover. Others said Best Buy has lots of that Lenticular Cover.

[Elias]

Yes Best Buy doesn't give free t-shirts with the purchase of said DVD.

 

Lenticular cover or Transformers shirt? I think I'll go with the TF shirt!

 

Also, to the person who started this thread. Thanks for taking the time and effort to show us the comparison shots from both DVDs so people have a better chance of understanding the difference of quality between the two of them.

[Rodimus Primal]

Wow what a difference. I knew that the reel from the end of the Quint battle until the Unicron Transforming was really poor on the Rhino DVD. I can't wait to get my hands on the new DVD. I saw it in the store, but I passed for the moment to get Gojira on DVD. I might just get this by the end of the week!