Star Wars dvd Problems

[kingfish]

http://s4.invisionfree.com/Battlestar_Pacifica/index.php?showtopic=279

[The 14th Colony]

I heard about that and its probably going to bug me when I get my set. But Lucasfilm responded to Digital Bits with the assurance that the sound changes are not a defect but a creative decision. I don't know it I buy that but it's what they said.

[kingfish]

Lucasfilm's Response:

Repost from thedigitalbits.com:



Well... Lucasfilm has responded to our questions about the audio issue on the DVD of Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope with a blanket statement of denial. Here's the exact text:

"We are always impressed with how closely fans listen to the many different sound mixes we have made for the Star Wars movies over the years. It is flattering to know that, indeed, the audience is listening. Consequently, each mix comes out differently and any changes that you hear on the all-new Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround EX tracks on the Star Wars Trilogy DVD set are deliberate creative decisions. We can confirm that there are no technical glitches as reported."

Now here's my response. I don't buy it. The audio quality of that Tarkin line can't be anything other than a technical issue, probably a problem with the original audio element of the dialogue, and Lucasfilm doesn't want to cop to that on the eve of the big release. When you guys hear it tomorrow, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. Tarkin's "Then name the system!" line sounds terrible. As far as dialing down the trumpet fanfare during the Death Star attack (in fact, much of Williams' music during the first part of the attack has been reduced in volume in the mix)... I can see that could be a creative decision. It's a decision I absolutely HATE, but okay, maybe that's a creative decision. You guys will have to see what you think when you get the discs.

As far as the reversed music in the surrounds issue - it's going to be very hard for the average listener to detect. We've heard from a number of sources, however, who claim to hear it. In fact, that's how we originally became aware of the problem ourselves. Still, in light of Lucasfilm's denial, we'd like more of you die hard audiophiles to give this disc a listen yourselves and see if you hear it too.

We'll keep looking into this, so stay tuned...


Thoughts:

I don't know if I am going to buy the set now. I am also pondering if the problem will be to those viewing it via a Home Theater sound system.

[Eric Paddon]

I will not be buying this set. A friend of mine is coming through with perfectly good transfers of the original cuts from Laser Disc to DVD, and while bereft of all the extras that the LDs contain (I am unable to hook up my LD player for now) it's still the only version of the films worth watching from my standpoint.

[kingfish]

Another possible problem: Freezes:


http://s4.invisionfree.com/Battlestar_Pacifica/index.php?showtopic=346&st=0&#last

[Gemini1999]

Paul -

I did notice a "freeze" or two between scenes while watching "Empire" - I assumed that they were poorly timed layer changes. I would complain, but it's not my problem - it's Netflix's problem. Good job I rented mine until they work out all the bugs!

Best,
Bryan