The release of Transformers on Blu-ray is still several weeks away (Sept. 2nd) but already the first review is out. The review from Blu-ray.com gives the disc a 4/5 saying "With breathtaking video, heart-stopping audio, and a wealth of bonus material, the disc never disappoints." However, the reviewer doesn't answer what I consider an important question - should you upgrade if you already own a copy? In general terms, if you don't have an HDTV (preferably a 1080p) then investing in any Blu-ray disc (and player) is pointless. If you already have the HD-DVD version don't bother either as the quality difference in picture and sound is essentially non-existent and your not getting any additional features either. You’re just going to drop another $30 or so dollars so the Transformers package is blue bordered instead of brown.
Now if you own just the DVD version and have an HDTV (and Blu-ray player) then the full review indicates it is a must buy. While deciding whether to upgrade from DVD to Blu-Ray, CD Freaks is reporting that Paramount is offering some incentive in the form of a $10 rebate. The rebate is available until 12/31/09 and is only for those that upgrade from DVD to Blu-ray. You will have to submit to Paramount proof of purchase tabs from the DVD and Blu-ray cases and your store receipt (so remember not to toss it).
Buying the new Blu-Ray version it's absolutely worth it even if you have the HD-DVD one because this new version finally includes DTS encoded audio and lossless track, which is a must. The DolbyTrueHD version on the HD-DVD release wasn't the best possible audio and its low frequencies are recorded at a lower level than what was in theatres
ReplyDeleteHD-DVD was bordered red, not brown
ReplyDeleteI just want to know if the beginning scene with blackout, when he blasts the ground in the theater it was this awesome BOOOOOOM! sound... but my HD DVD didn't sound anything like that on either of my HDTV/audio setups. Will this sort of thing be upgraded on the Blu Ray? If so, I'll buy it.
ReplyDelete@veilsix: since DTS and uncompressed PCM should be included I would be surprised if that wasn't the case. If correctly mixed a DTS audio track sounds almost always much better than Dolby.
ReplyDeleteummmm, if its not better quality, then why did Bay make such a big fuss about the movie not being released on blue ray in the first place???
ReplyDeleteYou should definitely upgrade to the blu ray version, the audio is not Dolby TruHD, just dolby digital. Now the new Blu Ray version will have only Dolby TrueHD which is much better than the HD version, so if you want better sound get it. This blog is wrong about the audio!
ReplyDelete