Is there A/V Quality variation in Blu-ray Discs?

[Herr Eickhorn]

The first blu-ray movie I ever watched was “Apocalypto” in my Panasonic DMP-BD55. It was a full 16:9 that filled the screen. The sound and picture was jaw dropping.

So it was with great anticipation that we watched “Master and Commander” last night. I felt it was a huge disappointment. The sound and picture wasn’t much better than standard DVD and it had those damn black bars on the top and bottom. It was a real let down.

Anyone else experienced these types of A/V quality variations in Blu-Ray movies?

 

[mtrycrafts]

The first blu-ray movie I ever watched was “Apocalypto” in my Panasonic DMP-BD55. It was a full 16:9 that filled the screen. The sound and picture was jaw dropping.

So it was with great anticipation that we watched “Master and Commander” last night. I felt it was a huge disappointment. The sound and picture wasn’t much better than standard DVD and it had those damn black bars on the top and bottom. It was a real let down.

Anyone else experienced these types of A/V quality variations in Blu-Ray movies?

Master and Commander is a 2.40 aspect ratio film. On a 16:9 screen you will get a nice chunk of black bars on top and bottom. That is just the way it is. Don't know what aspect ratio Apocalypto was filmed in, perhaps 16:9?

Master and Commander is also in DTS Master audio. Can your receiver process that audio soundtrack?

And, yes, there can be A/V differences from BD to BD.

 

[Herr Eickhorn]

Apacalypto filled the screen so it had to be 16:9.

I watched Master & Commander on regular DVD a few weeks ago. Then we watched it on Blu Ray. I can't say there was that much of a difference. My receiver does DTS but not DTS master audio. In fact, I think the DTS sounded better on the regular DVD.

We watched "Goodfellas" on BD last night. The picture was great but at one point I could see a line down the screen from the transfer. It must have been some sort of artifact. The sound was nice DD 5.1 but rather bland since its an older film.

I was talking to my friend today and he said he read "Terminator" is a poor transfer to BD.

Looks like the quality on BD is going to vary depending on the transfer.

 

[tcarcio]

Just check out reviews of the movies and they give each film a rating from 1-5 for audio and video. The higher the number the better the audio and video.

 

[Herr Eickhorn]

Just check out reviews of the movies and they give each film a rating from 1-5 for audio and video. The higher the number the better the audio and video.

Where are you going for those reviews - this site?

 

[EJ1]

Where are you going for those reviews - this site?

http://www.blu-ray.com/
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=187

 

[j_garcia]

www.highdefdigest.com

Aspect ratios are different for all movies, just like the quality of the transfer. This is no different than DVD just as the aspect ratio isn't. Master and Commander doesn't look much better than the DVD, but the sound was great. Terminator was bad. Goodfellas was pretty good actually. If you want to see great PQ, try The Dark Knight, Iron Man or Casino Royale.

 

[Herr Eickhorn]

Thank you for the links. I took a look at the reviews and some of them reiterated my observations exactly. For instance, everyone felt Apacalypto had extraordinary PQ and AQ. Many felt it was the perfect reference disc to demonstrate the full potential of BD picture and sound. I agree.

However, Master and Commander was a mixed bag. Some felt the picture was great and others felt it was a disappointment. I felt it wasn’t any better than DVD. All agreed that the sound was excellent. I do agree with that, however, I really don’t see any difference between DVD DTS and blu ray DTS. I need hook up my 5.1 analog outs so I can see if DTS Master Audio is significantly better.

I guess I am somewhat miffed about the quality of the BD transfers. It sounds like if the source was poor quality the transfer to blu ray will be poor quality. That kind of defeats the purpose of BD. I am no expert, but how hard can it be for Hollywood to use the film master copy to assure a quality transfer? I mean, isn’t that their business?

 

[chas_w]

They'll come out with better versions later so they can score the double-dips on blu ray just like they do with dvd's.