The Fifth Element SE

[pd45]

Just to make people aware if you are buying the above title, the cellophane on the packaging is stuck on the top and bottom of the cardboard sleeve so be careful when unwrapping or it will take the print away.
Regards

[Lex]

Thanks for the tip mate - what is the boxset like? Worth buying?

[cybersoga]

I'll be posting a picture quality comparison review vs the superbit tonight.

*edit* no I won't because it's hosted on a site that the moderator wont let me link to. sorry.

[pd45]

No probs - I havent played it yet as still at work :-(

It was worth buying for me, but then again I like the film and don't own the earlier 1 disc version, the packaging is different - two half sized cardboard sleeves which fit over the the DVD from the top and bottom!!! (hard to explain so I'll leave it there) :-)

Regards

[Shoka]

the link didnt work when I clicked it, thats may be why its been deleted.

[Iain Shields]

I'm glad I went for the R1 Superbit recently, the screen grabs show a big difference.

Regards,
Iain.

[cybersoga]

The R1 Superbit has long been a benchmark for picture quality, so I was curious to see how the new UK R2 2 Disc version compares. The R1 Superbit and 2 disc R2 version are mastered from completely different prints. The R1 Superbit version starts off with the Columbia Tristar (Sony Pictures) logo, where as the R2 starts with the Gaumont logo. The R2 version has specs of dirt on the print that are not present in the R1 Superbit version, although not major it is noticeable on the outdoor shots. R2 has an overexposed look that hides the detail in the upper whites, the black level is also lower hiding detail in the blacks. The effect is similar to turning up the contrast and reducing the brightness on your TV, which results in a "punchy" picture but in reality is less detailed. The color balance is also different. R2 has a commentary from the special effects team, if you listen to it one of the special effects guys comments on how great the Superbit version looks on his system at home!!!!!!

There are also other versions out there - the R2 standard and German 2 disc DTS versions appear to be made from the same Gaumont print. There is also a French Superbit version, and an Australian Superbit version. I used to have them but I haven't got them handy to make screen shots. The French Superbit has some forced subtitles.

The R1 Superbit version has vastly superior picture quality compared with any Gaumont version, but the new R2 2 disc has plenty of interesting extras including commentary and a new documentary. It also comes in a very nicely designed cardboard case that slips over the 2 disc amaray. It's your choice - extras or picture quality, or buy both!

[Gary D]

i do think the menus on the new SE are top class though.

Gary

[cybersoga]

They are very nice, and the new documentary is very interesting too. If you ignore the picture quality difference or can live with it then the R2 2Disc is obviously much better. With the extras, it is the most complete Fifth Element in the world right now. There's stuff on there that's not even on the German 2 disc.

It would have been nice to have a transfer equal or better than the US superbit to go with it though. If columbia tristar do a 2 disc version with the same extras that could be a possibility but they don't have distribution rights in the UK, so it would have to come from somewhere where columbia are distributing it. And with the commentry I still doubt it'll be as good PQ as the superbit.

[Gary D]

i did notice some dust etc in the first five minutes or so (which is all ive watched so far) and it looked ok after that. But i got for £9 so im not really going to complain too much.

Gary

[Sheks]

Where is it available for £9 - please tell.

Sheks

[Iain Shields]

I'd love to have the extra's on the new 2-disc as this is one of my favourite film's but untill Gaumont get a decent transfer done (doubtfull) or Columbia Tristar decide to release a 2 disc Superbit (which still probably wouldn't have the commentary, which is the main extra I'd be interested in) I'll stick with the R1 Superbit...
A decision made even easier since I recently just got a projector :clap:

Regards,
Iain.

[Gary D]

Originally posted by Sheks
Where is it available for £9 - please tell.

Sheks

I work for 5 hours a week at my local blockies - so giving up one night a week gets me a discount and free rentals, so i get to spend more money on DVD's and get to watch almost everything thats released.

This is what a DVD addiction makes you do!!! I must be mad.


Gary

[Dave H]

The Extras spoil the film for me so I sold the film when the Reg 1 superbit came out and it is one of the best pictures available on DVD.

Dave.