Hi Sam, great haul you got there and presented during the last few days! Found your amazing channel a couple of weeks ago and watched almost all of your videos till now. Great to see so much appreciation and passion for a wonderful but mostly forgotten format like laserdisc! In my country it was sadly quite uncommon, so I actually never owned or even saw a LD-Player in real life. I started collecting during the 90s, gladly never had to many VHS and finally began serious collecting with the Dawn of the DVD-Age around 1997, switching to BD after the end of the format-war Winter 2010 (broke the 2.000 BD-frontier mark a couple of days ago, btw). Really enjoying your channel, hope you keep up the high quality of your in-depth BD-Reviews and your new fun Laserdiscotheque Podcast (your Intro, little music bits and shout-out snippets are just pure greatness!). Greetings from Germany, have a great Weekend and the idea of something like a Laser-Lunch at work is pure genius! ;) Chris
Thanks Chris! Sorry for the delay in responding - been a crazy couple of weeks. But thanks for the kind words and glad to hear you're enjoying the channel! Congrats on hitting the 2,000 BD mark! I take it you've got some pretty serious wall shelving for all those discs! Cheers!
Hey, Sam! Thanks for the kind reply! Yes, space is becoming more and more a real issue; half of my BDs are actually just in boxes and only the other half is on real shelves right now (Criterions, Scream Factory, Steelbooks - stuff like that). Hope you´ll find some spare time soon for new videos! Have a great week and keep the good stuff rollin´ on your awesome channel! Greetings from Germany! Chris
Nice sci-fi pickups. I want a copy of Army of Darkness but recently on local auction site there was a rough copy that sold for $55. What the hecking hecklers.
There are some pretty awesome acquisitions in this LaserDisc Collection Update! I've only seen the Theatrical Cut of The Exorcist. I usually watch The Exorcist every October and I usually borrow the 25th Anniversary DVD Edition from my Public Library. The presentation is still pretty good for a nineteen year old DVD. I might get the 40th Anniversary Edition Blu-Ray if it goes on sale for a great price. I prefer The Final Cut of Blade Runner but the first version I saw was the Director's Cut. I have the 2-Disc DVD Edition of The Final Cut and the 30th Anniversary Digibook Blu-Ray Edition. The only version I've seen of Army of Darkness is the Theatrical Cut. I do want to get the Collector's Edition Blu-Ray from Shout Factory. I currently own the Screwhead Edition Blu-Ray from 2009.
Yeah, that 25th Anniversary DVD is still my go-to edition, though I'd definitely like to check out the Blu-Ray as well. I did go see the "Version You've Never Seen" in theaters back in 2000 - there are a couple of nice things it adds, but then a handful of unimportant ones as well. The Theatrical Cut still stands as the prime experience for me. Yeah, I love The Final Cut of Blade Runner too. That's one of those case where the tinkering was done subtly, well, and with good intentions. It still throws me for a second when Batty says "father" in his Tyrell confrontation, just because I'm so used to him swearing there. But even so, The Final Cut is great. I'd be interested to hear what you think of the Army of Darkness director's cut when you do get a chance to see it. Most of the people I know who are used to the theatrical cut either don't like it or are ambivalent about it.
A buddy of mine has seen both versions of The Exorcist and when I was preparing to watch it for the first time he told me to just watch the Theatrical Cut. The Final Cut of Blade Runner is a great piece of film. It is a rare example where the director wanted to create an Alternate Version because the Theatrical Cut featured content that he didn't want in it. Ridley Scott deserves alot of credit for demanding all five version of Blade Runner to be available on Blu-Ray & DVD in high quality. Culturedog, this is random but did you buy the 2-Disc DVD Editions of The Star Wars Trilogy that were released in 2006? I bought them the day they came out and I remember being ticked off when it turned out that the Theatrical Cuts weren't Anamorphic Widescreen. Once I get the Collector's Edition of Army of Darkness I'll check out the other versions and let you know what I think.
Culturedog It's actually got even better today. I was watching American pie DVD and it looked way to dark, I started to mess with gamma settings and got the picture looking very natural, then watched an LD with the same settings and it looked even better. Also finally got a power supply for my DVDO iScan HD which is now on it's way from US, looking forward to messing with it.
Do you watch a movie on laserdisc if you have it in much better quality on DVD or Blu ray? Is this a nostalgic thing with laserdiscs or do you find any benefits of them over the DVD/Blu ray versions?
It's a bit of everything, really. There's some nostalgia there, but it's more that since I was a fan of them in their heyday, I can always realign my expectations for standard def when I'm watching them. And yeah, sometimes I'll watch something like Evil Dead on LD, DVD or BR depending on the moment/mood. There are some films where the color timing is truer to the theatrical prints on LD over BR, and sometimes LDs use original theatrical mixes over weaker near-field mixes on later releases, but I don't usually dwell too much on those details unless something really stands out.
Hey Sam I've got that exact same version of army of darkness but mine is signed bye Bruce cambell himself and a picture of him signing it cost me 45 bucks discis perfect keep spinning
Very cool! I've met Bruce once but unfortunately he wasn't doing signings at the event. $45 isn't too bad considering some of the prices from other celebrities I've been hearing about lately. LDs look awesome signed too!
I have heard some people say the LD and 20th Anniversary DVD of Alien looks closer to the original theatrical print in terms of color timing and how it should look, do you notice the differences in the later DVDS and Blu Ray versions with the color correction? I have both versions(3 if you count the Quad box) and I do see the differences in color with the old and newer releases, which version do you prefer? They also color corrected Aliens too lol! I have that 25th anniversary SE of The Exorcist but it's the 98 DVD version and it is a great release! The original 1973 unaltered theatrical cut is the best version. I actually like the old Warner puke green clamshells LOL, it's so RETRO and takes me back to the old days of video stores before Netflix and Redbox invaded like the ID4 aliens! I bet that pan and scan Outland transfer is pure shit though! That sucks that your City of Lost Children disc is rotted, fuckin' Sony!! Great video Bro!
Thanks man! I'm looking forward to checking out the CLV reissue of Alien - I'm pretty much used to the color timing of the CAV boxed set from 1992, so that's always been the color timing I'm used to seeing. But... I've always heard that that release is massively zoomed in for some reason, so I'm hoping the AC-3 THX reissue is the best of both worlds. Still, I've always enjoyed watching it on the Legacy and Quadrilogy DVD sets. I don't have the Anthology Blu-Ray set yet, but I've heard the complaints about the "orange and teal" revisionism - especially with Aliens. I'm intrigued to check it out for myself though. A lot of minor color timing changes don't bother me once I'm sucked into the narrative flow of the film, but I suppose if it's a really over-the-top reworking, it'll take me out of the moment. Yeah, that old Outland disc is asstastic for picture quality. But it's totally retro for sure! I think I'll frame it sometime soon - gonna grab a couple choice LDs to frame and hang above the storage shelving. I might use the old pan and scan Flash Gordon too.
The orange and teal color timing of Alien didn't bother me like some people, you barely notice it and it still looks like Alien. The HD clarity is INSANE, it feels like the character's are in the same room with you! It's a great restoration HD wise but it does take liberties with some scene color correction. Aliens I only noticed it really bad when they were in the facehuggers in jars room before they find Newt, it's like a navy blue/green teal color but doesn't last that long, most of the movie looks the same to me just better in HD. I don't see what the big deal is, they didn't completely change the color and it still a kick ass film! I still recommend getting the set, they also corrected Alien 3 assembly cut's ADR problems from the DVD.
Another Blu Ray complaint I see is the Predator ultimate hunter edition, everyone really shits on the over use of DNR on the transfer. I do own this version and honesty it's not as bad as I thought it would be lol! I do think they scrubbed too much of the film grain out because now it looks a little TOO good and made yesterday but I can still enjoy the movie, also I can enjoy the HD factor of it. It's definitely not the version I grew up watching film grain wise but it's still Predator, I think that's why people are pissed off at it. Not nearly as plastic and waxy as I though it would be but still looks way too clean for a 1987 sci fi movie! HD wise it's really good, nostalgia wise it's pretty terrible LOL!! The DVD is still useful as the original 80's version! I can watch them both though.
2001 is beyond weird and I was not able to finish watching it. It looks like the director used LSD. Got the same Dune couple of months ego, still didn't watched
Yeah, except for my dad and one friend, most of the people I know hate 2001! Haha! I still enjoy it in spite of having some problems with it - but it's a polarizing film for sure!
No worries, sir! That LD is the last item I need for my MST3K physical disc collection. Been trying to track it down without paying $30+ for it. The hunt continues. Love the channel :)
That lot was really made for you Sam, props on picking it up :)
Thanks man! I owe Peter B. again for tipping me off about it!
Hi Sam, great haul you got there and presented during the last few days! Found your amazing channel a couple of weeks ago and watched almost all of your videos till now. Great to see so much appreciation and passion for a wonderful but mostly forgotten format like laserdisc! In my country it was sadly quite uncommon, so I actually never owned or even saw a LD-Player in real life. I started collecting during the 90s, gladly never had to many VHS and finally began serious collecting with the Dawn of the DVD-Age around 1997, switching to BD after the end of the format-war Winter 2010 (broke the 2.000 BD-frontier mark a couple of days ago, btw). Really enjoying your channel, hope you keep up the high quality of your in-depth BD-Reviews and your new fun Laserdiscotheque Podcast (your Intro, little music bits and shout-out snippets are just pure greatness!). Greetings from Germany, have a great Weekend and the idea of something like a Laser-Lunch at work is pure genius! ;) Chris
Thanks Chris! Sorry for the delay in responding - been a crazy couple of weeks. But thanks for the kind words and glad to hear you're enjoying the channel! Congrats on hitting the 2,000 BD mark! I take it you've got some pretty serious wall shelving for all those discs! Cheers!
Hey, Sam! Thanks for the kind reply! Yes, space is becoming more and more a real issue; half of my BDs are actually just in boxes and only the other half is on real shelves right now (Criterions, Scream Factory, Steelbooks - stuff like that). Hope you´ll find some spare time soon for new videos! Have a great week and keep the good stuff rollin´ on your awesome channel! Greetings from Germany! Chris
Great Haul
Thanks man!
Great finale! Lots of great movies I'd love to get on LD (and a few I do)!
Thanks! Looking forward to spinning them up!
Dude, congrats on the pickups! Loving the updates, too! Always entertaining and informative!
Thanks brotha!!
What a haul!
Thanks man!!
never saw those versions of Solaris and Body Snatchers before
Yeah, I'm psyched about checking out Solaris - hopefully I can spin it up late at night soon. Seems like it'll be a good after midnight type of movie.
Nice sci-fi pickups. I want a copy of Army of Darkness but recently on local auction site there was a rough copy that sold for $55. What the hecking hecklers.
$55?! Ouch! Gotta love horror LD price gouging!
I also do have a copy of "A Clockwork Orange" on laserdisc.
I'm looking forward to checking it out. I've seen it on VHS, Blu-Ray and theatrically, but not on LD yet!
Come back Culture Dog!
UltraDTA On my way! Just filmed a new update video about an hour ago!
Right on! I hope the podcast can get back together soon too.
Supposedly we're recording it tonight! *knocks on wood*
There are some pretty awesome acquisitions in this LaserDisc Collection Update!
I've only seen the Theatrical Cut of The Exorcist. I usually watch The Exorcist every October and I usually borrow the 25th Anniversary DVD Edition from my Public Library. The presentation is still pretty good for a nineteen year old DVD. I might get the 40th Anniversary Edition Blu-Ray if it goes on sale for a great price.
I prefer The Final Cut of Blade Runner but the first version I saw was the Director's Cut. I have the 2-Disc DVD Edition of The Final Cut and the 30th Anniversary Digibook Blu-Ray Edition.
The only version I've seen of Army of Darkness is the Theatrical Cut. I do want to get the Collector's Edition Blu-Ray from Shout Factory. I currently own the Screwhead Edition Blu-Ray from 2009.
Yeah, that 25th Anniversary DVD is still my go-to edition, though I'd definitely like to check out the Blu-Ray as well. I did go see the "Version You've Never Seen" in theaters back in 2000 - there are a couple of nice things it adds, but then a handful of unimportant ones as well. The Theatrical Cut still stands as the prime experience for me.
Yeah, I love The Final Cut of Blade Runner too. That's one of those case where the tinkering was done subtly, well, and with good intentions. It still throws me for a second when Batty says "father" in his Tyrell confrontation, just because I'm so used to him swearing there. But even so, The Final Cut is great.
I'd be interested to hear what you think of the Army of Darkness director's cut when you do get a chance to see it. Most of the people I know who are used to the theatrical cut either don't like it or are ambivalent about it.
A buddy of mine has seen both versions of The Exorcist and when I was preparing to watch it for the first time he told me to just watch the Theatrical Cut.
The Final Cut of Blade Runner is a great piece of film. It is a rare example where the director wanted to create an Alternate Version because the Theatrical Cut featured content that he didn't want in it. Ridley Scott deserves alot of credit for demanding all five version of Blade Runner to be available on Blu-Ray & DVD in high quality. Culturedog, this is random but did you buy the 2-Disc DVD Editions of The Star Wars Trilogy that were released in 2006? I bought them the day they came out and I remember being ticked off when it turned out that the Theatrical Cuts weren't Anamorphic Widescreen.
Once I get the Collector's Edition of Army of Darkness I'll check out the other versions and let you know what I think.
great shit dude
Thanks man!
Really need that video essentials disc
Your screencaps are looking pretty good already - I'm interested to see what a VE calibration will do for you!
Culturedog
It's actually got even better today. I was watching American pie DVD and it looked way to dark, I started to mess with gamma settings and got the picture looking very natural, then watched an LD with the same settings and it looked even better.
Also finally got a power supply for my DVDO iScan HD which is now on it's way from US, looking forward to messing with it.
OUTLAND IS THE BEST MOVIE
Good to see it getting some respect!
I liked Outland too. Connery should have made a few more science fiction films!
Do you watch a movie on laserdisc if you have it in much better quality on DVD or Blu ray? Is this a nostalgic thing with laserdiscs or do you find any benefits of them over the DVD/Blu ray versions?
It's a bit of everything, really. There's some nostalgia there, but it's more that since I was a fan of them in their heyday, I can always realign my expectations for standard def when I'm watching them. And yeah, sometimes I'll watch something like Evil Dead on LD, DVD or BR depending on the moment/mood. There are some films where the color timing is truer to the theatrical prints on LD over BR, and sometimes LDs use original theatrical mixes over weaker near-field mixes on later releases, but I don't usually dwell too much on those details unless something really stands out.
Great update as always. How much do you want for the Video Essentials?
Thanks! Sorry, that one sold almost immediately. There was someone selling a copy on the facebook group yesterday though. Not sure if he still has it.
Hey Sam I've got that exact same version of army of darkness but mine is signed bye Bruce cambell himself and a picture of him signing it cost me 45 bucks discis perfect keep spinning
Very cool! I've met Bruce once but unfortunately he wasn't doing signings at the event. $45 isn't too bad considering some of the prices from other celebrities I've been hearing about lately. LDs look awesome signed too!
I have heard some people say the LD and 20th Anniversary DVD of Alien looks closer to the original theatrical print in terms of color timing and how it should look, do you notice the differences in the later DVDS and Blu Ray versions with the color correction? I have both versions(3 if you count the Quad box) and I do see the differences in color with the old and newer releases, which version do you prefer? They also color corrected Aliens too lol! I have that 25th anniversary SE of The Exorcist but it's the 98 DVD version and it is a great release! The original 1973 unaltered theatrical cut is the best version. I actually like the old Warner puke green clamshells LOL, it's so RETRO and takes me back to the old days of video stores before Netflix and Redbox invaded like the ID4 aliens! I bet that pan and scan Outland transfer is pure shit though! That sucks that your City of Lost Children disc is rotted, fuckin' Sony!! Great video Bro!
Thanks man! I'm looking forward to checking out the CLV reissue of Alien - I'm pretty much used to the color timing of the CAV boxed set from 1992, so that's always been the color timing I'm used to seeing. But... I've always heard that that release is massively zoomed in for some reason, so I'm hoping the AC-3 THX reissue is the best of both worlds.
Still, I've always enjoyed watching it on the Legacy and Quadrilogy DVD sets. I don't have the Anthology Blu-Ray set yet, but I've heard the complaints about the "orange and teal" revisionism - especially with Aliens. I'm intrigued to check it out for myself though. A lot of minor color timing changes don't bother me once I'm sucked into the narrative flow of the film, but I suppose if it's a really over-the-top reworking, it'll take me out of the moment.
Yeah, that old Outland disc is asstastic for picture quality. But it's totally retro for sure! I think I'll frame it sometime soon - gonna grab a couple choice LDs to frame and hang above the storage shelving. I might use the old pan and scan Flash Gordon too.
The orange and teal color timing of Alien didn't bother me like some people, you barely notice it and it still looks like Alien. The HD clarity is INSANE, it feels like the character's are in the same room with you! It's a great restoration HD wise but it does take liberties with some scene color correction. Aliens I only noticed it really bad when they were in the facehuggers in jars room before they find Newt, it's like a navy blue/green teal color but doesn't last that long, most of the movie looks the same to me just better in HD. I don't see what the big deal is, they didn't completely change the color and it still a kick ass film! I still recommend getting the set, they also corrected Alien 3 assembly cut's ADR problems from the DVD.
Another Blu Ray complaint I see is the Predator ultimate hunter edition, everyone really shits on the over use of DNR on the transfer. I do own this version and honesty it's not as bad as I thought it would be lol! I do think they scrubbed too much of the film grain out because now it looks a little TOO good and made yesterday but I can still enjoy the movie, also I can enjoy the HD factor of it. It's definitely not the version I grew up watching film grain wise but it's still Predator, I think that's why people are pissed off at it. Not nearly as plastic and waxy as I though it would be but still looks way too clean for a 1987 sci fi movie! HD wise it's really good, nostalgia wise it's pretty terrible LOL!! The DVD is still useful as the original 80's version! I can watch them both though.
2001 is beyond weird and I was not able to finish watching it. It looks like the director used LSD.
Got the same Dune couple of months ego, still didn't watched
Yeah, except for my dad and one friend, most of the people I know hate 2001! Haha! I still enjoy it in spite of having some problems with it - but it's a polarizing film for sure!
I'll take that MST3K disc off your hands ...
Hey man! Sorry, it sold before I even put it up for sale somehow!
No worries, sir! That LD is the last item I need for my MST3K physical disc collection. Been trying to track it down without paying $30+ for it. The hunt continues. Love the channel :)
Hey man you hear about Roger Moore. :'(
Yeah, sucks! Gonna have to break out a Moore 007 marathon this week!
Culturedog same man, same. :(