Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion The Water Cooler Dumb question regarding HD and DVDs...

I didn't read all the replies, but I'll respond with what I know.

Like others have said, film has a high resolution, how they transfer it is they scan every frame (this is what peter jackson did with LOTR), in HD resolution, make any adjustments they need on the computer (if any) to clean up the picture (frame by frame) and then release the HD version.

I wasn't certain how you meant it, but I didn't take it as an insult, Charles. At worst, one could assume that you simply didn't like the effect. And, I agree that the colors are more intense than realistic. For this particular movie I feel the effect was perfect, though I would understand if others felt differently.

If anyone saw and remembers the Warren Beatty's Dick Tracy movie, the colors in that movie were similarly unrealistic. However, I feel The Adventures of Robin Hood did a better job of it and was, in general, a better movie. YMMV.

Richard,

The HD and BR transfers that I have bought have all looked terrific. They are probably my favorite ‘thing’ about these new formats; I get to watch my favorite westerns and war movies without all the picture noise and mono sound.

I have to warn you though; the ones that have dated special effects look ridiculous. Sound is also quite pathetic in comparison to today’s standards.

If you are looking to buy any particular movie, let me know what it is. I probably have it and can let you know if it’s worth buying or not.

The etymology of the word swashbuckler is quite interesting. The term comes from the 16th Century and was used to describe a sword-fighting style using a side-sword held in one hand and a small shield called a buckler in the other hand. The opponents often fought raucously and swashed their swords at each other. Hence the term.

Later, the term became more generalized, and now refers to the fearless, romantic, archetypal characters we see in films -- pretty much always sans buckler.

Interesting! Thanks, Peter.

How does one "swash" an item?
Can this be done with office pencils?

Only if you get really angry with someone in the office, chess.

That was good!

We watched Rio Bravo on HD-DVD last night (Thanks, CV!!) and either my player wasn't doing its thing, or there was alot of trouble with the negatives. As the opening credits are rolling, there is a line of horseback riders on a dirt road and the dirt looks like it's on fire. The rest of the movie is rather grainy.

Scott

But the grain was faithfully reproduced, right?