Video Asylum

Posted by EdM (A) on October 14, 2001 at 07:14:07

For those of you that don't know, the Superbit versions of DVD use the entire storage capacity of the disc for video and audio instead of extras. This results in high bit rates for the picture and sound.

I just received the Fifth Element in Superbit yesterday and watched it last night. I was expecting only "subtle" inprovements according to the few reviews I've seen.

First- the picture: It is as pristine, crystal clear and rock solid as is possible. I have a Panasonic 32" CT-HX40 HDVD tube and a Panasonic RP-91 Progressive scan player. Previously I thought Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was about as good as it's going to get.
The Superbit is noticeably better.
Horizontal lines look exactly like clear horizontal lines no jagged edges at all. No motion artifacts at all, no blurring, no defects, just a perfect film like picture which is better than any movie theater I have ever seen. The colors are dead on and perfectly reproduced with no smearing, blotches, or tinting.

Secondly- the audio: I am a great fan of DTS and Superbit has both DTS and DDS. I set it for DTS last night. The Superbit is just unbelieveable. My room was no longer just my viewing room, it was the Met, an ampitheater, it was a concert hall. This DTS tarck is like nothing I have ever heard. Private Ryan is now passe'.

The vocals are simply amazing, when 2 people are speaking their voices are clearly separated between the center and right or left mains. During the scenes in the military command center the president's voice comes from the center but the generals come from ABOVE center and during another scene from BEHIND and ABOVE- exactly the position the in the movie of the monitor speaker the president is listening to. I don't know how this is accomplished but is is totally natural in the context of the film.

The music is concert hall quality, during the diva scene, I was in the concert hall with the audience. I was THERE!

Do yourself a favor and get this DVD. It truely takes home theater to a new level and it's maximum capability.