Goji
MemberMothra LarvaeSep-16-2014 7:34 AMHere is what i think:
Anyway, I looked through everything on the blu-ray. The movie's picture is dark. I don't think it's a flawed transfer though, because it is very crisp and clear -- it's just a very dark movie. I didn't mess around with my brightness, I just kept it at my normal setting, nor did I watch it in a pitch black room. I can't say for sure if the movie is any darker than how it was in the theater, because as I said earlier, I saw the Imax 3D version, and there may be a variation with that, BUT, one thing I can say for sure is that when watching and comparing it to the extras, the scenes from the movie are brightened up a lot more in the bonus features, and you can actually see more detail in everything, which to me does look better.
What it comes down to is that I definitely think the level of black in the movie is intentional on the part of the director. There is a lot of contrast with shadows and light, with the help of a lot illuminated smoke, which helps you see what's going on in the film, even if every detail isn't clear. I don't think a botched transfer, and it's really not much of an eye-strain -- it's just an artistic decision not everyone will agree on.
“Give me where to stand and I will move the earth”.
The Doctor
MemberMothra LarvaeSep-16-2014 7:59 AMMost movies these days are made to look darker because it just seems as if that's what the majority of movie go-ers want in new movies. They like the darkness mainly because of drama and foreshadowing, I guess. That's just what I'm thinking. I'm probably wrong... I think that a crisper picture would be nice, but I'm ok with any version I can get my hands on. :P
Godzilla316
MemberAnguirusSep-16-2014 8:39 AMThe main problem is the device itself, I got the Digital HD on my computer and its crisp clear quality. On my Galaxy S3 its really dark but my best friend Joshua, has a Galaxy Note 3 and although its darker than PC its still much better than on my phone
NerdyBandGeeks
MemberMothra LarvaeSep-16-2014 10:30 AMI remember the normal 3D in the theater was very dark. And I noticed that all the bonus features online are quite bright compared to what I remember. So I agree with Godzilla316, it must be the device that plays it
G. H. (Gman)
AdminGodzillaSep-16-2014 10:42 AMBecause transfers are digital these days the exact same ones used for the theatrical versions are typically used for home video. I'm sure there's minor exceptions to this rule, but it's 99.9% of the case.
That being said, while I'm not entirely sure the darkening of the film was an "artistic decision" it was done on purpose. Because there is no way the digital elements magically became darker without someone messing with the levels.
That being said, it was a bad decision. Whoever was in charge of the authoring of the Bluray/DVD release (and it wasn't Edwards) felt the movie looked better on TV displays with deeper blacks in the contrast. This is a case of poor decision making as the film is unwatchable on specific TV screens, especially older displays.
The picture quality isn't the issue. The black levels are and it's royaly destroyed mine and others enjoyment of the film.
TarrellZilla
MemberMothra LarvaeSep-16-2014 12:18 PMHaven't checked out the Blu Ray yet but so far with the digital version I just had to slightly up the brightness and I could see the last fight as good as I could in theaters (which was really clear for me).
Certainly seems like it's best to watch at night/in a dark room. The slightest glare can ruin it.
G. H. (Gman)
AdminGodzillaSep-16-2014 12:57 PMCertainly seems like it's best to watch at night/in a dark room. The slightest glare can ruin it.
Exactly. The problem is you shouldn't have to wait until night to enjoy a home video release. I've been playing around with my TV and I've found an acceptable level with it. It's not as bad as it was, but it's still not how it looked in theaters.
The simple fact I have to adjust anything says a lot.
Goji
MemberMothra LarvaeSep-16-2014 2:26 PMDread Central's review is up....and from what i gather everyone one is mixed when it comes to this release...Some say it's bad while others say it's perfect...What's going on here?
Here's a snippet:
"First and foremost, the Blu-ray is nothing short of a textbook example of exactly the way a high-definition film should be presented. Everything looks gleefully sharp and detailed with robust colors that really pop and black levels that are just deliciously deep. It’s stunning really. Couple that with an outstanding DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 lossless soundtrack that needs to be heard to be believed, and you’ve got yourself a winner here, friends."
http://www.dreadcentral.com/reviews/68518/godzilla-blu-ray-dvd/#axzz3DVoPTd4w
“Give me where to stand and I will move the earth”.
TarrellZilla
MemberMothra LarvaeSep-16-2014 3:03 PMI just watched the final fight on blu ray, day time with a few windows open, and the quality was EXCELLENT. I don't know if it has something to do with what TV you are using, but I could see everything just fine! Didn't even need to adjust the TV. I was much more pleased than when I first watched the digital version. The dread central review pretty much wraps up how I was able to view it.
