"SuperBit" better video transfers from Columbia Tri Star! (GROAN!)

[The Clown Prince]

This comes from www.dvdjournal.com


"Meanwhile, it remains to be seen if DVD fans snap 'em up, but on Oct. 9 Columbia TriStar will release the first titles under their new "SuperBit" branding — discs that claim to forego features in favor of improved video transfers and DTS / Dolby Digital audio tracks. Or as CTHE President Benjamin S. Feingold tells us in a press release, "The SuperBit Collection will set a new benchmark in audio and video quality for the DVD format. This new process was developed by our outstanding group of engineers and technicians at the Sony Digital Studios and was designed to give consumers a choice between the highest quality audio and video transfer at a competitive price versus our standard, rich package of value added features." (Hmmm.) Look for Air Force One, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Desperado, The Fifth Element, and Johnny Mnemonic under the SuperBit folio sans extras, and more titles to follow in coming months."

Boy technology just keeps advancing doesn't it? I don't know about you, but I'm sick and tired of having to replace DVD's!!! I've already replaced my bare bones DVD's with their Special and Collectors Edition counter parts. Now Columbia Tri Star does this? Do I have to buy another copy now??? ARGH! I don't know if they're going to do this which they are, they should at least maybe offer one of each when new release movies comes out, that way we can choose what we want. The super video transfer, or a DVD with extras. I'll probably pick up The Fifth Element when it comes out. That is one of my favorite movies. I don't own the original DVD, but this new transfer has me sold to buy it. Come on though, Johnny Mnemonic? Now that I just bought Crouching Tiger, they announce another one with a claimed to be superior transfer. It's all too frustrating!!!

The Clown Prince

[Brian Cruz]

I think that at some point the law of diminishing returns kicks in, and a higher bitrate won't necessarily guarantee a better picture. There are lots of DVDs that look good with a low bitrate, and vice versa. The Pocahontas DVD has a really high bitrate, but it still looks like crap.

[James Harvey]

What release is REALLY out of place there? Johnny Menmonic! I won't be getting them. I think this is just another way to release the same movie over and over. I like the copies I have now. They're crisp and clean enough for me.

[Calhoun07]

Think it is bad now? Wait until blue laser DVDs hit the market in another six to seven years, or so. They are said to be better in quality, both picture and sound, and I guess they can get more info on a blue laser encoded disc. That's what I have heard anyway. Just one more thing to sink money into.

[James Harvey]

Gah! I guess for every positive, there is a negative. Like for the MAJOR positives of DVD, there's all this stuff. Well, I ain't gonna rebuy my discs when that blue laser thing comes out. I don't care how clean and crisp.

[Vigo Sprax]

Uh, six to seven years is kinda understandable...all technology moves up so you'd expect DVD too also. I haven't heard anything about this, and am vaguely familiar with superbit, but I think its safe to say only those with HDTV will see a true return on the better quality. Whats up with no extras though? Not even on a 2nd extra discs?!