Zulu on Blue-ray (1 Viewer)

Spitfrnd

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I recently upgraded my video system to Blue-ray and just obtained and watched Zulu on Blue-ray disk last night. I was blown away by how well in looked and the overall quality of the conversion. The contrast, colors and detail are nothing less than spectacular; absolutely amazing for a 40+ year old film. There are some mild artifacts or jitter on the camera panning scenes but it is not distracting and no worse than I have seen on several other BRDs. This is actually one of the best BRDs I have seen. I noticed details that I had never seen before in my many screenings of prior DVD versions. The picture quality literally draws you into the action and events. It also comes with a number of interesting featurettes on the making of the movie. It should be noted that this is a UK Region B release that is region free and does play just fine on US (and I suspect other) region players. Overall it is definitely the best release of the film to date and a must have to anyone who wants to enjoy this classic in the best way possible. Here is a link to some other thoughts about the release:
http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/movies.php?id=1594&show=review
If you have Blue-ray, this is a BRD you must get; if you don't, with prices dropping over the holidays, this is a great reason to upgrade.;):D
 
Thanks for the insight and the suggestion on getting Blue-Ray for Christmas!
I'll have to ask Santa...politely or she'll whack me with a dish! Mike
 
My wife and I bought a PS3 recently (we both like 3D shooters) so i will pick this one up.
 
Great I am planning on getting a Blu-Ray after Christmas. Is Zulu Dawn on Blue-Ray.
 
Great I am planning on getting a Blu-Ray after Christmas. Is Zulu Dawn on Blue-Ray.
Not yet as far as I can tell. Of course Zulu is only released so far in Region B as a Briitish release but as I noted in my original post, it is what they call unlocked or region free so playable in US (Region A) and other region players. Fortunately there are many fine British releases that are region free and some have better picture quality than the US blu-ray release of the same movie. Here is a great link on the various Region release codings. You either want the one for your region or one that is marked yes for region free.
http://bluray.liesinc.net/index.php?region=b
I should also note that several reviewers consider the British Zulu release at or near reference quality or about as good as you can get with Blu-ray.
 
Does it make a difference that the "ZULU" BD is PAL and the US TV is NTSC - irrespective of regional coding?
 
Does it make a difference that the "ZULU" BD is PAL and the US TV is NTSC - irrespective of regional coding?
I am no techie but I don't think so. A movie is done in BRD from the film print, as it is for DVD. The conversion to digital can provide for enhancement, which has to be moderated so as not to create other artifacts. I have read this version was clean up quite a bit in the conversion process and they used a very good film print. The net result is stunning as I have noted.
 
Thank you for your quick reply. Reading the appropriate thread on AVS, I came to the same result and ordered it:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1054596

Recommended if you are interested in some screen shots from the BD version. Not recommended reading if you are sensitve. Some individuals posting in that thread are not happy with the restauration, as a lot of details have disappeared in order to achieve the stunning sharpness (?).

Screenshots look fine to me considering the movie is from 1964. A shame it is not offered as a double pack with "Zulu Dawn".
 
I would read this review as well.
http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/movies.php?id=1594&show=review
Interestingly, this reviewer finds a good level of detail and a clarity that "is flat out stunning" and notes that the only controversy may be with the level of DNR applied to produce such an apparently pristine version. I can confirm that you will see detail that you have never seen before from any previous release.

You always need to take any "citizen" PQ review (in cluding mine) with a grain of salt. I think this comment by SteveYorks in the avforums sums it up rather well:

People will always see things differently depending on what equipment they're using and various other viewing circumstances. That's why any blu-ray review should only be taken as a rough guide as to how a disc may look or sound.

All I can say is that watching Zulu on a 42" Kuro via a PS3 there is no 'waxy look', it is stunning.


I can say the same watching it with a 60" Kuro and Pioneer Pioneer BDP-05FD player that was just tuned.
 
I agree; Zulu on Blu-ray is nothing short of stunning. Absolutely fantastic and is vastly superior to many of the more recent films that I have in my collection. Paramount in the UK is to be commended for ensuring the effort was put into issuing a truly sterling (no pun intended) video.

As for equipment.............50" Samsung with Panasonic BD35 Blu-ray player all hooked up to Onkyo hardware with custom made Studio-Lab speakers (a small Canadian speaker manufacturer whose products knock the socks off of name brand, generally over priced speakers).
 
Spitfrnd,
All the credit to you for my investment...I bought the BD from the UK in Dec...I just got the Panasonic BDP30 for my 47" Westinghouse 1080p LCDTV.
I sneak downstairs while the kids are taking baths/homework, just to see if the picture is as good as everyone says:rolleyes: WELL, 2 hrs later I ascended after watching the whole movie! Truly a different realm of media. I can't wait to throw out my VHS stuff! Thanks for the recommendation!
Mike
 
Spitfrnd,
All the credit to you for my investment...I bought the BD from the UK in Dec...I just got the Panasonic BDP30 for my 47" Westinghouse 1080p LCDTV.
I sneak downstairs while the kids are taking baths/homework, just to see if the picture is as good as everyone says:rolleyes: WELL, 2 hrs later I ascended after watching the whole movie! Truly a different realm of media. I can't wait to throw out my VHS stuff! Thanks for the recommendation!
Mike
I am thrilled you liked it Mike. It is a literal eye opener. Last Tuesday I wanted to show a friend how good BRD could look and I put Zulu in; 2 hours later (after watching the whole movie) he whole hardily agreed.:D
 
:)
I am thrilled you liked it Mike. It is a literal eye opener. Last Tuesday I wanted to show a friend how good BRD could look and I put Zulu in; 2 hours later (after watching the whole movie) he whole hardily agreed.:D

Yep,
Funny thing about the BD Player...no off button:p:). It really has improved the viewing/listening experience by at least double! Sharp as a razor, clean as a whistle( even with a thin black line through the middle of the screen from afore-mentioned basketball).
Mike
 

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