Sabrblade wrote:I'm being cautiously optimistic about this release, as they could
very easily mess this up in the transfer over to Blu-Ray, which in turn could result in a version inferior to the UK and Australian Blu-Ray releases.
A lot of factors to consider here.
Indeed. *If* S!F utilizes the full potential of Blu-Ray correctly, I'd imagine that there would be options for both the original Theatrical versions as well as the UK version with the Opening Crawl & Caroli voice over. No need to omit the cursing that I can comprehend. Also I don't see a need to have a version that includes Caroli's narration over the opening title sequence, but that's just me.
I'm sure in various regions there have been so many differing color & audio mixes, and we've seen the errors such as "pink Hot Rod" on the WS version of Sony's release.
The Optimum situation would be to find the best preserved original video source (since we know it was created in 4:3 format) and convert it to HD. Then the best theatrical film source (though you are losing some of the picture, some want the version we saw in the theater as kids) . I cant believe there are original master copies out there that all have poor coloring. I would *hope* some have been well preserved. Blu Ray offers the potential for tons of extras. I know its not fair really to compare S!F with a company like say...Criterion who knocks it out of the park with most of their Blu Ray releases. But just as reference, the potential is there. Plus the fact that this has a street date of about 3 months away, not sure how long it has been in the works until the announcement yesterday, but *if* it was delayed slightly in an effort to present the best possible release, I wouldn't mind. Of course this is S!F, and while they have a track record of offering great releases, often they come up just short of expectations, often through no fault of their own, but still on the slightly disappointing side.
As an abstract example... I don't know if anyone here has Criterions Blu Ray release of the original 1954 Godzilla (Gojira), but it is virtually perfect. An amazing restoration, and upgrade to HD of both the Japanese & American versions of this film, plus tons of extras, all on one Blu Ray Disc.
--If S!F Blu Ray of TF:TM had complete original Video presentations, and Theatrical presentations with correct colors, and a new (accurate)audio mix. Add in as many variations from different countries of opening/closing credits as extras, Scramble City, original Toy Commercials, Film trailers (foreign & domestic) Interviews with Productions Staff & Voice Actors, *possibly* a Productions staff commentary (though not required), I'd pay $25 for that Blu Ray no problem.
Bucket/Want List: Botcon 2016 Customization Class Ratchet (G2 Deco), or Customization Class Ratchet (Marvel Comics Deco) **would also be willing to pay for an Unpainted Botcon 2016 Ratchet, TT Legends Fortress Head (only) with working Electronics
Wish List of Modern Combiners: Road Caesar, Monstructor & Dinoking (proper size to fiction), Landcross, Guard City, Battle Gaia, & G2 Defensor. Wish List of Titans:Metrotitan,Majin Zarak