View Full Version : What would be the best version of The Fifth Element to buy?
Like it says, i watched this tonite on 4 and it occured to me that i dont on this film on any format. What version of the dvd would be the best one to go for?
Thanks ono, i did have that at the back o my mind but was just puttin the question out there to see if there was anything else, like a special edition or something. Altho i will check the superbit out...i know its been asked before but what makes a superbit dvd different than a regular one? Or is it just a distribution company?
Originally posted by burn
Thanks ono, i did have that at the back o my mind but was just puttin the question out there to see if there was anything else, like a special edition or something. Altho i will check the superbit out...i know its been asked before but what makes a superbit dvd different than a regular one? Or is it just a distribution company?
Superbit have undeniably higher quality video and also come with DTS tracks as standard. The higher quality video though is hard to notice on a standard 28/32" WS set - but on a larger setup, the difference I am told is phenomanal.
Just depends what your setup is
Well i am just a humble student with a small room, so my setup aint that great. But thankyou for the info.
Burn
The best version would be the one where Chris Tucker doesn't appear in it !! :D
The German 2-disc edition is the best overall edition available. However, after paying the over the top shipping fee charged by Amazon.de, I seem to recall it costs over £20. :(
loujareth
11-02-2002, 09:14
I'm very pleased with the German 2 disc edition, the DTS ES matrix is excellent and the extras are very interesting. Try and find the english section on Amazon.de, it'll make life alot easier when ordering. Cost about £22 when I brought it.
L
Jenz @ Bullets n Babes
11-02-2002, 10:06
The R1 Superbit is far superior in both Picture Quality and audio over the German. The German still features the poor, muddy Print used on all R2 versions.
See Here:
http://www.bulletsnbabesdvds.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Sections&file=index&req=viewarticle&artid=10
This compares Fifth Element versions. The R1 Superbit is better again.
There is a R2 Superbit on www.amazon.fr
Does anyone know if the R2 Superbit is on par with the R1 Superbit?
Highlander
11-02-2002, 10:53
Dunno how it compares withy other regions, but Devoted have a version of 'The Fifth Element' for pre-order for AUS$25, which is below £10.
Originally posted by Jenz @ Bullets n Babes
This compares Fifth Element versions. The R1 Superbit is better again.
http://www.dvdorkism.com/reviews/review.asp?PID=tez_5thelemr2
squad 701
11-02-2002, 12:47
Remember to take into consideration if your getting it for picture quality above everything else, that the new R2 (France) version has an additional Dolby 5.1 French soundtrack along with the DTS/Dobly 5.1 English, so the US version may have a slightly better picture quality.
Squirtle
11-02-2002, 12:49
The American version will be in nasty spit spit NTSC though.
Oh here we go again......:rolleyes: Regards NTSC vs PAL am I the only one who doesn't really notice much difference between the two?
The Superbit R1 is superb regarding picture and sound quality btw. One of the best pic I have ever seen on a dvd.
Originally posted by f_drew
http://www.dvdorkism.com/reviews/review.asp?PID=tez_5thelemr2
In the review from this URL the guy says:
While not as sharp overall as the Superbit release, the R2 version does support a PAL transfer. For those who are not familiar with PAL and it’s advantages, understand that the compression used by the PAL format is slightly better, yielding better color definition and overall sharpness. It’s also an anamorphic transfer, which causes issues with multiregion NTSC players.
It is a better overall transfer compared to the previous R1 release (not to say that the R1 transfer was a distraction). The instances of blur and distortion present have been touched up in this version.
When he says previous R1 release is he speaking about the R1 that came out before the Superbit? Considering he has already said that the Superbit has a sharper image (and the original R1 had better quality compared to the original R2 according to Rewind), it is a bit confusing.
I have never noticed much of a problem when playing R1 discs on my LG3350 - they seem just as clean as any R2s that I have.
SithLordSi
11-02-2002, 16:23
I should imagine that the R1 Superbit features the best audio and video. However, your decision should probably hinge on whether you prefer PAL to NTSC, and if you want all those extra features.
wow, thanks for all the replies...is there one with a commentary? As i would be interested to hear it.
Originally posted by 8-]
When he says previous R1 release is he speaking about the R1 that came out before the Superbit?
Yes, it makes sense to assume so.
Originally posted by burn
is there one with a commentary?
Not that I'm aware of and certainly not by Besson.
It sounds as though some of the special features on the German one may fill in information that would normally be provided on a commentary. Does anyone have this to be able to comment ?
loujareth
11-02-2002, 17:33
Looking at cover of the German edition it does say : Bonus material:-
3 Making of Documentaries 'Making of', 'Searching for' and 'The elements'
World Premeire at Cannes Documentary
All trailers
20 Bio's
Production notes.
Disc 1 run. time - 121mins (film)
Disc 2 run. time - 175mins (extras)
In the end it depends what you want, as previously mentioned in a thread prior to this made a few months ago. I took other members advice and purchased the German edition and I am VERY happy with it.
I think that based on the reviews that I'll go for the Superbit, so I might wait for a while and see if the recently released French R2 Superbit is also released in the UK.
MikeToone
11-02-2002, 18:23
Originally posted by Alanok
Oh here we go again......:rolleyes: Regards NTSC vs PAL am I the only one who doesn't really notice much difference between the two?
The Superbit R1 is superb regarding picture and sound quality btw. One of the best pic I have ever seen on a dvd.
No I cannot tell the difference either - Trans-atlantic snobbery....
And yes the Superbit is excellent, especially the Audio......
Thank god, I thought I was alone on that.
Yeah the audio is brillaint, especially like the opera scene and the battle straight after.
Originally posted by Alanok
Thank god, I thought I was alone on that.
Yeah the audio is brillaint, especially like the opera scene and the battle straight after.
Well, you're even more not alone because I can't see any difference and when I've had both R1 & R2 versions, often thought the R1 better.
This must depend so much on setup and also on the visual/audio capabilities of the viewer i.e. being able to notice the 3:2 pulldown. If you are able to notice these effects then it's a bit like perfect pitch - which can be more of a curse than a blessing.
Originally posted by 8-]
I think that based on the reviews that I'll go for the Superbit, so I might wait for a while and see if the recently released French R2 Superbit is also released in the UK.
I wouldn't hold your breath on that one. Pathe distribute "Fifth Element" in the UK...
Also I did my own side by side comparison of Pathe's R2 and the R1 Superbit. There is no contest. The Superbit pic is richer, more detailed and stunning. The Pathe (which I always thought was excellent!) looks soft, washed out and just plain 'wrong' in comparison! (I can't comment on the audio as I only have a pro-logic set-up)
Michael Brooke
15-03-2002, 11:47
Apparently the R2 versions are sourced from inferior masters, which is why they’re noticeably worse than even the original R1 release.
This is allegedly because Luc Besson refused to release the best-quality materials to distributors who weren’t prepared to go along with his requirements that there’d be no extras apart from the trailer – apparently Besson doesn’t like extras at all!
So there’s no question whatsoever that if you want the best quality transfer, the R1 Superbit is the way to go – none of the R2 editions are even in the running.
William Shatners Wig
15-03-2002, 16:04
I've had the UK R2, German 2-Disc R2 and the Superbit R1... I love the film and wanted the best avaialble version.
I first got UK version. The transfer was not that good at all. The colours were rather poor, the edge-enhancement was quite bad, it seemed to be lacking in detail and had hardly any extras and there is a horible echo that comes from the rears when Corban Dallas is in his appartment (scene with take away).
I then got the German 2-Disc R2. It had some good extras and avery good DTS track. It also suffered from all the same flaws as the UK R2 transfer wise.
Finally I bought the new Superbit version. It looks gorgeous and sounds amazing (although the echo in the appartment can still be heard). Pity about the lack of extras and static menus tho.
I have a Tosh 2109e/Sony 32" TV and some NTSC discs suffer from a slight pull-down when scrolling, but I have noticed with my two Superbit titles (and a few of the newer titles) that there is absolutely no noticeable juddering.
SithLordSi
15-03-2002, 17:46
I have a Tosh 2109e/Sony 32" TV and some NTSC discs suffer from a slight pull-down when scrolling, but I have noticed with my two Superbit titles (and a few of the newer titles) that there is absolutely no noticeable juddering.
Sorry to sound anal, but all film-->NTSC conversions suffer from pull-down throughout. It doesn't just occur on panning (or 'scrolling') shots - although it is generally only noticeable during these. I must stress that Superbit titles do not, in any way, eliminate 'juddering' from NTSC. However, the pull-down effect is less obvious when there are no bright areas on the screen, and when edges of objects are soft, as the precise movement of these objects then becomes harder for the eye to spot. I am also unsure as to whether different equipment produces more/less NTSC judder. It should be the same on all players and display devices (unless you are using progressive scan, or have a player that tampers with the signal to convert it to 50Hz - and I only know of one that does this).
On the subject of The Fifth Element: It might be worth waiting for the R2 UK Superbit, or getting the R2 French Superbit, if you want the best picture and sound. Otherwise, go for the R1 Superbit. As Michael has said, ignore the other releases.
Edwin vd Zwaard
15-03-2002, 22:07
Originally posted by ntuc
R2 german is the best.
I agree... so does Michaeldvd.com.au :D
samuelowens
16-03-2002, 05:32
... although Michael D's review predates the superbit release.
My preference is still for the German edition - I've read that video quality is not that much worse than the superbit, it's PAL, it has DTS and it has extras.
Still, this is very much a horses for courses situation.
William Shatners Wig
16-03-2002, 08:23
For an indepth comparison of the dodgy PAL transfer that is on both the UK and German R2 versions and the original R1 release, go here (http://www.bulletsnbabesdvds.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Sections&file=index&req=viewarticle&artid=10).
The Superbit version is slightly better than the original R1 release, so therefore in my opinion is the best overall version. Besides the extras on the German disc are all only really "watch-once" affairs...
William Shatners Wig
16-03-2002, 08:31
Also it is worth noting that Michael D's hardly ever get the actual discs to compare them. They just go by the official written specs, they don't actually physically compare the AV qualities.
As extras don't really sell a disc to me personally, I must know what the quality of the actual movie is like. As it is the movie that will be getting the repeated viewings, not the extras.
Originally posted by William Shatners Wig
As extras don't really sell a disc to me personally, I must know what the quality of the actual movie is like. As it is the movie that will be getting the repeated viewings, not the extras.
These are my sentiments exactly.
The extras only sway me if the film quality is the same on both the version with no extras and the one with some.
samuelowens
16-03-2002, 14:10
Hey Mr Shatners-Wig, out of curiosity, do you know if the bulletsnbabes comparo you posted is for the original R2 release or the remastered German edition?
I ask this because DVDScan has posted reviews of the German (http://www.dvdscan.com/5th.htm) and Superbit (http://www.dvdscan.com/superbits.htm) releases stating that 1) the German remaster was considerably better than the original R2 release and that 2) the superbit did not represent a 'decisive' improvement over the German remaster (and for some strange reason scored lower for video than the German remaster). I find this interesting because it tends to go against the prevailing opinion in this thread (although it does only represent one opinion).
Me? I remain neutral. ;)
William Shatners Wig
16-03-2002, 16:44
Tne BNB link refers to the Standard US R1 version and the UK R2 release, but before I traded both of my R2's on I found the German 2 Disc to have the same complaints as the UK one...
BigHairyScotsman
17-03-2002, 00:00
Originally posted by SithLordSi
On the subject of The Fifth Element: It might be worth waiting for the R2 UK Superbit, or getting the R2 French Superbit, if you want the best picture and sound. Otherwise, go for the R1 Superbit. As Michael has said, ignore the other releases.
Well according to this (http://www.r2-dvd.org/article.jsp?sectionId=2&articleId=3534), The 5th Element doesnt seem to be in the running for the 1st batch of R2 Superbit titles :confused:
Ohhhh & will cost 23 quid ffs
just to confuse even more :p
Originally posted by BigHairyScotsman
Well according to this (http://www.r2-dvd.org/article.jsp?sectionId=2&articleId=3534), The 5th Element doesnt seem to be in the running for the 1st batch of R2 Superbit titles :confused:
That's simply because Pathe have the rights to The Fifth Element in the UK. There won't be a superbit version here unless Columbia and Pathe do some kind of deal, which is highly unlikely.
There will be tradeoff. Either u go for top quality or u go for extras in this case.
Originally posted by BigHairyScotsman
Well according to this (http://www.r2-dvd.org/article.jsp?sectionId=2&articleId=3534), The 5th Element doesnt seem to be in the running for the 1st batch of R2 Superbit titles :confused:
Ohhhh & will cost 23 quid ffs
just to confuse even more :p
The French R2 Superbit version (with English soundtrack) is already available. I saw it on Amazon.Fr a while ago.
The best price I've seen is £16.59 (delivered) from:
http://www.dvdzone2.com/cgi-bin/en/OM.cgi?command=showitems&pos=0&type=search&search=4866
Technical Details
=============
Video :
16/9 (2.35:1) anamorphic
Side : Single
Regional coding (zone2) : yes
Audio :
English : DTS
French : Dolby Digital 5.1
English : Dolby Digital Surround
Subtitles : French, Dutch
Special features :
None
Interactive menu : yes
Scene selection : yes
Theatrical teaser : no
Runtime : 123 mn
http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B00005UECZ.08.LZZZZZZZ.jpg
http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B00005UECZ.08.BACK.LZZZZZZZ
http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B00005UECZ.08.PT01.LZZZZZZZ
http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B00005UECZ.08.PT02.LZZZZZZZ
http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B00005UECZ.08.PT03.LZZZZZZZ
http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B00005UECZ.08.PT04.LZZZZZZZ
BigHairyScotsman
17-03-2002, 11:33
I had a look at the French Superbit, but not having a DTS setup, it was not really worth considering.The R1 has got 5.1 sound as well as DTS so it looks like the R1 for non DTS users.
Has anyone compared the R2 and R1 Superbits with respect to picture quality?
BigHairyScotsman
17-03-2002, 12:18
Originally posted by 8-]
Has anyone compared the R2 and R1 Superbits with respect to picture quality?
TBH I suspect that theyre both excellent, well to my untrained eyes anyway. I mean if there both Superbit then they'll both be outstanding quality surely? Unless you want to get into that whole NTSC V's PAL thing, which is all pants as far as Im concerned :D
BigHairyScotsman
17-03-2002, 12:19
Originally posted by 8-]
Has anyone compared the R2 and R1 Superbits with respect to picture quality?
TBH I suspect that theyre both excellent. I mean if there both Superbit then they'll both be outstanding quality surely? Unless you want to get into that whole NTSC V's PAL thing, which is all pants as far as Im concerned :D
SithLordSi
17-03-2002, 13:21
TBH I suspect that theyre both excellent. I mean if there both Superbit then they'll both be outstanding quality surely?
I think what 8-] was referring to was the quality of the print used for the French Superbit. The transfer quality is not in question here, and has never been. Even Pathe's R2 release had a decent transfer - it was the dodgy print that people have found to be at fault. All R1 versions sport a far superior print, so the question was whether the new PAL Superbit transfer used the good print, or the bad. I suspect it uses the good, for obvious reasons.
hate tank
17-03-2002, 23:30
Go for the French Superbit R2 - best picture (Pal; even better than R1) and best sound.
If you want the best extras - go for the German R2 double disc.
Originally posted by SithLordSi
I think what 8-] was referring to was the quality of the print used for the French Superbit. The transfer quality is not in question here, and has never been. Even Pathe's R2 release had a decent transfer - it was the dodgy print that people have found to be at fault. All R1 versions sport a far superior print, so the question was whether the new PAL Superbit transfer used the good print, or the bad. I suspect it uses the good, for obvious reasons.
Yep - that's exactly what I meant. :)
Does anyone know?
I personally don't have any problems with buying either PAL or NTSC, so I just want to know which of the Superbit versions has the better original print and hence the better overall transfer.
hate tank
18-03-2002, 10:36
The print used for the French Superbit must be the same one they used for the R1. Actually, the picture quality is so detailed that it will make your eyes hurt...:D
Originally posted by hate tank
The print used for the French Superbit must be the same one they used for the R1. Actually, the picture quality is so detailed that it will make your eyes hurt...:D
LOL :D
I suppose that in the coming weeks someone will do a review of the French Superbit and compare it directly to the R1 Superbit, side by side I mean so that they will get a definitive answer.
I have waited this long, I don't mind waiting a bit longer. :)
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