View Full Version : [Blu Ray] Robocop less than £8
degeneration
09-03-2009, 09:16
<s>Robocop @ Amazon £7.97 (http://www.thedvdforums.com/affiliatelink.php?localaffiliateid=8&url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000WBZZBG/thedvdforums-21)</s>
£7.95 Delivered at MyMemory (http://www.thedvdforums.com/affiliatelink.php?localaffiliateid=65&url=http://www.mymemory.co.uk/Blu-ray-Science-Fiction/20th-Century-Fox/Robocop-%28Blu-ray%29-%281987%29)
Already got this myself and paid a fair bit more for the best film of all time.
charlie angel
09-03-2009, 09:25
Is it the same cut as the Criterion disc? And what are the audio specs?
Mr Majestik
09-03-2009, 09:33
I think it's the full gory cut. Didn't notice any cuts anyway. The sound is 5.1.DTS master audio.
And before anyone says anything the transfer is good much better than the DVD. But it uses cheapo 80's film stock so don't expect a Dark Knight beater.
charlie angel
09-03-2009, 09:35
Gracias Mr M :)
stuck an order in, rude not to at that price for one of my faves!
thescrounger
09-03-2009, 09:44
Nice spot. At that price I'll get it.
charlie angel
09-03-2009, 09:46
It's in the 3 for 2 offer as well, in case there are any other cheapies you're after chaps.
Thanks, got it in the 3 for 2 with Black Hawk Down and Rambo for total for £17.96 :thumbs:
AKPiggott
09-03-2009, 11:02
Haven't seen the film for years. Can't turn it down at that price. :thumbs:
Awesome. Just need to find another 2 films to go with it now :>
jroadley
09-03-2009, 11:16
Ordered.
Crazy prices!
Fatbloke
09-03-2009, 11:26
Watched this on Blu just last week - big smile on my face most of the way through. Picture quality is pretty nice considering it's age. It's the full "Ewwww" version.
you have 20 seconds to buy!
This is the version with DNR? Or the original release? I'm not 100% sure which version we got over here. I've seen a direct comparison between the US BD and the version shown on Sky HD over here and the Sky version was 10x better as it had the grain intact.
Rollocop
09-03-2009, 11:47
Cant understand why you'd want the grain intact.
That's why I got blu-ray - for solid colours - if I wanted grain Id have kept my old VHS machine.
AKPiggott
09-03-2009, 11:51
Natural film grain isn't a flaw in the picture and keeps it looking nice and naturalistic.
Cheers OP! Ordered 3 different Blus for £18 :) Been holding off buying whilst they been expensive!
spearce8
09-03-2009, 12:09
It's the full "Ewwww" version.
It's been a while since I last saw this Film, the Shotgun with the Hand scene is that all that was ever really cut? Don't seem to recall any other gory bits.
I think there were more, e.g.,
I think they cut the scene with ED-209 too in the boardroom, that is more gory on the Criterion release I have I am sure
So how much is the Criterion worth now? need to get rid of that now.
Shingster
09-03-2009, 12:26
Cant understand why you'd want the grain intact.
That's why I got blu-ray - for solid colours - if I wanted grain Id have kept my old VHS machine.
Wow, there are actually still people out there with this backwards attitude! :eek::eek:
Snagged me a copy as well, thanks OP!
Fatbloke
09-03-2009, 12:59
Two scenes that string to mind that were trimmed (but not cut) were the:
ED209 boardroom scene that is longer and the car crash against acid guy includes an extra side view complete with detaching head!
Both are in this version though.
Cant understand why you'd want the grain intact.
That's why I got blu-ray - for solid colours - if I wanted grain Id have kept my old VHS machine.
But the grain removal actually removes detail in the picture.
Went for this - great price. Ta.
Rollocop
09-03-2009, 13:41
Wow, there are actually still people out there with this backwards attitude! :eek::eek:
Snagged me a copy as well, thanks OP!
Just because an opinion differs with yours it doesnt mean it's 'backwards' !
The Blu-ray Dr No doesnt have any grain and still has an amazing picture.
Our point is that it's not as good as it could be. Trust me, if you compare the non-dnr version, it's leaps and bounds better than the BD.
Niceguygeoff
09-03-2009, 13:54
Just because an opinion differs with yours it doesnt mean it's 'backwards' !
The Blu-ray Dr No doesnt have any grain and still has an amazing picture.
I must have seen a different Dr No on Blu-ray, as it's got oodles of authentic fine grain.
As for Robo, I swore that I'd never buy the Blu-ray because it junked all the extra features and didn't get reviews for PQ & AQ that rated above lukewarm. But to hell with it, for £8 I might as well find out for myself. Thanks!
Would this be a good upgrade from the Criterion release? That was one of my very first DVDs. Was it non-anamorphic as well? :thinking:
I'm close to buying...
Psycho :nuts:
nwgarratt
09-03-2009, 14:13
Just because an opinion differs with yours it doesnt mean it's 'backwards' !
The Blu-ray Dr No doesnt have any grain and still has an amazing picture.
Dr No has plenty of grain.
Amazing price for Robocop but I am trying not to buy films I already have on DVD (got the Robocop 1 to 3 fold out packaging).
thomasc1982
09-03-2009, 14:18
Would this be a good upgrade from the Criterion release? That was one of my very first DVDs. Was it non-anamorphic as well? :thinking:
I'm close to buying...
Psycho :nuts:
Yes the Criterion was non-anamorphic...but it was some weird AR as I recall?
Still...worth getting this i think, also got Total Recall and Predator in the 3 for 2 :)
Yes the Criterion was non-anamorphic...but it was some weird AR as I recall?
Still...worth getting this i think, also got Total Recall and Predator in the 3 for 2 :)
It was 1.66:1, the OAR. As Verhoeven is European he was used to filming in that aspect ratio.
Yeah, the Criterion is a 1.66:1 and looks damn good for a non-anamorphic release.
Yeah, the Criterion is a 1.66:1 and looks damn good for a non-anamorphic release.
I just had a look here and, even though they are small screen grabs, the colours look better to me on the Criterion release:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film2/DVDReviews33/robocop_blu-ray.htm
I think I'll hold off getting this for now.
Psycho :nuts:
Cheers OP!
Got it along with Hellboy & Hollow Man.
Of course, as soon as it falls through my letterbox, they will announce a new super-duper, double Blu-Ray set with a zillion never-before-seen extras & commentaries. :|
thescrounger
09-03-2009, 14:51
I just had a look here and, even though they are small screen grabs, the colours look better to me on the Criterion release:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film2/DVDReviews33/robocop_blu-ray.htm
I think I'll hold off getting this for now.
Psycho :nuts:
Wow, those Blu-ray grabs look better than I thought. Can't wait to get this now, and for a bargain price. :n0rty:
The truth is this film looks crap in SD upscaled. That's why a HD version is essential, if you're going to bother watching the film at all IMO. And I already own three versions of the film on DVD.
I just had a look here and, even though they are small screen grabs, the colours look better to me on the Criterion release:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film2/DVDReviews33/robocop_blu-ray.htm
I think I'll hold off getting this for now.
Psycho :nuts:
The BD looks a little too enhanced, but will hold of judgement until I finally get it. At 6 quid (averaged over the 3) I am not complaining though even if I decide to sell it on. the Criterion is the best non-anamorphic DVD I've got for sure.
LordoftheDance
09-03-2009, 15:09
I'll buy that for £7.97.
:lol:
Rollocop
09-03-2009, 15:36
Dr No has plenty of grain.
Amazing price for Robocop but I am trying not to buy films I already have on DVD (got the Robocop 1 to 3 fold out packaging).
Clearly my definition of 'grain' is different from everyone elses. When I think of grain I think of old VHS quality.
LotusElan
09-03-2009, 16:15
Ta!
AKPiggott
09-03-2009, 16:23
Clearly my definition of 'grain' is different from everyone elses. When I think of grain I think of old VHS quality.
Nah mate, grain is actually on the film. It's highly visible when you go and see a movie at the pictures and high def media tends to bring it out as well. SD stuff tends to smooth over the grain and hide it, it's the film grain that brings out the lovely detail.
What you see on VHS is just wear and tear to the tape. :)
nwgarratt
09-03-2009, 16:37
I just had a look here and, even though they are small screen grabs, the colours look better to me on the Criterion release:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film2/DVDReviews33/robocop_blu-ray.htm
I think I'll hold off getting this for now.
Psycho :nuts:
Just to confirm, is the US version in that link same as the UK in terms of picture and sound?
Shingster
09-03-2009, 17:33
Just because an opinion differs with yours it doesnt mean it's 'backwards' !
The Blu-ray Dr No doesnt have any grain and still has an amazing picture.
What you're expressing isn't an opinion, it's deliberate ignorance that grain is an inherent produce of the photochemical process of recording light onto film. Do you not enjoy films at the cinema then? Of course the very notion that film grain stops colours from looking "solid" is absolutely ridiculous!
Also, you seem to be blind as to what constitutes natural film grain, as the Dr. No Blu-ray (http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film2/DVDReviews42/dr_no_blu-ray.htm) you lauded does indeed exhibit a very nice layer of fine grain.
IMO, people who say no image should have grain are just as blinkered as the people who complained about black borders on their screens back before 16:9 TVs became the norm (most of those people still complain about 2.35:1 transfers to this date).
Two scenes that string to mind that were trimmed (but not cut) were the:
ED209 boardroom scene that is longer and the car crash against acid guy includes an extra side view complete with detaching head!
Also:A lot more blood spurting after Murphy skewer's Clarence's neck at the end.
Dragon Ninja
09-03-2009, 18:05
Seems like a bargain to me!!
Sold!
Thank you very much!
Was very tempted to get this but the Amazon reviews are less than favorable. Unfortunately too many blu-rays don't deliver the quality they should, there is no point buying this for the sake of it and it seems you are better of watching an upscaled SD dvd!!! (which is true in many cases) Real shame, but might be worth a punt for the HD audio
degeneration
09-03-2009, 18:12
Was very tempted to get this but the Amazon reviews are less than favorable. Unfortunately too many blu-rays don't deliver the quality they should, there is no point buying this for the sake of it and it seems you are better of watching an upscaled SD dvd!!! (which is true in many cases) Real shame, but might be worth a punt for the HD audio
I've got both and the Blu is worth it.
Shingster
09-03-2009, 18:24
Unfortunately you can't take the opinon of many people online too seriously when it comes to Blu-ray transfers of 80s films. They seem to expect them to look as pristine and "pin sharp" as contemporary releases and so many don't like film-like transfers either. My advice: If you can't find a good DVD/Blu-ray comparison (or simply good quality screengrabs from the Blu) then ask on here.
Cheers degeneration (OP), gone for it. Note its not in the 3 for 2 anymore.
Joe
Niceguygeoff
09-03-2009, 20:23
Unfortunately you can't take the opinon of many people online too seriously when it comes to Blu-ray transfers of 80s films. They seem to expect them to look as pristine and "pin sharp" as contemporary releases and so many don't like film-like transfers either.
Indeed. The amount of flak that, say, Die Hard has taken is ridiculous.
Robocop @ Amazon £7.97 (http://www.thedvdforums.com/affiliatelink.php?localaffiliateid=8&url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000WBZZBG/thedvdforums-21) (also is 3 for 2 offer)
Already got this myself and paid a fair bit more for the best film of all time.
Thanks for this,
got it along with 21 and a Few Good Men for just under £18 :thumbs:
All 3 are ready for dispatch, looks like I got in just on time... :)
Smiler
BlueDwarf
09-03-2009, 23:33
Cant understand why you'd want the grain intact.
That's why I got blu-ray - for solid colours - if I wanted grain Id have kept my old VHS machine.
I still don't get why these new Blueray players have those yucky black bars on them either.
niceblokejohn
10-03-2009, 06:17
I still don't get why these new Blueray players have those yucky black bars on them either.
I've read its so its like in the cinema.
Don't know about your local cinema, but the film fills the screen at mine (all 9 screens - I checked), and they don't have any black bars! :?:
Mine dispatched last night :)
Qty Item Price Shipped Subtotal
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Amazon.co.uk (http://www.thedvdforums.com/affiliatelink.php?localaffiliateid=8) items (Sold by Amazon's Jersey Merchant, Indigostarfish.com):
1 Robocop [Blu-ray] [1987] £7.97 1 £7.97
Shipped via Royal Mail
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Item Subtotal: £7.97
Shipping and handling: £0.00
Promotion Applied: £-2.45
Total: £5.52
The following items will be sent separately:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Qty Item Price Not Yet Shipped
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Rambo [Blu-ray] [2008] £8.98 1
1 Black Hawk Down [Blu-ray] [20 £8.98 1
Rollocop
10-03-2009, 09:12
You guys are hilarious, especially Shingster .
Cant believe you get so wound up over a comment - I think you should chill out and enjoy life a bit more my friend.
'Grain' is the new blu-ray buzzword - funny how no-one mentioned it till Bluray came along.
I remember when people used to say 'detail'
'Great detail in that picture'
'No, we call it grain now'
'Really? Ok, I'll call it grain from now on'
Feel free to give me a lecture on photographic processes etc etc, but I'll be too busy watching the detail on my Dr No (If only I could get rid of those fiddly black bars on Close Encounters I could watch that too)
:)
thescrounger
10-03-2009, 09:18
(If only I could get rid of those fiddly black bars on Close Encounters I could watch that too)
:oh-hum:
Mr Majestik
10-03-2009, 09:30
Like i said way back on page 1. The pictures very good. Miles better than the DVD...But it was filmed on rubbish 80's film stock so don't expect a Dark Knight beater picture wise.
ralph wiggum
10-03-2009, 09:36
Cheers degeneration :thumbs: Picked this up along with Predator (http://www.thedvdforums.com/affiliatelink.php?localaffiliateid=8&url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0012OTS2E/thedvdforums-21) & The Replacement Killers (http://www.thedvdforums.com/affiliatelink.php?localaffiliateid=8&url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000TQLILK/thedvdforums-21)
Rollocop
10-03-2009, 09:47
:oh-hum:
Dont worry, that was also a joke :thumbs:
Just bought this and 3 other discs. That's 9 I've bought in the last week or so now :)
Did go to the checkout and find I'd put 2 discs from the 3 for 2 offer in and one normal one. Went back and added a third disc for less than £1 more :)
Transformers seems to be all over the place price wise. Was less than £10 the other day, I bought it at £12.98 and now it's back to £15.98 again.
Moldiver
10-03-2009, 10:17
'Grain' is the new blu-ray buzzword - funny how no-one mentioned it till Bluray came along.
I remember when people used to say 'detail'
'Great detail in that picture'
'No, we call it grain now'
'Really? Ok, I'll call it grain from now on'
As someone who reviews DVDs, and Shingster does as well, I've seen more than my fair share of detracting comments toward the representation of "grain" on digital media. There are plenty of sites out there with folk complaining, who have no understanding of such a simple process and it really is tiring to read so many passing comments that grain is some sort of a deterrent- where the hell do people think it comes from? It's probably being noticed a lot more now because of the higher resolution that Blu offers. If a DVD is authored poorly you can tend to lose a lot of that inherent detail. Not meaning to argue, but if you read up a little you might learn to appreciate how film is supposed to look. You can't beat a bit of good ol' grain as far as I'm concerned :)
nwgarratt
10-03-2009, 10:29
I've read its so its like in the cinema.
Don't know about your local cinema, but the film fills the screen at mine (all 9 screens - I checked), and they don't have any black bars! :?:
Oh, yes they do. Check behind the curtains. Most screens are extra wide like 2.35:1 or wider (with very thin borders top and bottom). When they have 1.78:1/1.85:1 films, there is borders down the sides behind the curtains.
I read that a lot of films are shown at 2.40:1 anyway to hide splice marks.
Rollocop
10-03-2009, 10:58
Oh, yes they do. Check behind the curtains. Most screens are extra wide like 2.35:1 or wider (with very thin borders top and bottom). When they have 1.78:1/1.85:1 films, there is borders down the sides behind the curtains.
Excellent - the voice of reason. ;)
So, if you get a HD dvd that's very poor quality, like the murky grainy HD-DVD of American Werewolf for example, what's the correct term for the poor quality of picture then?
..or do you just say 'it sucks' !!!
degeneration
10-03-2009, 11:12
Girls, there are other sections of this site where specks of dust, film stock and cinema curtains can be discussed.
Rollocop
10-03-2009, 11:23
Girls, there are other sections of this site where specks of dust, film stock and cinema curtains can be discussed.
I do like those red velvet ones, they complement the flock wallpaper !
I've been reading DVD reviews for years, and grain was mentioned over and over again. Esp on really grainy releases.
Degeneration, no keep them in here. ;) Dont let em escape to the right forum, heaven forbid.
Rollocop
10-03-2009, 13:08
I've been reading DVD reviews for years, and grain was mentioned over and over again. Esp on really grainy releases.
Degeneration, no keep them in here. ;) Dont let em escape to the right forum, heaven forbid.
Glad to be of service :D
Girls, there are other sections of this site where specks of dust, film stock and cinema curtains can be discussed.
Yep, it's on the right hand side of the auditorium.
BlueDwarf
10-03-2009, 13:35
Anyway, no this version of RoboCop isn't that great.
I'd rather stick with my R1 Steelbook dvd but with the ps3 being R2 i cant upscale it.
thescrounger
11-03-2009, 11:00
Arrived this morning. Looks great, much better than the DVD.
Arrived this morning. Looks great, much better than the DVD.
Any chance of some hi-res screen grabs? :thumbs:
Psycho :nuts:
thescrounger
11-03-2009, 11:10
I'm afraid I don't have a BD drive on my PC.
http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/1086/robocop_fox.html
That's the review that always put me off.
And unlike Amazon customers, this site does know what it's talking about.
I do want this film on Blu, but I'll wait.
thescrounger
11-03-2009, 11:20
http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/1086/robocop_fox.html
That's the review that always put me off.
Fox/MGM presents 'RoboCop' in 1080p/MPEG-2 video (at 1.85:1 widescreen). Though there are still some instances of speckles and dirt, the print is much cleaner than the previous version. Likewise, grain is still present (particularly in low-light scenes), but again it's improved. The wacky tint problems that marred the Sony disc are mostly corrected, while fleshtones are now largely accurate (alas, there is still a slight red cast at times), and hues are generally more vibrant.
That's not to say this new Blu-ray edition of 'RoboCop' looks like a million bucks. Far from it. Detail, while again superior to what's come before, still wobbles. Sharpness wavers throughout, making some shots look flat and lacking in depth (particularly any effects shots involving mattes, and just about all of the darker/nighttime scenes). There is also still some obvious noise in the shadows, and fine textures can turn into mush.
And that's about as good as this film is ever going to look, and it does look better than the DVD.
So take it or leave it.
Rollocop
11-03-2009, 11:57
From highdefdigest.com'S review -
"Though there are still some instances of speckles and dirt, the print is much cleaner than the previous version. Likewise, grain is still present (particularly in low-light scenes), but again it's improved"
Vindicated :D
neverland
12-03-2009, 14:35
http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/1086/robocop_fox.html
And unlike Amazon customers, this site does know what it's talking about.
That site seems to have contributors of varying reliability (like Amazon :)). Some seem to know what they're talking about and some seem to expect HD to magically make all films look like Lucas's prequels regardless of the age or style of the film. And one of them thinks Nyman's Gattaca score is unworthy of a TrueHD track. Peasant!
Robocop was a low budget film that I suspect was made with the video market very much in mind. I don't remember it looking especially dazzling at the cinema back in the day. So I'm not expecting the Blu to be a Matrix beater. At least not PQ-wise.
AKPiggott
12-03-2009, 17:30
Mine came today, surprised as I picked the free delivery.
Niceguygeoff
12-03-2009, 17:44
That site seems to have contributors of varying reliability (like Amazon :)). Some seem to know what they're talking about and some seem to expect HD to magically make all films look like Lucas's prequels regardless of the age or style of the film. And one of them thinks Nyman's Gattaca score is unworthy of a TrueHD track. Peasant!
Bang on. HDD are just as variable as every other reviews site.
But Chris21, can you really see youself watching the DVD again when you know there's a much, much better quality version out there? ;)
AKPiggott
12-03-2009, 19:38
Picture quality on this is just fine, can't imagine it looking a great deal better.
Forgot what a cracking film it is, been a long, long time since I've watched it in full.
eye__writ
12-03-2009, 21:19
Mine arrived today and it's been a while since I've seen it, so when the initial scenes from the TV news started playing in all their fuzzy glory I thought Amazon had sent me the DVD by mistake. Thankfully when it cut to the film proper the picture is more than serviceable at High Def standard and very much a step up from DVD on my 37" screen.
Great price really, even if a better version appears at some stage. :thumbs:
Niceguygeoff
13-03-2009, 09:43
Got mine yesterday too. I can understand why this has gotten middling marks for PQ because it's wildly inconsistent regarding colour saturation, grain, detail etc. But that's how it is, and that's fine by me. The 20th Anniversary DVD is from the same master and looks very similar, although the Blu just edges it.
The DTS Master Audio sound is what impressed me the most. The mix itself isn't anything to get excited about, again being very inconsistent, but the clarity of the dialogue and the music is surprisingly good.
It's worth £8 - but no more than that.
thescrounger
13-03-2009, 10:41
It might be worth £9.
charlie angel
13-03-2009, 10:44
I'll give you £1 for it.
I don't think it's too bad, & it'll certainly tide me over until the inevitable special edition comes along.
AKPiggott
13-03-2009, 11:23
"Dead or alive, you're coming with me." :D
Niceguygeoff
13-03-2009, 11:28
I'd buy that for a dol. . .oh.
nwgarratt
13-03-2009, 11:55
I watched the R2 DC last night. The BD is miles better as the DVD looked bloody awful.
Niceguygeoff
13-03-2009, 12:37
I watched the R2 DC last night. The BD is miles better as the DVD looked bloody awful.
Sure it's better than that old disc. But IMO the Blu is mighty close to the last DVD release...
BeelzebubUK
13-03-2009, 12:41
Can't say no to a bit of Robocop HD goodness :thumbs:
LordoftheDance
13-03-2009, 21:06
Mine arrived this morning (well, 2pm).
Not a great transfer. Maybe 5/10. Audio's nice though! 7.5/10 for that.
And only a trailer on the disc (not even in HD).
Still, for less than £8, can't really grumble.
Still waiting for mine... but Predator arrived this morning :thumbs:
The other one I went for was The Eye (remake). Not bad for 6.65 a pop :D
Miight as well move this to suppliers until the price drops again
Moving
To quote Robocop with regards to this new price, "Drop It!" ;)
Sure it will come down again. Transformers jumped a few times over a week for example. Just a case of checking daily and buying when you feel it's right - just like a game show on ITV1.
£7.95 Delivered at MyMemory (http://www.thedvdforums.com/affiliatelink.php?localaffiliateid=65&url=http://www.mymemory.co.uk/Blu-ray-Science-Fiction/20th-Century-Fox/Robocop-%28Blu-ray%29-%281987%29)
Moving back to bargain forum
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