Now then... here's the other thing I wanted to mention this morning, while we're on the subject of new HD masters: I have a copy of the newly remastered Gladiator Blu-ray. In short, the new HD presentation is SPECTACULAR. When the film was originally released on Blu-ray last year, I was so disappointed by the lackluster quality of the master (especially compared to the stunning Braveheart: Sapphire Series Blu-ray released the same day) that I could barely stand to watch it. Well... I can't STOP watching the new one. I've just spent well over an hour sampling the quality of the new transfer (and comparing it to the old one) and the more I've watched, the more I've wanted to watch. Contrast is wonderful, with deep dark blacks. The image is crisp without appearing edgy. Detail is abundant, with nuanced and subtle textures. Very, very light film grain is detectable throughout - just enough to render a lovely (and correctly) film-like appearance. Colors are accurate and pleasing. It's just an absolute joy to behold... just as we KNEW the film could look on Blu-ray and SHOULD have looked the first time. If you're a fan of Gladiator, do NOT hesitate to call Paramount's customer service number (323-956-3010) to get your hands on a copy of the proper version.

And if you ever show them to a buddy who then says, "I don't see the difference..." or worse, "I actually like the first one better..." tell them to just save their money and stick with DVD. They're overpaying for quality they're just never going to appreciate. ;)

ist doch ne gute Nachricht , oder??

Das wäre echt klasse. Ich hoffe allerdings noch auf eine offizielle Ankündigung der Umtauschaktion für Deutschland.