Re: Remastered videos (PAL) and widescreen questions

Posted by Fall Guy from pool0057.cvx7-bradley.dialup.earthlink.net on May 12, 2000 at 07:31:25:

In Reply to: Remastered videos (PAL) and widescreen questions posted by Swordmaster on May 12, 2000 at 06:05:35:

: Hello,

: I've been out of "Indy world" for quite a while now, and only recently became aware of the remastered Indy films on video. I was wondering if anyone could explain me just how much better the picture and sound quality is on the new release? Also, how long are the interviews on the videos? Are they different on every cassette? Anything on John Williams (I'm a huge fan of his music)? Any other extras besides the interviews? Does the Passport map thingie come with all European giftsets, or is it country-specific?

: Also, and forgive my obvious technical stupidity, what happens if one watches widescreen videos on normal TV? Will it leave black stripes on the screen, squeeze the picture to fit the frame or simply not show at all? I currently only have a normal TV but was wondering if I should buy the widescreen video set anyhow -- I wouldn't mind the letterboxed version with black stripes.

: Thanks for your help in advance!

: ~Swordmaster~

: PS. Is the "Making of Raiders of the Lost Ark" video available in PAL format? If not, is there a way to transfer it from NTSC to PAL (is that even technically possible?)?

If you watch a widescreen video on a regular TV you will naturally have the black stripes above and below the picture. It will not squeeze and distort the picture as you sadly may know from some TV broadcasts or even video rentals. The intended framing of the cinematographer is nearly fully preserved. If your TV is small it may be hard to make out some of the detail on a widescreen video. This is especially true for the NTSC standard, PAL has better resolution. Personally, I buy only widescreen videos.

You can transfer NTSC tapes to PAL, provided you have the necessary equipment, or you find a place that will do that. It's illegal, but it is usually not a problem to find someone who will do that. The converted tape will have only NTSC quality. However, if you live in Europe and have a fairly new PAL VCR your chances are that your's can play NTSC tapes! Many VCRs can do that lately! Always ask for that feature when buying a new one.

I recently bought the Indy trilogy in the newly remastered widescreen. It is very good, especially the sound seems much better than on my old tapes. The interviews are different on each tape. I don't know anything about European gift sets...

Are you sure you don't want to wait for Indy DVDs? That's a hot topic on this forum. Many want those films on DVD, but Lucas won't give them to us [yet]! Fall Guy

Follow Ups:

Ah yes, the old NTSC, SECAM, and PAL discussion Michaelson 13:20:29 5/12/2000 (1)
- No kidding! Nice alternative acronyms that I will have to remember. :) [nm] Fall Guy 13:38:06 5/12/2000 (0)
Re: Remastered videos (PAL) and widescreen questions Swordmaster 10:33:41 5/12/2000 (2)
- Re: Remastered videos (PAL) and widescreen questions Fall Guy 13:19:34 5/12/2000 (1)
  - Re: Remastered videos (PAL) and widescreen questions Swordmaster 07:17:24 5/13/2000 (0)

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: : Hello,

: : I've been out of "Indy world" for quite a while now, and only recently became aware of the remastered Indy films on video. I was wondering if anyone could explain me just how much better the picture and sound quality is on the new release? Also, how long are the interviews on the videos? Are they different on every cassette? Anything on John Williams (I'm a huge fan of his music)? Any other extras besides the interviews? Does the Passport map thingie come with all European giftsets, or is it country-specific?

: : Also, and forgive my obvious technical stupidity, what happens if one watches widescreen videos on normal TV? Will it leave black stripes on the screen, squeeze the picture to fit the frame or simply not show at all? I currently only have a normal TV but was wondering if I should buy the widescreen video set anyhow -- I wouldn't mind the letterboxed version with black stripes.

: : Thanks for your help in advance!

: : ~Swordmaster~

: : PS. Is the "Making of Raiders of the Lost Ark" video available in PAL format? If not, is there a way to transfer it from NTSC to PAL (is that even technically possible?)?

: If you watch a widescreen video on a regular TV you will naturally have the black stripes above and below the picture. It will not squeeze and distort the picture as you sadly may know from some TV broadcasts or even video rentals. The intended framing of the cinematographer is nearly fully preserved. If your TV is small it may be hard to make out some of the detail on a widescreen video. This is especially true for the NTSC standard, PAL has better resolution. Personally, I buy only widescreen videos.

: You can transfer NTSC tapes to PAL, provided you have the necessary equipment, or you find a place that will do that. It's illegal, but it is usually not a problem to find someone who will do that. The converted tape will have only NTSC quality. However, if you live in Europe and have a fairly new PAL VCR your chances are that your's can play NTSC tapes! Many VCRs can do that lately! Always ask for that feature when buying a new one.

: I recently bought the Indy trilogy in the newly remastered widescreen. It is very good, especially the sound seems much better than on my old tapes. The interviews are different on each tape. I don't know anything about European gift sets...

: Are you sure you don't want to wait for Indy DVDs? That's a hot topic on this forum. Many want those films on DVD, but Lucas won't give them to us [yet]! Fall Guy

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