BATTLE ROYALE SE BR/DVD

[Markgway]

Like Ricky I'm not especially into Japanese cinema but I went to my arthouse to see Battle Royale when it first came out (back when I still bothered getting off my arse for films...) and was very impressed. I wouldn't say it was massively overrated. Yes, the film was hyped, but to say "massively" suggests a below par film. If it is at all overrated then it's only slightly (at worst moderately) so.

[HungFist]

well, I can see Fukasaku's point with pg-12. It's around the age of 15 when kids start killing each other in real life (well, not so much in Japan, but in many other countries). He wanted kids to see BR before that. Whether it would have actually worked for or againts is up to discussion.

The film, in any case, is absolutely brilliant, Fukasaku's best (followed by Virus and Hokuriku Proxy War).

[bradavon]

Personally (like Dark Knight) I don't think this is overrated, the over/underrating is perfect.

I first saw it on video, copied from the awful Tartan original DVD. I then bought the HK DVD (with DTS), then upgraded to the Tartan NTSC 5.1 version (soon after) and finally bought the Extended Cut Tin version. It's been ages since I last saw it, hopefully I won't have changed my mind. I doubt I will.

[HungFist]

hah, that's a lot of upgrading. Do I even dare to ask about Terminator 2??

I've been sticking to the Scandi release from the beginning. Conversion issues aside, it's quite a nice pack with both cuts of the film, and the director's cut coming from a terrific print. Only 2.0 audio for the dir. cut, but that's ok for me, I don't have home theater system anyway.

I thought about upgrading to Toei a few times, but then decided to wait for BD release.

[bradavon]

hah, that's a lot of upgrading. Do I even dare to ask about Terminator 2??

It's only 3. Not too bad really. It's 5 for Terminator 2: VHS, R1 UE DVD, German HD-DVD, USA SE BD and now UK SE BD.

How can you not have at least DD5.1? . I hope at least you're using some sort of proper stereo speakers. It always amazes me when people get an amazing HD TV and then just use the TV speakers. Which 99% of the time sound shrill, lifeless, tinny and are useless for anything other than the News. I hate having to use my TV speakers.

[HungFist]

headphones rule I don't have money for home theater system. Or an apartment where I could set one up. Plus I'm running back and fort between two countries. And I like to turn the volume high, yet not disturb my neighbors.

Not to diss home theater system or question its superiority. It's just out of guestion for me for practical reasons for now. And I'm perfectly ok with that.

It's a good thing the majority of movies I watch were recorded in mono And some of them I'm still viewing from VHS source

[Markgway]

It always amazes me when people get an amazing HD TV and then just use the TV speakers.

Like me.

headphones rule

Or an apartment where I could set one up.

Same here.

[bradavon]

You can get 5.1 systems for peanuts, easily under £100. They're not great but still easily beat TV speakers. It amazes me you can spend thousands on a TV and they still dump some awful cheap stereo speakers in there. I honestly don't get it. Surely audio quality is as good as sound quality?

It's not stereo speakers that bother me but TV speakers. You can even plug your TV into a CD Player and get better audio. For the cost of a RCA Phono lead. A couple of friends of mine even plug their laptop into their TV and use the same speakers to listen to music. It sounds awful. My ex even used her 14" Mono TV (with DVD Player) to listen to CDs. My god it sounded dreadful.

Or an apartment where I could set one up.

You can get audio systems to fit any size room. You don't have to have full size to get 5.1. Many people using computers use those small PC 5.1 speakers. That's no excuse . Good point about the two country thing though.

[gasteropod]

It amazes me you can spend thousands on a TV and they still dump some awful cheap stereo speakers in there. I honestly don't get it.

Well I imagine they assume you're going to use a surround sound system if you're buying such a nice TV, and also perhaps the bass can't be too high because it would interfere/damage the screen.

[grim_tales]

Really? I didnt know that Gas.

[gasteropod]

No, that's why I said 'perhaps', it was just an idea

[bradavon]

A mate has a 32" Dell TV. Yes Dell! And it has two 1.5M (roughly) separate speakers (that can be attached if you wish, they're really slim). The sound quality is really good. I've never seen a TV use proper stereo speakers before. Otherwise they stink. Bass maybe an issue but that still doesn't excuse the ridiculously low quality.

You're probably right about expecting you use separate speakers but they could at least try and make an effort.

[Markgway]

I live in a flat where loud surround sound blasting out of speakers would be inappropriate. It's fine if you live in a detatched house. But most neighbours don't want gunfire and explosions blaring through their walls. That's partly why I use headphones. Also because I tend to watch films late at night (and in the dark). I've gotten used to headphones with the sound pumped directly into your ears and it doesn't bother anyone else.

[bradavon]

FSY. Personally I'd prefer FSY to be watchable first and what cut it is second but we've been here before.

I live in a flat where loud surround sound blasting out of speakers would be inappropriate.

Who said anything about loud surround sound? Stereo speakers (that is separate from the TV) don't need to be any louder than those attached to TVs. The quality of the audio is guaranteed to be wildly better though.

Personally I cannot stand those big wireless can headphones (they're so heavy). I've no problem with the in-ear ones but those mean an equally annoying cable across the room. I'd be very keen in wireless headphones of the size of in-ear ones but that I imagine isn't technically possible.

[Markgway]

Who said anything about loud surround sound? Stereo speakers (that is separate from the TV) don't need to be any louder than those attached to TVs. The quality of the audio is guaranteed to be wildly better though.

Has to be loud to appreciate the difference though. What's the point in paying money for a top of the range sound system only to play it at the same level as your TV? Waste of money. I want to hear Casino Royale loud and with impact (hence I use my headphones which don't bother anyone else).

Personally I cannot stand those big wireless can headphones (they're so heavy). I've no problem with the in-ear ones but those mean an equally annoying cable across the room. I'd be very keen in wireless headphones of the size of in-ear ones but that I imagine isn't technically possible.

I don't like the wireless ones. Lumpy and awkward. I use regular overear headphones with an extended cable. In ear heaphones are shit.

[bradavon]

Has to be loud to appreciate the difference though. What's the point in paying money for a top of the range sound system only to play it at the same level as your TV? Waste of money. I want to hear Casino Royale loud and with impact (hence I use my headphones which don't bother anyone else).

You should be able to, unless your walls are made of paper. I live in the middle of a terraced building and my neighbours cannot hear stereo. 5.1 they obviously can but I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about the complete lack of audio quality on TV speakers. I just find it odd, the picture quality on modern TVs gets better all the time but audio is almost completely ignored.

I use regular overear headphones with an extended cable. In ear heaphones are shit.

Fair enough. As said I find headphones, that actually sit over your head heavy. In-ear headphones don't have to be shit. Sennheisers etc.. make some fantastic in-ear ones. Perfect for MP3 Players etc...

[Markgway]

You should be able to, unless your walls are made of paper.

They have paper on them... does that count?

Seriously the walls aren't that thick. You can hear voices when people talk loudly. Bass from explosions and gunfire could prove to be a nightmare.

I live in the middle of a terraced building and my neighbours cannot hear stereo. 5.1 they obviously can but I'm not talking about that.

Maybe they're just too polite to bang on your door and tell you to "shut the fuck up!"

I'm talking about the complete lack of audio quality on TV speakers. I just find it odd, the picture quality on modern TVs gets better all the time but audio is almost completely ignored.

That's one for the manufacturers...

As said I find headphones, that actually sit over your head heavy. In-ear headphones don't have to be shit. Sennheisers etc.. make some fantastic in-ear ones. Perfect for MP3 Players etc...

Not all overheads are heavy. Only the wireless in my experience. Maybe you have a delicate head compared to my thick Scottish noggin'? I hate in-ears though. They're uncomfortable and tinny. I prefer the sound to cover my ear rather than be pumped directly into the canal. Gives me a headache (and is worse for your hearing).

[bradavon]

You can hear voices when people talk loudly.

Fair enough then.

Maybe they're just too polite to bang on your door and tell you to "shut the fuck up!"

They didn't need to. I asked. If they're stupid enough to say "it's fine", when it isn't. Then that's their problem. Hence I'm happy they cannot hear it.

[Markgway]

They didn't need to. I asked.

What a considerate neighbour you are.

[bradavon]

I asked, after other neighbours complained about the 5.1 , hence I know that's too loud. Double hence why I timed my 5.1 viewings for afternoons when they're out/at work/it's the weekend.

[Markgway]

I asked, after other neighbours complained about the 5.1

My point proven.

It's a waste to have a 5.1 system if you don't use the 5.1.

Double hence why I timed my 5.1 viewings for afternoons when they're out/at work/it's the weekend.

That's fine if you can afford to watch movies only in the afternoon.

Personally I like to watch them late at night.

[HungFist]

It's a weird thing, my thoughts are being posted in this thread but my post count doesn't rise. Mark's does

[bradavon]

My point proven.

Your point but not mine. I'm talking about stereo speakers vs. stereo TV speakers. It's TV speakers I've got an issue with not people not wanting 5.1. I can understand why 5.1 isn't for everyone. It's people being happy with TV speakers I don't understand, especially when they've just spent a fortune on a 1080p TV.

It's a waste to have a 5.1 system if you don't use the 5.1.

It would be, if I didn't use it.

That's fine if you can afford to watch movies only in the afternoon. Personally I like to watch them late at night.

I've got plenty of Stereo/Mono vs. 5.1 movies. No problem late at night either and obviously many 5.1 movies are basically stereo anyway. So those are also fine late at night.

[romerojpg]

Why does anyone need to disturb anyone? I have mine of at lower levels which are still perfect and still get massive enjoyment out of the sound. There is no need to have it so loud everyone within 500 foot can hear it. I watch most mine very late and at levels perfectly clear and loud, but not bad enough for anyone else in the house or next door to hear.
You can always unplug the sub and that stops 90% of the kind of sound that disturbs people thru walls anyway, as long as your speakers are good you should still get plenty of bass, but not wall cracking bass.

[bradavon]

Mark said he has paper walls (he didn't say which type of paper though ) and his neighbours can hear him talk.

5.1 is definitely a problem though. I never plugged my sub in when I moved into my flat. It's a Georgian building with naff all insulation between the floors. I'm also in the middle. So basically, I've got no chance late at night. I spend ages trying to find a fair level but came to the conclusion it wasn't possible.

I do have a home cinema separates amp, which is much more powerful than those PC 5.1 all-in-one setups. As to bass, my speakers are powerful enough to produce decent bass and I don't even miss the sub. I sold it a few months back. I home cinema separates subwoofer and was insanely powerful. Too powerful in fact, I always struggled to find a level I was happy with. It was either too quite, I couldn't hear it or too loud and it gave ma headache/plus others.

I'm perfectly happy with 5.0. The bass is still very good indeed.