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'Raiders of the Lost Ark' on IMAX: Here's What You Need to Knowby Michael S. Palmer A couple weeks ago, Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment flew a number of respected journalists (and, for some inexplicable reason, me) to San Francisco for an early look at 'Indiana Jones: The Complete Adventures' Blu-ray boxed set (available September 18). Some of you may have seen a few of the photos on our Facebook page. We'll have a transcript of a presentation with the legendary Dennis Muren and Ben Burtt, as well as some more photos from inside the Lucasfilm archives, in the next couple weeks. Included in the press event was a 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' screening. Since the film has been meticulously restored -- the original negative scanned at 4K, damage repaired frame by frame, and color corrected -- I assumed we were going to see a digital 2K or 4K "print." Awesome, right? But as we sat in endless traffic on the Bay Bridge, I started surfing the web on my iPhone. One story immediately grabbed my attention: 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' to be released in IMAX September 7. Then I looked out the window and saw an AMC Theatres with one giant word visible from the road: IMAX. We must have all looked like Jack Nicholson's Joker, perma-grins stretching our faces wide. We were among the first in the world to see the restored film. But before we jump into a little mini-review about how the film looks and sounds, I spent a few minutes talking to David Keighley, Chief Quality Control and President of DKP Prouctions for IMAX, to learn a little bit about the conversion process. David said most 2K digital cinemas are supposed to run at 14fL (foot-lamberts) and these projectors typically have a contrast ratio of 2,100:1. Digital IMAX screens are larger, and their dual subpixel-aligned projectors put out 22fL with a contrast ratio of 2,600:1. Further, when you see a movie projected digitally, the film itself is a compressed "DCP" file. When IMAX converts a film to its format, they have access to a less-compressed "DCDM" file. 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' arrived after its 4K restoration, but even when IMAX receives films finished in 2K, they bump them up to 4K because "they prefer over-sampling." Next, the film's DCDM file is adjusted for IMAX's extra brightness and run through their proprietary DMR remastering system. David said, "That process allows us to sharpen and degrain the footage so it looks good on a bigger screen." This is important for larger screens where too much noise or not enough sharpness become distractions. The DMR process is different for every film's needs, and sometimes requires trial and error. For 'Raiders', IMAX brought in Lou Levinson from Technicolor, who was working on the Complete Adventures Blu-ray, to consult. In addition to the picture upconversion, IMAX take the audio stems and remaster them for their sound system, which has more power than traditional cinema auditorium and so "we can give you better dynamic range and you can not only hear the bass, but feel the bass." So how does it look and sound? Let's talk audio first. I'll have more technical information in the next article, as mentioned above, but Ben Burtt went back to his original sound files in order to create stereo surrounds. In IMAX, every gunshot and punch resonated like an explosion. John Williams' famous score sounded wonderful, creating mood and enhancing the film's perfect sense of wonder, romance, and adventure. The audio, for me was the best part. I haven't heard the Blu-ray soundtrack yet, but if it resembles the IMAX presentation, we're in for a treat. It's the classic sounds we know and love -- the cracking whip, the screeching monkey, the rolling thunder of heavy stones scraping as they shut -- feeling fresh and new. Honestly, Indiana Jones has never sounded this good. I was floored. In terms of picture, it was a bit of a mixed bag, but I would check more boxes in the Win column. I've seen 'Raiders' on the big screen a number of times, but never a screen this big. When it's working, which is most of the time, 'Raiders' looks better than any of the film prints I've ever seen. It's bright and crisp and clean and colorful. The ultra-immersive IMAX screen sucks you right into the action. As for the DMR process, which both digitally sharpens and reduces noise, the movie still looks like film and faces never appear waxy. However, the best IMAX presentations are those where you can see textures on props, sets, clothing, and even faces. Sadly, those small details seem to be lacking. The largest flaw is the amount of noise in the dark scenes. Given the available source materials, this is probably about as good as 'Raiders' could look in a large screen format like IMAX, but if you don't like noise, you might be distracted. Also, I prefer the 70MM IMAX auditoriums over the digital IMAX cinemas because I notice what David called "The Screen Door Effect" -- meaning, in certain bright spots and highlights, I can see individual pixels. David said IMAX is moving towards dual 4K projectors, where the pixels will be a quarter of the size, which should reduce the issue. Also, in 2013 or 2014, IMAX and Eastman Kodak will debut a new laser projection system with a 1.43 aspect ratio and 8,000-10,000:1 contrast ratio (apparently, film is more like 4,000-5,000:1). 'Raiders' only has a few noticeable moments of screen door effect; much less than 'Iron Man 2' (the last digital IMAX film I saw). While I haven't seen the Blu-ray yet, I imagine any of the noise issues will be minimized on your HDTVs and home projectors. Overall 'Raiders' has never sounded this good and, with the exception of some noise in darker moments and some visible projector pixels, looks pretty damn good in digital IMAX. FYI, there will not be any 70MM IMAX film prints, but if you don't want to see 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' on IMAX (playing one week only, September 7-13), you can also check out 'Indiana Jones: The Complete Adventures' Marathon on Saturday, September 15. Playing only at select AMC Theatres, the marathon is not in IMAX and costs $25 to watch all four movies back-to-back-to-back-to-back.Posted Tue Aug 28, 2012 at 05:30 PM PDT by: -
'Total Recall (2012)' Blu-ray Up for Pre-Order![teaser]The science fiction remake based on Phillip K Dick's short story "We Can Remember It for You Wholesale" is now up for Blu-ray pre-orders at Amazon! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony's 'Total Recall (2012)' appears to be coming to Blu-ray in the near future. The action-thriller features a star-studded cast including Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale, Jessica Biel, Bryan Cranston, Bokeem Woodbine, John Cho, and Bill Nighy. Specs, supplements, and a release date have not been set yet, but two versions will be available with the suggested list prices of $35.99 and $40.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Total Recall (2012)' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under PENDING.Posted Tue Aug 28, 2012 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
ADAM Audio Introduces the ARTist 5.1 Surround System[teaser]The system is designed to be flexible for placement in a home theater or an office environment. [/teaser] ADAM is a company that’s only recently jumped into home theater after making a name for itself in the pro audio market. The folks at ADAM seem to know what they’re doing in both arenas, and are launching a brand new 5.1 surround system built for both office and home theater use. The ARTist 5.1 surround system includes a pair of ARTist 5 monitors to handle rear channels, ARTist 6 floorstanding speakers for left and right channels and an ARTist center and ARTist subwoofer. Each of the speakers sports its own volume control as well as bass control. They also offer up ADAM’s X-ART tweeters and two built-in 25 watt amps for each driver. The price and release date of the system have yet to be announced. Source: Electronic HousePosted Tue Aug 28, 2012 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
'Transformers Prime: Season Two' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]All 26 episodes of the animated series' second season will hit Blu-ray in November. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Shout Factory is working on 'Transformers Prime: Season Two' for Blu-ray on November 27. Unicron is defeated but what was thought to be the end of the Autobots' darkest hour is actually proving to be just the beginning! The centuries-old war pitting Optimus Prime (Peter Cullen) and his team of heroic Autobots alongside their most trusted human allies-Jack Miko Raf and Special Agent Fowler (Ernie Hudson 'Ghostbusters')-against Megatron (Frank Welker) and his nefarious Decepticons rages on coming to a boldly exciting climax you absolutely have to see to believe! It's a brand-new season of the Emmy Award-winning series Crave Online calls the show "die-hard fans have always wanted." Specs have yet to be revealed, but the 4-disc Blu-ray set will include: OPTIMUS PRIME: Up Close And Personal Panel From San Diego Comic-Con International 2012 -The incomparable Larry King, one of the most recognized broadcast interviewers in the world, goes one-on-one with voice actor Peter Cullen (OPTIMUS PRIME). "The King of Interviews" salutes the beloved Cullen and takes fans on a journey through the actor's early days on the original 1984 animated TV series “TRANSFORMERS Generation One,” the three box office smash TRANSFORMERS movies, and his current work on The Hub TV network's Daytime Emmy® Award-winning animated series TRANSFORMERS PRIME from Hasbro Studios; as well as brand-new interviews with the creative team. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $59.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Transformers Prime: Season Two' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under November 27.Posted Tue Aug 28, 2012 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
LG Reveals a 27 Inch 3D Smart TV[teaser]It packs MHL and WiDi compatibility, as well as the things we’ve come to expect from a Smart TV. [/teaser] The TM2792 is LG’s latest creation and, in terms of size anyway, it pales to their 84 inch UHD behemoth. In terms of practicality though, it has quite a bit more potential. It’s a 27 inch set that gives you everything you’ve come to expect from a Smart TV but in a much smaller frame. LG’s TM2792 offers up Smart TV functionality so you can stream your favorite shows and movies as well as taking advantage of whatever other LG Apps you like. It sports MHL compatibility for viewing video from portable devices and WiDi for streaming from newer Intel laptops. The set also packs Cinema 3D, which gives you the same passive 3D experience provided by LG’s larger sets. A price hasn’t been announced, but the European release date is expected in September. No word yet on the US. Source: EngadgetPosted Tue Aug 28, 2012 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
HDD Spotlight Bargain: 'Piranha 3DD' Blu-ray $14.96 at Amazon![teaser]Cash-in on a great pre-order price for the Blu-ray 3D swimming to stores next week! [/teaser] The online retailer is selling the upcoming Blu-ray 3D combo of 'Piranha 3DD' for only $14.96 (50% off suggested list price). The campy horror sequel will be available in stores on September 4. Click here to take advantage of this price while you can!Posted Tue Aug 28, 2012 at 08:37 AM PDT by: -
'The Pete Walker Collection' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]Four 1970s thrillers from director Pete Walker will be packaged together in a Blu-ray boxed set this November. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Redemption is preparing 'The Pete Walker Collection' for Blu-ray on November 20. 'Die Screaming Marianne' (1971): Marianne (Susan George, 'Straw Dogs'), following the sudden death of her mother, stands to inherit the family fortune, along with several documents that could incriminate her corrupt judge of a father. Now, her sister and her father both want their hands on Marianne's inheritance and they'll stop at nothing, even murder, to get it! 'House of Whipcord' (1974): A beautiful model is taken prisoner and held in a bizarre private prison where ''immoral women'' are subjected to brutality and degradation. Stars Penny Irving, Patrick Barr and Barbara Markham. 'Schizo' (1976): A little girl watches helplessly as she is the sole witness to her mother's murder. Years later, that little girl has grown into the beautiful skating star Samantha Gray (Lynne Frederick). But after her wedding announcement is published in the local newspaper, a man who becomes more and more obsessed with her begins turning up everywhere she goes. Samantha's fear mounts as one by one her friends are murdered, and she becomes convinced that the stalker is no stranger! this suspenseful horror thriller was one of the early slasher films, rich with gore, an intriguing story, scenes reminiscent of Psycho and a twist ending considered so frightening that squeamish theater patrons were promised free smelling salts if they fainted! 'The Comeback' (1978): Seeking a little peace and quiet to write some new songs, a washed-up American singer (''The Love Boat'' theme crooner Jack Jones) moves into a secluded English house. But his mind isn't on a new romance when he's contacted by his ex-wife's ghost, whose clues about her murder lead Jones to a confrontation with the killer. Offbeat chiller also stars Pamela Stephenson ('Superman III,' ''Saturday Night Live''), David Doyle (''Charlie's Angels''), Holly Palance ('The Omen'). (aka ''The Day the Screaming Stopped'' and ''Encore''). Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price for the 4-disc Blu-ray set is $89.95. You can find the latest specs for 'The Pete Walker Collection' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under November 20.Posted Tue Aug 28, 2012 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Projector Shipments are Up 11 Percent from 2011[teaser]LED and 3D projectors are down, while bang-for-the-buck projectors increased their market share. [/teaser] Projector sales are down when compared to the fourth quarter of last year – something to be expected – but are up a full 11 percent from the same quarter in 2011. It’s not the hugely expensive section of the market that’s driving this, but low and mid priced projectors. 720p projectors in general were up, now holding 8.49 percent of the market share. Last year they accounted for just 5.66 percent. 1080p projectors with traditional lamps still own the market, with LED losing traction. LCoS tech gained a six percent share of the market. “The reality is that consumers can buy a whole lotta projector below $10,000 as well as below $5,000,” says Quixel Research principal researcher Terry Pratt. “It is up to manufacturers to work with their retailers to offer a story to keep the high end of the market healthy.” Source: TWICEPosted Tue Aug 28, 2012 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
'Crooked Arrows' Blu-ray Dated and Detailed[teaser]The lacrosse sports drama from director Steve Rash is on target for Blu-ray this October. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, 20th Century Fox is prepping 'Crooked Arrows' for a Blu-ray release on October 23. You'll stand up and cheer for this feel-good sports thriller starring Brandon Routh ('Superman Returns'). The ancient sport of lacrosse has been part of their tribal heritage for centuries, but the Native American players on the Crooked Arrows high school team are long-time losers. When former star player Joe Logan (Routh) agrees to coach the rag-tag group to seal the deal on a lucrative casino project, he sets out to turn the chumps into champs and, in the process, learns the value of loyalty himself. If the Arrows can learn to shoot straight and challenge their prep school rivals, these fast-breaking warriors may just pull off the ultimate upset and win it all! Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements will include: Commentary featuring Mark Ellis, Steve Rash, and Neal J. Powless; The Story of Crooked Arrows; Keepin' it Real: Crooked Arrows Lacrosse; Native American Lacrosse - A Crooked Arrows Tribute; The Game of Life, Heart, and Soul of the Onondaga; and Theatrical Trailer. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Crooked Arrows' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's now indexed under October 23.Posted Tue Aug 28, 2012 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
'Shameless: The Complete Second Season' Blu-ray Dated[teaser]The second season of the hit Showtime series is in the works for Blu-ray this December. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers will be bringing 'Shameless: The Complete Second Season' to Blu-ray on December 18. Season Two of Showtime's boldest bravest series dives headfirst into the sweltering heat of a Chicago summer grabs Gallagher family life by the throat and never lets go. Boozed-up Frank's scams constantly fizzle. Grammy Gallagher visits after a stint in prison. Bipolar Monica returns to fan Frank's flames. Hard-working Fiona plays the field.until Steve comes back with a hot new wife. Lip drops out to care for his and Karen's baby. Ian's gunning for West Point. The Gallaghers may lack rent money and toilet paper but there's never a shortage of heart or a moment of shame in this acclaimed drama starring William H. Macy Emmy Rossum and a brilliant ensemble cast. Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is set at $49.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Shameless: The Complete Second Season' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under December 18.Posted Mon Aug 27, 2012 at 12:00 PM PDT by:
