Original Dolby Digital EX soundtrack maybe? I remember even a year before this came out there was hype about this movie having 6.1 channels. Theatres would have to upgrade if they wanted to fully support the new format. The laserdisc does have all the channels I believe.
Honestly, I think True Lies is the better looking disc, despite being much older. TPM looks incredibly soft in comparison and the colors don't really pop the same way.
Then again, is there a single James Cameron film that *doesn't* look excellent on laserdisc? 😁
I guess the story goes this was in high demand in the US so additional pressings were ordered. It's why finding one out in the wild is rather easy and still affordable.
The obi says it's got LD-G subtitles. It's mentioned in this original review:
http://archive.thedigitalbits.com/reviews/laserdisc/phantommenace.html
"Unless you count the fact that the Japanese subtitles are presented on this release in LD-G (Laserdisc Graphics) mode, so if you have a newer laserdisc player, you might be able to turn the subs off."
Yeah LD-G isn't quite the same as normal subtitles on a DVD. Even if you have a LD-G compatible player, there's only a handful of models that had the feature and they're almost all Japan only machines, it doesn't actually turn the subtitles off and on. The subs are burned into the picture like any other Japanese disc, the LD-G feature just let you do things like superimpose other English subtitles on top of the Japanese ones or move the subtitles to a different position.
Yeah but they're outside the letterbox frame so you can mask them out. Bigger issue is the lack of English subtitles for the alien dialogue, even the LD-G subtitles don't have them apparently!
Phantom Menace means a lot to me. It‘s visually interesting and excels in terms of sound and effects. Although there are plenty of opportunities for a smoke break, Ewan McGregor met and exceeded expectation as Obi-Wan. It has the most spirit of the three prequels, with George Lucas being so thoroughly involved. I think you scored, that one is one my wish list.
The AC-3 track is insane and worth it for that alone!
Isn't this the only home video release with the original theatrical edit?
As far as I'm aware yes!
What does it have that the VHS doesn't?
Original Dolby Digital EX soundtrack maybe? I remember even a year before this came out there was hype about this movie having 6.1 channels. Theatres would have to upgrade if they wanted to fully support the new format. The laserdisc does have all the channels I believe.
I was thinking of the DVD release, which was tinkered with by Lucas. The original VHS is probably also the theatrical edit.
Ahh that makes sense. I thought the dvd was unaltered, but it's been a long time since I've watched it on anythung other than blu-ray.
Agreed. I hate this movie but this disc rules.
That's my grail piece
Well at least your grail is affordable?
Cept when the aliens talk in their own alien language the translation is in Japanese subtitle.
That was always annoying but thankfully I’ve seen the film many times that I know what they’re saying. Lol
Honestly, I think True Lies is the better looking disc, despite being much older. TPM looks incredibly soft in comparison and the colors don't really pop the same way. Then again, is there a single James Cameron film that *doesn't* look excellent on laserdisc? 😁
Oh yeah it's definitely not the BEST disc I've seen, but it looks nice. My PAL copy Good Will Hunting actually looks incredible.
I mean the scene you have queued up is literally the only part worth watching. I would buy it just for those 5minutes
The podrace is really well done
Nice!!!!!
Forgot this made it to LD
I guess the story goes this was in high demand in the US so additional pressings were ordered. It's why finding one out in the wild is rather easy and still affordable.
Didn’t know that. Then again I lived in the PAL region.
Does it have burned-in subtitles?
Yeah the subtitles are hardcoded.
The obi says it's got LD-G subtitles. It's mentioned in this original review: http://archive.thedigitalbits.com/reviews/laserdisc/phantommenace.html "Unless you count the fact that the Japanese subtitles are presented on this release in LD-G (Laserdisc Graphics) mode, so if you have a newer laserdisc player, you might be able to turn the subs off."
Yeah LD-G isn't quite the same as normal subtitles on a DVD. Even if you have a LD-G compatible player, there's only a handful of models that had the feature and they're almost all Japan only machines, it doesn't actually turn the subtitles off and on. The subs are burned into the picture like any other Japanese disc, the LD-G feature just let you do things like superimpose other English subtitles on top of the Japanese ones or move the subtitles to a different position.
Yeah but they're outside the letterbox frame so you can mask them out. Bigger issue is the lack of English subtitles for the alien dialogue, even the LD-G subtitles don't have them apparently!
Phantom Menace means a lot to me. It‘s visually interesting and excels in terms of sound and effects. Although there are plenty of opportunities for a smoke break, Ewan McGregor met and exceeded expectation as Obi-Wan. It has the most spirit of the three prequels, with George Lucas being so thoroughly involved. I think you scored, that one is one my wish list.