I've recently purchased the Superbit version of 'The Patriot' and noticed far better contrasts than in the regular version.

I would be very interested in other's inputs on the Superbit DVD line.

Yes, Matt, so would I. I haven't bought any, but I have checked the packaging of new releases. When these SuperBits started, they had only one format (either DTS or DD 5.1) for sound, and no extras, ostensibly so they could use less compression and more disk space, thereby providing a better visual.

But I've noticed lately that newer releases are providing both sound formats. Since the whole argument of DTS vs. DD5.1 often overlooks "the guy who mixed the master", I'm curious as to what has changed. Are they now compressing DTS more than before, or what? Anybody know? ... Mike

Hmmm... was I wrong? Did they always come with both soundtracks? See http://www.superbitdvd.com/.

Greetings M&Ms
I have 4 SBs: Air Force One, Courage Under Fire, Desperado, Fifth Element. I rented the normals & can see & HEAR the difference. I read a post somewhere a while ago that the visuals are better except when compared to (don't quote me) Columbia Tristar DVDs about equal to SBs. I would agree the visuals are about equal on the Fifth Element only - the other SBs are much better visual & sound.
Unfortunately SB cannot make Antonio's poorformance any better- heh heh.
I guess my only complaint is the low # of titles SB has made available. I would buy more of their copies.

How's the car running Matt?
I got to use the SPL again for the new RX-Z1. The way things are going I may have to use it every year for the latest RX-(xy).

MIke too bad I didn't get to knock those holes in your walls... But some day the HT gets built in your basement & I'll make up for it then...

Dougofthenorth (... catchy thing this elipsis...)

I, too, heard that SB was to not have DTS. Then they show up with DTS. I'm guessing that it was a planning stage that said only DD would be available.

If you go to www.superbit.com, it would appear that SuperBit IS actually Columbia TriStar product. ... Mike

... Doug... you stealing my signature ellipsis...?

Mike...

Well then I guess you can quote me...

Re: the elipses thing
...where would you get an idea like that...

...Dougofthenorth (...)

The car is running tops! I love it.

I also think the SB movies are worth the money, and really, how many times do you watch the extra's anyway. Buy The Patriot, it's the Deluxe Superbit edition. I think it's amazing video and sound! The DTS being better on this disc.

My reservation with Superbit has not be that they don't offer improved quality, but that that is the way DVDs should be released in the first place. Disc 1, movie only, disc 2 extras.

The ONLY one I am considering, is the upcoming Das Boot 2-disc SB. Of course, the reviews of the current version are quite good so I will have to wait on the SB reviews first. May not be worth the extra money. I may just spend the $12-$14 to get the current version. It's anamorphic, has German (and English) DD5.1 and reviewed quite well. Plus it has a WP commentary track and behind the scenes featurette. Now, don't get me wrong, I am all about the movie, but the current disc is already quite good. Just have to be sure that the extra money gets me an equal improvement in A/V.

This message was edited by jlb on 01/09/03 15:12.

"My reservation with Superbit has not be that they don't offer improved quality, but that that is the way DVDs should be released in the first place. Disc 1, movie only, disc 2 extras."

I agree, I thought that was the promise of what DVDs were to be, being the best they could make them.
Some look as bad or worse than a VHS of the same movie.


Das Boot, is one of those movies that may or may not be improved with a superbit edition. It's very good the way it is, and for how dark most of the movie is shot in, you might get more detail, and you might not. Hard to say, as there are lots of dark scenes with shadows, that might show more. As for sound, I can't imagine the depth charges getting any better sounding, but the creaking sounds of the sub may come alive some, over what they are now. But I don't think I'd buy the superbit to replace my "normal" version, as I have done with some others. In your case, I'd probably wait also to see the results first before buying it, as you don't have it now. Either way though, it's one of the best submarine movies ever made.

Absolutely! I will certainly get any movie that I like that comes out in SB. So far it's caused me a bit of double buying - ie/ replacing 5th Element and Dracula with SB version. oh well.

But the extras. Some are fantastic, and I spend a lot of time watching them! If the non-SB 5th Element had any extras, I would have kept two copies of it.

Can someone that has the current version of Das Boot chime in on Peterson's commentary? That may or may not make the difference for me. Although, if the comparative reviews of DB are [b]strongly[/b] in favor of the SB version, then I would probably get the SB and then just rent the DC sometime to hear the commentary.....

Well, never seeing the SB version, I would assume that it will be MUCH better than the original. I think that because what I see the advantage to SB is, is the contrast detail, and, since that is a very 'dark' movie, the SB release should shine! Let alone the less compressed audio track!

Based on the reviews I have read regarding the current version of Das Boot, I cannot see the SB being "much better". I am sure there will be an improvement, but as to how noticable, that remains to be seen.

Again, for 14.99 I can get the DC now, with 5.1 German and with the Peterson commentary and some behind the scenes footage.

Now granted, as I said above, to me it is all about the movie, but unless there is significant video improvement and the DTS track is superb relative to the current 5.1, it would be hard to plunk down the money for the SB instead of the 14.99 (or less) for the DC.

Time will tell.