[Idea] Robocop (1987) UAR version

[spoRv]

It was time!

I tried first blending the full screen and the open matte 1.66:1 Criterion versions, but they differ too much in color and contrast, and didn't match well in almost any scene, so I put it on hold, hoping to find out the right match. And I've finally found it - the unreleased Sony BD.

So, do not expect the best version possible; apart the obvious fact that full screen is standard definition, both shares the same master with high contrast (crushed blacks and clipped whites, albeit they could be partially recovered) and a lot of grain (lost on the FS, that I'll try to reinstate to match the BD).

Without much further ado, here are some screenshots from a VERY preliminary rough quick'n'dirt alpha test (so you won't expect too much! )









color matching should be improved, as well as FS grain; the sources aren't in sync, so if you note some spatial misalignement, it will not be present in the final version; but the main aim of these screenshots is to show you how much image it will gain.

Thought also to color matching it to Criterion DVD. Still undecided which audio tracks should be included, though; I've thought about the Criterion laserdisc PCM, then what else? The 4.0? The 5.1?

Last thing: even if in some (many?) shots the remastered BD has a bigger frame, sometimes the contrary is true - I distinctly remember there were few shots really zoomed in in the new version.
Example: http://ultimateaspectratio.ga/Robocop_19...s_UAR.html (watch it fullscreen!)

[Plissken1138]

wow, those differences in framing are nuts! this will be interesting to see in motion. regarding audio, I'd say get as much as possible in there

Do you make these by hand or is there a script that does it for you?

[crissrudd4554]

I look forward to this. One of the few films I prefer open matte!

[Stamper]

Awesome was the film released on NTSC DVD open matte?

[crissrudd4554]

Awesome was the film released on NTSC DVD open matte?

Not that I’m aware of. The Criterion release was probably the closest even though it’s in a 1:66.1 widescreen ratio.

[spoRv]

Happy to know there is someone else interested - I thought to be the only crazy one who loved to get as much image as possible!

Alignment: AutoOverlay avisynth script does it, but you should prepare well the sources, and use the right settings... indeed, is waaaay simpler than do it by hand, still not easy as a walk in the park...

Audio tracks: it would be great to have the non-Criterion laserdisc PCM track!

Fullscreen: source is PAL, most probably from SDTV, but its quality is really good.

Color grading: I decided to take the Criterion DVD as color "inspiration" - not a direct matching, as with UAR it doesn't work well, but just a color correction to resemble it - quite closely, I think.

Top BD, bottom UAR regraded as Criterion:



http://ultimateaspectratio.ga/Robocop_19...UAR_2.html

OK, duller colors, but overall better IMHO - no sunburnt faces, nor blue blanket.


UAR TEST CLIP - ED209 (AVC 15mbps 1080p, AC-3 384kbps 5.1):
http://www44.zippyshare.com/v/ZXMjUqNR/file.html (temporary link)

Comparison with BD:

http://www44.zippyshare.com/v/FY7kovZm/file.html[b] (temporary link)[/b]

Notes:

• slight wobbling noticeable in few shots is in the source
  
• two goofs due to full screen aspect ratio
  
• color is duller than BD, but so 80s!
  

[X5gb]

Another fan of UAR and all things open matte here as well, looking forward to this UAR and another favorite film of mine. Liking the duller color timing which as you said is close to the Criterion.

[Tylerdurden389]

Very nice.

[Stamper]

OK here's my take, IMHO, the constant change of the AR is distracting. I think it could be better if you mix and match 4:3 and 16:9 shots based on the cropping.

ie when there is nothing on the borders, you keep the 4/3 format for the shot. When it's cropped on the sides too much, you keep the 16:9 or compromise filling the space. Thus you would create an IMAX version which I take is more exciting, like the recent BTTF mixmatch of 4:3 and 16:9 shots.

Only difference is, when you keep the 4/3, use the Blu-ray for the middle fill to get the best of the resolution?