Product: Gladiator [VHS] (2000)
Rating: 1.0
Defect
Well, I like this movie as much as my fellow neighbour and has waited for this a long time, because it is one of the most sought after mainstream movies, that would deliver a stunning picture and awesome sound. In Ridley Scott we trust, right?But would is not would, but could! The blu-ray release here, is defect!It has been processed by software that automatically removes fast moving objects. In the intro scene, a lot of arrows are missing flying in the air. The fireballs are distorted. Movements are distorted.That's not all. The picture has boosted sharpness resulting in edge enhancement, halos around objects, making the scenes artificial looking. There are introduced digital noise reduction, that smoothers details in skin, textures, organic objects. You like wax faces, then by all means, buy.That's not all. The extended cut scenes are fault free. So watching the extended cut, you will have the theatrical and extended cut scenes, mixed in, making the viewing seems like an even greater travesty.I can not recommend this release to anyone. I watched this on a 104" screen and I would prefer to watch the DVD in upscaled form instead. The Braveheart title, also available on the Sapphire label is stunning. Really beautiful, but this one ... don't buy! It IS defect and Paramount have to strike a new master and redo this.