However, the widescreen options results in a picture that is framed slightly better, as the full-frame version leaves too much headroom in most of the shots. Overall, the image quality on both discs is quite disappointing, especially because the widescreen option isn't anamorphic. Both movies look roughly comparable in quality to a slightly worn VHS copy, with some sequences looking significantly better than others. Both appear to have been transferred from a master tape rather than original film elements, and the real trouble comes in terms of sharpness and color quality. Both movies look excessively soft, which results in an image that is lacking in detail.
Color is equally problematic.
While both films are bold in their color schemes, the colors on these DVDs seem drab and a bit off, with some slight bleeding from time to time. Many scenes also have a reddish tinge, which throws off the blue in the Lone Ranger's costume and also makes flesh tones appear unnaturally pink. The soundtracks for both films are presented in Dolby Digital 1.0 monaural. While neither is particularly compelling, the soundtracks are free of any overly distracting hiss or aural artifacts, although there is at least one moment in The Lone Ranger and the Lost City of Gold when the sound drops out entirely for a few seconds, and there a few instances of sync problems that are probably inherent to the original elements. Sound effects sound good, and while the musical score is somewhat lacking in fullness, although it doesn't become overly thin or tinny.