Reference dvd list-nominate the candidates here

[SeanL]

As most of you old timers can attest to, the topic of “demo/reference dvds” comes up quite often. So what we’re going to do is put up a sticky “reference dvd” master list.

The discs on this list will be great examples of what the format has to offer the HT enthusiast in the audio/video dept.

This thread is to nominate candidates for the list. We’ll take the nominees (minus any that might be disputed by a majority of the members) and put them in one thread for easy access. Once the initial list is up, maybe once a month we’ll do a new nomination thread to add any new candidates to the list so we can keep it current.

Now here’s the rules. Nominate discs based on your personal experiences…don’t list a movie just because The Digital Bits says it is reference quality. You don’t have to have an ISF calibrated Hi def set to comment on the video of a disc, but if your tv set displays reds as purples, then you might not be the best person to comment on video quality.

In order to keep it manageable during this nomination process, keep it to 10 selections for starters. After you’ve picked your 10, defend your selections. Tell us why it is a reference disc.

If someone has already nominated a disc that is one of your choices, you don’t need to waste one of your selections by listing it again. Review other members selections, and comment on them. Are they indeed worthy of being a reference disc? Or perhaps there is some flaw that should prevent a disc from being considered reference? Tell us… this way we’ll have a good list of discs that everyone can agree on.


One last note; no discussion on the merits of the movie itself. This has nothing to do with how good or bad a movie is, only the A/V presentation.


So let's get started on building that list.

[Wirehed]

Lord of the Rings: Fellow Ship of the Rings EE
Star Wars Episode II: Clone Wars
Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers EE
Desperado Superbits
Fight Club
The Fifth Element Superbits
Mulholland Dr.
Moulin Rouge
Rushmore Criterion

[Hollow Man]

Nine Inch Nails - And All That Could Have Been (DTS version). Best damn audio I've ever heard. The bitrate is so high that each disk has barely an hour of music on it. But what you get in exchange for that is sound that rocks hard with exceptional dynamic range.

Twin Peaks Season One. Remarkable transfer for a TV show that's 10 years old. Only 2 episodes per disc to get the bitrate super high. The detail of the picture is top-notch and the surround work adds detail when needed rather than as a gimmick.

Stargate UE. I was pretty amazed at how good this disc sounded. The action scenes explode into your room. Nice picture as well.

Memento LE. Great dynamic range on the sound. Picture is lush and vivid. An improvement over the already well received one disc version.

I second FotR EE, Mulholland Drive, AotClones, and 5th Element Superbit.

-HM

[mlemmond]

Originally Posted by Seamonkey

Lord of the Rings: Fellow Ship of the Rings EE
Star Wars Episode II: Clone Wars
Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers EE
Desperado Superbits
Fight Club
The Fifth Element Superbits
Mulholland Dr.
Moulin Rouge

I second these and add:

Jason X
Singin in the Rain SE - a perfect example of what restoration can do to an old classic, the colors are bright and vibrant
Both Fast and Furious movies
Bad Boys 2
Black Hawk Down
Blade 1 & 2
Dark City
Dracula Superbit - one of the most beautiful movies out and this superbit version is stunning
Daredevil
X2
All Pixar Films
Final Fantasy Spirits Within
Freddy vs Jason

[Sycho]

Insane Clown Posse: The Wraith - Shangra - La (DVD-Audio)

[SeanL]

This is a good start everyone, but if I could ask you to go back and edit your posts, and add WHY you think your selections are reference caliber. What makes it reference? Audio? Video? Both? What makes the audio and/or video so great?

[dkogler]

I'll nomminate "Star Wars: Episode II" as well.

Why?

First of all it makes constant use of the 5.1 surround channles, and has aggressive, good quality base. The 'asteroid belt' scene is an especially good example of this, with constant laser fire from all 5.1 channels, and the sisemic changes for great base, you don't need to be an audio nerd to know what you're hearing is great quality sound. There's also a very convienet chapter stop right there so you can skip right to the scene.

As for video quality, since the movie was originally filmed digitaly it makes for a perfect transfer to DVD. And the extensive use (some say over use) of CGI in the movie can really look good, especially on an HD TV.

[Indyphantom]

Video Quality

Pearl Harbor I'd be lying if I said I didn't love the visuals in this film. I don't have the big ass edition, because I don't need that much Michael Bay...but this image is as pristine as anything I've seen in the Superbit lineup. It was nominated in the ASC awards and if you like classicly beautiful films, check it out. Very impressive to show off with. Just make sure you skip the Affleck love scenes.

Suspiria Always has been a striking film to look at. The terrific transfer by Anchor Bay does the job well. Bold, crisp colors that don't bleed and sharp without visible EE. That 3 strip process is incredible to behold. It is all about the look and one of Dario Argento's best films. A must own for vid quality.

Audio Quality

Run Lola Run The best use of the LFE I can think of. Lots of fun play with directional/spatial sound effects. The music rocks and it is just a great-sounding disc. This is one of the first to really blow me away in 5.1 DD and it really holds up nicely. I always recommend it.

Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me Lots of talk about other Lynch work tends to leave this masterpiece in the dark. In terms of audio design, this is the boldest of the maverick's ouevre. An aggresive and uncompromosing DTS track is included on New Line's DVD. Both digital tracks are great, but you will be fully enveloped in the nightmare in DTS. The music is haunting and you will swear Badalamenti and his team are in your basement with you. Brilliant stuff.

[tqpix]

I just noticed that someone already nominated this one, but since (s)he didn't give a reason, I'm choosing this one:

Bram Stoker's Dracula (SUPERBIT) -- Seen this last night, and WOW ! Best DVD I've seen. I didn't even follow what was going on in the movie very much, because my attention was mostly fixed on the picture quality.

[SharpShooter5]

Video Quality:

Attack of the clones - Being direct digital to digital transfer this is still the best looking DVD i own, the colours are simply amazing, blacks are dead on, and red and blues pop off the screen. Also sharpness is amazing. Odds are the only DVD that will look better then AOTC is Lucas's next installment of the star wars saga.

Ice Age - IMO this CGI film looks the best out of all of them, Shrek, Finding Nemo, Monsters INC. etc. also look stunning, but "Ice Age" with all of its deep blues and bold whites blows them away, clarity is amazing, and the contrast of the black and brown animals, against the white snow is really beautiful.

Audio Quality

Die Another Day - the DTS track on the disc is awesome, even Madonna's sub-par title song acually sounds good, and the low end of the Bond/Zao ice chase will bring the house down, not the best Bond Flick, but defenetly the best sounding.

Attack of the clones - Along with amazing video, George Lucas' Attack of the clones also sounds amazing. The Dolby digital 5.1 track makes good use of surrounds, and the final battle is 30 minutes of beauty with lazer blasts and lightsabre effects surrounding you 360 degrees

Daredevil - The DTS track on this disc is defenetly the best sounding of all the comic book movies, explosions are very loud, and the "rock music" soundtrack sounds just too good to put into words, and even with all the music in the surrounds, dialoge still comes in very powerful and very clear.

[rossi46]

Matrix Reloaded has to be on any list when discussing reference DVDs. Impeccable video quality: sharp as razor, no EE to speak of, deep deep blacks. Warner proves you don't need DTS to make a killer soundtrack, as the DD audio is top notch. IMO until HD-DVD it doesn't get any better than this disc.

I'll second the X2 and LOTR EE DVDs posted earlier.

[esc]

I have to nominate TITAN AE for audio. Despite what you may have to say about the film, the DTS track really makes me appreciate what a good sound mix can do. Every once in a while i wonder if spending over four grand on a sound system was a good idea because some films sound good but just not *that* great, and i wonder if i should have gone to WalMart instead and gotten an out-of-the-box all-in-one HT system for $299. Then i hear something that has an amazing sound mix and i appreciate what a good sound designer can do for a film.
The beginning of the film is so quiet and then the 'helicopters' start flying over from front to rear speakers and the engine of the hover-vehicle is roaring and the music is blasting, and then the earth goes KA-blewie and its all quiet again and then you get assaulted with Cosmic Castaway, all of which are expertly mixed.

[MrE26]

LOTR EE's.
Awesome picture quality & amazing DTS soundtracks that just scream out to be played loud. The movies ain't too bad either.
Pearl Harbor DC
Terrible movie, but the attack sequence in DTS is just amazing.
Matrix Reloaded/Revolutions
Razor sharp picture, awesome DD5.1 soundtracks.
Episode II
Best picture quality i've ever seen, accompanied by an awesome DD5.1 soundtrack.

[sukr_4_dbldips]

I'll second Episode II for the reasons stated above.

I'll throw out two suggestions:

Audio: Godzilla - Great use of the surrounds and LFE during several key scenes.

Audio and Video: Planet of the Apes (2001) - The picture quality is superb, and the DTS track on this disc is simply astounding.

[tomdkat]

Wow, most of my original 10 have already been listed. Thanks guys!

Wait, does that mean I have to come up with a NEW set of 10?

Anywho, here are some that haven't been mentioned yet:

• U-571: The A/V quality on this DVD just plain rocks! The depth charge scenes are almost always recommended to show of HT gear and both the DD and dts audio tracks are incredible.
• Swordfish:The A/V quality on this DVD is really impeccable and people often comment on the explosion at the beginning of the movie. The video transfer is top notch and the DD audio is excellent!
• Starship Troopers: I don't list this because of Denise Richards, even though that's a great reason in and of itself. This DVD truly shows that DVD excellent DVD authoring can result in maximum enjoyment potential by really capturing the theatrical experience in the home. The A/V quality of this DVD is also highly respected and regarded along with Fifth Element.
• Saving Private Ryan (dts): This DVD has awesome video quality and the dts audio is considered to be one of the best demonstrations of what dts can do that just about everyone agrees on.
• Red Planet: I think this is a "sleeper" DVD in terms of A/V quality. This has a very clean and simply beautiful video transfer and the DD audio is also excellent even though I think the movie could have had more effects to better "exercise" the audio a bit more. Still, the evacuation sequence really rocks!

I'll post more as I think of them.

EDIT: Ok, I just saw Fifth Element had already been mentioned so I'll change my list above.

Here are my "seconds":

• Lord of the Rings Extended Edition DVDs (both)
• Fight Club
• Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones
• Matrix: Reloaded
• Fifth Element (Superbit)

Peace...

[EM3]

Well I can't really pick an outstanding picture quality dvd. Thank you 27 inch RCA television. But as far as sound goes I like

Twister (dts) I especially like the sound in the house after the twister hits Wakita. When they are inside the house you hear all of the little creaks and moans of the house and yes even the cracking of the timbers from their own weight. Proof that sound doesn't have to be loud to be good .

[tomdkat]

Originally Posted by EM3

Twister (dts) I especially like the sound in the house after the twister hits Wakita.

Twister is a fun movie and I own both DVD releases. I really like the dts audio on the second release but I don't consider this DVD to be "reference" quality since I think there are better dts audio tracks out there. Twister has plenty of opportunity to exploit the capabilities of dts, given all the wind blowing and objects being hurled, etc. However, the dts audio just didn't blow me away as much as the dts audio on say Fast and the Furious did.

Peace...

[mlemmond]

Originally Posted by tomdkat

Twister is a fun movie and I own both DVD releases. I really like the dts audio on the second release but I don't consider this DVD to be "reference" quality since I think there are better dts audio tracks out there. Twister has plenty of opportunity to exploit the capabilities of dts, given all the wind blowing and objects being hurled, etc. However, the dts audio just didn't blow me away as much as the dts audio on say Fast and the Furious did.

Peace...

I agree that Fast and the Furious sounds better but here we are comparing two different types of sounds. Car chases and hip hop vs tornadoes and such, depending on what you want to showcase they both do an amazing job. Of the wonders of nature type sounds that can un-nerve you and impress you I think Twister and The Perfect Storm as well both do an amazing job.

[SeanL]

We've got some good nominees, but we need some more...There's a bunch of you who've not chimed in yet.

[SeanL]

I'll offer my selections here shortly, but for now...


I agree with the following:
LotR: Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers (EE's)
U-571
Star Wars: Attack of the Clones
Matrix Reloaded
Pearl Harbor
Ice Age
Die another Day
Swordfish
Red Planet

[SeanL]

I'd still like to ask those of you who've posted your choices but not listed why they should be considered reference, please go back and tell us why.

[cardaway]

Watched Sinbad from Dreamworks yesterday and I was quite surprised by how good the DTS track was. Sound effects from every channel almost throughout the whole movie.

I imagine the color palette would show off a great plasma monitor but I can only imagine since I still have a standard TV.

The Lion King SE, Shrek, and Nemo were also very impressive.

IMO animation makes great demo material because the soundtracks can be very agressive and it's hard to find more use of diverse colors.

[tomdkat]

Originally Posted by mlemmond

I agree that Fast and the Furious sounds better but here we are comparing two different types of sounds. Car chases and hip hop vs tornadoes and such, depending on what you want to showcase they both do an amazing job.

You make a very good point here. However, I wasn't comparing the kinds of effects as much as the "wow" factor when each movie reached a point where there was a lot going on. Take the last major action sequence of each movie. There was plenty of opportunity in Twister for me to be blown away based on the amount and size of "debris" that was being hurled around. I just didn't get "blown away" the way I expected to even though I think the movie is great and the A/V quality is very good.

The Perfect Storm is an interesting title you mention since I rented this and didn't care for it much but I do think the A/V quality was great to excellent. I'm not sure if I would consider this to be reference quality but I think it gives Twister a great run for the money, if not surpassing it.

Defending our nominations is part of this thread so please don't take this personally and don't hold back on challenging any of my recommendations.

With that being said, I want to nominate Se7en (Criterion). The A/V quality of this DVD is simply outstanding and both the DD and dts audio transfers are excellent. The video transfer is very clean, sharp, and detailed as well.

Peace....

[mlemmond]

Originally Posted by tomdkat

You make a very good point here. However, I wasn't comparing the kinds of effects as much as the "wow" factor when each movie reached a point where there was a lot going on. Take the last major action sequence of each movie. There was plenty of opportunity in Twister for me to be blown away based on the amount and size of "debris" that was being hurled around. I just didn't get "blown away" the way I expected to even though I think the movie is great and the A/V quality is very good.

The Perfect Storm is an interesting title you mention since I rented this and didn't care for it much but I do think the A/V quality was great to excellent. I'm not sure if I would consider this to be reference quality but I think it gives Twister a great run for the money, if not surpassing it.

Defending our nominations is part of this thread so please don't take this personally and don't hold back on challenging any of my recommendations.

With that being said, I want to nominate Se7en (Criterion). The A/V quality of this DVD is simply outstanding and both the DD and dts audio transfers are excellent. The video transfer is very clean, sharp, and detailed as well.

Peace....

Se7en wasn't a Criterion unless you are referring to the laserdisc the dvd is a New Line Platinum and it is excellent.

Going back to Twister and to some degree Te Perfect Storm I think what they can show is that you don't need explosions, bullets, cars or loud music to show off your system. While TFATF may be better there are plenty of explosion or this style of action movies on can use but these 2 discs offer something completely different.

[R1NLP]

Hmmm, interesting choices.

I'm not sure if anyone's mentioned T3 yet. The audio (especially during the crane chase sequence) is pretty damn good.

Of course Episode II should be a top contender for both categories. I don't even like the movie that much, but I find myself watching it just to take in the sound and visuals. That's the sign of a good reference dvd.

Oh, the SEVEN and Fight Club platinum series discs are also excellent examples of great audio and visual quality.

[mlemmond]

I would also add Underworld to the list it looks great and really abuses your speakers.

[tomdkat]

Originally Posted by mlemmond

Se7en wasn't a Criterion unless you are referring to the laserdisc the *** is a New Line Platinum and it is excellent.

Duh, I was thinking of the LD because cover (the Criterion LD cover looks the same as the New Line Platinum cover) but I meant the New Line Platinum release.

Good catch...

Going back to Twister and to some degree Te Perfect Storm I think what they can show is that you don't need explosions, bullets, cars or loud music to show off your system.

I don't doubt this at all and I agree with it 100%. My only contention is I don't consider Twister (dts) to be "reference" quality. The Perfect Storm I think might qualify as this much more than Twister.

Peace...

[MJZ]

Originally Posted by rossi46

Matrix Reloaded has to be on any list when discussing reference DVDs. Impeccable video quality: sharp as razor, no EE to speak of, deep deep blacks. Warner proves you don't need DTS to make a killer soundtrack, as the DD audio is top notch. IMO until HD-DVD it doesn't get any better than this disc.

Revolutions has also had the same time and care put into its video and audio.

Bad Boys II has great video quality and the DD 5.1 track is very aggresive, particular in shoot outs, using the rear channels a lot and with a nice level of sound.

S.W.A.T. (2003) see Bad Boys II above.

It's great to hear a good DD 5.1 track that makes full use of the surround effects.

Black Hawk Down Superbit Deluxe Set (R3) has the obvious high picture quality and DTS soundtrack.

Saving Private Ryan (DTS) has a very aggresive DTS track with excellent picture quality to match; you feel like you're actually storming the beach yourself.

[Moviephreak]

All this so far and no one has posted the DTS Jurassic Park Trilogy? I just rewatched this trilogy since I got my new Sony Subwoofer with Dual 10" woofers ( ) and the sound is amazing. When the T-Rex first shows up my entire house vibrates and my neighbor called asking what I was watching.

The video quality on this set is first rate as well. Excellent detail, solid blacks, and no noise.

[tomdkat]

Originally Posted by Moviephreak

All this so far and no one has posted the DTS Jurassic Park Trilogy?

Well, I own the dts Jurassic Park DVDs (bought individually) and while I think the discs are great, I don't think they're "reference quality", especially with the first batch of dts Jurassic Park DVDs needing to be re-mastered.

Peace...

[SephirothClone]

I didnt even know this thread existed, anywho here is my list...

Blade II - New Line Platinum Edition
Without a doubt one of the best DVD transfers I have ever seen. The DTS and Dolby tracks are agressive and the video transfer is sharp.

Terminator 2: Judgement Day - Extreme Edition
The digital transfer is by far the best video transfer I have ever seen. The booklett inside gives an excellent description of the feats taken to improve and master the video quality. Definite demo material.

The two Lord of the Rings - Extended Editions are also excellent and always demo material aswell.

[McMurphy]

I really like Blackhawk Down S.E. for this kind of thing.

I also would recommend Snatch superbit and A.I. for sound and video.

[Riddick]

I'll second the Rings discs

I'll second the Matrix discs also

And for older fair I'll give a nod to Casablanca ( I don't think it looked that good when it was released )

And the new Transfer and Sound for the 25 year old Alien is pretty amazing also

[slateman]

Matrix Revolutions
Maybe the movie wasn't fantastic, but the disc is. It just doesn't get much better in the pciture sound department.

Saving Private Ryan DTS
For sound, this is the one I still haul out when I want to impress people. Nothing is quite like the sound mix in this one.

[Vonner]

Originally Posted by tomdkat

[*]Starship Troopers: I don't list this because of Denise Richards, even though that's a great reason in and of itself. This DVD truly shows that DVD excellent DVD authoring can result in maximum enjoyment potential by really capturing the theatrical experience in the home. The A/V quality of this DVD is also highly respected and regarded along with Fifth Element.

Which version of the DVD are you talking about here? The regular release or the Special Edition? I've always meant to pick this movie up and I've seen the regular version for $10, but I was holding out for the SE because I assumed that the A/V would be better. If your talking about the regular release I'm gonna pick that bad boy up.

Thanks.

[tomdkat]

Originally Posted by Vonner

Which version of the DVD are you talking about here? The regular release or the Special Edition? I've always meant to pick this movie up and I've seen the regular version for $10, but I was holding out for the SE because I assumed that the A/V would be better. If your talking about the regular release I'm gonna pick that bad boy up.

I was talking about the original release of Starship Troopers but the Superit version would definitely be worth looking into for the dts audio. If you're into special features, the SE might also be worth checking out.

Peace...

[phpotato]

Black Hawk Down (DTS Superbit) - Excellent

Hero DTS - Excellent sound

The Mask of Zorro - This title was released so many times

Matrix Reloaded - Awful movie, so you should use it as a reference/demo disc!

A Bug's Life - Best picture, 'cos it's 100% digital to digital conversion!

Unforgiven - Because it's a classic!

The X-Files movie (DTS) - The X-Files may be irreverent now, but the DVD happens to be one of the best reference discs for picture and sound

X-Men - Excellent for a movie made on a shoestring budget

The Mummy - Excellent for showing off

Terminator 2 - One of the great movies

Any of the Lord of the Rings DVDs - Excellent set

[I 8 Piglet]

I know X2 has already been mentioned, but Ill add that if you want to test out your surround envelopment, check out the airplane chase scene in the storm. I was very impressed.

Im surprised no one has yet mention Band of Brothers (maybe I just missed a post) but I think the sound, surround, and LFE are excellent, as well the video is may not be pristeen, but it has a very cool look to it.

[Indyphantom]

Originally Posted by phpotato

X-Men - Excellent for a movie made on a shoestring budget

Yeah, it's a really wonderful example of quality low-budget filmmaking. :p

Both Starship Troopers were astonishing.

[SeanL]

I still have to come up with a list of my own, but I did want to say that Master & Commander: The Far Side of the World is an outstanding disc. Both the audio AND video are reference caliber. All the shipboard sounds and battles make for an active soundfield, and the video is top notch. Lots of detail, good deep blacks. Good stuff!