Best Region 1 DVD Transfer In Your Collection?

[Dr. Spec]

What is the best (overall) Region 1 DVD video transfer in your collection?

For me, it has to be "Below". We have nearly 300 titles in our collection, and while some come close in certain respects, but none can match the overall excellence of "Below". It is a true Reference DVD and borders perilously close to HDTV picture quality.

Below has razor sharp detail and yet exhibits no edge enhancement whatsoever. There is a scene where you can actually see a speck of dust floating in the air next to someone's head.

There is no video noise, no grain (except as deliberately added in the flashback scenes), and no digital artifacts.

Black levels are super deep and yet retain excellent shadow detail. Color saturation is perfect and color hues are spot on natural.

Contrast is fabulous, with excellent dynamic range from dark to bright scenes and yet with no blooming evident.

"Below" is a video masterpiece and technical showcase of just how good DVDs can look, and gets my vote for the best Region 1 DVD video transfer I have ever seen.

Doc

[kberg]

I'm going to go with Underworld. Have the new two-disc set, but I believe the transfer is the same as the original release. But Below makes at least my top three.

[Dr. Spec]

Yes, Underworld is very good. Most of it was shot at night, and the transfer had lots of blues and light browns/greys.

I love the scene where her eyes slowly turn blue after she whacked the Lycan in the sewer tunnel. (boing!)

[hamzahsh]

I vote for " MATRIX RELOADED" one of the best transfers available on DVD. One word, pristine!

[gregure]

Unfortunately, I haven't seen "Below" or "Underworld," so I can't attest to their superior picture quality. Personally, I think the best transfer I've seen in awhile is "21 Grams." The picture just looked amazingly clear. Much of the film is overexposed, so there is intentional grain, but the naturally lit scenes looked perfect on my HD Trinitron. I also agree that the Matrix films have received superb transfers.

[reeltrouble1]

Hmmm..........good question Doc. You know watching a DVD is certainly a visual experience, but it has always been about sound for me although I certainly notice the difference in some DVD picture qualities. I really think Moulin Rouge has to rate near the top as being visually satisfying. I found the transfer to look great, lots color and great costumes, Ms. Kidman's skin actually seems to glow in the lighting.

I agree with you about Below, this a great movie against any and an exceptional submarine movie especially for a horror flick, I can imagine being on that sub and letting my mind get the best of me, scary thoughts, if I remember right it had a pretty damm good sound track as well.

RT1