My take: Braveheart

HD Goofnut · 09-05-2009, 05:48 PM

Title: Braveheart
Two BD-50 Dual-Layer Discs
Video: 1080p/AVC MPEG-4
Audio: 5.1 Dolby TrueHD
Aspect Ratio: 2:35:1
Subtitles: English, French, and Spanish
Run time: 177 minutes
Studio: Paramount Bay Entertainment
Rating: R
Player used for review: LG BH200

My take: (the breakdown)

Let me just get it off my chest. I have always liked Braveheart, but it is not one my favorite movies per say. I think if it had been about 30 minutes shorter it would have been one of my favorites, but there are some parts of this movie that are just dull to me. The story focuses on the historical character William Wallace (Gibson) of Scotland. Now even though he was a real person please keep in mind that only about 20% of this movie is actually accurate. Under direct English rule for over a century Scotland believes it should have the right to govern its own land as its own country. The English, having more money, troops, and resources look down Scotland and utilize its land and people whenever it feels like it. When one man, Wallace, encourages the Scots to fight for their freedom and fights in the conflict himself it sends a wake up call to the rest of the country. It's extremely simply to say that this should be purchased and added to your library.

Unlike the other same day release of the Sapphire Series Braveheart looks terrific. Everything is nicely preserved and there is a distinct film quality to the transfer. Colors are rich and evenly saturated. Blacks are resolved and clean. Grain is moderate and is consistent except for a couple of the darker areas/scenes. Flesh tones are also right on the money.

This is definitely a reference 5.1 Dolby TrueHD track. Dialogue is crisp and clear and is never hard to hear. The sub and surrounds get plenty of use and will remind why you have a surround system. Just listen to the heavy cavalry during the Battle of Stirling and you'll understand.

There's tons of stuff to wade through with this supplemental package. If one thing is consistent with this Sapphire Series label it's that every possible extra has been included.

Movie: 8.5/10
VQ: 9.5/10
AQ: 10/10
Supplements: 8/10
Final word: A Must Own

As always thanks for reading folks.

**PFC5** · 09-05-2009, 06:41 PM

My wife doesn't like these historical movies but i will try to get her to watch this tonight since I told her it is an action love story.

Bravestime · 09-05-2009, 07:19 PM

Awesome movie. I really like the movie Braveheart better than Gladiator. I like the story line and it feeds my battle scene hunger.

The PQ on this one is really pristine and the colors are so vibrant. The detail is great. I really can't find a flaw in this transfer. The AQ is equal to the task. I would definitely be happy to use this as a reference disc. Anyone that has the least bit of interest in this movie should really own this one.

Nice review HD Goofnut and I totally agree with it.

HD Goofnut · 09-05-2009, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bravestime

Awesome movie. I really like the movie Braveheart better than Gladiator. I like the story line and it feeds my battle scene hunger.

The PQ on this one is really pristine and the colors are so vibrant. The detail is great. I really can't find a flaw in this transfer. The AQ is equal to the task. I would definitely be happy to use this as a reference disc. Anyone that has the least bit of interest in this movie should really own this one.

Nice review HD Goofnut and I totally agree with it.

Thanks Braves and I agree that this should definitely be used as a reference disc.

**PFC5** · 09-05-2009, 11:18 PM

I saw a few soft spots in this for the video, but it is a very vibrant transfer and the audio is 1st rate. When those heavy horses gallop, you can feel them around you.

mytime · 09-05-2009, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PFC5

I saw a few soft spots in this for the video, but it is a very vibrant transfer and the audio is 1st rate. When those heavy horses gallop, you can feel them around you.

Outstanding. That's what I wanted to hear. I'll have to pick this one up and retire the DVD.

kamspy · 09-06-2009, 11:49 AM

Great BD all around. Goes to show Paramount Sapphire Series isn't entirely incompetent.

soupnazi · 09-07-2009, 12:13 AM

It seems like the Braveheart Sapphire blu-ray didn't get some of the negetive reviews as the Gladiator Sapphire blu-ray did.

What do you think the reason for this is?

**PFC5** · 09-07-2009, 02:07 AM

They used a better transfer instead of just using DNR to clean up a likely SD DVD master transfer from the difference I saw.

kamspy · 09-07-2009, 09:28 AM

Gladiator doesn't look like Gladiator on Blu-Ray. It's taken another form. Something digital and CGI.

But Braveheart looks more like Braveheart than ever. Natural, fine veil of film grain, strong colors, etc. Everything that makes a good BD good.

Techlord · 09-08-2009, 11:40 PM

Another excellent review, it just go's to show you that not every BD disc is mastered the same (Gladiator anyone)! This movie may not be for everyone given it's very bloody action scenes, but stays true to the way things once were. The funniest scene has to be when the scott's moons the opposing army!

Braveheart as old as it is looks absolutely stunning for a 1995 film!!

**PFC5** · 09-09-2009, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Techlord

Another excellent review, it just go's to show you that not every BD disc is mastered the same (Gladiator anyone)! This movie may not be for everyone given it's very bloody action scenes, but stays true to the way things once were. The funniest scene has to be when the scott's moons the opposing army!

Braveheart as old as it is looks absolutely stunning for a 1995 film!!

How about the guys that mooned too long and got an arrow in the but also.

Techlord · 09-09-2009, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PFC5

How about the guys that mooned too long and got an arrow in the but also.

That was hilarious, that's a great way to be relieved of duty!

09-05-2009, 05:48 PM	#1
HD Goofnut The Official HDF Reviewer Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Mississippi, U.S.A. Your resident Dune, Star Wars, and war film expert Posts: 8,145	My take: Braveheart Title: Braveheart Two BD-50 Dual-Layer Discs Video: 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 Audio: 5.1 Dolby TrueHD Aspect Ratio: 2:35:1 Subtitles: English, French, and Spanish Run time: 177 minutes Studio: Paramount Bay Entertainment Rating: R Player used for review: LG BH200 My take: (the breakdown) Let me just get it off my chest. I have always liked Braveheart, but it is not one my favorite movies per say. I think if it had been about 30 minutes shorter it would have been one of my favorites, but there are some parts of this movie that are just dull to me. The story focuses on the historical character William Wallace (Gibson) of Scotland. Now even though he was a real person please keep in mind that only about 20% of this movie is actually accurate. Under direct English rule for over a century Scotland believes it should have the right to govern its own land as its own country. The English, having more money, troops, and resources look down Scotland and utilize its land and people whenever it feels like it. When one man, Wallace, encourages the Scots to fight for their freedom and fights in the conflict himself it sends a wake up call to the rest of the country. It's extremely simply to say that this should be purchased and added to your library. Unlike the other same day release of the Sapphire Series Braveheart looks terrific. Everything is nicely preserved and there is a distinct film quality to the transfer. Colors are rich and evenly saturated. Blacks are resolved and clean. Grain is moderate and is consistent except for a couple of the darker areas/scenes. Flesh tones are also right on the money. This is definitely a reference 5.1 Dolby TrueHD track. Dialogue is crisp and clear and is never hard to hear. The sub and surrounds get plenty of use and will remind why you have a surround system. Just listen to the heavy cavalry during the Battle of Stirling and you'll understand. There's tons of stuff to wade through with this supplemental package. If one thing is consistent with this Sapphire Series label it's that every possible extra has been included. Movie: 8.5/10 VQ: 9.5/10 AQ: 10/10 Supplements: 8/10 Final word: A Must Own As always thanks for reading folks. __________________ Living Room Sharp LC-46SB57UN 46" 120Hz 1080p LCD (24fps)-Onkyo TX-SR606 7.1 Receiver-Onkyo SKS-HT540 7.1-Phillips OTA HD Antenna-Nintendo Wii-LG BH200 Super Blu-Toshiba HD-A20 Bedroom Sanyo DP46848 46" 60Hz 1080p LCD-Terk OTA HD Antenna-Magnavox NB500MG9 Office HP G60 Laptop-HP 2159m 21.5" 60Hz 1080p LCD-Logitech X-540 5.1-Sony 40 GB PS3-ASUS SBC-06D1S-U External BD Drive-Toshiba HD-A2 My Movie Collection 417~139 Latest BD Review: *Ip Man*

09-05-2009, 06:41 PM	#2
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 34,082	My wife doesn't like these historical movies but i will try to get her to watch this tonight since I told her it is an action love story. __________________ Denon AVR-887 Klipsch RP-5 Pwred Towers (mains) (525 watts peak each 12"Subs) All Klipsch RC-25(ctr),(2)SS1(surr),(2)SS1(rearSurr) Toshiba (2)HD-A20,PS3,BD35 For SACD/DVD-A Samsung HD-841 Panny 50pz80u plasma SETTINGS RCA HD50LPW162 50"DLP w/HD2+ SA 3250HD 47" LCD+Yamaha5790+HD-A1(bedroom) Harmony 680 + (2) 670s (amazing remote/support) Game room with Onkyo receiver & B&W Speakers The_Cable_Game Take the high ground and be happier PSN: PFC5

09-05-2009, 07:19 PM	#3
Bravestime Supporter of HiDef Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Aiken, SC Age: 53 Posts: 4,499	Awesome movie. I really like the movie Braveheart better than Gladiator. I like the story line and it feeds my battle scene hunger. The PQ on this one is really pristine and the colors are so vibrant. The detail is great. I really can't find a flaw in this transfer. The AQ is equal to the task. I would definitely be happy to use this as a reference disc. Anyone that has the least bit of interest in this movie should really own this one. Nice review HD Goofnut and I totally agree with it. __________________ Life is Short, Watch a Movie

09-05-2009, 11:18 PM	#5
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 34,082	I saw a few soft spots in this for the video, but it is a very vibrant transfer and the audio is 1st rate. When those heavy horses gallop, you can feel them around you. __________________ Denon AVR-887 Klipsch RP-5 Pwred Towers (mains) (525 watts peak each 12"Subs) All Klipsch RC-25(ctr),(2)SS1(surr),(2)SS1(rearSurr) Toshiba (2)HD-A20,PS3,BD35 For SACD/DVD-A Samsung HD-841 Panny 50pz80u plasma SETTINGS RCA HD50LPW162 50"DLP w/HD2+ SA 3250HD 47" LCD+Yamaha5790+HD-A1(bedroom) Harmony 680 + (2) 670s (amazing remote/support) Game room with Onkyo receiver & B&W Speakers The_Cable_Game Take the high ground and be happier PSN: PFC5

09-07-2009, 12:13 AM	#8
soupnazi mmmmm High Def Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 975	It seems like the Braveheart Sapphire blu-ray didn't get some of the negetive reviews as the Gladiator Sapphire blu-ray did. What do you think the reason for this is? __________________ Panasonic 42PZ85U Onkyo TX-SR606 fronts-Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 surrounds- Wharfedale Diamond 9 SR center-Wharfedale Diamond 9 CC sub-JBL PB10 Pioneer Elite DV45A sacd/dvd-a/dvd player PS3 80GB blu-ray player xBox 360 20GB Harmony 550 universal remote

09-06-2009, 11:49 AM	#7
kamspy of Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 16,045	Great BD all around. Goes to show Paramount Sapphire Series isn't entirely incompetent.

09-07-2009, 02:07 AM	#9
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 34,082	They used a better transfer instead of just using DNR to clean up a likely SD DVD master transfer from the difference I saw. __________________ Denon AVR-887 Klipsch RP-5 Pwred Towers (mains) (525 watts peak each 12"Subs) All Klipsch RC-25(ctr),(2)SS1(surr),(2)SS1(rearSurr) Toshiba (2)HD-A20,PS3,BD35 For SACD/DVD-A Samsung HD-841 Panny 50pz80u plasma SETTINGS RCA HD50LPW162 50"DLP w/HD2+ SA 3250HD 47" LCD+Yamaha5790+HD-A1(bedroom) Harmony 680 + (2) 670s (amazing remote/support) Game room with Onkyo receiver & B&W Speakers The_Cable_Game Take the high ground and be happier PSN: PFC5

09-07-2009, 09:28 AM	#10
kamspy of Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 16,045	Gladiator doesn't look like Gladiator on Blu-Ray. It's taken another form. Something digital and CGI. But Braveheart looks more like Braveheart than ever. Natural, fine veil of film grain, strong colors, etc. Everything that makes a good BD good.

09-08-2009, 11:40 PM	#11
Techlord High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Orange County, California Posts: 1,280	Another excellent review, it just go's to show you that not every BD disc is mastered the same (Gladiator anyone)! This movie may not be for everyone given it's very bloody action scenes, but stays true to the way things once were. The funniest scene has to be when the scott's moons the opposing army! Braveheart as old as it is looks absolutely stunning for a 1995 film!! __________________ I'll admit when I am wrong, why live in denial? I should have bought a Panasonic Plasma! Samsung LN52B750 240Hz LCD HDTV Oppo Digital BDP-83 Special Edition Denon AVR-5700 THX Ultra Certified Receiver MK Sound LCR-950THX Certified 5.1 Speaker System w/SB-1250 250W Powered Subwoofer LCD's viewing angle issues seen here! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOYnAmDLXbY

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