I just received my “advance copy” of Universal’s new 2-disc special edition of Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life. Although I enjoyed the commentary and the deleted scenes, I was shocked at the poor transfer. For those using progressive players or monitors, you will be experiencing annoying interlacing or combing problems, every five frames of video!I’m not familiar enough with the technical specs of converting film to DVD to know why this video problem is there. It might be because Universal is using a PAL video master for their NTSC transfer. Regardless, it’s annoying and pretty much unwatchable.
Compare this still-frame of Mr Creosote…
But wait — you don’t have to imagine it. It can be yours in the new Monty Python Meaning of Life special edition!
After the stupid subtitling problem with Columbia/Tri-Star’s Holy Grail special edition (where the subtitles could not be turned off), you’d think Python Pictures might want to start employing a little quality control. But I guess not. And apparently Universal doesn’t care either.
There’s no excuse for that poor quality, really, regardless of PAL/NTSC issues or whatever.
IIRC I have a DVD from Columbia/Tristar that also has a subtitle problem…they either can’t turn off or they turn on at seemingly random intervals throughout the DVD.
At first I thought it might have been our el-cheapo-on-sale DVD player, but it only happens on that particular DVD.
Not a good way to instill buyer confidence in your products, IMNSHO.
Greg
San Diego
This is rediculous…looks like the DVD in transit from Amazon is going straight back — unopened!
I lapsed in not pointing out the problem only exists on disc one of the two disc set.
Other sites have also suggested this is a pressing problem rather than a mastering problem.
Thirdly, here’s a link to complain to Universal.