Stalingrad (Enemy at the Gates)

[The BJD]

I forgot how good this movie was. I just watched it on HD DVD and was extremely impressed with the video and audio. It would not play on my A-30 or A-35 but played perfectly on my X-A2. Anyone with a second gen player should own this in my opinion. I didn't see a thread or a review on the site (in this sub-forum). Anyone else have this disc and an opinion?

[Centauri]

I picked it up month or so ago and it is in the same tier as any other HD DVD that's regarded as reference material.

The video transfer is superb. But the audio track is absolutely insane, very robust and encompassing. And there's so much distinction between the various weapons during battle scenes.

I love it.

This is also going to become a collectible title I believe since there's no sign of it headed to Blu.

[The BJD]

Originally Posted by Centauri

I picked it up month or so ago and it is in the same tier as any other HD DVD that's regarded as reference material.

The video transfer is superb. But the audio track is absolutely insane, very robust and encompassing. And there's so much distinction between the various weapons during battle scenes.

I love it.

This is also going to become a collectible title I believe since there's no sign of it headed to Blu.

The audio is absolutely incredible, every speaker was fully engaged during the battle scenes. I agree with the reference material video comment as well. I think many were scared away because of the problems with playback. I watched the movie years ago on DVD but forgot how intense the storyline was.

[Centauri]

The only criticism I have of the movie is that I don't know how well the love story fit with the overall plot. I think it had the effect of dragging what was an otherwise intense combat story in two different directions, which really only served to detract from the main plot. And that, more than anything else I think, led to this movie being overlooked and relatively forgotten.

Don't get me wrong, I was as happy as anybody to see Rachel Wesiz's ass. But I would have much rather seen it in another movie.

Anyways, yeah, this flick seems to only be compatible with Gen 2 (and Gen 1?) players. But I thought I'd point out for anybody wondering that it also plays in my 5000 without issue, though the disc intro and menus are a bit... jumpy.

[kannisto]

I've had this for a long time but I still haven't watched it on HD DVD (except a bit to check that it works on my players). I saw the movie on DVD earlier.

I think it didn't work with first generation players originally either so the "compatibility problem" may happen with both 1st and 3rd generation hw, but it seems there are later pressings out there that work without any problems. I think there was some kind of a replacement program at some point as well.

My copy seems to work in both my 2nd generation HD-XF2 and 3rd generation RD-A301 though I got it early on, but I'm not sure how similar RD-A301 is to the U.S. 3rd generation players with regards to HD DVD playback.

[jeffreybehr]

BJD, which version/release do you have? I had the Pathe release months ago; it wouldn't play on my XA1, XA2, or Samsung 5000.

I too love the movie and wish I had it in HD.

[Centauri]

Isn't the Pathe release the only one?

[greenman342]

So Enemy at the Gates has never been able to play on a A30 even with the latest firmware?

Kinda sucks since I really like this movie, wonder if the 360 Add-on drive connected to a computer can play it?

[kannisto]

Originally Posted by greenman342

So Enemy at the Gates has never been able to play on a A30 even with the latest firmware?

Kinda sucks since I really like this movie, wonder if the 360 Add-on drive connected to a computer can play it?

As I understand it, there are good copies and bad copies depending on when it was pressed. The bad copies would only play on 2nd generation Toshiba hw (and probably on the XBOX drive) but the good ones (probably later pressings) would play in any HD DVD players. There was some kind of replacement program as well. I don't know the details as I never took part in it but I remember reading about it in the forums.

Same problem has also affected other Pathe releases.

EDIT: Found a thread that talks about the replacement program:
Enemy of the Gates Import Issue

[junglalien]

I got one from Chris and am watching it right now on onkyo DV-HD805 without any problems. Excellent PQ and sound.

[Zyphod]

Originally Posted by junglalien

I got one from Chris and am watching it right now on onkyo DV-HD805 without any problems. Excellent PQ and sound.

Isn't the onkyo an upscale version of the XA2 ??

[Centauri]

Affirmative.

[themiz69]

Originally Posted by Centauri

Affirmative.

i thought they were the same. no machine superior to the other, just a "rebadge."

[CochiseGuy]

Originally Posted by themiz69

i thought they were the same. no machine superior to the other, just a "rebadge."

I have both - had an XA2 refurb and got in on the first Onkyo deal, and it quickly became my primary player and the XA2 a backup. They're not "the same". The Onkyo is noticeably smaller and weighs less. They use different firmware - one member on TBS confirmed he bricked his 805 loading XA2 firmware on it. The boot up time in noticeably faster on the Onkyo, as is detection of the disc (DVD or HD), and it is much less temperamental with the HDMI connection.

Back on topic: Yes, I have one "good copies" of Stalingrad - it's loaded & played fine on an XA2, Onkyo 805, A30 & A35. And I agree it's a great looking & sounding HD DVD and a darn good movie.

[themiz69]

i think i need a copy of this movie. anybody got a good copy lying around? (i have an hd-a35)