Total Recall (French Import) - High-Def Digest review

[jed]

Released domestically on Blu-ray only (by Lionsgate), Peter says this HD DVD import disc will do in a pinch for die-hard fans of 'Total Recall,' but don't expect the ultimate in high-def. More or less on par with the Blu-ray release in terms of video, audio and supplements, neither edition blew him away.

Full review here:
http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/1046/totalrecall_fr.html

[Sporadic]

You guys are going to catch hell for not mentioning the "audio speed-up" that a few Studio Canal movies are infamous for.

With that out of the way, I think you guys need to rethink the way you review imports.

Of course everybody that could would just buy the Blu-Ray version for less money/hassle. You should write these reviews for people like me who only have a HD-DVD player and are on the edge about PQ/AQ/things like that.

I imported Total Recall a few months ago and I don't regret it one bit. I wouldn't say it's only for fans but as long as you aren't neutral, you can't go wrong buying this one.

[Devil N]

As they did with their UK release of 'The Prestige,' it seems Studio Canal's French HD DVD release of 'Total Recall' shares the same high-def master as the previously-released US Blu-ray edition.

Errmmm... The Prestige was released in the UK by Warner Home Video, so this statement isn't quite correct.

[Evileye]

Not only is the audio different (CON: the speed-up issue and softer bass) but the picture is also from an entirely different master (PRO: the HD DVD is better then the blu-ray with stronger colors and less grain in many scenes).

[Sporadic]

Also, why would you link to HD Movie Source?

They have the absolute worst prices in town when it comes to imports.

Total Recall (EU release) (Review)
Amazon UK $30.86 (£15.30)
Amazon France $28.53 (€20.90)
Xploited Cinema $32.95
HD Addicts $32.95
DVDTherapy $38.30 (£18.99)
HD Movie Source $42.99

[Bioevil087]

You know here in Australia we have Total Recall on HD DVD and you don't get the French packaging and the language is English by default (I don't know about the French version).

[windsok]

Originally Posted by Bioevil087

You know here in Australia we have Total Recall on HD DVD and you don't get the French packaging and the language is English by default (I don't know about the French version).

Its also on special here at the moment, along with lots of other Universal titles.

AUD$25 = ~USD$20

www . ezydvd . com . au/item.zml/791240

[kannisto]

Maybe I should add ezydvd in Australia as a source to the import thread since they seem to have good prices there even when they are not running special discounts.

Is that generally speaking the best online HD DVD source in Australia?

Can't do that update today though...

[windsok]

Originally Posted by kannisto

Maybe I should add ezydvd in Australia as a source to the import thread since they seem to have good prices there even when they are not running special discounts.

Is that generally speaking the best online HD DVD source in Australia?

Can't do that update today though...

Ive been buying all my local stuff from them, have not found anyone better yet.

They are also good for international orders from what I hear.

[the barking dog]

It doesn't surprise me that Total Recall wouldn't look as good as movies of the era. It's always looked like crap on home video (unfortunately, the only way I've seen it).

[Arkadin]

well I for one would love to know all of the titles of Australian HD-DVDs of "Blu-Ray only US" releases. I mean is this "Total Recall" the same transfer? How bout "Serpico?" If that got released I would get the Australian version for sure. Maybe all of these can be added to the import thread eventually.

[kannisto]

Originally Posted by Arkadin

well I for one would love to know all of the titles of Australian HD-DVDs of "Blu-Ray only US" releases. I mean is this "Total Recall" the same transfer? How bout "Serpico?" If that got released I would get the Australian version for sure. Maybe all of these can be added to the import thread eventually.

Australia has many same same releases as Europe with their localised cover papers etc. Total Recall there is essentially the same as in Europe. The main point is that some releases are available from Australia at cheaper prices. I will add Ezydvd as a new source to import thread soon. Just takes a bit of work...

[Orionzdrm]

I bought this from Xploited Cinema before I got my PS3. It looks better on my Toshiba HDA1 than the same movie on my PS3. The colors are stronger. It may be the player but thats just my 2 cents. As for price. XPloited delivered was 35 bucks for t2 and also Total Reacall each.

[Moon Panda]

I also have read from several sources that the picture of the HD DVD version is better than the domestic blu-ray. It seems that Peter has wrongly assumed the transfer is the same on both formats, and should amend his review to at least acknowledge this, even if he is unable to directly compare the discs.

[Hi-Def Nut]

I have both the French HD DVD & the U.S. Blu-ray. The HD DVD PQ is noticeably better than the Blu-ray. It's sharper &, as others have said, has more vibrant colors. The only issue is the high-pitched audio, but even w/this, I prefer the HD DVD version.

I'm using a Mits HC3000U projector w/a 106" Dalite High Power screen, so I see the differences between the two discs pretty well.