| 11/11/2011 2:46 PM |
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crazyforclassictv
Member since: 7/20/2011 | | A few Blu-ray questions! | Hey Brian,
This really doesn't have to do with Shout! Factory, but I was wondering if you could shed some light on this? I was just wondering, if a current series is broadcast in HD, why is it so hard to release the show, particularly sitcoms, on blu-ray? Is it the cost of producing the set versus the number of fans that would buy it? |
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| 11/11/2011 4:23 PM |
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B Ward
Member since: 1/12/2007 | | RE: A few Blu-ray questions! | That plays a big factor, yes. Production in HD is fairly easy and not really any more expensive--and, in some cases, cheaper--than shooting in SD. However, Blu-rays still hold a VERY small percentage of the home entertainment market. While some of us are progressive tech nuts, not all North Americans are. Certainly not right now. And to produce Blu-rays, it can cost as much as three to four times the cost of DVDs.
The real question is "does it really require HD?" If a series, like a sitcom, doesn't really benefit from having a high-def presentation on disc, why would you release it as such, knowing that you're guaranteed fewer sales? Remember, the networks all broadcast in HD, so they need to shoot HD. Doesn't mean the network watchers are willing to pay $10-20 more for it on Blu-ray, if they're not really losing anything in the SD transfer.
Brian
Follow me on Twitter! (@BWard028) |
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| 11/11/2011 4:33 PM |
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crazyforclassictv
Member since: 7/20/2011 | | RE: A few Blu-ray questions! | | Thanks for the reply, Brian. I am a particular fan of blu-ray, so when I see the latest season of a show not offered that way, it bugs me. But, if the SD transfer doesn't really lose anything, you're right. Why release it as such and garner fewer sales? |
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| 11/11/2011 4:38 PM |
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crazyforclassictv
Member since: 7/20/2011 | | RE: A few Blu-ray questions! | | I have another question, Brian. You've talked about bitrate before, but I'm bringing it up again. I'm just going to use Modern Family as an example. The first was released on both DVD and blu-ray, and the DVD had 4 discs, with 24 episodes and special features. For whatever reason, the second season was again released on DVD and blu-ray, yet the DVD, with the same number of episodes and same amount of special features, was released as a 3-disc set. Wouldn't the quality change? |
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| 11/11/2011 4:47 PM |
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B Ward
Member since: 1/12/2007 | | RE: A few Blu-ray questions! | Without seeing it, it's hard to say. Most assuredly, if a season decreases the number of discs, but keeps the same number of episodes, the quality will likely go down, due to a smaller bitrate. This isn't always noticeable to people. Twenty-four episodes over four discs, isn't really all that much. I imagine the bitrate could've been pretty high, since Modern Family is a half-hour show. Over four discs, they could easily get away with six episodes per and still have room on each disc for bonus material. We tend to go as high as seven episodes of a live-action series, but it's not unheard of to go as high as eight without too noticeable a problem. It really depends on how much action there is. Obviously, the more the the objects in the frame are moving, or even the camera itself, the more you'll notice compression. But for a show like that, going eight episodes over three discs isn't too bad. It does, however, leave little comfort for video bonus material. If we're talking audio commentaries, it's not that bad. But video would require the bitrate to come down a little lower than I'm comfortable with on a live-action series.
Animation's different. I can comfortably put as many as 11 episodes onto a DVD and pretty good picture and sound. But it's not really as noticeable with animated titles.
Brian
Follow me on Twitter! (@BWard028) |
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| 11/15/2011 5:28 PM |
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crazyforclassictv
Member since: 7/20/2011 | | RE: A few Blu-ray questions! | I know that it has been said that by lowering the number of discs, the SRP is lowered. However, I think it's funny that Universal Studios puts out some of the least popular show's containing 24 episodes over 4 discs, yet Warner Bros., CBS, Sony, and Fox, who put out more critically acclaimed hits, lower the disc amount to 3, yet put many special features on them. It makes no sense to me!
Examples:
Universal: Parks & Rec (4), 30 Rock (4)
Warner: The Big Bang Theory (lately 3; 4 discs for Season 2 only), The Middle (3), Two and a Half Men (3), etc.
Fox: Modern Family (lately 3; Season 1 used 4), Raising Hope (3) |
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