The Tier System for HD DVD PQ

[BlackHitachi]

The Tier System for HD DVD PQ
Welcome to the Tier System for HD DVD PQ.

This ongoing list is a place where we all can come together and rate/discuss new releases.


3D as I refer to it here, are examples where an item is so detailed and sharp that it jumps off the screen. The shot of Crematoria in Riddick is a prime example.

(bobbed) is an up converting from 1080i process some masters at WB underwent. It reduces resolution and introduces "jag et" (stair-stepping).

The following signifier s refer to specific features found on HD DVD discs and do not affect their placement on this list. They are present purely as a courtesy for our members. Please note that this list only refers to picture quality.

(THD) refers to TrueHD. This is a lossless audio codec which provides crystal clear sound.

(MA) refers to DTS HD Master Audio. Right now it offers a core DTS signal providing 1.5 mbps. Later on when receivers become available (and if we get a firmware update to support it) they will provide an additional 1.5 mbps.

(U-C) refers to U-Control. This is an interactive overlay utilized on some Universal discs. Firmware 2.0 is required to access it.

(IME) refers to In-Movie-Experience. This is an overlay feature much like U-Control, only with fewer interactive options. All firmware supports IME.

(CMB) refers to combos, which are HD DVD/DVD hybrids. These are typically a bit pricier. Combos do not seem to affect PQ in any way. Early combos were only 15 GB on the HD side which may have precluded THD on some titles.

TIER 0- These are simply stunning transfers from beginning to end, nearly flawless
TIER 1-No visible compression, sharp image with many examples of 3D.
Tier 2- Very good Not as many 3D effects, but a sharp image that feels real
Tier 3- Good Few 3D effects, some digital noise/artifact's
Tier 4- A bit under whelmed Visible artifact's, softness, few if any 3D effects

 

[BlackHitachi]

Please any mods or anybody for that matter add to the post lets make it the best!:up

 

[BlackHitachi]

Got this from AVS Credit goes to FETTASTIC


http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=705387





The Tier System for HD DVD PQ
Welcome to the Tier System for HD DVD PQ.

This ongoing list is a place where we all can come together and rate/discuss new releases.

This list is in constant flux as new titles arrive, so check back frequently.

The titles within a tier are also in order of PQ. A title listed above another in the same tier has a slightly higher PQ rating.

A debate we often have here is in regard to "director's intent". Please note that this list does not reflect it. Traffic for example, is highly filtered, with various film stocks. This is an example of something the director clearly intended. However, there is little detail and no depth to the image after all this processing. That is why it is a Tier 4 title. While the director's intent was clear with that title, with others it is more difficult to discern. Since trying to divine it would be purely subjective, it doesn't have a place on this list. If blacks are crushed, like they are in Mission: Impossible III, the blacks are crushed. Some may find this pleasing, and it may well be director J.J. Abrams intention, but it decreases depth in dark areas and nearly eliminates shadow detail, so it gets knocked down a few pegs despite it's stunning sharpness.

3D as I refer to it here, are examples where an item is so detailed and sharp that it jumps off the screen. The shot of Crematoria in Riddick is a prime example.

(bobbed) is an upconverting from 1080i process some masters at WB underwent. It reduces resolution and introduces "jaggies" (stair-stepping).

The following signifiers refer to specific features found on HD DVD discs and do not affect their placement on this list. They are present purely as a courtesy for our members. Please note that this list only refers to picture quality.

(THD) refers to TrueHD. This is a lossless audio codec which provides crystal clear sound.

(MA) refers to DTS HD Master Audio. Right now it offers a core DTS signal providing 1.5 mbps. Later on when recievers become available (and if we get a firmware update to support it) they will provide an additional 1.5 mbps.

(U-C) refers to U-Control. This is an interactive overlay utilized on some Universal discs. Firmware 2.0 is required to access it.

(IME) refers to In-Movie-Experience. This is an overlay feature much like U-Control, only with fewer interactive options. All firmware supports IME.

(CMB) refers to combos, which are HD DVD/DVD hybrids. These are typically a bit pricier. Combos do not seem to affect PQ in any way. Early combos were only 15 GB on the HD side which may have precluded THD on some titles.

TIER 0- These are simply stunning transfers from beginning to end, nearly flawless

King Kong (U-C)2.0 REQUIRED for playback
Hulk
Corpse Bride
The Ant Bully (CMB)(THD)

TIER 1-No visible compression, sharp image with many examples of 3D.

The Chronicles of Riddick
The Scorpion King
Seabiscuit
One Six Right (based on one review)
Aeon Flux
Sahara
Ray
Mission: Impossible III (crushed blacks)(IME)
Running Scared (German import)
Reign of Fire (Japanese Import)
Equilibrium (Japanese Import)
The Brothers Grimm (Japanese Import)
Training Day (THD)
The Fast & The Furious
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (European import)(THD)
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (THD)(IME)
2 Fast 2 Furious
Wolf Creek (MA)
The Departed (THD)
The Fast & The Furious: Tokyo Drift (U-C)(CMB)
ATL (CMB)
Grand Prix
Batman Begins (THD)(IME)
Serenity
The Matador (MA)2.0 REQUIRED for proper playback
The Pianist (European Import)(MA)
The Manchurian Candidate
Jet Li's Fearless (CMB)
Phantom of the Opera (THD)
La Haine (European Import)(MA)
Good Night and Good Luck (CMB)
Out of Sight
The Mummy Returns
The Mummy
Scary Movie 4 (MA)2.0 REQUIRED for proper playback
The Wicker Man (THD)
Total Recall (European Import)(MA)HIGH-PITCHED AUDIO
Swordfish
Casino
Lucky # Slevin
Scooby Doo
Derailed (MA)2.0 REQUIRED for proper playback
The Polar Express
Cream Reunion
Chicago Earth Wind and Fire
Eagles farewell
Heart: Alive in Seattle (THD)

Tier 2- Very good
Not as many 3D effects, but a sharp image that feels real

The Rundown
V for Vendetta (THD)(IME)
We Were Soldiers
Smallville: The Complete Fifth Season (IME)
Slither (CMB)
Dune
Army of Darkness (CMB)
Waterworld
Red Dragon
End of Days (THD)
Poseidon (THD)
Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas (THD)
Beerfest
Spy Game
Black Rain
Troy (THD)(IME)
Syriana
Space Cowboys
Pulse (THD)
Terminator 3 (IME)
The Last Samurai
U-571
Pitch Black
Jarhead
House of Wax
Lady in the Water (CMB)(THD)
Blazing Saddles
The Searchers
World Trade Center
Constantine (THD)(IME)
Brokeback Mountain (CMB)
Mission Impossible 2
Mission: Impossible
Happy Gilmore
The Dukes of Hazzard (IME)
Backdraft
Sky Captain (purposefully blurry)
The Bourne Supremacy (IME)
The Thing
Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang (CMB)
Unleashed (CMB)
Rumor Has It (CMB)
Million Dollar Baby
Van Helsing
Unforgiven
Assault on Precinct 13
Apollo 13
Casablanca
The Adventures of Robin Hood
Hollywoodland (CMB)
Clerks II (THD)
Under Siege
Forbidden Planet
The Break-Up (U-C)(CMB) 2.0 REQUIRED for playback!
The Interpreter
Chronos
Four Brothers
Mutiny on the Bounty
Finding Neverland (Japanese import)
King Kong (1976) (European Import)(MA)
The Bone Collector
Miami Vice (CMB)2.0 REQUIRED for playback!
16 Blocks (CMB)
Superman: The Movie
Superman Returns (THD)(CMB)

Tier 3- Good
Few 3D effects, some digital noise/artifacting

The Italian Job
12 Monkeys
The Lake House (CMB)
Doom
Friday Night Lights
Land of the Dead (CMB)
How The Grinch Stole Christmas (CMB)
Firewall (CMB)
Enter the Dragon (bobbed)
Lethal Weapon 2 (bobbed)
Cinderella Man
Lethal Weapon (bobbed)
Goodfellas
The Gift (Japanese Import)
The Sting
The New Orleans Benefit Concert
Oliver Twist (Japanese Import)
Accepted (CMB)
Tomb Raider
The Deer Hunter
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut
Meet the Parents
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
A Christmas Story
The Breakfast Club (CMB)
Fast Times at Ridgemont High (CMB)
Waist Deep (CMB)
Caddyshack
You, Me and Dupree (CMB)
Nacho Libre
Christmas Vacation
Sleepy Hollow (digital noise)
Excalibur
Reds
Dazed & Confused (CMB)
Animal House (CMB)
The Perfect Storm (bobbed)(THD)

Tier 4- A bit underwhelmed
Visible artifacting, softness, few if any 3D effects

Field of Dreams
An American Werewolf in London (CMB)
The Fog (European Import)(MA)
Spartacus
U2: Rattle and Hum
Traffic
The Dirty Dozen
The Fugitive (bobbed)
Full Metal Jacket (bobbed)