This great bit of news comes from DigitalBits who reports our friends at Paramount will try to make good on issuing such a garbage high-def release by replacing previously released Gladiator Blu-ray Discs with a new remastered version. Yes, it’s true. Holland is already getting the new disc and if these screenshots are any indication of the improved quality Paramount is going to make a lot of people happy.
The new 2010 screenshot looks much cooler (in color temperature) than the original Blu-ray, but the sharpness and level of detail are far greater. Gone is the digital noise reduction (DNR) that was attempting to hide film grain but really just made the film look like mush.
After news of the remastered Blu-ray got out Paramount was apparently flooded with calls from Gladiator fans in the U.S. who want the newly remastered 4k transfer as well. And, Paramount has responded by promising to issue replacement Blu-ray Discs in exchange for the original discs. Although Paramount believes the first issue was of the highest quality, they have listened to film and video purists who didn’t like all the edge enhancing. Paramount had this to say:
“We are implementing a limited exchange program. This program is only for those consumers that may have preferential issues with some of the technical DVNR (digital video noise reduction) and EE (edge enhancement) choices made in the original source transfer, and so would prefer to exchange it for one that addresses those preferences in a different manner.”
The studio added, “While the version that we originally distributed was of the highest quality, some enthusiasts may prefer to view it without the Edge Enhancement and DVNR implemented as standard process in bringing the film to hi-def. This new master resolves those issues.”
A hotline has been setup to contact Paramount Home Entertainment about exchanging the disc. Try calling 323-956-3010.
Thanks DigitalBits for being on top of this!
