[Prince_Vajda]

Originally Posted by Rik

I've had this for ages and still haven't watched it, only the extras. Is it really that bad?

Slightly off-topic, but here you are...

Originally Posted by Prince_Vajda

A couple of days ago, I said that I would comment on the technical aspects of Arrow's Tenebrae release. (Note: I am an amateur when it comes to technical jargon – but I’ve watched a huge number of films. I am no high definition freak – but I enjoy good AV quality.) I use the KISS method – keep things short and simple. Here you are.

TENEBRAE

PQ: 7.5 out of 10 points. There are quite a few visual merits of this Arrow release. Sharpness and contrast are not perfect, but nothing to worry about either - it's not a movie from 2011. The colours look great – natural skin tones, no colour casts. The biggest pro of this release: its brightness. Luciano Tovoli, the film’s cinematographer, once stated that Argento wanted Tenebrae to look very clean and bright (see booklet for more info) – maybe Dario wanted a contrast to the film’s title? However, that’s what you get: a bright picture, but still with a natural look. I sometimes change the settings of my TV in order to improve the picture - this was not necessary with this release. So why only 7.5 out of 10? Well – call it “strange looking grain” or “digital noise”, but that’s what you’ll have to deal with throughout the movie. It does not look like real film grain, but more like the consequences of some digital treatment. It’s quite obvious for the first thirty minutes – afterwards, it’s getting a lot better; some of the last shots (I especially remember the rainy scene at the end in the car) look really great.
/// The picture quality of this release is definitely not perfect - but it’s not in the least as bad as some reviewers make us believe. I was not overwhelmed, but quite satisfied with the picture. ///

AQ: 7.5 out of 10 points. The dialogues are clear, although there are some slight variations of loudness. Soundtrack and sound effects are powerful and well-balanced. So why only 7.5 out of 10? First, there are two very (and I’d like to stress that: very) short moments of asynchronicity – nothing to whine about, but nothing do deny either. Second, the score by members of Goblin sounds powerful – but it’s also a little bit rough from time to time, forcing the speakers to sound a bit tinny. I also took into account that some members here complained about having some trouble with their rear speakers.
/// Again, the sound is not perfect – but it is more than adequate. I also liked the fact that the movie is presented in its faithful original Mono mix. ///

Extras: 9 out of 10 points. As usual, the extras are very nice. I especially liked the interview with Daria Nicolodi. It’s always a pleasure to see and hear her pulling Dario’s leg without humiliating him. The Goblin extra’s a little gem - but see and listen for yourself. As for the packaging: the usual Arrow treatment. 4 nice sleeves, slip case, booklet, and poster.
/// Great as usual – nothing to complain about. I would have loved to hear more from Luciano Tovoli, though. ///

It is a nice package after all. Yes, there are some issues with the picture – but it is worth every penny all the same. Recommended.

Greetings!