Secret of Nimh re-mastered DVD on the way.

Hey guys, I just read this on Don Bluth and Gary Goldman's website (http://www.donbluth.com[]http://www.donbluth.com):

David, Thank you for writing. Actually, we just completed a re-mastering of the film for a new DVD which will be coming out next year. If all goes according to the marketing plan, it will feature an HDTV 16X9 version, a 1:1.85 letterbox version and a full screen version. It will have all the minutia, including negative dirt and scratches removed. We are doing a producer/director's commentary and on camera interviews for the "extras" in about two weeks. When we know the release date of , we will post it on the homepage of this site. Right now, we believe it will be in March or April. The new master looks beautiful! MGM/UA is releasing it thru 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment. Regards.

So, looks like a new DVD is on the way. It's about time! I cannot wait to get my hands on this.

I think I speak for nearly everyone when I say: Finally!

Excellent news, though!

Finally!! Someone upstairs was listening and has heeded the clarion call for a re-mastered DVD of this fine classic. Now if we could only get them to re-release this film onto the big screen for the 25th anniversary, that would be a major accomplishment indeed.

Peace :D
NIMHmaniac

Ooh, coolness. If/when that edition is released, I'll be buying it ASAP, and giving my old DVD to my little nephew, who I think would enjoy it. :D

--Tzolkin

It took them long enough to do it. Oh well, we waited. And good things came. I gotta have it :D :D
Must have DVD :|

I already have a copy of the DVD, but heck, I'm still getting this one! :D

When I got the DVD, and when the movie played, I didn't realize any scratches or blurs. I can't wait to see it a little more clearer. :) Thanks for the info SirShane.

Finally!!! I'm a huge commentary track fan, that's gonna be so cool!

Excellent news, I'll keep an eye out for it.

About time, looks like the new DVD will come out during The Secret of NIMH`s 25th year.
I`m looking foward to seeing it :D

I have two copies of it on DVD (I couldn't help myself). But I'll garage sale them so I can get the good version. I like to watch a movie, then view the bonus features.

Any further launch info on the DVD? I was thinking of getting the current version but I stopped myself.

Very cool. I hope it won't take too long for the Blu-ray version, since Fox only supports that format. But a nice new dvd should look great upscaled. I wonder if the sound will also get some treatment.

Very cool. I hope it won't take too long for the Blu-ray version, since Fox only supports that format. But a nice new dvd should look great upscaled. I wonder if the sound will also get some treatment.

I don't think there'd be much benefit in doing a HD-DVD or Blu-Ray version of NIMH. At least not in video/audio quality. No amount of 'remastering' could boost the quality up -anywhere- near 'HD.' As it is, the current NIMH DVD is only using a single layer DVD, and takes up only 4.1gb total of the 4.16gb disc capacity. I'd be surprised if they can ever boost the overall quality to a point where it exceeds the capacity of a standard Dual Layer DVD.

Making an HD-DVD or Blu-Ray version of NIMH would only really be for having a version compatible with future 'standards' if neither is backwards compatible. That, and to increase profit by selling an old movie to both first-time buyers, and re-selling more or less the same movie to people who have already bought the movie in the past.

As for fox only supporting Blu-Ray, NIMH is owned by MGM, which as far as I can tell, has no affiliation with Fox? Feel free to correct me if I'm mistaken. However MGM has apparently claimed they will support the Blu-Ray format. According to a couple sources on the web.

If I may add my own two cents' worth, I believe MGM is now owned by Disney (or in some way affiliated with it). And I know that Disney supports Blu-Ray and plans are currently underway to release older Disney movies on the new format. Examples include Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and Sleeping Beauty. The last two, I think are older than NIMH, maybe Aladdin as well. So they may try to Blu-Ray the movie.
I guess the only way to know is to wait and find out when they release more information on it.

Very cool. I hope it won't take too long for the Blu-ray version, since Fox only supports that format. But a nice new dvd should look great upscaled. I wonder if the sound will also get some treatment.

I don't think there'd be much benefit in doing a HD-DVD or Blu-Ray version of NIMH. At least not in video/audio quality. No amount of 'remastering' could boost the quality up -anywhere- near 'HD.' As it is, the current NIMH DVD is only using a single layer DVD, and takes up only 4.1gb total of the 4.16gb disc capacity. I'd be surprised if they can ever boost the overall quality to a point where it exceeds the capacity of a standard Dual Layer DVD.

Making an HD-DVD or Blu-Ray version of NIMH would only really be for having a version compatible with future 'standards' if neither is backwards compatible. That, and to increase profit by selling an old movie to both first-time buyers, and re-selling more or less the same movie to people who have already bought the movie in the past.

As for fox only supporting Blu-Ray, NIMH is owned by MGM, which as far as I can tell, has no affiliation with Fox? Feel free to correct me if I'm mistaken. However MGM has apparently claimed they will support the Blu-Ray format. According to a couple sources on the web.

Well, yes, it all depends on the quality of the source material. But I don't expect all movies in HD to look like amazing HD, but in most cases, even bad Blu-ray and HD-DVD movies look better than the DVD version.

And DVD themselves are no longer that great on a 55inch HDTV. DVDs have flaws, like compression, poor color and bleeding, dark scenes usually don't compress well, ringing around type and sharp objects. While the new formats just about remove any sign of compression or blokcing, better color and no bleeding, dark scenes and shadows contain more detail and delineation, etc. So there are still plenty of benifits to the new formats besides just resolution.

I don't think you can go base what the film would look like in HD off the quality from VHS tapes and DVDs. A good restoration can result in spectacular detail and picture quality. I need to pick up "The Adventures of Robin Hood." A 1938 color film, that looks like it was shot yesterday, plus includes an HD Looney Tunes short that was with the original film which seems to wow people equally.

Oh, I just gave my dad 10 color secret of nimh slides I got off ebay. I bet if my dad scanned those with his Nikon slide/negative scanner, we'll see a benifit right there at HD resolutions compared to DVD stills.

I believe MGM is now owned by Disney (or in some way affiliated with it). And I know that Disney supports Blu-Ray and plans are currently underway to release older Disney movies on the new format.

Actually, I believe a subsidiary of Sony of some sort owns MGM, along with a couple other movie studios, which is why MGM has claimed support for Blu-Ray.

At this point, I know I won't be buying any next-gen video disc format until prices drop considerably, and I won't be buying a stand-alone player unless it supports both formats, and is backwards compatible with current gen DVDs. The exception being of course, in that time one format or the other becomes the clear cut 'winner' of this format war.

I believe MGM is now owned by Disney (or in some way affiliated with it). And I know that Disney supports Blu-Ray and plans are currently underway to release older Disney movies on the new format.

Actually, I believe a subsidiary of Sony of some sort owns MGM, along with a couple other movie studios, which is why MGM has claimed support for Blu-Ray.

At this point, I know I won't be buying any next-gen video disc format until prices drop considerably, and I won't be buying a stand-alone player unless it supports both formats, and is backwards compatible with current gen DVDs. The exception being of course, in that time one format or the other becomes the clear cut 'winner' of this format war.

LG should have a player that does both Blu-ray and HD-DVD for about $1199 (ouch) in a few months, shown a CES recently. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8203311&st=hd-DVD&lp=1&type=product&cp=1&id=1165610378688[]http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8203311&st=hd-DVD&lp=1&type=product&cp=1&id=1165610378688

But the Toshiba HD-DVD HD-A1 player that started off at $500 can be had a lot cheaper now as the HD-A2 replaces it, like around $275 off Ebay. But $275 is a steal since a decent DVD upscaler, like Oppo, cost $200 alone and the HD-A1 upscales dvds just as good or better than Oppos, and then you get to play HD-DVDs. Only downside is the slow start time.

If you have a 360, then the add-on is only $199. Or of course if you end up with a PS3, then you can stick with Blu-ray.

Also, keep in mind the first DVD players were $1200, so being able to get HD-DVD so cheap so early on is a bargain to make your expensive home theater setup scream.

Oh hey, I wonder if I should go to Bluth's site and ask if he knows what will be the cover art for the new DVDs, will they use the ugly new art they did last time, or go back the original, or at least something new done right.

As long as it has a making of feature and some comentary, I'm all set.

LG should have a player that does both Blu-ray and HD-DVD for about $1199 (ouch) in a few months, shown a CES recently. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8203311&st=hd-DVD&lp=1&type=product&cp=1&id=1165610378688[]http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8203311&st=hd-DVD&lp=1&type=product&cp=1&id=1165610378688

But the Toshiba HD-DVD HD-A1 player that started off at $500 can be had a lot cheaper now as the HD-A2 replaces it, like around $275 off Ebay. But $275 is a steal since a decent DVD upscaler, like Oppo, cost $200 alone and the HD-A1 upscales dvds just as good or better than Oppos, and then you get to play HD-DVDs. Only downside is the slow start time.

If you have a 360, then the add-on is only $199. Or of course if you end up with a PS3, then you can stick with Blu-ray.

Also, keep in mind the first DVD players were $1200, so being able to get HD-DVD so cheap so early on is a bargain to make your expensive home theater setup scream.

Yeah, I know dual-compatibility players are making an appearance, however none are at a reasonably affordable point yet. It's way to early in the game to be buying either a stand-alone or dual compatibility device. Between the high cost of both players and movies, and the fact that most people don't even have HD Televisions yet, - including myself - it seems like a good idea to me to wait.

The unfortunate part about the HD-DVD attachment for the 360, is that the 360 itself doesn't have an HD output, so any real benefit you get from the HD-DVD drive, is just to be able to -play- HD-DVDs. That's it. You don't really get the 'HD' aspect of it, since it console itself lacks the propper HDMI connection. The best the 360 offers is composite component.

That is also why the PS3 is so expensive (almost $800 where I am, after taxes) Sony is using the PS3 as a platform to help its Blu-Ray movie sales and 'win' the format war. They are hoping millions of gamers will buy the PS3, and since they already have a Blu-Ray player, will buy Blu-Ray movies. However Sales have been slow. Rumor has it a lot of PS3s are sitting on shelves for weeks at a time, while competition - Namely the Nintendo Wii - are snatched up within minutes of hitting the shelf.

If the PS3's player is anything like the PS2's I probably won't be making much use of a PS3's ability to play Blu-Ray movies unless I absolutely have to. My PS2 was my first DVD player, and I ditched that in favor for a Stand-Alone DVD player as soon as possible. The PS2 wasn't a very good DVD player.

As with new technology, its always good to wait awhile IMO. Especially when there's competing formats to deal with. Waiting will do a number of things. Firstly, show if the two can co-exist, or if there will be a clear winner. Secondly, prices will drop. Thirdly, the technology and hardware will continue to mature and improve. Take the First Gen PS2's and X-Box 360's for example. Lots of glitches.

@ A.J. The Echidna:
I'd be happy with just a remasterd, widescreen and 5.1 audio version of the movie. Anything beyond that in terms of 'special features' is all extra bonus. Though, I would imagine a commentary would be the very -least- they could offer, considering how easy and inexpensive it is to produce in relation to a 'making of' or other such 'video/graphical' special feature.

Oh yeah, I didn't expect you to take the first hybrid player seriously, but before you know it there will be a newer model and those people with deep pockets will sell it for cheap on ebay as they move to the next thing.

The unfortunate part about the HD-DVD attachment for the 360, is that the 360 itself doesn't have an HD output, so any real benefit you get from the HD-DVD drive, is just to be able to -play- HD-DVDs. That's it. You don't really get the 'HD' aspect of it, since it console itself lacks the propper HDMI connection. The best the 360 offers is composite component.

You are joking me right? No HD benifit from the 360? Just Component?

Just because the 360 doesn't have HDMI doesn't mean you can't get HD from HD-DVDs, there's no protection yet blocking analog from doing HD. So you can get full 720p and 1080i via Component, as Component is HD. Even up to 1080p playback with VGA, actually the 360 was the first 1080p HD-DVD player.

So how can you say it has no HD playback? Sure it can't support HDCP, but it won't be like until 2011 when they start to put ICT (image constraint tokens) on films that would limit you to 540p over analog component.

Otherwise right now there is no constraint for both Blu-ray and HD-DVD over analog HD cables. So the 360 player gets just as good reviews as the stand-alone players that use HDMI, plus the 360 loads up instantly while the others takes minutes from start-up to playing. By the time movies start enabling the constraint token you'll have players for under $100.

And component is still pretty high quality, most people can't tell the difference between it and HDMI. Then you also got VGA. Plus, the 360 actually upscales DVDs to 1080p now with VGA only, and it gets decent reviews on that, though it's normal 480p playback is so so.

That is also why the PS3 is so expensive (almost $800 where I am, after taxes) Sony is using the PS3 as a platform to help its Blu-Ray movie sales and 'win' the format war. They are hoping millions of gamers will buy the PS3, and since they already have a Blu-Ray player, will buy Blu-Ray movies. However Sales have been slow. Rumor has it a lot of PS3s are sitting on shelves for weeks at a time, while competition - Namely the Nintendo Wii - are snatched up within minutes of hitting the shelf.

If the PS3's player is anything like the PS2's I probably won't be making much use of a PS3's ability to play Blu-Ray movies unless I absolutely have to. My PS2 was my first DVD player, and I ditched that in favor for a Stand-Alone DVD player as soon as possible. The PS2 wasn't a very good DVD player.

You only have to look at reviews to know the PS3 is a quality Blu-ray player, up there with all the other blu-ray players. It doesn't take after the PS2. And I'm sure it won't have that laser flaw the PS2s had initially.

I know all the Blu-ray and HD-DVD stuff. I bought the Toshiba HD-A1 player the day it hit the shelf. When I went in the Best Buy Magnolia guy thought the players were months away and he was shocked when he saw it in stock. $500 wasn't that bad compared to the total cost of my new system. And I didn't have an upscaler too, so that was good, even video philes felt the player was just worth it alone for how good it upscaled. While the Samsung $1k blu-ray player got poor DVD playback reviews.

Though, I definitely stayed away from Blu-ray launch. $1000 players, poor poor movie disc picture quality reviews. It was nothing compared to HD-DVD, it had soft picture, artifacts and banding all over its releases. But by the time the PS3 came around releases started to show signs of equaling HD-DVD quality. But the name was tarnished for early adopters. And Sony didn't even deliver on their 50gig spec, as most movies were 25gig single layer, still using older mpeg2, then coupled with only uncompressed audio (not good for the low space), the movies just didn't have the quality and had less features than the dvd versions. Only a handful are 50gig discs still today.

As with new technology, its always good to wait awhile IMO. Especially when there's competing formats to deal with. Waiting will do a number of things. Firstly, show if the two can co-exist, or if there will be a clear winner. Secondly, prices will drop. Thirdly, the technology and hardware will continue to mature and improve. Take the First Gen PS2's and X-Box 360's for example. Lots of glitches.
.

Who knows how long the battle will be, it could be years. And nothing against anyone waiting for the dust to settle, it's the right thing to do with anything new, it's just your view on a couple things exaggerate things.

And in the mean time Warner might have the ability to put both Blu-ray and HD-DVD on one side of a single disc, wouldn't that screw things up more with this format war :)

Yeah, there were glitches with the HD-A1 I have. but they were cool enough to design it with an internet ethernet port. They have done several updates that you just download straight on the player, removing just about any glitch it has had, while adding features like full Dolby TrueHD 5.1 when the initial specs only gave 2.1 decoding for that. I also got a 4 year warranty for $40 bucks, not bad.

Try browsing the avsforum, a lot of good people there:
http://www.thornvalley.com/commons/forum/posting.php[]http://www.thornvalley.com/commons/forum/posting.php

Also, nothing against you or anything, I just get worked up unusually over these topics.

Actually, I went online shopping for something else (didn't find what I wanted anyway). While looking, I found some cables for the XBOX 360 that allow it to do HD. So the 360 must have HD output.
Also, the PS3 is only good as a cheap Blu-Ray player. I have yet to find a decent game on it that isn't available on another system.
I also have talked to other people about the next gen consoles, and they say the Wii is going to win this battle of the wars. Which is why I'm not surprised the PS3 isn't as popular as the Wii.

Actually, I went online shopping for something else (didn't find what I wanted anyway). While looking, I found some cables for the XBOX 360 that allow it to do HD. So the 360 must have HD output.
Also, the PS3 is only good as a cheap Blu-Ray player. I have yet to find a decent game on it that isn't available on another system.
I also have talked to other people about the next gen consoles, and they say the Wii is going to win this battle of the wars. Which is why I'm not surprised the PS3 isn't as popular as the Wii.

The original Xbox had 720p HD games now and then. The entire 360 is about being HD all the time, 720p is requirement. You can download HD trailers, you can rent HD movies by downloading, buy HD tv episodes, and of course play games in HD.

The premium 360 comes with HD component cables, while the core version comes with regular composite. The PS3, even the $600 one, comes with no HD cables. But $7 for an HDMI cable from Monoprice.com isn't bad anyway.

Cool is there a release date? I love to see it.

@ TimothyB:

Sorry the delay in reply, and about the 360 not having HD capability. I must have got a few wires crossed in my brain in regards to the capability of composite component. Went and did some re-confirming and you are indeed right, it is capable of 1080i. Thanks for prompting me to re-check my facts! :)

I've seen the reviews of the PS3 being a pretty decent Blu-Ray player. Though for awhile there they had a number of PS3s with defective blu-ray drives, among a few other issues I've heard shortly after launch. Though Ive not heard of any new reports of anything of the like. I certainly hope they learned from their mistakes on the PS2. At least with movie-playback. That and I imagine they -want- to make sure it was good, since they're counting on it to help boost their blu-ray media as the next 'standard'. Though it seems the format itself has a few fundamental drawbacks for the added storage capacity, which hasn't quite met claims yet.

I'll probably buy a PS3 eventually. Not sure about a 360, because theres very little in terms of games I'm hardcore about wanting to play on the 360. Same can be said about the PS3 for now. That and it SERIOUSLY has to come down in price. $699 (or $800 after taxes) is -way- too much.

Well if a clear cut winner doesn't show its head soon, dual format media or devices will surely arise and prosper. If it shows they both are sticking around for awhile Dual format players are the way I'm going once they drop in price.

Unfortunately it looks like a British tech developer is looking to start their own 'next gen' disc tech into the fray called HD-VMD. Just what we need, a -third- format hehe. Check it out HERE[=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117957325.html?categoryid=19&cs=1&nid=2562]HERE

Also, sorry for hijacking the thread topic. Perhaps we should continue in a new thread TimothyB.

On the subject of various formats, I hear some company has patented a way to get a movie onto a disk in both formats, Blu-Ray and HD-DVD. This way, it won't be obsolete when one format finally does win.
This wasn't possible in the format wars between VHS and Betamax tapes because of physical differences. Since both new formats are in the form of a standard CD-ROM (physically at least), one can get a movie on a disk with both formats and not worry when one format is left the winner.
Just thought it would be some interesting information to share.

On the subject of various formats, I hear some company has patented a way to get a movie onto a disk in both formats, Blu-Ray and HD-DVD. This way, it won't be obsolete when one format finally does win.
This wasn't possible in the format wars between VHS and Betamax tapes because of physical differences. Since both new formats are in the form of a standard CD-ROM (physically at least), one can get a movie on a disk with both formats and not worry when one format is left the winner.
Just thought it would be some interesting information to share.

I swear I just heard that somewhere myself. lilooks up in the current threadli :wink:

...And in the mean time Warner might have the ability to put both Blu-ray and HD-DVD on one side of a single disc, wouldn't that screw things up more with this format war :)...

Oops, must have missed that. Sorry guys :oops:

Oops, must have missed that. Sorry guys :oops:

No worries. Only harmless and good-humored teasing intended. :)