Episode III - DTS?

[EAmin]

I noticed at the end of the Theatrical Trailer (in the credits) that along with the THX logo, there was a dts logo as well. Just wondering if that means we may be able to see a DTS version when it goes to DVD. Thanks!

[Kevin P]

This just means there will be a DTS version (and DD, and SDDS, etc.) versions available to the theaters. The formats used in the theatrical release have no bearing on what formats may or may not be used on the DVD. AFAIK, the soundtrack gets remastered for the DVD release anyway.

[stringzz]

This just means there will be a DTS version (and DD, and SDDS, etc.) versions available to the theaters..

I have always wondered which is the best sound format in the movies. Does anyone know? I always thought DTS was less compressed than DD. But how does SDDS stack up?

[EAmin]

This just means there will be a DTS version (and DD, and SDDS, etc.) versions available to the theaters. The formats used in the theatrical release have no bearing on what formats may or may not be used on the DVD. AFAIK, the soundtrack gets remastered for the DVD release anyway.

Thanks for the info Kevin.

[cinema bob]

i feel that dts blows away dd at home and in the theater.

[Gordon Moore]

SDDS -more akin to Logic7(or the Yamaha front effects dsp in their upp echelon receivers).... where it allows for extra front effect channels (LC and RC).

In terms of theater presentations it's becoming more of a rarity IMO.

https://www.SDDS.com

Theater DTS is full bit-rate.
Home Theater DTS is half-bit rate. When properly equalized in terms of level adjustment I think DD and DTS sound pretty similar (occassionally there are subtle differences). Quite often the DTS track is a few dB hotter so louder is often perceived as better to the brain.

Really the better answer is the best format is whatever sounds the best to you the listener. More choice is a good thing though...as is competition. Competition drives the technological advances.

There's no good or bad choice between any of the formats. Personally, I'd like to see 10.2 become a reality in the theater and really knock our socks off

[Gordon Moore]

Just wondering if that means we may be able to see a DTS version when it goes to DVD. Thanks!

If the first 2 were any indication....without a crystal ball the best answer is All Signs Point to NO!

DVD has limited space. I think those realestate concerns or a focal point in that Lucas wants to use maximum bandwidth and space dedicated to video and audio. (That's why supps are on a second disc). DTS comes with a big space penalty (even at half bit-rate).
Also, Lucas has vested interest (not so much anymore) with THX's development of DD 6.1 EX...it's his format of preferrance. (DTS is Spielberg's).

[anamorphic96]

Gordon,

As far as I know SDDS no longer supports there products. The soundtrack still appears on films due to some contracts with various theatre circuits. All of are SDDS units are serviced by an outside vendor now. We also do not install there equipment anymore. The web sight may still be there but they dont fix the equipment anymore or sell new products. In fact AMC was there biggest client but even there switching alot of houses over to DD due to the reliability issues encountered with SDDS.

SDDS has one other unique feature and that all equalization is done in the digital domain. Some engineers swear by it.

IMO - SDDS trumps DD and DTS when PROPERLY set up. The biggest problem SDDS has is the location it uses on the film. Its on both edges and is in constant contact with rollers and the tension band and guide rails in the projector. This constant contact with the soundtrack causes it to become scratched and worn which makes it impossible to read after a few weeks.

[RobP]

Hey Anamorphic, AMC theatres pulled all of their SDDS processors and readers about four years ago and no longer use them. They had alot of problems with them plus Sony was terrible on the support end. AMC had alot of them. Usually most theatres had one or two SDDS systems, but AMC put one in every rack, talk about a huge expense! Wow.major$$$$ :E I dont know of a theatre now that uses it.

[saurabh]

BTW, I was wondering when the DVD's will be released after the theatrical release of the SW.....how much time does it usually take ?????

[anamorphic96]

Hey Anamorphic, AMC theatres pulled all of their SDDS processors and readers about four years ago and no longer use them. They had alot of problems with them plus Sony was terrible on the support end. AMC had alot of them. Usually most theatres had one or two SDDS systems, but AMC put one in every rack, talk about a huge expense! Wow.major$$$$ :E I dont know of a theatre now that uses it.

I must disagree. I just watched The Interpreter in SDDS at the AMC next door to my theatre. I have spent a good bit of time in this booth and they use several SDDS units. :W

Also keep in mind AMC did not pay full price for there units as well. Also Regal uses alot of SDDS units as well. I have three in my booth. Trust me there are still thousands in use. Odyssey services alot of the units out there now.

[RobP]

Wow, I guess that a few were left out in the field, I know every unit that we installed had to be pulled, and that was quite a few. Interesting. Thanks for the info.

By the way Anamorphic I sent you a PM.

[anamorphic96]

I noticed your based in Kansas. It doesent surprise me that they would pull all the units in that area.

Just finished helping install a DTS XD10 unit. Boy are those impressive. :B

[Gordon Moore]

BTW, I was wondering when the DVD's will be released after the theatrical release of the SW.....how much time does it usually take ?????

The rumour is it will be on the shelf by November :T

[David Meek]

Yeah, the studios want to boost DVD sales by waiting until just before the Christmas holiday season to release their mega-blockbusters.

[Chris D]

Gord, that would be cool. Plus, I would NOT be surprised if the marketers tried to make this one come out quick on DVD so that everybody would buy it on DVD and then only 1-2 years later buy it again on HD-DVD. That's what Lucas did with Episode 1 on VHS. Man, looking back now, that it was released only a few years ago, can you believe it only came out on VHS originally?

As for DTS in theaters translating to home theater, Kevin is correct. Perfect example--The Matrix has a DTS symbol at the end of the movie credits, but it is one of the most-requested DVD's with DTS and has never been produced. Only Dolby Digital on the DVD.

[RebelMan]

The rumour is it will be on the shelf by November :T

And it will include additional footage not seen in theaters. However, I am not sure if this will be deleted scenes, or a Director's Cut version.

[Gordon Moore]

a Director's Cut version....I think it's safe to say (based on Lucas's past track record) that this DVD will be a director's cut of sorts as well. That tweak-a-holic will modify something for the home release. He's altered every other one even in the slightest way.

[Chris D]

Again, I agree with Gord. I've already read (Entertainment Weekly) that Lucas had to cut down a few scenes that he thought were pretty important like the Wookie planet (Kashykk?) and a sub-plot about Padame creating the rebel alliance. This would be good stuff to see.

[Gordon Moore]

From the rumour mill:
http://www.thedigitalbits.com/rumormill.html#0510

Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith tentatively due on 11/8 (a worldwide release on the same day). The 11/8 date for Episode III has been corroborated with multiple independent retailer sources. It also jives with the Burger King watch promotion details that leaked on 5/2 (see this post below). Again, however, I'd like to stress that none of this is official until announced by the studio (and Lucasfilm in the case of Episode III). It's possible that these dates will shift before they're made public (as they often do).

What we DO know about Episode III is that Lucas himself has confirmed (to MTV.com) that the film will be available on DVD in time for this Christmas, that the disc will include 5-6 deleted scenes, and that a 6-film box set will be available at some point in the future.

[David Meek]

Exellent! :T

[Brandon B]

A 6 film box set? Great, now I have to go buy a film projector. Where am I going to put that?

BB