Top Gun SE specs

[Shane Martin]

Specs:
This brand new two-disc set will be available to own from the 16th November this year, and should retail at around $19.99.

The film itself will be presented in 2.40:1 anamorphic widescreen along with English 6.1 DTS Surround, Dolby Digital 5.1 EX and Dolby 2.0 Surround tracks.

Extras will include an audio commentary by producer Jerry Bruckheimer, director Tony Scott, screenwriter Jack Epps, Captain Mike Galpin, retired Admiral Pete Pettigrew and Vice Admiral Mike McCabe,
six documentaries on the making of the film and its cultural impact, from pre-production through its theatrical release and four music videos that defined their era:
Kenny Loggins’ “Danger Zone,”
Berlin’s “Take My Breath Away,”
Loverboy’s “Heaven in Your Eyes” and
Harold Faltermeyer and Steve Stevens’ “Top Gun Anthem”.

Completing the package will be a vintage Tom Cruise interview, a behind-the-scenes featurette, a survival Training featurette, multi-angle storyboards with an optional commentary by director Tony Scott and seven original TV spots.




:E :E :E :jawdrop:

[aud19]

Shane are you a little excited? :lol:

Jason

[David Meek]

Yep, we're FINALLY getting the "enhanced for 16x9" picture we've been waiting on for years! Hopefully, it and the SQ are top-shelf.

[JonMarsh]

Yep, we're FINALLY getting the "enhanced for 16x9" picture we've been waiting on for years! Hopefully, it and the SQ are top-shelf.

No kidding. You wouldn't believe how many LD versions of this I have, including a VERY limited edition Japanese import, with Japanese subtitles. The video and audio was the best on that one; that sorry LBX excuse for a DVD release was very disaapointing.

Well, this should sell... lord only knows I'll get suckered into it! Especially with those extras- they do seem to be "doing it right".

~Jon

[Shane Martin]

If they enhance the already stellar DD 5.1 Laserdisc then I'll be happy. The Laserdisc mix is AWESOME. The picture is not as good though. I hope this is a stellar transfer.

[George Bellefontaine]

I replaced the ld with the non-anamorphic dvd when it first came out, but I'll tell ya, the difference in PQ between the dvd and the ld wasn't worth the effort and the cost. Even the sound was just so-so. I will definitely be buying this new release.

[Chris D]

Yup, I'll be buying this one for sure. As a pilot, this is a must. I currently own the DVD that has been out. And actually, Jerry Bruckheimer came to an Air Force base that I was at with a USO travelling show, and I got him to autograph the cover, so I'll have to keep that one, too! Maybe I'll frame it!

[Burke Strickland]

"Top Gun" is one of the few titles that I have on commercially-produced VHS, laser disc and DVD. I really LIKE this movie. I do not consider it a "guilty pleasure"; I consider it a "genuine pleasure", a "top gem" among action/adventure/military flying movies. Anyone who disagrees can kiss my aspect ratio. :>)

I am hopeful that the new DVD edition of "Top Gun" finally gives us the pristine picture quality AND the sensational sound it deserves. The Paramount exec who authorized release of the initial DVD with the 2.35:1 image merely letterboxed instead of rendered anamorphically should have been forced to serve as the stunt double for the flogging scenes in "Passion of the Christ". :>) I just hope they aren't tinkering with the aerial dogfight sequences to make use of today''s more advanced CGI capabilites. At least the "bad guys" already shoot first. :>) So I expect we will still be getting the original movie, just presented a lot better.

Having said all that, with so many other "must have" titles coming out in November that I don't have in any format, (such as "Shrek 2", "Lord of the Rings: Return of the King: Extended Edition", "Spider-Man 2"), I may have to hold off on buying the new DVD edition of "Top Gun" until I have a new projector. (I'm guessing that unless they REALLY screw up the sound track, projector fan noise won't be much of an issue when playing this title.) :>)

In the meantime, I can probably survive another viewing or two of the existing DVD on the 14 inch TV I've been using since my current projector got a case of the blues (deteriorated blue polarizing filter, too expensive to replace, given the current prices on new projectors). But I'll be looking forward to seeing "Top Gun" in all its new-found DVD glory when I finally do get to project it seven feet wide. :>)

Burke

PS -- as for the "extras", I'll "read all about it" here -- I doubt I'll spend much time on them even when I do get the new DVD. The improved picture quality and excellent sound will be the main reasons for me to buy the disc.

[George Bellefontaine]

It will be nice to see it properly displayed at the proper theatrical aspect ratio of 2:40. The nonanamorphic dvd I own is 1:90:1, so there is obviously material missing from the sides.

[Chris D]

At least the "bad guys" already shoot first. :>)

:rofl:


I didn't know that George, about the different aspect ratio. In addition to being mandatory for pilots, this was also a very significant movie in my life. Growing up, we were in the foothills of Colorado and couldn't get TV reception. We did have a TV and VCR, but ended up rarely using them as even a video rental store was a bit of a drive away. Well, one day friends came to visit, and brought a copy of Top Gun for us. So, for a while at least, that was our first and only videotape we had. As a kid, I watched that movie OVER, and OVER, and OVER. I think I can quote the entire movie to you.

The 2nd videotape we got, my dad brought home "Ladyhawk" with Rutger Hauer and Matthew Broderick. A nice little flick, but nowhere close to the repeat watch-ability of Top Gun.

[George Bellefontaine]

Chris, I can see how this film would make you want to be a jet pilot. The flying sequences were breathtaking. You felt you were there in the cockpit.

[ekkoville]

I am an Air Traffic Controller and went to college for aviation and we had hundreds of Air Force ROTC students, talk about Cruise wannabees. They couldn't take a dump without the Ray-Ban's!! We all loved the movie though, as a matter of fact, I was a BB this week and almost bought the latest DVD to replace the VHS I have. Thanks for the update on the new release, it's a must have.

Erik

[Chris D]

Erik, would that be Embry Ridiculous? Cool... I'm a pilot, so if you let me know what station you work, I'll say hi the next time I fly through!

[ekkoville]

I work at Boston ARTCC, high altitude. If you fly to Westover AFB, Barnes(BAF), or Bradley (BDL) I would be there. Anything into the northeast toward Albany, Boston, or NYC from the west would be a possibility also. Looks like from the Avatar you have you fly C17 or C5, tough to tell.

Erik

[Chris D]

Great! Yup, I'm a C-17 driver. I fly through Boston Center every so often, when travelling down the East Coast.

[Shane Martin]

Top Gun was bumped to December 14th now

Paramount has informed us that the Top Gun: Special Collector's Edition is going to be moving to December (it had previously been set for release in November). The new street date has been tentatively set as 12/14. We'll keep you posted

Courtesy of the digital bits..

[Chris D]

:M Well, I s'pose that makes it a birthday/Christmas present to myself, now.

[ekkoville]

Well, I am sure it will be worth the wait.......Chris, if you get a chance to check in on 125.57....134.0, I would probably be around those freqs. Are you with the Reach or Team flights?

[Chris D]

Reach!

[Stevey1976]

Top Gun SE - Strange.........

I have the original region 1 version of Topgun as seen here:http://www.playusa.com/playusa.asp?p...=R1&title=1486. I have just received my copy of Top Gun SE, and while I am pleased with the overall result, the menus and the features are great, the film picture quality seems to be inferior to the quality of the original dvd version (http://www.playusa.com/playusa.asp?p...=R1&title=1486).

Does anyone else out there have the original blue case version and the new SE version, if so compare them and let me know what you think!

Steve

[Chris D]

No way, are you kidding me? We wait all this time, and the picture quality is WORSE? I was going to buy the SE edition, maybe this weekend, but now I'm apprehensive. I do have the original DVD (signed by Jerry Bruckheimer as I mentioned above) but I can't compare if I don't get the new one.

Grrrr....

[David Meek]

I've got the original, but will probably have to wait until Christmas to compare. The family has put me on DVD-buying quarantine until then.

[Adz]

Widescreen Review just came out with its review and gave the DTS 6.1 Discrete soundtrack a 5+ -- its highest rating. I wish I could type the review here but they said it was "riveting" with incredible side to side and front/back pans that blend seemlessly with detailed imaging around the room...with deep sub 25 hz signals from all channels!
They loved the picture as well with quotes such as "quite stunning" and fans will definitely be excited.

:T :T :T :T :T :T :T :T :T :T :T :T :T :T :T :T :T :T

[Adz]

Oh wait, I was able to post the review -- here it is:

From Widescreen Review Issue 92 January 2005
"This remixed Dolby® Digital 5.1-channel release is riveting, with incredible side-to-side and front/back pans that blend seamlessly, detailed imaging around the room, beautifully mixed staging for music, and impressive ambience from each of the main channels. Bass extension is solid from start to finish, with deep sub-25 Hz signals from each channel. Music is mixed well around the room, with a very deep and wide front-three-screen-channel soundstage. Foley is presented around the entire holosonic™ soundfield, matching on- and off-screen action well. Comparing this to the original Dolby Digital 5.1-channel release is just unfair. This version is much more engrossing, with noticeable increases in fidelity and dynamic range. ADR-type qualities can be heard in outdoor scenes, occasionally sounding forward and unnatural. With all the improvements the Dolby Digital 5.1 track brings to the table, the DTS-ES® Discrete 6.1-channel soundtrack is even more impressive. Bass is tighter, and imaging around the entire 360-degree soundfield is more accurate and differentiable, with much better imaging in the rear hemisphere. (Danny Richelieu)"

[Chris D]

Phew! Glad to hear it. This movie deserves it.

(and I deserve to watch it!)

[George Bellefontaine]

Holy heck, it had to be better than the nonanamorphic version. Perhaps Steve just happened on a bad copy of the new SE.

[Stevey1976]

Has anyone else had a chance to compare the orignal Top Gun DVD with the Special Edition one?

[Gordon Moore]

the DTS-ES® Discrete 6.1-channel soundtrack is even more impressive. Bass is tighter, and imaging around the entire 360-degree soundfield is more accurate and differentiable

:E must....hookup....6th...speaker to new digital amp....now...."cough cough, er boss, I feel the flu-ish and must go home and thread wire in walls immediately ") :B

[Kevin P]

I have the original edition and plan on getting the SE after the holidays (I avoid the mall and shopping strip in town as much as humanly possible during the dreaded holiday season). When I do, I'll be sure to post a comparison (though I'm sure someone else will beat me to the punch). This will be a must-get though, as Top Gun is one of my (and Heather's) favorite movies. That plus I try as much as possible to replace non-anamorphic discs with anamorphic ones when they become available.

Gordon :lol: Another movie where I can use my rear center as well. That is, if it has DD EX (my current receiver doesn't do DTS ES). (edit, oops, put wrong name in response ops: )

[Sithlord]

Just took delivery of this and played the start and finished where Couger lands his plane. WOW is the first word thats descibes the sound this movie delivers very big sound and very clear. The EX channels have their work cut out for them as they are very engaging right from the start and the BASS just awesome. I will be watching the rest today and will post my impressions later on.

[Kevin P]

What's the picture quality like Sithlord? Did you get the regular or the superbit?

[junior77blue]

According to Amazon this does have DTS, is there a superbit version of this avaialbe??


Technical Information

Release Information:
Studio: Paramount Home Video
Theatrical Release Date: May 16, 1986
DVD Release Date: December 14, 2004
Production Company: Paramount
Package Type: Keep Case

Aspect Ratio(s):
Widescreen anamorphic - 2.35:1


Discographic Information:
DVD Encoding: Region 1
Available Audio Tracks: English (Dolby Digital 5.1), English (DTS 5.1)
Special Edition


Edition Details:
• Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. This DVD will probably NOT be viewable in other countries.) Read more about DVD formats.
•*Color, Widescreen, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound
• Commentary by producer Jerry Bruckheimer, director Tony Scott, and Navy experts
• Remastered print and sound
• 6-part documentary on the making of the film
• Never-before-seen footage
• 4 music videos
• Vintage gallery of storyboards, production materials, featurettes and more
•*Number of discs: 2
•*ASIN: B0002WZTOI

[Adz]

There is NO superbit version - the new Video has both DD and DTS.

[Shane Martin]

The HTF reviewer said that the video is way better.

I plan to make the comparison next Tuesday. Audio wise I hope its better than the DD 5.1 laserdisc which was a reference disc for a while. I can only imagine how good of a sound mix is on this disc. The DD laserdisc was NUTS.

[George Bellefontaine]

Kevin, although some dvds are transferred at higher vit rates by various studios, the only so-called SUPERBIT titles come from Columbia-Tri Star ( Sony). Top Gun is a Paramount title, but how high the bit rate depends on whether or not there are any extras on Disc 1 besides the movie and the sound tracks. I am hoping this will be a high bit rate, but Paramount is not exactly known for producing high quality transfers.

[Burke Strickland]

The video is first rate, even if it is a Paramount release. Although it is a tad soft in some spots, it is almost three dimensional in others. Compared to the previous DVD (or any other home video) release, the image is ravishingly film-like. The sound is sensational. "You are there" whether you want to be or not. (Keep your air sickness bag handy.) :>)

Even if you've bought a previous edition, if you like this movie, this DVD special edition is THE one to have,

Burke

[David Meek]

Heehee, haha, hoho. I can't wait! ;h

C'mon Christmas. . . . I hate enforced buying hiatuses. :

[JonMarsh]

The video is first rate, even if it is a Paramount release. Although it is a tad soft in some spots, it is almost three dimensional in others. Compared to the previous DVD (or any other home video) release, the image is ravishingly film-like. The sound is sensational. "You are there" whether you want to be or not. (Keep your air sickness bag handy.) :>)

Even if you've bought a previous edition, if you like this movie, this DVD special edition is THE one to have,

Burke

Do you have ANY idea how many laser disk versions of this movie I have? Inlcuding mega buck Japanese import?

Oh well, what's another one....


~Jon

[Lex]

Is this a trick question? Are we supposed to know how many professor? I'll guess 3. I hope I am right!

i can't wait, no buying hiatuses at my house, just had to work tonight at the office, so can't go.

Lex

[David Meek]

no buying hiatuses at my house

Braggart. :

[Shane Martin]

Well I viewed it and the PQ is not bad at all. The early parts are very grainy but it clears up pretty quickly. It's definiltely better than the first and the sound is on par with the DD 5.1 Laserdisc which was bombastic to say the least.

The 6.1 DTS track is a real treat. Kevin, I'd forgo the 6.1 and just listen to the DTS track. It's THAT Much better than the DD track.

This is THE version of the film to own.

[Kevin P]

Cool. Now I have to wait for the holidays (and the associated shopping crowd) to subside and then I'll snag a copy.

Also, my bad on asking about Superbit. I must have mixed this thread up with Spiderman 2. ops:

DTS = 8) Top Gun in DTS = :drool: Can't wait. I'm sure Heather will love it too.

[George Bellefontaine]

Well, all is well. I got my copy today. Now I will be waiting for it to TAKE MY BREATH AWAY. 8)

[Dean McManis]

I just bought this Top Gun SE DVD, but I haven't watched it yet.

[Burke Strickland]

I just bought this Top Gun SE DVD, but I haven't watched it yet.

There are still a couple of hours left before the evening's totally gone -- get with it and watch it, already! :>)

Burke