Cinderella: Diamond Edition - ETA 2012

[The_Iceflash]

This may be ridiculous, but what is DNR?

DVR/DVNR is basically an automatic process that removes blemishes and grain, used for both live-action and animation films. A lot of studios use it, with Disney actually being one of the ones who use it less so. Having said that, it can be very detrimental, as it can accidentally remove many subtle details. It is particularly detrimental in traditional animation as it can remove character outlines, among other things. This article explains it quite well with some more extreme examples.

It appears that Cinderella got DVNRed for its DVD and Blu-Ray restorations. Disney Duster recently created a thread about the restoration, which kinda proved that DVNR was unfortunately used. In particular, fairy dust went missing, and outlines sometimes disappeared. I'm not sure whether it's worth getting into lengthy debates about colour based on old VHS and laserdisc masters that weren't perhaps right to begin with, but instances of DVNR being used are definitely unwelcome in my opinion.

You know, this has happened in the music world as well. There are remasters being done that have had NR used to remove tape hiss and such. In the audiophile world, it is criticized for loss of detail much like DVR/DVNR is.


On happier news, I pre-ordered at Best Buy today and got the case. It is even more stunning in person! Get them quick though. There was only one left on the shelf when I got mine. I don't know how many they are planning on stocking.

[Topher]

So, here is the Australian cover...



What is it? The Cubic Zirconia edition?

[Vlad]

http://members.chello.nl/h.h.j.f.beens/ ... HSvsBD.jpg

Here is a comparison between the 1997 VHS and the 2012 Blu-ray of Cinderella. Oh, my, the differences are astonishing!!! What has happened to Disney?!?!

[JustOneBite87]

http://members.chello.nl/h.h.j.f.beens/ ... HSvsBD.jpg

Here is a comparison between the 1997 VHS and the 2012 Blu-ray of Cinderella. Oh, my, the differences are astonishing!!! What has happened to Disney?!?!

Probably the most damning comparison in my mind. Colors aside, this is indisputable evidence of excessive DNR and what appears to be digital repaints of characters.

[ajmrowland]

it is excessive, but not everything is that bad, so long as you just stare at the bgs the whole movie.

[thelittleursula]

http://members.chello.nl/h.h.j.f.beens/ ... HSvsBD.jpg

Here is a comparison between the 1997 VHS and the 2012 Blu-ray of Cinderella. Oh, my, the differences are astonishing!!! What has happened to Disney?!?!

If you have the 1997 VHS keep it and treasure it. This is disgraceful !

[Jules]

I generally think very highly of the people at Lowry/DTS/Mediareliance Group, but I cannot understand how they could make such mistakes.

Don't these people pride themselves on restoring feature films, frame by frame, by hand? For how long have they been (over)using DNR? Was Cinderella the first major case?

To my knowledge, Cinderella and Peter Pan have been the two most controversial restorations, done by Lowry. Are there others I'm missing?

[Marky_198]

To me, besides the loss of arms and other limbs, details in dresses and colors that make it look like a microsoft paint picture, there is something else that ruins it for me. I think it's an important aspect that not many people mentioned before.


What I loved most about this classics is the atmosphere in the picture that is created by the lighting. The created source of light in the picture. For example, the stills where Cinderella runs down the stairs towards the pumpkin carriage. In the first one, there is a warm glow coming out of the palace. The new one is just very cold, and there is no lighting, atmosphere whatsoever. Cold, flat and empty. It basically sucks all the life out of the image. They erased the animated sources of light.

I remember the Pinocchio screencaps from a while ago. Colors aside, it does not seem there is actual light coming from the candle. If you put your hand over the left side of the picture, you would never know there is a source of light.

This is what makes or breaks an animated film in my opinion. The atmosphere that is created by this. That's what makes the restorations of these films so lifeless.

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[271286]

So, here is the Australian cover...



What is it? The Cubic Zirconia edition?

There is actually a cover underneath that giant rating sticker?

[Sotiris]

There is actually a cover underneath that giant rating sticker?

Unfortunately, it's not a removable sticker. It's part of the cover.

[Vlad]

There is actually a cover underneath that giant rating sticker?

Unfortunately, it's not a removable sticker. It's part of the cover.

Oh, that's awful! The Germans have one too, but it's transparent, and the artwork is visible. This one here ruins the whole cover!

[Atlantica]

Which is more expensive I wonder; producing a sticker to plonk on the front, or actually doctoring the cover as seen here ?

[Topher]

The ratings logo I can live with, but where is the diamond edition banner?

[AladdinFan]

I really want to get the Best Buy Steelbook Exclusive but the only problem is that it only hold 2 discs. I'm planning to get the 3-Disc Diamond Edition of Cinderella.

Still undecided but the steelbook looks so beautiful.

[SWillie!]

I really want to get the Best Buy Steelbook Exclusive but the only problem is that it only hold 2 discs. I'm planning to get the 3-Disc Diamond Edition of Cinderella.

Still undecided but the steelbook looks so beautiful.

One of those three discs is a digital copy, which means you can either toss it, or keep it in the case it comes in, since there is no use for it after you redeem it.

[Disney Duster]

http://members.chello.nl/h.h.j.f.beens/ ... HSvsBD.jpg

Here is a comparison between the 1997 VHS and the 2012 Blu-ray of Cinderella. Oh, my, the differences are astonishing!!! What has happened to Disney?!?!

Woah, thank you for showing us that! As soon as I own and see it myself on Blu-ray, I'm taking comparison shots all around to forums to try and get attention and get it fixed!!!

[monorail91]

I really want to get the Best Buy Steelbook Exclusive but the only problem is that it only hold 2 discs. I'm planning to get the 3-Disc Diamond Edition of Cinderella.

Still undecided but the steelbook looks so beautiful.

One of those three discs is a digital copy, which means you can either toss it, or keep it in the case it comes in, since there is no use for it after you redeem it.

The Steelbook is actually a great option if you are planning to get the nice Collectible Jewelry Box packaging (I am!), that way you can put Cinderella steelbook on the shelf with all your other Blu-rays and display the Jewelry box separately (presumably with your other collector's editions. Or with your jewelry.)

[disneyboy20022]

One of those three discs is a digital copy, which means you can either toss it, or keep it in the case it comes in, since there is no use for it after you redeem it.

The Steelbook is actually a great option if you are planning to get the nice Collectible Jewelry Box packaging (I am!), that way you can put Cinderella steelbook on the shelf with all your other Blu-rays and display the Jewelry box separately (presumably with your other collector's editions. Or with your jewelry.)

I did the same with the Lion King Trilogy, though I'll be passing on the Jewlry set. Now if this were Aladdin....that would be interesting, and I'm Skeptic on how well the discs will be packed in the CInderella Set....

[Wonderlicious]

So I caved in and got the Blu-Ray. I actually haven't got round to watching the film yet (aside from a few select scenes, more to assess overall video quality), but I flicked through some of the bonus features. As much as I love Cinderella, part of me regrets that I bought this Blu-Ray at the price it was. On top of the serious video issues (in a nutshell: what appears to be DVNR), the new bonus features essentially add nothing. I understand that no significant crew members are alive, but they could have easily got some people to record a commentary or similar. Fortunately, practically all the substantial bonus features from the Platinum Edition, aside from the galleries and a Perry Como clip, are included. Anyway, a run down of my thoughts:

*The Magic of the Glass Slipper: I actually couldn't finish watching this. Basically, it turns out that it's an extended commercial for the Christian Louboutin shoes. If that kinda stuff floats your boat, you may get a bigger kick out of it. However, I doubt anybody on this forum is really into designer stilettos...

*New Disney Princess Fantasyland: Basically a commercial for New Fantasyland at Walt Disney World, presented by one of the stars of ABC's "Once Upon a Time" (I don't watch it, so I didn't recognise her until she actually mentioned it). It had some interesting footage, including what I believe to new details of the Seven Dwarfs' Mine Ride. However, the feature is hardly related to Cinderella and its presence in the parks at all. It would have been interesting if they managed to devote at least some time to exploring the history and details of Cinderella Castle like they did on the Sleeping Beauty Castle featurette. Nonetheless, better than a silly shoe commercial.

*The Real Fairy Godmother: The focus on Cinderella is ultimately quite small, but a very touching tribute to somebody who really seems to have done some wonderful stuff. Far, far more worthy of inclusion than a shoe commercial.

*Alternate Opening: Actually, it's more like an alternate take on a single moment in the opening. Hardly any context is provided. It's almost like they intentionally forged a deleted scene to entice completists to buy the new set.

*Tangled Ever After: Not entirely in the same spirit as Tangled, but a sweet little short nonetheless.

*I did a little check and can say that the RKO logo has finally been restored, while the 2005 restoration credits are gone. As is now custom, a short castle logo appears at the end.

[Atlantica]

I really wish I had done the same Wonderlicious; waited until it was the BOGOF offer. I can watch the Platinum happily and not think "Drats I wish this was in Blu!"