This is some shocking and very welcome news! You might recall all the hubbub surrounding the release of Paramount‘s Gladiator: Sapphire Series Blu-ray last year (read our full review of the disc here.) Fans and critics were truly disappointed when the highly anticipated disc turned up with a less-than-stellar transfer, complete with edge enhancement and DNR (Digital Noise Reduction) which effectively turned the film into a muddy mess. Well, now a new Blu-ray release of the film has been unleashed on European audiences, sporting a gorgeous new 4K transfer. And, according to Paramount, those who purchased the previously issued, flawed disc here on this side of the Atlantic, will be able to exchange it for an updated version featuring the same 4K transfer from overseas!
GLADIATOR: Original 2009 Blu-ray edition – CLICK TO ENLARGE
GLADIATOR: 2010 Blu-ray – CLICK TO ENLARGE
Those screengrabs above, along with several more examples of the new transfer can be found at comparescreenshots.slicx.com. Now, we don’t have all the details of the exchange program yet but rest assured, it’s happening. Here’s Paramount’s official statement on the matter:
“We are implementing a limited exchange program. This program is only for those consumers that may have preferential issues with some of the technical DVNR (digital video noise reduction) and EE (edge enhancement) choices made in the original source transfer, and so would prefer to exchange it for one that addresses those preferences in a different manner.
While the version that we originally distributed was of the highest quality, some enthusiasts may prefer to view it without the Edge Enhancement and DVNR implemented as standard process in bringing the film to hi-def. This new master resolves those issues.”
Apparently, a running change will be made to the current Gladiator release which will see all future shipments of the title being revised with the updated transfer. Call Paramount Home Entertainment’s customer service hotline number (323-956-3010) for more details and to arrange your exchange.
I’ll finally be able to buy it…
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by theblurayblog, dscx and Brandon Putman, Gustavo H. Razera. Gustavo H. Razera said: RT @theblurayblog: New 'Gladiator' Blu-ray release sports updated transfer, disc exchange program http://bit.ly/cGzbjQ [...]
[...] of Ridley Scott films starring Russell Crowe (read all about the new Blu-ray edition of Gladiator here, if you haven’t already), Universal Pictures have announced the September 20th release of the [...]