Search - The Sopranos: Season 6, Part 1 [Blu-ray] on Blu-ray

A review from someone who has actually seen the product - wh

Momaw | Australia | 01/02/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As someone who has actually bought this set I thought I might offer some real opinions as opposed to those of some idiot who's only contribution is he hates HD.

(note: at this time I have only watched the first two episodes)

The Audio

Audio is in Dolby Digital Plus and is sublime. As a drama series, dialogue is paramount and every syllable can be clearly discerned. Tony's signature laboured breathing comes through crystal clear. Background dialogue adds atmosphere and sounds like actual conversation, not just noise.

Surround information is not a strong point of this series, however, when needed it is there. In episode 2 the helicopter (of Tony's subconscious) utilizes all channels to great effect.

A strong point in the series is it's use of modern classic music. This is used to great effect and on the HD-DVD release is output evenly through all channels. The music here is better than any SA-CD or DVD-A I have heard and really gets me excited as to the possibility of music through the new format.

The Picture

I am a big fan of television on DVD having collected many series. That said, I am usually disappointed with the transfers afforded television series. Most suffer from artefacts due to over-compression to fit as many episodes on a disc as possible. So with that in mind I'll discuss the bad first.

There is some moiré effect in the background of some scenes. Early in the first episode I had one instance of a freeze which put the audio out of sync. Pausing and un-pausing fixed this and I could not replicate this effect so rather than blame the set, I suspect it is one of those bugs that comes with early technology and Gen 1 machines. There is some grain in the image, however, given the previous season's, this is an intentional decision on the makers part (it will be interesting to see what the advent of HD in the home will do to this practice as it is not very HD friendly). At one stage on the first episode the Picture quality faulted for a period of about ¼ of a second where in a dark scene it became almost SD standard. This was very quick but noticeable.

Now for the good, and boy is it good. The detail is spectacular (almost too good - these guys are getting on in age, and they never were the most attractive people, and that hole in Tony's stomach - I though it looked bad before but this is truly disgusting). I have never seen TV look this good - not even the so called HD broadcasts of these very same episodes on Australian TV came close to this. Most of the action is in the foreground of this series and as such the detail in background shots is not as sharp as some film releases, however, when the background is relevant all that detail comes back. Again I think this is a conscious decision on the makers part to keep the focus up close and on the characters.

Final Thoughts

Is this release perfect - no, it has some slight issues that could be improved upon. Was it worth getting in HD - absolutely. Even at a premium price over the SD release I will happily pick up more of my favourites on HD-DVD. Universal has given a tentative commitment to Battlestar Galactica on HD-DVD, BBC has stated a HD-DVD release of Torchwood is in the works (which means we will probably also see Dr Who as well). MGM has hinted at a release of Stargate: Atlantis on Blu-ray and I would highly suspect the 2 new SG-1 movies (in lieu of Season 11) will be released on Blu-ray around April/May. It is almost inevitable that Paramount will release Star Trek to High Definition (especially the re-mastered and re-worked High Def Original Series).

I collect more Television series than movies these days (well, television and anime) and I gotta say, if this is the future of serialized programming, then I am happy to have a HD-DVD player and should Blu-ray get their format specific series out, I'll be grabbing one of those machines too (you listening on those Stargate movies and series?).

"

Great series and great Blu-Ray transfer

J. Miller | Frisco, TX USA | 01/17/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Sopranos in HD, what could be better? The transfer is great and befitting such a great series.

Now HBO just needs to release the rest of the series on Blu-Ray and it's other great properties as well (please oh please let us see Band of Brothers on Blu-Ray soon!)"

Superb season and outstanding quality

S. Tower | UK | 02/04/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a truly superb box set. Season 6 part 1 of Sopranos is essential TV, with quality acting and a great story line - shame we have to wait a while for part 2.

This blu-ray box set is outstanding quality. The image looks 3D and almost comes out the screen. Great to see Tony and the gang in hi-def - the sound is also great quality. A few commentary extras.

This is an essential purchase if you love Sopranos and quality."

Not impressed, no improvement over dvd version

Shaq Attack haha | 03/21/2009

(1 out of 5 stars)

"First off: season gets FIVE stars

I own a PS3 (blu-ray) and a 46" Samsung 120hz 1080p set.

I own seasons 1-5 on DVD, and all of season 6 on Blu-ray.

To be honest, there is no improvement over the dvd version of the set. Seasons 1-5 (DVD) look exactly the same as season 6 (blu-ray).

Also, there is no reason why this season could not be on 3 blu-ray discs. I own other shows on blu-ray, and the ENTIRE **SEASON** is on ONE disc. FYI, you can fit SIX HD one hour shows on blu-ray (see Weeds on blu-ray, 12+ episodes in 1080p (30mins) on ONE disc))

I love the show, but no one should waste money on the blu-ray set with no improvement in quality. (Luckily, I purchased season 6 on blu-ray cheaper than the dvd version)"