Contact (1997) laserdisc DVD bluray shootout.





^ Laserdisc disc 2 side 3, chapter 30 time 16m.22s recorded waterfall for a few seconds. LFE.1 The laserdisc Dolby AC-3 is a few db more powerful than the bluray as noted on the SPL db meter of the wormhole scene. Just when the pod falls though Ellie, yells out and she is + db more on LD.

There are some tiny traces on the waterfall that I can see with all three pressings the LD has a tiny less in some parts LFE.1 and a little more on the DVD and bluray but who's gonna notice it really?



^ DVD region 2, chapter 33 time 110.25 recorded waterfall for a few seconds. LFE.1



^ bluray, chapter 33 time 1:55:08 recorded waterfall for a few seconds. LFE.1

The missing abort sound effect on centre channel Dolby AC-3, but the sound of the abort button is present on the Dolby Stereo analog track. Its a good thing I know what to look for, and listen for in films. I wonder of this sound effect is missing on the Dolby AC-3 Japan pressing? Too bad the dts pressing was cancelled.



^A little visible comet tail laser-rot trickles across the picture.

Very nice comparison, Laserbite34!

Interesting that the mixes are once again are different on BD, DVD and LD. However, if I understand your analysis correctly, I guess the differences are rather minor?


I just happen to buy the Japanese LD, so I'd be willing and glad to help you out. No chance to watch it here yet, but I could compare it once returned to home.

Maybe you could provide the waveforms of the channels as well?

I guess, this time, the US got the better cover art (and no question which format has the best shape anyway), but for 108 ¥ - who am I to complain?

Whereas the Japanese versions have the inherit flaw of the embedded Japanese subtiles, they are probably less prone to Laserrot compared to US-releases.

Always look for the Kuraray pressing, avoid the DADC pressing

Which one sounded better to you?

Both Kuraray and DADC are the US version, however the Kuraray has much better picture quality and no drop-outs, sound / picture are from same master.

I question if there is a diff in AC-3 track on LD between JP and US version.

The artwork on the Japan pressing is interesting or was that for the same artwork for Japan Contact posters?

Wave form unless you have spectrum lab that is free download then you have get the settings on it to match the settings on mine to get a close enough waterfall from the scene.

Oh if your running Dolby AC-3 check it to see if the soundtrack is missing the (abort button sound effect).

I guess the subtitles are within the black board bar at the bottom of the screen, not a problem.

I gather the picture is better slightly and Contact free of rot.

Laserdisc had the few +db extra over the DVD and bluray so Laserdisc is king for sound once again but less so for picture.

Good day Laserbite34,

I have both the Japanese & US versions of CONTACT and must admit my preference leans more to the Japanese release.

The cover art of both versions is fine However the Japanese packaging is far better grade than it's US counterpart, the picture quality of the Japanese version I think had the edge.
Laserdisc verses DVD = Laserdisc wins hands down.

I am glad that I have both though, as each are collectable for myself personally.

Thank you for sharing your findings with us all here.

Kind Regards