LaserDisc Database :: View topic - WHY should we even like laserdisc?

Most of the reasons I collect LDs has already been stated, but there's one I'm not too proud to admit.

I love collecting LaserDiscs because no one else has it around me and can't borrow my discs. I am so particular about caring for my stuff and I hate lending my favourite movies to friends because they just don't care about them. They come back with big finger prints all over them and even some scratches on occasions. If I'm now talking about a great film I watched the other night I can then say, 'sorry, it's a LaserDisc. Do you have a LaserDisc player?' and I don't feel like a totally selfish douche bag.

From the looks of things, most of us are expressing the same reasons. I love Blu when it's done right. The sad reality is, the days of people buying whatever is on the racks is over. A LOT of titles are never going to be released. That is just reality. I'm also not a huge fan of many of the new releases that hit the theaters and in turn blu-ray. Sorry but I do not ever need to own Horrible Bosses. The statement made about the quality of the player being the deciding factor is the same no matter which format you are using. Blu is no different.

The laserdisc benefits, besides just titles, are many. Presentation is number one for me. Owning the laserdisc of a film or box set of films just feels more real to me. I get a lot more satisfaction from owning a library of laserdiscs than I do having a collection on my hard drive. DVD's and now Blu-ray just feel more disposable to me. Maybe it's my age but I don't see too many people being as fanatical about blu releases than I did with laserdiscs when they were new. The second is cost. I can go to most used record stores and find laserdiscs for $1-$5 each. Again, my satisfaction is the important factor for me. I can spend $30 and walk out with a stack of lasers that will take me weeks to get through or 1-2 blu-ray releases I can watch that night and most likely never want to see again. Yes, the rarer titles cost more but 9 times out of 10 they cost more because they were never released on DVD or Blu.

ratkins wrote:

From the looks of things, most of us are expressing the same reasons. I love Bl

Quote:

Th differente statement made about the quality of the player being the deciding factor is the same no matter which format you are using. Blu is no.

Laserdisc players kept getting better whereas dvd technology has remained essentially the same. Yes, a $29.00 dvd player is constructed poorly and will reduce the picture quality but the pq of a 600.00 Denon looks the same as a 100.00 Pioneer, factoring the monitor of course. The technology is basically equal. Laserdisc made huge strides when when you went higher up the model chain.

however both the video and audio signal improved on my well mastered DVD(s).

was not expecting this.

Everyone probably has their own reasons for collecting LD(s) but here is mine:

1. Collecting is a hobby. I enjoy the hunt ... it's fun to build a collection.
2. LD packaging was elaborate ... exuberant ... over the top.
3. I can buy today what was unaffordable back when LD(s) were in print.
4. I'm fascinated with obsolete technology. Also collect vinyl LP(s).
5. Every media format produces it's own "experience" IMHO.
6. It's interesting to own a movie on several different formats.
7. Well mastered LD(s) provide a "35mm theatrical sound". Less processed to my ears.
8. Many LD(s) appear to be copied directly from 35mm prints ... again less processed and more like "film".
9. Some LD(s) were never released on DVD or BR.
10. Depending on what issue you collect ... LD(s) can be quite reasonable.
11. It still amazes me how many movies were released on the format. Watch TCM channel on any given night and look up the
movie on LDDB and it's probably been issued before.

12. The PCM sound on a LaserDisc is not compressed.

cessnaace wrote:

12. The PCM sound on a LaserDisc is not compressed.

Laserdisc became a collector's format, which as we witnessed was not enough to warrant a profit.

How about when somebody asks "do you have the movie___________" and you answer with yes- on CED,DVD and LaserDisc and they have no idea what 2 of the formats are

BTW- my 17yr old son is watching The Rock on LD in his room. He's got a 1070 that I picked up in a trade, and yes he enjoys showing the huge movies to his friends

When my daughters friends come over (14yr olds) they think we've got the coolest stereo system. LD,CED,DVHS,8track,Reel to Reel,Cassette... I had to write down the switching instructions for the NEC AVX-910 so they could run it all

How about when somebody asks "do you have the movie___________" and you answer with yes- on CED,DVD and LaserDisc and they have no idea what 2 of the formats are

BTW- my 17yr old son is watching The Rock on LD in his room. He's got a 1070 that I picked up in a trade, and yes he enjoys showing the huge movies to his friends

alchemy541 wrote:

How about when somebody asks "do you have the movie___________" and you answer with yes- on CED,DVD and LaserDisc and they have no idea what 2 of the formats are

BTW- my 17yr old son is watching The Rock on LD in his room. He's got a 1070 that I picked up in a trade, and yes he enjoys showing the huge movies to his friends

i like it when someone asks if i have a movie and i say yeah, but only on laserdisc, and they say "whats that?" and it opens the door for me to tell them all about it

I went into the Salvation Army store once and someone held up a LaserDisc and asked the worker there what it was. She responded with "it's a videodisc format that was only on the market a year." A YEAR!?! In the U.S. try 21 years!!!

Author:	benmbe [ 09 Nov 2011, 15:52 ]
Post subject:	Re: WHY should we even like laserdisc?
mlcsmith wrote: Most of the reasons I collect LDs has already been stated, but there's one I'm not too proud to admit. I love collecting LaserDiscs because no one else has it around me and can't borrow my discs. I am so particular about caring for my stuff and I hate lending my favourite movies to friends because they just don't care about them. They come back with big finger prints all over them and even some scratches on occasions. If I'm now talking about a great film I watched the other night I can then say, 'sorry, it's a LaserDisc. Do you have a LaserDisc player?' and I don't feel like a totally selfish douche bag. I enjoyed reading your message and can totally relate to your views completely. I stopped someone from borrowing another DVD from myself once because he put his dirty mits(fingers) on the disc and a scratch...........NEVER AGAIN DID I LEND!!!!!!!!! Regards

Author:	remington [ 09 Nov 2011, 16:43 ]
Post subject:	Re: WHY should we even like laserdisc?
ratkins wrote: From the looks of things, most of us are expressing the same reasons. I love Blu when it's done right. The sad reality is, the days of people buying whatever is on the racks is over. A LOT of titles are never going to be released. That is just reality. I'm also not a huge fan of many of the new releases that hit the theaters and in turn blu-ray. Sorry but I do not ever need to own Horrible Bosses. The statement made about the quality of the player being the deciding factor is the same no matter which format you are using. Blu is no different. The laserdisc benefits, besides just titles, are many. Presentation is number one for me. Owning the laserdisc of a film or box set of films just feels more real to me. I get a lot more satisfaction from owning a library of laserdiscs than I do having a collection on my hard drive. DVD's and now Blu-ray just feel more disposable to me. Maybe it's my age but I don't see too many people being as fanatical about blu releases than I did with laserdiscs when they were new. The second is cost. I can go to most used record stores and find laserdiscs for $1-$5 each. Again, my satisfaction is the important factor for me. I can spend $30 and walk out with a stack of lasers that will take me weeks to get through or 1-2 blu-ray releases I can watch that night and most likely never want to see again. Yes, the rarer titles cost more but 9 times out of 10 they cost more because they were never released on DVD or Blu.

Author:	remington [ 09 Nov 2011, 17:10 ]
Post subject:	Re: WHY should we even like laserdisc?
remington wrote: ratkins wrote: From the looks of things, most of us are expressing the same reasons. I love Bl Quote: Th differente statement made about the quality of the player being the deciding factor is the same no matter which format you are using. Blu is no. Laserdisc players kept getting better whereas dvd technology has remained esentially the same. Yes, a $29.00 dvd player is constructed poorly and will reduce the picture quality but the pq of a 600.00 Denon looks the same as a 100.00 Pioneer, factoring the monitor of course. The technology is basically equal. Laserdisc made huge strides when when you went higher up the model chain.

Author:	ratkins [ 09 Nov 2011, 18:08 ]
Post subject:	Re: WHY should we even like laserdisc?
I agree. I guess I should have been more clear. I meant that no matter what format you are watching, A/V quality directly relates to the hardware you are using.

Author:	Guest [ 09 Nov 2011, 19:57 ]
Post subject:	Re: WHY should we even like laserdisc?
remington wrote: Laserdisc players kept getting better whereas dvd technology has remained essentially the same. Yes, a $29.00 dvd player is constructed poorly and will reduce the picture quality but the pq of a 600.00 Denon looks the same as a 100.00 Pioneer, factoring the monitor of course. The technology is basically equal. Laserdisc made huge strides when when you went higher up the model chain. Hmmm ... used to think this also but I purchased a Cambridge Audio Universal Disc Player (DVD89) about a year ago. The DVD player retailed for $400 at one time ... I bought it for $200 because they were phasing it out. Anyway ... I purchased the unit mainly for it's audio capability (Sometimes I acquire SACD and DVD-A discs) ... however both the video and audio signal improved on my well mastered DVD(s). was not expecting this.

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Author:	admin [ 09 Nov 2011, 22:39 ]
Post subject:	Re: WHY should we even like laserdisc?
condorsat wrote: however both the video and audio signal improved on my well mastered DVD(s). was not expecting this. I paid quite a bit for my (universal) DVD Player but the upsampling conversion to 1080i of DVD is really doing a good job, and at that time I wanted free zone + SACD + DVD-A + DVI output player. I think a modified version (very close) in the US was the Denon 5900. Julien

Author:	mikeystoyz [ 10 Nov 2011, 04:46 ]
Post subject:	Re: WHY should we even like laserdisc?
I will say an Xbox 360 really makes a dvd pop, as does the PS3, not much of a difference off the HDDvd Drive though. Upscaling does make a difference.

Author:	cessnaace [ 10 Nov 2011, 05:05 ]
Post subject:	Re: WHY should we even like laserdisc?
condorsat wrote: Everyone probably has their own reasons for collecting LD(s) but here is mine: 1. Collecting is a hobby. I enjoy the hunt ... it's fun to build a collection. 2. LD packaging was elaborate ... exuberant ... over the top. 3. I can buy today what was unaffordable back when LD(s) were in print. 4. I'm fascinated with obsolete technology. Also collect vinyl LP(s). 5. Every media format produces it's own "experience" IMHO. 6. It's interesting to own a movie on several different formats. 7. Well mastered LD(s) provide a "35mm theatrical sound". Less processed to my ears. 8. Many LD(s) appear to be copied directly from 35mm prints ... again less processed and more like "film". 9. Some LD(s) were never released on DVD or BR. 10. Depending on what issue you collect ... LD(s) can be quite reasonable. 11. It still amazes me how many movies were released on the format. Watch TCM channel on any given night and look up the movie on LDDB and it's probably been issued before. I agree with everyone of your reasons, plus add a few of my own. 12. The PCM sound on a LaserDisc is not compressed. 13. The format had over 50,200 releases (and more are still being found). I'm a huge Wheeler & Woolsey fan, but most of their films released on video thusfar remain LaserDisc exclusives. And on the public domain ones the LDs look MUCH better than the DVD releases. 14. The format was huge in Japan amoung anime buffs. Take it from me. The LD releases often had extras such as posters and mock animation cells. 15. It's retro! STAY AWESOME!

Author:	elviscaprice [ 11 Nov 2011, 05:56 ]
Post subject:	Re: WHY should we even like laserdisc?
cessnaace wrote: 12. The PCM sound on a LaserDisc is not compressed. True, but the problem with laserdisc is getting the PCM sound from the laserdisc to the ear. Not till later did laserdiscs/players achieve this capability for audio perfectionists. (was not average consumer friendly or necessary for many) PCM sound is quite capable on DVD, in fact it is LPCM. Most folks didn't need or have the means to fully appreciate the LPCM sounds on their low quality TV speakers. So the studios gave the average audience what they wanted, just like VHS. Laserdisc became a collector's format, which as we witnessed was not enough to warrant a profit. Should be interesting to see what the public demands from BlueRay, or will the studios skimp on quality because of demands/needs? It's all about the average viewer and their needs as far as what drives the market.

Author:	cessnaace [ 11 Nov 2011, 07:54 ]
Post subject:	Re: WHY should we even like laserdisc?
elviscaprice wrote: cessnaace wrote: 12. The PCM sound on a LaserDisc is not compressed. Laserdisc became a collector's format, which as we witnessed was not enough to warrant a profit. There were several reasons why I think studios orphaned the LD format. 1. Market demand. LD never came anywhere close to the market penetration of DVD (or VHS). 2. Mark-up was huge with DVDs, which cost pennies to replicate. 3. Retail prices were lower with DVDs. 4. LD's took up more shelf space than DVDs at the retail level. And in homes. 5. LaserDiscs are not copy-protected. 6. LaserDiscs are not region encoded. 7. Replication of LaserDiscs was expensive, and tricky. On this last point, look at the number of bad apples (or only so-so apples) in the replication of LaserDiscs. My own collection is what I'm going by. The Best of the Good Apples: Kuraray (Japan) The Good Apples: 3M (USA) DADC Austria [Sony] DADC Japan [Sony] Disctronics (USA)* Mitsubishi (Japan) Only one disc from them in my collection, but it's stunning The Apples of Medium Goodness Nippon Columbia (Japan) Pioneer USA Pioneer Japan Toshiba EMI (Japan) WEA USA (Warner Brothers) Bad Apples: MCA DiscoVision (USA) PDO UK (England)* Sonopress (Germany) Technidisc (USA)* Only one disc from them in my collection, but it's horriable. *Some truly stunning discs. Some truly awful discs!!! **I have over 30 releases made by PDO UK for U.S. release. Approx. 30-35% of which are rotters. DADC USA made some really fine discs early on, but went seriously bad by 1995. No Apples (in my collection) replicated by: MPO France WEA Germany STAY AWESOME!

Author:	yazorin [ 12 Nov 2011, 01:15 ]
Post subject:	Re: WHY should we even like laserdisc?
packaging is a big factor, who wants some dinky little peice of plastic with a peice of paper in it when you can have a full size printed gatefold jacket, when someone new comes over my house and disses laserdisc, i whip out my copy of phantom menace and show them that gatefold, and its always an eye opener!

Author:	remington [ 12 Nov 2011, 01:58 ]
Post subject:	Re: WHY should we even like laserdisc?
Yazorin- Nice. Now that's what I call an answer.

Author:	alchemy541 [ 12 Nov 2011, 02:57 ]
Post subject:	Re: WHY should we even like laserdisc?
How about when somebody asks "do you have the movie___________" and you answer with yes- on CED,DVD and LaserDisc and they have no idea what 2 of the formats are BTW- my 17yr old son is watching The Rock on LD in his room. He's got a 1070 that I picked up in a trade, and yes he enjoys showing the huge movies to his friends

Author:	cessnaace [ 12 Nov 2011, 03:09 ]
Post subject:	Re: WHY should we even like laserdisc?
alchemy541 wrote: How about when somebody asks "do you have the movie___________" and you answer with yes- on CED,DVD and LaserDisc and they have no idea what 2 of the formats are BTW- my 17yr old son is watching The Rock on LD in his room. He's got a 1070 that I picked up in a trade, and yes he enjoys showing the huge movies to his friends You'd be surprised (or maybe not) at the number of times that I see CEDs for sale on eBay listed as "CED Laserdiscs." Say what!?! LOL! STAY AWESOME!

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Author:	remington [ 12 Nov 2011, 03:38 ]
Post subject:	Re: WHY should we even like laserdisc?
Yup, kids readily take to laserdisc. I know that for sure. My daughter enjoys looking at the covers and reading the text to find some interesting things. Kids know cool stuff when they see it and are probably just as tired of the minute and non tangible audio/video stuff that this generation has to offer them. Sitting and watching a classic laserdisc movie like 101 Dalamations with my 10 year old daughter while she holds the disc jacket is as fascinating as it gets.

Author:	alchemy541 [ 12 Nov 2011, 03:47 ]
Post subject:	Re: WHY should we even like laserdisc?
When my daughters friends come over (14yr olds) they think we've got the coolest stereo system. LD,CED,DVHS,8track,Reel to Reel,Cassette... I had to write down the switching instructions for the NEC AVX-910 so they could run it all

Author:	cessnaace [ 12 Nov 2011, 08:07 ]
Post subject:	Re: WHY should we even like laserdisc?
alchemy541 wrote: When my daughters friends come over (14yr olds) they think we've got the coolest stereo system. LD,CED,DVHS,8track,Reel to Reel,Cassette... I had to write down the switching instructions for the NEC AVX-910 so they could run it all Switching instructions? I have so many video sources hooked up in the living room I'm going through THREE switchers. 5 videogame consoles don't help. My kids are better at remembering which combinations to use than I am. And I hooked it all up. LOL! STAY AWESOME!

Author:	yazorin [ 12 Nov 2011, 22:30 ]
Post subject:	Re: WHY should we even like laserdisc?
alchemy541 wrote: How about when somebody asks "do you have the movie___________" and you answer with yes- on CED,DVD and LaserDisc and they have no idea what 2 of the formats are BTW- my 17yr old son is watching The Rock on LD in his room. He's got a 1070 that I picked up in a trade, and yes he enjoys showing the huge movies to his friends i like it when someone asks if i have a movie and i say yeah, but only on laserdisc, and they say "whats that?" and it opens the door for me to tell them all about it

Author:	cessnaace [ 13 Nov 2011, 00:33 ]
Post subject:	Re: WHY should we even like laserdisc?
yazorin wrote: alchemy541 wrote: How about when somebody asks "do you have the movie___________" and you answer with yes- on CED,DVD and LaserDisc and they have no idea what 2 of the formats are BTW- my 17yr old son is watching The Rock on LD in his room. He's got a 1070 that I picked up in a trade, and yes he enjoys showing the huge movies to his friends i like it when someone asks if i have a movie and i say yeah, but only on laserdisc, and they say "whats that?" and it opens the door for me to tell them all about it '' I went into the Salvation Army store once and someone held up a LaserDisc and asked the worker there what it was. She responded with "it's a videodisc format that was only on the market a year." A YEAR!?! In the U.S. try 21 years!!! Kind of like several years back I was inside a local Blockbuster and was thumbing through the LaserDiscs. A mother and daughter came in, and the daughter asked her mother "what are those?" She said "records. We don't have a way to play records anymore." SAY WHAT!?! STAY AWESOME!

Author:	Guest [ 13 Nov 2011, 00:58 ]
Post subject:	Re: WHY should we even like laserdisc?
cessnaace wrote: I went into the Salvation Army store once and someone held up a LaserDisc and asked the worker there what it was. She responded with "it's a videodisc format that was only on the market a year." A YEAR!?! In the U.S. try 21 years!!! Not all that uncommon of a response. I was surprised myself ... when I read that LD(s) were around for that long. If you have spent your entire life in a small US town ... you might never have even seen one ... aside from the occasional story or two from your local TV station. The number of movies that were released on LD is simply astounding to me ... for a format what was primarily "niche" for it's entire existence.