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S E A R C H    D V D B e a v e r

 

(aka "JP")

 

directed by Steven Speilberg
USA 1993

Personally I don't like Michael Crichton as an author but his books have been adapted to some very popular films. The synopsis of Jurassic Park is that former flea circus sideshow man John Hamilton (Richard Attenborough) has put a scientific theory into practical development. On an Costa Rican island he has created a 'biological preserve' filled with cloned dinosaurs that he intends to exhibit to the public in a 'theme park'. Nature cannot be controlled and the dinosaurs run amok when the security system is sabotaged. What is created is one of the most successful films in the history of cinema and I am not immune to its charms. Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park is a wonderful joyride of science-fiction, boy-hood fantasy and wholesome suspenseful adventure - all while exposing the potential encompassing pratfalls of our own scientific abilities.   out of  

 Posters

Theatrical Release: June 11th, 1993 - USA

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Comparison:

Universal - Region 1 - NTSC vs. Columbia Tri-Star (SUPERBIT) - Region 2 - NTSC vs. Universal (Ultimate Trilogy) - Region FREE - Blu-ray

Big thanks to Mark Wilson for Japanese Superbit DVD screen captures!

1) Universal - Region 1 - NTSC - LEFT

2) Columbia Tri-Star (SUPERBIT) - Region 2- NTSC - MIDDLE

3) Universal (Ultimate Trilogy) - Region FREE - Blu-ray - RIGHT

 

Covers

 

 

 

   

    

  

Distribution

Universal Studios

Region 1  - NTSC

Columbia Tri-Star
Region 2 - NTSC
Universal
Region FREE -
Blu-ray

Also available in a Region FREE Blu-ray Steelbook case in May 2014

Also available in a more expensive 'Limited Edition' Blu-ray Gift Set:

                       

  

Runtime 2:06:20 2:06:20 2:06:36.589
Video

1.78 Original Aspect Ratio

16X9 enhanced
Average Bitrate: 5.60 mb/s
NTSC 704x480 29.97 f/s

1.78:1 Original Aspect Ratio

16X9 enhanced
Average Bitrate: 7.90
NTSC 704x480 29.97 f/s

1080P Dual-layered Blu-ray

Disc Size: 47,294,615,052 bytes

Feature: 35,488,315,392 bytes

Codec: VC-1 Video

Total Video Bitrate: 28.22 Mbps

NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes

Bitrate:

Universal

 

Bitrate:

 

Columbia Tri-Star

 

Bitrate:

 

Blu-ray

Audio English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround), English DTS

English (Dolby Digital 5.1),

English DTS    

DTS-HD Master Audio English 5539 kbps 7.1 / 48 kHz / 5539 kbps / 24-bit (DTS Core: 5.1 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps /
24-bit)
DTS Audio French 768 kbps 5.1 / 48 kHz / 768 kbps / 24-bit
DTS Audio Spanish 768 kbps 5.1 / 48 kHz / 768 kbps / 24-bit
Subtitles Spanish, French and none English, Japanese and none English (SDH), Spanish, French and none
Features Release Information:
Studio: Universal Studios

Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen anamorphic - 1.78:1

Edition Details:
• Production notes
• Documentary
• Industrial Light & Magic Dinosaur Encyclopedia
• Theatrical Trailers for Jurassic Park, Lost World, and Jurassic Park III
• Widescreen anamorphic format

DVD Release Date: October 10th, 2000
Keep Case

Chapters 20

 

NOTE: there is another Region 1 version without DTS audio (but with 5.1). It can be found HERE

Release Information:
Studio: Columbia Tri-Star

Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen anamorphic - 1.78:1

Edition Details:
• None

DVD Release Date: May 21st, 2003
Keep Case

Chapters ?

Release Information:
Studio: Universal Studios

 

1080P Dual-layered Blu-ray

Disc Size: 47,294,615,052 bytes

Feature: 35,488,315,392 bytes

Codec: VC-1 Video

Total Video Bitrate: 28.22 Mbps

 

Edition Details:
• All 3 Jurassic Park Films in 1080P
• Digital Copy of all three films (offer expires 12/31/12)
Return to Jurassic Park: 3 of the 6 parts are on Disc One - Jurassic Park:

• Return to Jurassic Park : Dawn of a New Era (25:25)
• Return to Jurassic Park: Making Prehistory (19:41)
• Return to Jurassic Park: The Next Step in Evolution (15:04)

Archival Featurettes
• The Making of all 3 Jurassic Park Films (49:40 -> for the first film)
• Original Featurettes on the Making of the Films (4:50)
• Steven Spielberg Directs Jurassic Park (9:07)
• Hurricane in Kauai Featurette (2:09)
Behind the Scenes:

Early Preproduction meetings (6:20)

Location Scouting (1:59)

Phil Tippett Animatics: Raptors in the Kitchen (3:04)

Animatics: T-Rex Attack (7:21)

ILM and Jurassic Park: Before and After Visual Effects (6:32)

Foley Artists (1:25)

5 Storyboards

Production Archives (Photographs, Design Sketches, Conceptual paintings)

My Scenes

D-Box Motion Contrails

 

On the Second and Third discs:

 The Jurassic Park Phenomenon: A Discussion with Author Michael Crichton
• The Compie Dance Number: Thank You • Steven Spielberg From ILM
• The Dinosaurs of Jurassic Park III
• The Special Effects of Jurassic Park III
• The Industrial Light & Magic Press Reel
• The Sounds of Jurassic Park III
• The Art of Jurassic Park III
• Montana: Finding New Dinosaurs
• Tour of Stan Winston Studio
• A Visit to ILM
• Spinosaurus Attacks The Plane
• Raptors Attack Udesky

 

Blu-ray Release Date: October 25th, 2011
Custom Digipak Blu-ray Case

Chapters 20

Comments:

NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDITION: Universal - Region FREE - Blu-ray - October 11': To clarify - at present the only way to purchase Jurassic Park on Blu-ray is through one of two 'sets' - that both contain all three films in the new format. Trusting my contact - the only difference (in North America - I am unsure overseas) in obtaining the 'Limited Edition' package is that you get a dinosaur model (see image). We have also been led to believe that the 1080P transfers, with minor differences (DUBs + subs) should be the exact same worldwide. In this review we will take a look at the first film - Jurassic Park - possibly examining the other two films at later date.

Okay - let's get some of the bad out of the way first - Yes, there is edge-enhancement and depending on your sensitivity to the phenomenon, and discerning ability of your eyes and system, the degree in which it is noticeable will vary. It is processed with a frequency that makes the halos less-visible, but I still question it being applied at all. But even when the EE is not as liberally layered on - the image is significantly more detailed than either of the DVDs. This digital practice is also not blanketed that I can tell as it ranges in prominence. Without pulling out the magnifying glass - the Blu-ray looks remarkably superior to the SDs. It is dual-layered - surprisingly using VC-1 (as opposed to AVC) and it has a high bitrate. There is minor noise but colors tighten extensively and detail, not simply the perception of, leaps forward. Effects aren't transparent in the higher resolution - probably due to the kinetic nature of the process used at production. Depth shows itself at times but I wouldn't say it was a key component to the HD image quality. Hopefully the captures below will give you an idea of the appearance. I see many positives.

Without any reservations we can extol the DTS-HD Master 7.1 audio track at 5539 kbps. The first 'roar' of the T-Rex has some impressive depth and John Williams iconic and memorable score is wonderfully crisp and encompassing. Subtle separations are crisp (rustling branches and leaves) snapping out of the rear speakers. Overall the audio is flawless - and what I like about it is that it never seems to overtake the image - distracting from the visuals. It supports the film without eclipsing its effect virtues. It sounds just great - all the way through. There are optional subtitles and my Momitsu has identified it as being Region FREE - playable on Blu-ray machines worldwide although it is available most everywhere regardless.

Extras are extensive including most (all?) the older featurettes and behind-the-scenes pieces and a new six-part documentary featuring new interviews with directors Steven Spielberg and Joe Johnston plus cast and crew that is spread over the three discs. There is easily over a couple of hours only on the Jurassic Park disc. No commentary for the first film - but just about everything else fans could want - lots on the dino effects and lots with the director - and the Blu-ray has added My Scenes ability as well as D-Box Motion Controls. One thing - although I didn't scour the package looking for it I didn't find the Digital Copies - although I am sure they are there - tucked away somewhere.

I am almost ashamed that I realize I have memorized many of the lines from the film - showing it to my two boys so many times. Jurassic Park is such a precisely crafted sci-fi adventure with professional performances and it ushered in the revisited era of the dinosaur film - a genre that I always welcome. It's easy for snobs to look down their nose at Spielberg but this is extremely entertaining - no one can take that away - that has held its value since it came out, closing on 20-years ago. Wow - I feel old. Recommended!            

***

 

ON THE DVDs: Universal has the rights to Region 1 for Jurassic Park, but Columbia Tri-Star has the rights for Japan. Now we have the proper screen captures - the results are still the same - just more subtle. The SUPERBIT is still slightly sharper and has more vibrant colors. There are some compression artifacts in the Region 1 disc noticeable in the grassy scenes on the island. The Universal Region 1 occasionally exhibits a dull greenish tinge. Contrast and black levels of the Columbia Region 2 are rock solid. The SUPERBIT defaults to Japanese subtitles (and the aggressive DTS track ) so you need to select to remove them and there are no Extras. Those are the only faults I see. The sound gives the choice of DTS AND 5.1 but the big plus is the beautiful film-like appearance especially when shown through a Projection system. The Region 2 SUPERBIT is the disc to own for those concerned with image quality and have the Home Theater system to back-it-up.

 - Gary W. Tooze

NOTE: The Super Bit DVD appears to be temporarily Out of Print as of this writing, but will come back into print soon.


Menus

(Universal - Region 1 - NTSC - LEFT vs. Columbia Tri-Star (SUPERBIT) - Region 2- NTSC - RIGHT)


 

Universal (Ultimate Trilogy) - Region FREE - Blu-ray

 


 

CLICK EACH BLU-RAY CAPTURE TO SEE ALL IMAGES IN FULL 1920X1080 RESOLUTION

 

Universal (Ultimate Trilogy) - Region FREE - Blu-ray Subtitle Sample

 

 

1) Universal - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP

2) Columbia Tri-Star (SUPERBIT) - Region 2- NTSC - MIDDLE

3) Universal (Ultimate Trilogy) - Region FREE - Blu-ray - BOTTOM

 


1) Universal - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP

2) Columbia Tri-Star (SUPERBIT) - Region 2- NTSC - MIDDLE

3) Universal (Ultimate Trilogy) - Region FREE - Blu-ray - BOTTOM

 


1) Universal - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP

2) Columbia Tri-Star (SUPERBIT) - Region 2- NTSC - MIDDLE

3) Universal (Ultimate Trilogy) - Region FREE - Blu-ray - BOTTOM

 


1) Universal - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP

2) Columbia Tri-Star (SUPERBIT) - Region 2- NTSC - MIDDLE

3) Universal (Ultimate Trilogy) - Region FREE - Blu-ray - BOTTOM

 


1) Universal - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP

2) Columbia Tri-Star (SUPERBIT) - Region 2- NTSC - MIDDLE

3) Universal (Ultimate Trilogy) - Region FREE - Blu-ray - BOTTOM

 


1) Universal - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP

2) Columbia Tri-Star (SUPERBIT) - Region 2- NTSC - MIDDLE

3) Universal (Ultimate Trilogy) - Region FREE - Blu-ray - BOTTOM

 

 

More Blu-ray Captures

 


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Report Card:

 

Image:

Blu-ray

Sound:

Blu-ray

Extras:

Blu-ray

 

Covers

 

 

 

   

    

  

Distribution

Universal Studios

Region 1  - NTSC

Columbia Tri-Star
Region 2 - NTSC
Universal
Region FREE -
Blu-ray

Also available in a Region FREE Blu-ray Steelbook case in May 2014

Also available in a more expensive 'Limited Edition' Blu-ray Gift Set:

                       

  

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Gary Tooze

Many Thanks...