If an Indian film was THX mastered on cinemas then would that make the DVD also qualify for the THX logo, after it being cheak by the folks at THX?

I don't think there is THX cerification for films mastered for theaters. The theater itself is THX certified but not the films. Even if thewre was a theatrical certification program I don't think ti would hold for the Home video release, which would have to be certified independently. Considering that the cheapskate Indian DVD companies are nto even willing to spend a few extra cents per DVD for better quality media, I don't think any of them are about to pay to get their DVDs THX certified.
PS: In my opinion THX certification is the biggest scam in the Home Theater Industry. Well atleast in the case of software certification.

I saw Mani Ratnam's latest film on cinema and stayed at the end of the credits to hear the excellent score. But to my surprise I saw the THX logo at the end of the film, stating that the film was mastered under THX supervision and was wondering if the film will need to be re-looked at for a DVD THX certification.

The print itself should be something unqiue as it will come from Mani Ratnam's own 35mm interpostive print, but I know the authoring will be slightly spolit as Ayngaran are thinking of putting both DD 5.1 and DTS ES on one DVD, affecting the picture quality.

I have also learnt that forthcoming films like The Legend Of Bhagat Singh and Devdas will also use the THX process at Prasad Film Lab. Lucky Indians wll get to see the film in excellent conditions on cinema! While us UK folks suffer with much wear and tear and sound distortion thanks to some awful projections and cinema halls!!!

THX used to be about the quality of image and sound in theaters, but now it is focused mainly on the sound. Even then, they've lowered their bar to sell more THX certifications.

THX certification for a video transfer means that THX approves a transfer. I don't know if they are actively involved in making it, but if they are, their standards are low.

Several THX-approved DVDs in Region 1 are of very poor quality. While THX should be making sure that every transfer takes full advantage of the DVD format, it just is not so. "True Lies" was a transfer from the LaserDisc master. The first "Highlander" disc was very artifacty and grainy. "Phantom Menace" is over enhanced. The list goes on.

From what I have read, THX was a great boon to LaserDisc. With DVD, THX approval is really not necessary. Look at the many reference quality discs from studios that do not seek THX approval.

And somehow I think Indian's will get just as much distortion and wear and tear as in the UK.

Hey I just wanted to ask...

I heard about this new Mani Ratnam movie. But the problem is I dont understand Tamil and I think Mani makes the best movies. Its releasing tomorrow here with english subtitles... shall I go and watch it ? Is it worth it ?

And isnt the score from Rahman ?

PS : Sorry I donno a shit about THX or IHX.. or whateva that is :where:

to your question about the movei needing to be certified again for dvd release.. yes it has to be.

THX has a separate process for certifying the transfer of DVDs, but that process is questionable... .the phantom menace being the biggest offender.

That is great news sunny as I am very concerned about the state of Indian prints but then the certification does not guarantee anything. A film can carry the THX logo as long as it has been recorded or mastered in a THX certified studio. But ultimately it is just a brand name.

THX certification is applicable to film prints too - as long as done according to THX's certifications and standards and are awarded by THX. This obviously does not carry over to the DVDs as the set of regualtions for different media, I imagine, would be vastly different.

I went to the THX website to learn more about this process, and it doesn't really allow DVD quality to be fully exploted. Waste of time as mentioned in the post earlier! It usedto be so good for laser disc and I would have think they would have done the same for DVD specs.

And yes Cobain 90 watch the film on cinema, you'd be stunned with the cinematography, and the wonderfully shot war scenes that it quite bloody and graphic, rahman's score is also amazing. I have got the original DVD (just released) and it is also exceptionally good, with only a few wear and tear signs and some light compression artefacts. The 5.1 sound is the best heard on an Indian disc!!

Did the film use location sound? Maniratnam hasn't used location sound before as far as I know - and he really should if he wants his films to be absolutely of international standards in every department.

shahran...
KM is out on DVD by Ayngaran?
I gotta tell my Desi Video store to get it so i can rent it.

Nope sadly Ratnam didn't use Location sounds, but to be fair Indian sound recordist are pretty shit and they need to be re-educated into how to record location sound correctly. The only Indian films to have used top location sound is Lagaan and Monsoon Wedding.

Ratnam should have hired some people outside India to overcome this problem instead of using ADR or Foley. Still the Dolby Digital 5.1 sound effects used during the war seqeunces are well calibrated and realistic.

And yeap youllu the DVD is out and if your in USA it should be with you sometime next week and within days if in the UK. Make sure its not the pirate DVD version which is in mono 4ch and full screen!



Edited By Shahran Sunny Audit on April 20 2002 at 07:03

What about Dil Chahta Hai? That was also done by Nakul Kamte (Lagaan) too.

Dil chatha hai was recorded live but for some reason the words heard on cinema aren't as audible as in Lagaan. Me thinks the boom operator was half alsleep