Superbit. Is it worth the extra $$$?

[billyman]

Hey all,

I have been noticing a lot of DVD movies sporting a "Superbit" box. I visited the Superbit Website and from what I can tell, they obtain higher A/V quality by eliminating the "value-added content" and using the extra space for higher bitstreams. Does that mean there are no out-takes, actor/director commentary, alternative endings and all the extra stuff that makes DVD's so great? I don't want to pay MORE for LESS.

In short, are the SUPERBIT DVD's worth the extra money? Also, on their website, they state "...the more advanced the DVD equipment, the better the experience." I have a Panasonic DVD-RV31. It's not an expensive unit, but certainly not the cheapest.

To go Superbit, or not go Superbit...that is the question.

[Bc-Zero]

billyman,


Superbit is a matter of opinion, the option is either:

a) Normal DVD with value added extras, deleted scenes, commentary, etc...
b) A superior Audio and Video experience with no extras.

I know I'm repeating what you said. In superbit the video and audio streams are not compressed, so it takes up more space on the disk, hence why no added extras, but much better video and audio. So it all comes down to what you have for a home theater system, if you have a big screen progressive scan TV, surround sound and all the goodies of a home theater system, why would you then want to watch a movie of lesser value. I myself prefer Superbit, the picture is incredible and I usually don't care much for the added features on a DVD. I mean, unless you buy the LOTR SE they are pretty much useless anyways, couple deleted scenes that should have been put in but weren't and a convenient menu. If you are still trying to decide, go out and rent "The Fifth Element" in superbit and you'll see the difference. As for price, they usually only cost about $8-10 more, which is worth it.

Again though, all comes down to a matter of opion. I like to watch movies in the best quality I can get, hence why I am biased towards superbit.
Hope this helps