[Buyer’s Guide] Kaleidescape Quality Compared to Blu-ray & other Digital Sources

[jglowinski]

I don't write often but I had to say a few words, and I apologize if this breaks this thread, but I must put this to rest. The idea that Hollywood today just doesn't get it or they only make horrible movies is complete and utter NONSENSE!! Anyone who grew up in the late 70s and early 80s should know that wasn't anywhere NEAR this kind of quality or quantity of movies or tv shows available today. Its not even close!!!
We have been spoiled and I think some on here create a false narrative about Hollywood and how it only makes bad movies and only wants to check boxes (unbelievable). A movie isn't considered good or bad based on box office alone and to use such an argument is just being disingenuous. The movie experience is such a personal one and IS the ultimate factor on whether a movie is good or bad....PERIOD. I today have what my 17yo self would be considered a dream scenario of endless content of NEW and old movies, tv shows, documentaries and foreign movies at the tip of my fingers. I suggest people go to the theater more and simply enjoy the movie-going experience, whether the movie is good or bad. Spend less time listening to internet trolls and politically driven reviewers, and I think you'd be surprised by how many movies you enjoy when you watch them without preconceived opinions.
We can sometimes get lost in the technicalities of the bits and bytes of this advocation and lose the bigger picture of the art in the form of film and its ability to make us feel something. I apologize again and have a good day.

I do think the quantity of movies being released cratered for a couple of years due to Covid, but does seem to be on the upswing now. But i would say the overall quantity of enjoyable movies is lower than it was 10 years ago. a big chunk of the movies are being made by newcomers like Netflix/Apple/Amazon etc and I would say that has not helped the quality of movies. I would also point out that Hollywood absolutely is checking boxes since the Acedemy released their Representation and Inclusion Standards in 2020.

 

[KDeering]

I also think that only concentrating on mainstream releases is a mistake. The most engaging movies I've seen this year at the theater weren't even big releases and I've gone to most of them (including The Odyssey). Two of the most entertaining I've seen are Tuner (excellent) and Nirvanna The Band, The Show, The Movie. The later I saw at a Monday night mystery thing at AMC and I'll be honest if I had seen the trailer I would have likely skipped it but I went with my Mom and we had an absolute blast with that (better to go in blind!).

 

[KDeering]

I do think the quantity of movies being released cratered for a couple of years due to Covid, but does seem to be on the upswing now. But i would say the overall quantity of enjoyable movies is lower than it was 10 years ago. a big chunk of the movies are being made by newcomers like Netflix/Apple/Amazon etc and I would say that has not helped the quality of movies. I would also point out that Hollywood absolutely is checking boxes since the Acedemy released their Representation and Inclusion Standards in 2020.

The writer's strikes had a lot to do with output. As for inclusion standards, not sure on that one. There is absolutely no lack of white representation in movies/shows/anything, so I never understand the hubbub there. I am glad to see more and more cultures being represented in media so people understand the world is a diverse place. But I travel a lot and absolutely love experiencing different cultures.

 

[Rmarci]

I know I kind of started it with my comment about the YouTuber directors of Obsession and Backrooms being better than the current Hollywood box office, but @cinelife @josh, could you please move this discussion to another thread?

 

[MadScientist]

See: NEWS: - Strato K Movie Player with 8K capability and new "4K Cinematic" full-chroma & higher bitrate support

Thanks for the information. I will check out the thread you have listed.

MadScientist

 

[Nathan28]

I don't write often but I had to say a few words, and I apologize if this breaks this thread, but I must put this to rest. The idea that Hollywood today just doesn't get it or they only make horrible movies is complete and utter NONSENSE!! Anyone who grew up in the late 70s and early 80s should know that wasn't anywhere NEAR this kind of quality or quantity of movies or tv shows available today. Its not even close!!!
We have been spoiled and I think some on here create a false narrative about Hollywood and how it only makes bad movies and only wants to check boxes (unbelievable). A movie isn't considered good or bad based on box office alone and to use such an argument is just being disingenuous. The movie experience is such a personal one and IS the ultimate factor on whether a movie is good or bad....PERIOD. I today have what my 17yo self would be considered a dream scenario of endless content of NEW and old movies, tv shows, documentaries and foreign movies at the tip of my fingers. I suggest people go to the theater more and simply enjoy the movie-going experience, whether the movie is good or bad. Spend less time listening to internet trolls and politically driven reviewers, and I think you'd be surprised by how many movies you enjoy when you watch them without preconceived opinions.
We can sometimes get lost in the technicalities of the bits and bytes of this advocation and lose the bigger picture of the art in the form of film and its ability to make us feel something. I apologize again and have a good day.

The amount of content has nothing to do with the quality of the content. Like I said earlier… this summer has been flop after flop when it comes to big Hollywood movies. The market is rejecting what Hollywood is turning out and the market has changed. Look what Hollywood did to lucasfilm…those poor bastards now do not have a profitable property …
Star Wars… Indiana jones, willow… good luck releasing a movie that doesn’t flop from any of those properties. Most ppl don’t want to be spoiled by the amount of Star Wars Like Disney has attempted to do…. They want their kick ass Star Wars… and original ideas which is why “Backrooms” did amazing at the box office.

 

[rafaelsmith]

Quality over Quantity is my preference.

And anyone that does not think Hollywood is not checking boxes is fooling themselves IMO.

Also, if Hollywood insists on adapting existing stories (books, comics), etc...then please for the love of god hire writers and directors that actually have read said books or comics, respect them and understand why they were worthy of being adapted in the first place. Witcher on Netflix is prime example of how things can go wrong. Personally. I wish they would start creating new stories, characters and ideas. I am a big God of War gamer...but last thing I want is a God of War TV show....big Mass Effect gamer...last thing I want is a Mass Effect TV show.

 

[jglowinski]

Quality over Quantity is my preference.

And anyone that does not think Hollywood is not checking boxes is fooling themselves IMO.

Also, if Hollywood insists on adapting existing stories (books, comics), etc...then please for the love of god hire writers and directors that actually have read said books or comics, respect them and understand why they were worthy of being adapted in the first place. Witcher on Netflix is prime example of how things can go wrong. Personally. I wish they would start creating new stories, characters and ideas. I am a big God of War gamer...but last thing I want is a God of War TV show....big Mass Effect gamer...last thing I want is a Mass Effect TV show.

totally agree with your points. Although i have enjoyed the Fallout series on Amazon. I didnt play the game so maybe that changes my perspective.

 

[rafaelsmith]

totally agree with your points. Although i have enjoyed the Fallout series on Amazon. I didnt play the game so maybe that changes my perspective.

Interesting....i also never played the games (I think I am the only person on the planet that simply does not care for any Bethesda games) but enjoyed the show. My wife on the other hand....loves the games and said TV show wa ok...but not needed.

 

[Imakeller]

I would also point out that Hollywood absolutely is checking boxes since the Acedemy released their Representation and Inclusion Standards in 2020.

Anyone who takes the time to actually read those standards should soon realize they aren’t the “Boogeyman” some people think they are. They’re incredibly easy standards to meet.

Representation and Inclusion Standards | Oscars.org | Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

www.oscars.org

 

[Rmarci]

Project Hail Mary 2026

Kscape vs UHD-BD:

Project Hail Mary (2026) kscape vs uhd-bd | Slowpoke Pics

Slowpoke Pics image comparison service

slow.pics

- Kscape is much better than the UHD-BD
* This is the same pictures I posted a while ago when I compared it to iTunes. So no, this isn't the Cinematic version, since I still haven't received my player yet.

 

[Nelsonkscape]

I recently decided to upgrade from the Strato V to the K. I’ve watched a few titles with the new cinematic version and did see a noticeable improvement on some of the titles. So great job Kaleidescape! However , when I downloaded the Dolby Cinematic version of Blade Runner 2049, the black level was elevated. I compared the Cinematic HDR 10 version and the regular Dolby Vision version, and those were fine.
I have emaild Kaleidescape on this issue.

 

[Trevor]

However , when I downloaded the Dolby Cinematic version of Blade Runner 2049, the black level was elevated.

Yeah, @kscape360 reported that one on the 1st or so. I assume they're working it. Batman Begins initially had the same issue and it's been corrected so I'm sure it's just a matter of time as BR2049 is a popular title.