Thy_Fett_Returns Mar 21, 2011 @Post Prod, that's because you have to use mpeg2 and not AVC. You can't compare the two because AVC is WAAAY more efficient. Just look at the crap BDs that came out in the first year that were saddled with mpeg2.



Saying they can't possibly look better than they will on this set is just wishful thinking not based in reality. You know it. I know it.



2K is no big deal. I'm sure it's still the same HD master they used for the original DVD. Sure it will look SLIGHTLY better, but don't expect much or you'll be dissapointed. After all, film is between 6K and 8K, so they ALREADY gave up a lot of detail when they made that first 2K master. Then they're reducing it again for the 1080p transfer. The biggest change is that they probably used a little bit of DNR the first time before studios knew that would piss people off more than the resulting grain would.



All of these films really need a new 4K master. A direct downsize to 1080p retains a lot of the detail, particularly with advanced new techniques. I'm sure they'll do this for the next set that includes The Hobbit.



I'm betting that set will include the following:

1) Both cuts on one disc, and the quality will blow this version away.

2) All these features on 3 BDs, either HD or SD.

3) The deleted scenes Jackson's been promising for years.

4) The features from the theatrical sets.

5) NEW FEATURES! Probably consisting of Maximum Movie Mode PIP plus new interviews and behind the scenes featurettes.

6) The pack-in DVDs of the original gift sets integrated into the features BDs.

7) Awesome limited packaging, perhaps featuring the Balrog or Sauron's helmet.



So for 5 movies I'm guessing 10 BDs. 1 for each film, 1 for the features for each film.



And it will be about $100.



What do you think? Worth waiting for? Just remember that if you buy THIS set, you lose the right to bitch about double-dips. You are in fact ACCEPTING double-dips and actively encouraging them.



This set could have been fricken' AMAZING and could have been a fantastic companian piece to the Hobbit set they will sell. But why would they do that when they can take you from behind over and over again and not only won't you complain, you will say "Please sir may I have another?"?



I didn't buy the theatrical set and I won't buy this one either. I'll wait for the GOOD one. This is why they took "limited" off the label because it was flat-out telling you a better one is coming.