Author
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Topic: Smurfs DVD Review
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<Critic Smurf>
unregistered
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posted 04-06-2005 11:16 PM
My Smurfs DVD Review
An abomination
Very rarely is it possible to take something fantastic (like the Smurfs) and totally mess it up beyond repair. But this is the case with the Smurfs DVDs. I've watched Volume 1 and 2, and I can come to only one conclusion - these discs are abominations.
What is wrong, you ask? Plenty. First of all, when you buy the "Smurfs DVD", you're not actually getting the Smurfs from TV that you know and love.
That's right.
It's not the same cartoon. They've taken the original background images, computerized them, and created all new (horrible) animation.
Let me give that a minute to sink in.
They've taken the old backgrounds, digitized them, and then put in their own low-budget animated Smurfs. The result is terrifying...horrifying. The Smurfs simply don't look or act like the Smurfs anymore. Brainy's mouth doesn't match his voice...In fact, most of the mouth animation is jarringly "off". As well, characters like Lazy are simply unrecognizable. I'm almost speechless.
Aside from the fact that the animation and character design is wildly different from the original (it's much worse), the overall feel is uncomfortably psychedelic. Why? Because the new computerized animation doesn't properly match with the old digitized backgrounds. Characters appear to basically float in the air, or be "in front" of something. It is very apparent you're watching something that's been butchered and tampered with.
Other minor complaints include: spelling errors (Jokey's Medicine is spelled incorrectly twice, once on the package on the actual animation itself), over-saturation (the colors have been messed with, as pointed out by others), the missing Smurf introduction, and incorrect (missing) music.
I can't believe someone "okayed" this abomination. Honestly - what are they thinking?
From: Deep within Gargamel's Lair
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swarlock
Super Smurf
Member # 746
Member Rated:
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posted 04-07-2005 11:15 AM
I can only hope the US version will be far better when it gets released.
-------------------- Every day in every way I am smurfy!
Posts: 430 | From: Kissimmee, Florida | Registered: Jan 2005
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<Video Smurf>
unregistered
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posted 07-06-2005 03:03 AM
What Critic Smurf is talking about is Digital Video Noise Reduction or Digital Noise Reduction.
DNR is a technique used on live action film and video to remove graininess, tears or other physical imperfections from the source material. DNR is not meant to ever be used on animation or cartoons. Some people looking to restore their old film insist on DNR, even on animation, and the results are very poor. Huge amounts of detail (including background images and body parts) are digitally erased because the DNR software was never designed for cartoon work.
The bad news: It is quite clear the new Smurfs DVDs were put through the DNR wringer on "maximum" because it shows all the hallmarks of bad DNR butchering.
The really bad news: In a lot of cases the client creates a new set of prints and actually destroys the originals, thinking they have a new "perfect" copy. This is too bad, because there is no way to "fix" screwed-up DNR once the original film is thrown away.
Just thought you should know.
From: Deep within Gargamel's Lair
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