Superbit
Superbit was a brand of premium DVD-Video versions of motion pictures from Columbia TriStar Home Video, a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment. Superbit DVDs aimed to improve picture quality over a standard DVD edition of a feature by increasing the bit rate of the encoded video. Audio quality was also improved by the mandatory inclusion of both Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 surround audio tracks.
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[edit] Features
[edit] Quality
Superbit film files were encoded at a bit rate that is, according to Sony, approximately twice as high (6-7 Mbit/s) as that of standard DVDs, which helps minimize artifacts caused by video compression and allow the image to be pre-filtered less prior to compression, which results in more detail. To maximize space for the main feature, static menus are used and commentary tracks are removed.
[edit] Special features
To further improve the size and therefore quality of the film on the disc, Superbit discs contained a reduced amount (and usually are completely devoid) of so-called added value and bonus material, such as documentaries or interviews, which can be found on regular DVDs. Following the initial release of the Superbit line, Superbit Deluxe was introduced, which bundled a Superbit-quality feature with a second disc containing the special features.
[edit] Compatibility
Superbit discs can be read by all regular DVD video players. Superbit should not be confused with either HD DVD or Blu-ray, both of which are different media formats of much higher bit rate and resolution, and are incompatible with standard DVD video players.
[edit] Consumer and retailer support
Superbit never became a mainstream favorite of consumers, and retailers were very supportive of Sony officially dropping the product line[citation needed]. Industry sources indicate that at its peak, Superbit titles typically sold 2% of the title's regular DVD version.
[edit] Discontinuation
In January 2007, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment discontinued its Superbit line in order to promote its Blu-ray Disc format.
[edit] Available titles
Sony's Superbit Collection had a limited number of titles, many of which were re-releases of previous best-sellers. The titles available vary between DVD region.
[edit] Superbit Deluxe (2-Disc)
- The Bridge on the River Kwai
- Charlie's Angels (Superbit Deluxe)/Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle (Special Edition)
- Charlie's Angels (Superbit Deluxe Collection 2-Disc Set)
- The Fifth Element Ultimate Edition 2-Disc Set (Disc 1, feature is in Superbit and Disc 2, special features are not?) This version is not in the typical Superbit Deluxe packaging.
- Hollow Man
- Leon: The Professional (marketed simply as a 2-Disc "Deluxe Edition", but features a Superbit transfer of the film)
- The Mask of Zorro
- The Patriot
- Snatch
[edit] External links
- Superbit Catalog Sony Pictures' catalog of Superbit DVDs.
- What is Superbit? Advertisement page which briefly explains the Superbit format.
- What are Superbit DVDs, and do they actually make a difference? Close examination of several Region 2 & 4 Superbit DVDs.
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