Quick-Play Menus, the gateway drug to BDedit menu creation. [Archive] - Page 4

Lowpro

12th June 2024, 04:46

I continue to use the same Blu-ray menu layout featured in my last several posts. For this movie I included a couple theatrical trailers which play back to back when selecting the "THEATRICAL TRAILERS" option.

PLAY MOVIE:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/hollow_man/bd_menus_hollow_man_top_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/hollow_man/bd_menus_hollow_man_top.jpg)
(Navigating "LEFT/RIGHT" wraps around at either end.)

RESUME:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/hollow_man/bd_menus_hollow_man_top_resume_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/hollow_man/bd_menus_hollow_man_top_resume.jpg)
(When activating the "PLAY MOVIE" or "THEATRICAL TRAILERS" option the above "RESUME" prompt is given if applicable. Navigating "LEFT/RIGHT", "UP" (...from the topmost item) or "DOWN" (...from the bottommost item) provides for backing out if needed.)

SUBTITLES (OFF):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/hollow_man/bd_menus_hollow_man_top_subs_off_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/hollow_man/bd_menus_hollow_man_top_subs_off.jpg)
(When navigating to the "SUBTITLES" option the current state of the subtitle track is displayed automatically. Pressing "OK" while selected provides for toggling subtitles "ON/OFF".)

SUBTITLES (ON):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/hollow_man/bd_menus_hollow_man_top_subs_on_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/hollow_man/bd_menus_hollow_man_top_subs_on.jpg)
(When navigating to the "SUBTITLES" option the current state of the subtitle track is displayed automatically. Pressing "OK" while selected provides for toggling subtitles "ON/OFF".)

POPUP MENU:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/hollow_man/bd_menus_hollow_man_pop_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/hollow_man/bd_menus_hollow_man_pop.jpg)
(The theatrical trailers can be accessed from both the POPUP MENU and TOP MENU. Playback of the feature presentation automatically resumes when the theatrical trailers are played via the above POPUP MENU. During playback of the theatrical trailers there's a separate POPUP MENU, a POPUP MENU that contains no graphics. When enabled you're automatically taken back where you had come from, i.e. the feature presentation or TOP MENU.)

And here (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/hollow_man/hollow_man.zip) is a copy of the Blu-ray folder (2.2 MB) minus the M2TS files for the feature presentation (00001.m2ts) and theatrical trailers (00002.m2ts, 00003.m2ts) in the event anyone would like to look things over in BDedit. The menus can be accessed in BDedit by going to the CLIPINF tab, selecting the given CLPI file (99000=TOP MENU | 99001=POPUP MENU for Feature Presentation | 99002=POPUP MENU for Theatrical Trailer), then pressing the MENU button.

musiclover

12th June 2024, 08:34

No, I didn't forget you. I just haven't gotten around to it. I started working up a reply the other day, but had to turn my attention to something else. Since then I've chosen to do other things with my spare time. No promises, but I'll try to get a reply back to you outlining the steps involved by week's end.

Thank you for your answer. I just had to make sure.

Lowpro

13th June 2024, 08:38

I've been meaning to author this movie to Blu-ray for a while now. Finally got around to it this evening. Eye candy provided below for your viewing pleasure. :p

PLAY MOVIE:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/jennifer_8/bd_menus_jennifer_8_top_play_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/jennifer_8/bd_menus_jennifer_8_top_play.jpg)
(Navigating "UP/DOWN" wraps around at either end.)

RESUME:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/jennifer_8/bd_menus_jennifer_8_top_resume_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/jennifer_8/bd_menus_jennifer_8_top_resume.jpg)
(When activating the "PLAY MOVIE" or "THEATRICAL TRAILER" option the above "RESUME" prompt is given if applicable. Navigating "LEFT/RIGHT", "UP" (...from the topmost item) or "DOWN" (...from the bottommost item) provides for backing out if needed.)

SUBTITLES (OFF):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/jennifer_8/bd_menus_jennifer_8_top_subs_off_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/jennifer_8/bd_menus_jennifer_8_top_subs_off.jpg)
(When navigating to the "SUBTITLES" option the current state of the subtitle track is displayed automatically. Pressing "OK" in this case provides for turning subtitles on.)

SUBTITLES (ON):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/jennifer_8/bd_menus_jennifer_8_top_subs_on_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/jennifer_8/bd_menus_jennifer_8_top_subs_on.jpg)
(When navigating to the "SUBTITLES" option the current state of the subtitle track is displayed automatically. Pressing "OK" in this case provides for turning subtitles off.)

THEATRICAL TRAILER:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/jennifer_8/bd_menus_jennifer_8_top_trailer_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/jennifer_8/bd_menus_jennifer_8_top_trailer.jpg)
(During playback of the theatrical trailer there's a separate POPUP MENU, a POPUP MENU that contains no graphics. When enabled you're taken back where you had come from, the TOP MENU in this case.)

POPUP MENU:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/jennifer_8/bd_menus_jennifer_8_pop_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/jennifer_8/bd_menus_jennifer_8_pop.jpg)
(Navigating "LEFT/RIGHT" wraps around at either end. Navigating "DOWN" turns the POPUP MENU off. Playback of the feature presentation resumes when the theatrical trailer is played from the POPUP MENU. During playback of the theatrical trailer there's a separate POPUP MENU, a POPUP MENU that contains no graphics. When enabled you're taken back to the feature presentation in this case. The same is the true after the theatrical trailer finishes playing.)

And here (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/jennifer_8/jennifer_8.zip) is a copy of the Blu-ray folder (3.3 MB) minus the M2TS files for the feature presentation (00001.m2ts) and theatrical trailer (00002.m2ts) in the event anyone would like to look things over in BDedit. The menus can be accessed in BDedit by going to the CLIPINF tab, selecting the given CLPI file (99000=TOP MENU | 99001=POPUP MENU for Feature Presentation | 99002=POPUP MENU for Theatrical Trailer), then pressing the MENU button.

Lowpro

14th June 2024, 07:07

I'm in the process now of authoring this movie to Blu-ray. Just finished the Blu-ray menus. Turned out pretty sweet I think. End result shown below.

PLAY MOVIE:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/radio/bd_menus_radio_top_play_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/radio/bd_menus_radio_top_play.jpg)
(Navigating "UP/DOWN" wraps around at either end.)

RESUME:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/radio/bd_menus_radio_top_resume_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/radio/bd_menus_radio_top_resume.jpg)
(When activating the "PLAY MOVIE" or "THEATRICAL TRAILER" option the above "RESUME" prompt is given if applicable. Navigating "LEFT/RIGHT", "UP" (...from the topmost item) or "DOWN" (...from the bottommost item) provides for backing out if needed.)

SUBTITLES (OFF):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/radio/bd_menus_radio_top_subs_off_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/radio/bd_menus_radio_top_subs_off.jpg)
(When navigating to the "SUBTITLES" option the current state of the subtitle track is displayed automatically. Pressing "OK" in this case provides for turning subtitles on.)

SUBTITLES (ON):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/radio/bd_menus_radio_top_subs_on_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/radio/bd_menus_radio_top_subs_on.jpg)
(When navigating to the "SUBTITLES" option the current state of the subtitle track is displayed automatically. Pressing "OK" in this case provides for turning subtitles off.)

THEATRICAL TRAILER:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/radio/bd_menus_radio_top_trailer_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/radio/bd_menus_radio_top_trailer.jpg)
(During playback of the theatrical trailer there's a separate POPUP MENU, a POPUP MENU that contains no graphics. When enabled you're taken back where you had come from, the TOP MENU in this case.)

POPUP MENU:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/radio/bd_menus_radio_pop_main_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/radio/bd_menus_radio_pop_main.jpg)
(Navigating "LEFT/RIGHT" wraps around at either end. Navigating "DOWN" turns the POPUP MENU off. Playback of the feature presentation resumes when the theatrical trailer is played from the POPUP MENU. During playback of the theatrical trailer there's a separate POPUP MENU, a POPUP MENU that contains no graphics. When enabled you're taken back to the feature presentation in this case. The same is the true after the theatrical trailer finishes playing.)

But wait, there's more! Included with both the TOP MENU and POPUP MENU is a hidden option. Navigating "UP" at any time displays white bars above and below the 1.85:1 area of the image as shown below. Navigating "UP" again hides the white bars.

https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/radio/bd_menus_radio_top_play_mask_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/radio/bd_menus_radio_top_play_mask.jpg)

https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/radio/bd_menus_radio_pop_main_mask_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/radio/bd_menus_radio_pop_main_mask.jpg)

For aspect ratios north or south of 1.78:1 I deploy physical projector screen masking. White bars above and below the 1.85:1 image area serve as a much better guide when moving my masking into place.

And here (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/radio/radio.zip) is a copy of the Blu-ray folder (2.0 MB) minus the M2TS files for the feature presentation (00001.m2ts) and theatrical trailer (00002.m2ts) in the event anyone would like to look things over in BDedit. The menus can be accessed in BDedit by going to the CLIPINF tab, selecting the given CLPI file (99000=TOP MENU | 99001=POPUP MENU for Feature Presentation | 99002=POPUP MENU for Theatrical Trailer), then pressing the MENU button.

Lowpro

14th June 2024, 07:17

Thank you for your answer. I just had to make sure.I still haven't forgotten about your request. I took some time today looking over how I've been creating the video that plays in the background for my TOP MENUS. There's a couple different methods I use. In one case I reduced the number of steps quite a bit. I'll do my best to work up a reply for you over the weekend.

musiclover

14th June 2024, 19:00

I still haven't forgotten about your request. I took some time today looking over how I've been creating the video that plays in the background for my TOP MENUS. There's a couple different methods I use. In one case I reduced the number of steps quite a bit. I'll do my best to work up a reply for you over the weekend.

Thank you. I'm looking forward to it.

Lowpro

15th June 2024, 02:04

Is there an easy way to use the copy of the DELTA_FORCE_2 Blu-ray folder for my own movie?
How do I replace the picture of Chuck Norris to my own picture?

Below I outline (using BD Rebuilder, BDedit and the files available for download, here (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/menu_bkgd.zip)) how to replace the video that plays in the background from the TOP MENU in addition to how to replace the movie and theatrical trailer.

Directory structure of the download linked to above...
MENU_BACKGROUND\ASSETS
MENU_BACKGROUND\TEST
MENU_BACKGROUND\WORKING

(Click here (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/delta_force_2/delta_force_2.zip) to download my "Delta Force 2" Blu-ray posted about, here (https://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?p=2002687#post2002687).)
__________________________________

REPLACING MENU BACKGROUND VIDEO (00000.m2ts/clpi/mpls)

Step 1: Create your background image (1920x1080) and save the file as a jpg or png. For testing purposes the download linked to above includes my "Delta Force 2" menu background image. The file location within the download is shown below. (The image you use doesn't need to include the menu items as mine does.)

MENU_BACKGROUND\ASSETS\bd_menu_bkgd_delta_force_2.jpg
___________________

Step 2: Add the below entries to your BDREBUILDER.INI file. For the "MENU_BACKGROUND" option make sure to update the path and filename so that it points to your menu background image.

MENU_BACKDROP_OPACITY=0
MENU_BACKGROUND=C:\Users\AlienM15x\Documents\BD_Rebuilder\Resources\bd_menu_bkgd_delta_force_2.jpg
___________________

Step 3: Launch BD Rebuilder selecting the "File\Import\BD(s) - Quick Reauthored" option. Browse to the "MENU_BACKGROUND\TEST" folder (provided within the download linked to above) when prompted. Select "Yes" to the "Import Multiple BDs" prompt, then press "Save and Continue" when the "Import/Quick-Play Menu Title Editor" window is displayed. Once the BDs import press the "Backup" button creating the "TEST" Blu-ray.
___________________

Step 4: Once the "TEST" Blu-ray has been created browse to it and copy the below files to the "MENU_BACKGROUND\WORKING" folder (provided within the download linked to above).

BD_Rebuilder\Working\TEST\BDMV\STREAM\99001.m2ts
BD_Rebuilder\Working\TEST\BDMV\CLIPINF\99001.clpi
BD_Rebuilder\Working\TEST\BDMV\PLAYLIST\00003.mpls

(The files numbered 99001 are for the video that plays in the background while on the TOP MENU. The last of the playlists generated is for the TOP MENU and references those files, in this case 00003.mpls as the "TEST" folder imported contains only 2 Blu-ray's.)
___________________

Step 5: From the "MENU_BACKGROUND\WORKING" folder rename each of the files as shown below.

MENU_BACKGROUND\WORKING\00000.m2ts
MENU_BACKGROUND\WORKING\00000.clpi
MENU_BACKGROUND\WORKING\00000.mpls
___________________

Step 6: Copy and paste the renamed files to the "Delta Force 2" Blu-ray (I made available for download in the prior post, here (https://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?p=2002687#post2002687)) overwriting the files already there.

DELTA_FORCE_2\BDMV\STREAM\00000.m2ts
DELTA_FORCE_2\BDMV\CLIPINF\00000.clpi
DELTA_FORCE_2\BDMV\PLAYLIST\00000.mpls
___________________

Step 7: Open the "Delta Force 2" Blu-ray in BDedit by browsing to the "DELTA_FORCE_2" folder from the BDMV tab, then select the "PLAYLIST" tab. Playlist "00000.mpls" will already be selected. This is the playlist we need to edit. Once at the "PLAYLIST" tab highlight the single PlayItem within the PlayList grid, press "Ctrl+E" to edit the item changing the "file" value from "99001" to "00000". Next highlight the single SubPlayItem within the SubPath grids, press "Ctrl+E" to edit the item changing the "file" value from "99002" to "99000". Once making both edits press the "Save" button in the bottom left corner.
___________________

ADDITIONAL NOTES:
At this point the new menu background video has been incorporated into the Blu-ray. And here's a FYI regarding the video that BD Rebuilder creates for the TOP MENU. The video is only .5 seconds in length. As a result, the Blu-ray player will pause the video before playback ends as to ensure the image seen on-screen remains unchanged. The TOP MENU in this case continues to function normally. That being said, when using a hardware based Blu-ray player the OSD of the Blu-ray player may appear on-screen for a few seconds indicating that playback has been paused. This happens with my Sony Blu-ray players which I don't care for at all. The only way to prevent this from happening is to create a longer video of the menu background image. The method I use is outlined below.

To create a longer video of the menu background image I use FFMPEG. Using FFMPEG I create a MP4 of the menu background image. Lately I've been creating a video that's 10 seconds in length. To do this I drop a copy of the menu background image (which I usually save as a PNG) in my FFMPEG folder in addition to a *.bat file containing the command I want to run. The current command I'm using is shown below, the image in this case being named, "input.png", the resulting MP4 to be named "output.mp4".

ffmpeg -framerate 23.976 -loop 1 -i input.png -t 10 -c:v libx264 -preset slower -tune stillimage -pix_fmt yuv420p -vf scale=1920:1080:out_color_matrix=bt709:flags=lanczos -crf 1 output.mp4

Using the above command I don't need to encode the video (FORCE_ENCODE=0) when authoring the MP4 to Blu-ray using BD Rebuilder. The resulting M2TS file plays without issue. If the resulting MP4 ends up having issues for some reason I use the below command instead. The resulting MP4 using the below command will not author to Blu-ray properly though unless I force the video to be encoded (FORCE_ENCODE=1) when authoring to Blu-ray using BD Rebuilder.

ffmpeg -framerate 23.976 -loop 1 -i input.png -t 10 -c:v libx264 -crf 1 output.mp4

Once dropping the image and *.bat file in my FFMPEG folder I run the *.bat file. The command prompt launches and runs the command. I then take the resulting MP4 file and author it to Blu-ray using BD Rebuilder, the "Mode\Movie-Only Backup" option selected from the File Menu, the "FORCE_ENCODE=0" option included within the BDREBUILDER.INI file. Once authored to Blu-ray I copy the resulting files (00000.M2TS/CLPI/MPLS) pasting them to the target Blu-ray as outlined in Step 6 above, then performing Step 7. During Step 7 I also add an Audio and Subtitle stream to the STN table just as BD Rebuilder does when I creates a Playlist for the TOP MENU. From there I perform one additional step.

The TOP MENU is set to reload after the last PlayItem within its Playlist (00000.mpls) finishes playing. When this happens the default menu item will be selected if it's not already. To prevent the likelihood of that happening I edit the Playlist so that the video (10 seconds in this case) plays over and over again, 998 additional times. This increases the running time of the Playlist from 00h:00m:10s to 02h:24m:39s. See Step 8 below for how to do that.
___________________

Step 8: Once making both edits outlined in Step 7 highlight the updated PlayItem within the PlayList grid, then press the "Insert" key on your keyboard. This will add a second PlayItem that mirrors the first PlayItem. Holding the "Insert" key will rapidly add copies of the PlayItem until you release the key. A total of 999 (0-998) PlayItems are supported. Press the "Save" button in the bottom left corner to save your changes.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Only later versions of BDedit support the inserting of additional PlayItems per Step 8 above.
__________________________________

REPLACING FEATURE PRESENTATION (00001.m2ts/clpi/mpls)

Author the given movie to Blu-ray using whatever method you prefer. Within the resulting Blu-ray folder copy the M2TS/CLPI/MPLS files for the feature presentation renaming each to "00001" and pasting the files to the target Blu-ray overwriting the files already there. Once the new files are in place update the MPLS file (00001.mpls) in BDedit so that its PlayItem references "00001". Additionally add the needed IG for the POPUP MENU. Example provided below.

In the below example we'll be replacing the feature presentation for "Delta Force 2" with a feature presentation called "The Movie". The first step is to author "The Movie" to Blu-ray. In this case we'll use BD Rebuilder. Once authoring "The Movie" to Blu-ray the below files must be renamed from "00000" to "00001".

BD_Rebuilder\Working\THE_MOVIE\BDMV\STREAM\00000.m2ts
BD_Rebuilder\Working\THE_MOVIE\BDMV\CLIPINF\00000.clpi
BD_Rebuilder\Working\THE_MOVIE\BDMV\PLAYLIST\00000.mpls

Once renaming the above files copy and paste them to the "DELTA_FORCE_2" folder overwriting the files already there as shown below.

DELTA_FORCE_2\BDMV\STREAM\00001.m2ts
DELTA_FORCE_2\BDMV\CLIPINF\00001.clpi
DELTA_FORCE_2\BDMV\PLAYLIST\00001.mpls

Now it's time to update the playlist (00001.mpls) for the feature presentation using BDedit. Open the "Delta Force 2" Blu-ray in BDedit by browsing to the "DELTA_FORCE_2" folder from the BDMV tab. Next go to the PLAYLIST tab and select "00001.mpls". Once selected update the PlayItem item changing the "file" value from "00000" to "00001". From the STN table highlight the "IG" field which will be showing the value of "0". Once highlighted press the "+" button to the right. The IG value will now be "1". Once adding the IG update its SubPlayItem changing the "file" value from "00001" to "99001" also changing the "conn" value to "1", "IN time" value to "00:10:00.000" and "OUT time" value to "00:10:00.041", then pressing the "Save" button in the bottom left corner.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Only later versions of BDedit support the adding of an IG to the STN table. Earlier versions of BDedit may also restrict your ability to edit items within the STN table.
__________________________________

REPLACING THEATRICAL TRAILER (00002.m2ts/clpi/mpls)

The same steps apply as replacing the feature presentation. The numbering of the files will be different however. Example provided below of the required namings.

DELTA_FORCE_2\BDMV\STREAM\00002.m2ts
DELTA_FORCE_2\BDMV\CLIPINF\00002.clpi
DELTA_FORCE_2\BDMV\PLAYLIST\00002.mpls

Additionally, within the playlist (00002.mpls) the "file" value of the PlayItem needs to be "00002". Once adding the IG the "file" value of the SubPlayItem needs to be "99002", the "conn", "IN time" and "OUT time" values set just as they were for the feature presentation.

musiclover

15th June 2024, 13:09

Lowpro

15th June 2024, 17:55

@Lowpro

Thank you very much for the excellent explication above. I enjoyed your lesson very much.

I have a few remarks:
1. Step 2 could be supplemented with: place MENU_BACKDROP_OPACITY=0 in the BDRebuilder.ini
2. I got only three playlists in the TEST blu-ray. So I think that in step 4 the name of the playlist should be 00003.mpls

And a question:
What to do when there is no theatrical trailer available? Or no subtitles for that matter.
Don't bother if there is no easy fix. You've done an excellent job already so far. You are a scholar and a gentlemen.)

Hi musiclover. Yes, great catch. I forgot all about BD Rebuilder's backdrop which I always hide using the MENU_BACKDROP_OPACITY option. Step 2 of my prior post has been updated accordingly. And thanks for the other catch. I took a look at BD Rebuilder and the "TEST" folder I provided again. The "TEST" folder contains only 2 Blu-ray's so the resulting import and backup should result in only 2 titles, the playlists being 00001.mpls for Title 1, 00002.mpls for Title 2, and 00003.mpls for the TOP MENU.

For some reason when I import the TEST folder and run the backup I'm getting 3 titles, hence why the playlist for the TOP MENU ends up being 00004.mpls instead. Even more strange, my STREAM folder is missing the M2TS files for Title 1 and Title 3. (When viewed in BDedit playlist 00003.mpls references the video intended for the TOP MENU as if it's a separate title.) Yeah, so very strange. Guess I should download the latest version of BD Rebuilder and start fresh. That being said, I've updated Step 4 of my prior post accordingly. It now calls out 00003.mpls, the last of the playlists which should have been generated.

As to your question regarding the content of a given Blu-ray, if no theatrical trailer or subtitles are included I just go with a single menu item to start playback. The menu item doesn't even need to be visible. The video for the TOP MENU plays. Pressing "OK" on my Blu-ray player remote at any time starts playback. See my previous post, here (https://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?p=1989589#post1989589) for an example where I only include a menu item to start playback. In fact, if only one subtitle track is included I often don't include a "Subtitles" menu option as it's just as easy to use the "SUBTITLES" button on my Blu-ray player remote. This was the case for the examples I just linked to actually.

musiclover

15th June 2024, 19:25

As to your question regarding the content of a given Blu-ray, if no theatrical trailer or subtitles are included I just go with a single menu item to start playback. The menu item doesn't even need to be visible. The video for the TOP MENU plays. Pressing "OK" on my Blu-ray player remote at any time starts playback. See my previous post, here (https://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?p=1989589#post1989589) for an example where I only include a menu item to start playback. In fact, if only one subtitle track is included I often don't include a "Subtitles" menu option as it's just as easy to use the "SUBTITLES" button on my Blu-ray player remote. This was the case for the examples I just linked to actually.

My question was ment as : How can I use your menu when I have no subtitles or no trailer?
And "you can't" is also an aswer.

Lowpro

15th June 2024, 20:28

My question was ment as : How can I use your menu when I have no subtitles or no trailer?
And "you can't" is also an aswer.But you can. Just ignore the “Subtitles” and “Theatrical Trailer” options. You could even edit the IG for the TOP MENU so that it wasn’t possible to navigate to those options if you wanted. And as I mentioned previously, if all you need is a button to start playback a visible menu item isn’t even required. In BDedit you could remove references to the objects displayed. All you’d see is the menu background video. The “PLAY MOVIE” button would still work as expected. I can provide alternate versions of the “Delta Force 2” Blu-ray so you see what that looks like in BDedit if you want.

musiclover

15th June 2024, 21:09

I can provide alternate versions of the “Delta Force 2” Blu-ray so you see what that looks like in BDedit if you want.

Thank you. That would be great

Lowpro

16th June 2024, 02:54

Thank you. That would be great.I stripped the current version of my "Delta Force 2" Blu-ray down achieving the same end result as described in my prior post. (Click here (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/delta_force_2/delta_force_2_movie_only.zip) to download.) With this version the TOP MENU and POPUP MENU contain no visible menu items. Pressing "OK" from the TOP MENU starts playback of the feature presentation, i.e. TITLE 1 (VIDEO: 00001.mpls/m2ts/clpi | IG: 99001.m2ts/clpi). If applicable a resume prompt is first given. For the resume prompt I changed the images used where the text is located. The selected option is now underlined in white instead of red as white is less likely to clash with whatever might be playing (VIDEO: 00000.mpls/m2ts/clpi | IG: 99000.m2ts/clpi) in the background. Enabling the POPUP MENU during playback of the feature presentation automatically takes you back to the TOP MENU. The same steps apply as previously outlined per replacing the video for the TOP MENU and feature presentation. You'll additionally want to update the contents of the "BDMV\META\DL" folder of the Blu-ray so that the title name referenced within the XML file and images reflect the movie the Blu-ray is intended for. And one last thing, I updated my post on the prior page again after testing what I outlined using a hardware based Blu-ray player. Check out the section between Step 7 and Step 8.

musiclover

16th June 2024, 11:26

Lowpro

16th June 2024, 19:07

@ Lowpro
Thank you. That was another excellent lesson.
I keep coming up with questions though. I get it if you get tired of answering them. And I will not hold it against you.
But .. what is the function of the files in the Meta directory? I come across many blu-rays where this directory is empty. Could I simply delete them instead of replacing?
And how do I place or replace the pictures in the menu tab of bdedit so I have only "play movie" and "subtitles" for instance?
I enjoy the engagement. Our conversation may also be informative to others listening in so. As for the "META" directory, the directory is required by the Blu-ray format, but can be left empty if you'd like. So yeah, just delete the "DL" folder if you'd rather not update the contents. I usually leave the "META" directory empty as well. The only exception generally is when I make a Blu-ray available for download.

As to the purpose of the "META" directory, it's used to store, wait for it...Metadata. In this case, Metadata relating to the disc and its contents, "Disc Library Metadata" as referred to by the Blu-ray format. The Metadata can then be accessed by the Blu-ray player including when different types of searches are made by the end user through the Blu-ray player itself or BD-J application of the disc. The amount of Metadata that can be included for a given disc and its contents is quite extensive. It's a largely unused feature of the Blu-ray format, at least from what I've observed.

Lowpro

16th June 2024, 21:43

I just finished authoring this movie to Blu-ray. For this one I decided to use the menus I made available a couple posts back. Eye candy provided below. :p

PLAY MOVIE:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/suspect_zero/bd_menus_suspect_zero_movie_only_top_play_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/suspect_zero/bd_menus_suspect_zero_movie_only_top_play.jpg)
(Pressing "OK" plays the Feature Presentation. Navigating "UP/DOWN/LEFT/RIGHT" does nothing.)

RESUME WHERE YOU LEFT OFF:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/suspect_zero/bd_menus_suspect_zero_movie_only_top_resume_01_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/suspect_zero/bd_menus_suspect_zero_movie_only_top_resume_01.jpg)
(If playback can be resumed the above prompt is given, the "RESUME WHERE YOU LEFT OFF" option being selected by default.)

START FROM BEGINNING:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/suspect_zero/bd_menus_suspect_zero_movie_only_top_resume_02_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/suspect_zero/bd_menus_suspect_zero_movie_only_top_resume_02.jpg)
(Note that I'm calling out the given option selected using the same graphic that's part of the title treatment in the menu background video. A nice touch if I do say so myself.)

And here (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/suspect_zero/suspect_zero_movie_only.zip) is a copy of the Blu-ray folder (1.9 MB) minus the M2TS file (00001.m2ts) for the Feature Presentation in the event anyone would like to look things over in BDedit. The menus can be accessed in BDedit by going to the CLIPINF tab, selecting the given CLPI file (99000=TOP MENU | 99001=POPUP MENU), then pressing the MENU button. (The POPUP MENU in this case contains no graphics. When enabled you're automatically taken back to the TOP MENU.)

Lowpro

18th June 2024, 02:02

This evening I created a second Blu-ray for this movie which contains the same menu elements as the last several Blu-ray's I've worked up recently. End result shown below. ;)

PLAY MOVIE:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/suspect_zero/bd_menus_suspect_zero_top_play_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/suspect_zero/bd_menus_suspect_zero_top_play.jpg)
(Navigating "UP/DOWN" wraps around at either end.)

RESUME:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/suspect_zero/bd_menus_suspect_zero_top_resume_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/suspect_zero/bd_menus_suspect_zero_top_resume.jpg)
(When activating the "PLAY MOVIE" or "THEATRICAL TRAILER" option the above "RESUME" prompt is given if applicable. Navigating "LEFT/RIGHT", "UP" (...from the topmost item) or "DOWN" (...from the bottommost item) provides for backing out if needed.)

SUBTITLES (OFF):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/suspect_zero/bd_menus_suspect_zero_top_subs_off_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/suspect_zero/bd_menus_suspect_zero_top_subs_off.jpg)
(When navigating to the "SUBTITLES" option the current state of the subtitle track is displayed automatically. Pressing "OK" in this case provides for turning subtitles on.)

SUBTITLES (ON):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/suspect_zero/bd_menus_suspect_zero_top_subs_on_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/suspect_zero/bd_menus_suspect_zero_top_subs_on.jpg)
(When navigating to the "SUBTITLES" option the current state of the subtitle track is displayed automatically. Pressing "OK" in this case provides for turning subtitles off.)

THEATRICAL TRAILER:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/suspect_zero/bd_menus_suspect_zero_top_trailer_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/suspect_zero/bd_menus_suspect_zero_top_trailer.jpg)
(During playback of the theatrical trailer there's a separate POPUP MENU, a POPUP MENU that contains no graphics. When enabled you're taken back where you had come from, the TOP MENU in this case.)

POPUP MENU:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/suspect_zero/bd_menus_suspect_zero_pop_main_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/suspect_zero/bd_menus_suspect_zero_pop_main.jpg)
(Navigating "LEFT/RIGHT" wraps around at either end. Navigating "DOWN" turns the POPUP MENU off. Playback of the feature presentation resumes when the theatrical trailer is played from the POPUP MENU.)

And here (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/suspect_zero/suspect_zero.zip) is a copy of the Blu-ray folder (2.1 MB) minus the M2TS files for the feature presentation (00001.m2ts) and theatrical trailer (00002.m2ts) in the event anyone would like to look things over in BDedit. The menus can be accessed in BDedit by going to the CLIPINF tab, selecting the given CLPI file (99000=TOP MENU | 99001=POPUP MENU for Feature Presentation | 99002=POPUP MENU for Theatrical Trailer), then pressing the MENU button.

Lowpro

20th June 2024, 11:03

I just finished creating a Blu-ray for this movie. Quite pleased with the end result. Eye candy provided below for your viewing pleasure. :p

PLAY MOVIE:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_great_escape/bd_menus_the_great_escape_top_play_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_great_escape/bd_menus_the_great_escape_top_play.jpg)
(Navigating "UP/DOWN" wraps around at either end.)

RESUME:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_great_escape/bd_menus_the_great_escape_top_resume_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_great_escape/bd_menus_the_great_escape_top_resume.jpg)
(When activating the "PLAY MOVIE" or "THEATRICAL TRAILER" option the above "RESUME" prompt is given if applicable. Navigating "LEFT/RIGHT", "UP" (...from the topmost item) or "DOWN" (...from the bottommost item) provides for backing out if needed.)

SUBTITLES (OFF):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_great_escape/bd_menus_the_great_escape_top_subs_off_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_great_escape/bd_menus_the_great_escape_top_subs_off.jpg)
(When navigating to the "SUBTITLES" option the current state of the subtitle track is displayed automatically. Pressing "OK" in this case provides for turning subtitles on.)

SUBTITLES (ON):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_great_escape/bd_menus_the_great_escape_top_subs_on_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_great_escape/bd_menus_the_great_escape_top_subs_on.jpg)
(When navigating to the "SUBTITLES" option the current state of the subtitle track is displayed automatically. Pressing "OK" in this case provides for turning subtitles off.)

THEATRICAL TRAILER:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_great_escape/bd_menus_the_great_escape_top_trailer_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_great_escape/bd_menus_the_great_escape_top_trailer.jpg)
(During playback of the theatrical trailer there's a separate POPUP MENU, a POPUP MENU that contains no graphics. When enabled you're taken back where you had come from, the TOP MENU in this case.)

POPUP MENU:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_great_escape/bd_menus_the_great_escape_pop_main_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_great_escape/bd_menus_the_great_escape_pop_main.jpg)
(Navigating "LEFT/RIGHT" wraps around at either end. Navigating "DOWN" turns the POPUP MENU off. Playback of the feature presentation resumes when the theatrical trailer is played from the POPUP MENU.)

Included with both the TOP MENU and POPUP MENU is a hidden option. Navigating "LEFT/RIGHT" (from the TOP MENU) or "UP" (from the POPUP MENU) displays/hides white bars above and below the 2.35:1 image area. Examples provided below.

https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_great_escape/bd_menus_the_great_escape_top_play_mask_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_great_escape/bd_menus_the_great_escape_top_play_mask.jpg)
(Navigating "LEFT/RIGHT" at any time from the TOP MENU displays/hides white bars above and below the 2.35:1 image area.)

https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_great_escape/bd_menus_the_great_escape_pop_main_mask_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_great_escape/bd_menus_the_great_escape_pop_main_mask.jpg)
(Navigating "UP" at any time from the POPUP MENU displays/hides white bars above and below the 2.35:1 image area.)

For aspect ratios north or south of 1.78:1 I deploy physical projector screen masking. White bars above and below the 2.35:1 image area serve as a much better guide when moving my masking into place.

And here (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_great_escape/the_great_escape.zip) is a copy of the Blu-ray folder (3.4 MB) minus the M2TS files for the feature presentation (00001.m2ts) and theatrical trailer (00002.m2ts) in the event anyone would like to look things over in BDedit. The menus can be accessed in BDedit by going to the CLIPINF tab, selecting the given CLPI file (99000=TOP MENU | 99001=POPUP MENU for Feature Presentation | 99002=POPUP MENU for Theatrical Trailer), then pressing the MENU button.

Lowpro

21st June 2024, 00:43

I worked up another Blu-ray this evening. The TOP MENU for this one offers a 1.78:1 layout and a 2.35:1 layout. (The feature presentation has an aspect ratio of 2.35:1.) By default the 1.78:1 layout is used. Navigating "RIGHT" at any time provides for changing layouts, the current layout being retained when leaving then returning to the TOP MENU. Pics of the menus for each layout provided below. ;)

PLAY MOVIE (1.78:1)
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/dark_blue/bd_menus_dark_blue_top_1.78_play_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/dark_blue/bd_menus_dark_blue_top_1.78_play.jpg)
(Navigating "UP/DOWN" wraps around at either end.)

PLAY MOVIE (2.35:1)
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/dark_blue/bd_menus_dark_blue_top_2.35_play_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/dark_blue/bd_menus_dark_blue_top_2.35_play.jpg)
(Navigating "UP/DOWN" wraps around at either end.)
__________________________________

RESUME (1.78:1)
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/dark_blue/bd_menus_dark_blue_top_1.78_resume_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/dark_blue/bd_menus_dark_blue_top_1.78_resume.jpg)
(When activating the "PLAY MOVIE" or "THEATRICAL TRAILER" option the above "RESUME" prompt is given if applicable. Navigating "LEFT/RIGHT", "UP" (...from the topmost item) or "DOWN" (...from the bottommost item) provides for backing out if needed.)

RESUME (2.35:1)
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/dark_blue/bd_menus_dark_blue_top_2.35_resume_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/dark_blue/bd_menus_dark_blue_top_2.35_resume.jpg)
(When activating the "PLAY MOVIE" or "THEATRICAL TRAILER" option the above "RESUME" prompt is given if applicable. Navigating "LEFT/RIGHT", "UP" (...from the topmost item) or "DOWN" (...from the bottommost item) provides for backing out if needed.)
__________________________________

SUBTITLES: OFF (1.78:1)
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/dark_blue/bd_menus_dark_blue_top_1.78_subs_off_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/dark_blue/bd_menus_dark_blue_top_1.78_subs_off.jpg)
(When navigating to the "SUBTITLES" option the current state of the subtitle track is displayed automatically. Pressing "OK" in this case provides for turning subtitles on.)

SUBTITLES: OFF (2.35:1)
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/dark_blue/bd_menus_dark_blue_top_2.35_subs_off_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/dark_blue/bd_menus_dark_blue_top_2.35_subs_off.jpg)
(When navigating to the "SUBTITLES" option the current state of the subtitle track is displayed automatically. Pressing "OK" in this case provides for turning subtitles on.)
___________________

SUBTITLES: ON (1.78:1)
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/dark_blue/bd_menus_dark_blue_top_1.78_subs_on_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/dark_blue/bd_menus_dark_blue_top_1.78_subs_on.jpg)
(When navigating to the "SUBTITLES" option the current state of the subtitle track is displayed automatically. Pressing "OK" in this case provides for turning subtitles off.)

SUBTITLES: ON (2.35:1)
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/dark_blue/bd_menus_dark_blue_top_2.35_subs_on_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/dark_blue/bd_menus_dark_blue_top_2.35_subs_on.jpg)
(When navigating to the "SUBTITLES" option the current state of the subtitle track is displayed automatically. Pressing "OK" in this case provides for turning subtitles off.)
__________________________________

THEATRICAL TRAILER (1.78:1)
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/dark_blue/bd_menus_dark_blue_top_1.78_trailer_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/dark_blue/bd_menus_dark_blue_top_1.78_trailer.jpg)
(During playback of the theatrical trailer there's a separate POPUP MENU, a POPUP MENU that contains no graphics. When enabled you're taken back where you had come from, the TOP MENU in this case.)

THEATRICAL TRAILER (2.35:1)
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/dark_blue/bd_menus_dark_blue_top_2.35_trailer_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/dark_blue/bd_menus_dark_blue_top_2.35_trailer.jpg)
(During playback of the theatrical trailer there's a separate POPUP MENU, a POPUP MENU that contains no graphics. When enabled you're taken back where you had come from, the TOP MENU in this case.)
__________________________________

POPUP MENU:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/dark_blue/bd_menus_dark_blue_pop_main_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/dark_blue/bd_menus_dark_blue_pop_main.jpg)
(Navigating "LEFT/RIGHT" wraps around at either end. Navigating "DOWN" turns the POPUP MENU off. Playback of the feature presentation resumes when the theatrical trailer is played from the POPUP MENU.)
__________________________________

Included with this Blu-ray is another hidden option. Navigating "LEFT" (from the TOP MENU) or "UP" (from the POPUP MENU) displays/hides white bars above and below the 2.35:1 area of the image. Examples provided below.

TOP MENU (1.78:1)
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/dark_blue/bd_menus_dark_blue_top_1.78_play_mask_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/dark_blue/bd_menus_dark_blue_top_1.78_play_mask.jpg)
(Navigating "LEFT" at any time from the TOP MENU displays/hides white bars above and below the 2.35:1 area of the image.)

TOP MENU (2.35:1)
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/dark_blue/bd_menus_dark_blue_top_2.35_play_mask_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/dark_blue/bd_menus_dark_blue_top_2.35_play_mask.jpg)
(Navigating "LEFT" at any time from the TOP MENU displays/hides white bars above and below the 2.35:1 area of the image.)

POPUP MENU (2.35:1)
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/dark_blue/bd_menus_dark_blue_pop_main_mask_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/dark_blue/bd_menus_dark_blue_pop_main_mask.jpg)
(Navigating "UP" at any time from the POPUP MENU displays/hides white bars above and below the 2.35:1 area of the image.)

For aspect ratios north or south of 1.78:1 I deploy physical projector screen masking. White bars above and below the 2.35:1 image area used by the feature presentation serve as a much better guide when moving my masking into place.

And here (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/dark_blue/dark_blue.zip) is a copy of the Blu-ray folder (2.8 MB) minus the M2TS files for the feature presentation (00001.m2ts) and theatrical trailer (00002.m2ts) in the event anyone would like to look things over in BDedit. The menus can be accessed in BDedit by going to the CLIPINF tab, selecting the given CLPI file (99000=TOP MENU, 1.78:1 Layout | 99001=POPUP MENU for Feature Presentation | 99002=POPUP MENU for Theatrical Trailer | 99003=TOP MENU, 2.35:1 Layout), then pressing the MENU button.

Lowpro

30th June 2024, 20:12

I created a Blu-ray for this movie a short time ago. In this case I went with a single menu layout, one which stays within the 2.40:1 aspect ratio of the feature presentation. Eye candy provided below for your viewing pleasure. :p

PLAY MOVIE:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/windtalkers/bd_menus_windtalkers_top_play_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/windtalkers/bd_menus_windtalkers_top_play.jpg)
(Navigating "LEFT/RIGHT" wraps around at either end.)

PLAY MOVIE (RESUME):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/windtalkers/bd_menus_windtalkers_top_play_resume_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/windtalkers/bd_menus_windtalkers_top_play_resume.jpg)
(When activating the "PLAY MOVIE" option the above "RESUME" prompt is given if applicable. Navigating "LEFT/RIGHT", "UP" (...from the topmost item) or "DOWN" (...from the bottommost item) provides for backing out if needed.)

SUBTITLES (OFF):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/windtalkers/bd_menus_windtalkers_top_subs_off_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/windtalkers/bd_menus_windtalkers_top_subs_off.jpg)
(When navigating to the "SUBTITLES" option the current state of the subtitle track is displayed automatically. Pressing "OK" in this case provides for turning subtitles on.)

SUBTITLES (ON):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/windtalkers/bd_menus_windtalkers_top_subs_on_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/windtalkers/bd_menus_windtalkers_top_subs_on.jpg)
(When navigating to the "SUBTITLES" option the current state of the subtitle track is displayed automatically. Pressing "OK" in this case provides for turning subtitles off.)

THEATRICAL TRAILER:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/windtalkers/bd_menus_windtalkers_top_trailer_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/windtalkers/bd_menus_windtalkers_top_trailer.jpg)
(During playback of the theatrical trailer there's a separate POPUP MENU, a POPUP MENU that contains no graphics. When enabled you're taken back where you had come from, the TOP MENU in this case.)

THEATRICAL TRAILER (RESUME):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/windtalkers/bd_menus_windtalkers_top_trailer_resume_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/windtalkers/bd_menus_windtalkers_top_trailer_resume.jpg)
(When activating the "THEATRICAL TRAILER" option the above "RESUME" prompt is given if applicable. Navigating "LEFT/RIGHT", "UP" (...from the topmost item) or "DOWN" (...from the bottommost item) provides for backing out if needed.)

POPUP MENU:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/windtalkers/bd_menus_windtalkers_pop_main_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/windtalkers/bd_menus_windtalkers_pop_main.jpg)
(Navigating "LEFT/RIGHT" wraps around at either end. Navigating "DOWN" turns the POPUP MENU off. Playback of the feature presentation resumes when the theatrical trailer is played from the POPUP MENU.)

Included with both the TOP MENU and POPUP MENU is a hidden option. Navigating "UP" from the TOP MENU or POPUP MENU displays/hides white bars above and below the 2.40:1 image area. Examples provided below.

https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/windtalkers/bd_menus_windtalkers_top_play_mask_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/windtalkers/bd_menus_windtalkers_top_play_mask.jpg)
(Navigating "UP" at any time from the TOP MENU displays/hides white bars above and below the 2.40:1 image area.)

https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/windtalkers/bd_menus_windtalkers_pop_main_mask_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/windtalkers/bd_menus_windtalkers_pop_main_mask.jpg)
(Navigating "UP" at any time from the POPUP MENU displays/hides white bars above and below the 2.40:1 image area.)

For aspect ratios north or south of 1.78:1 I deploy physical projector screen masking. White bars above and below the 2.40:1 image area serve as a much better guide when moving my masking into place.

And here (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/windtalkers/windtalkers.zip) is a copy of the Blu-ray folder (63.8 MB), the M2TS files for the feature presentation (00001.m2ts) and theatrical trailer (00002.m2ts) having been replaced, each video now consisting of a single image just as is the case with the menu background video for the TOP MENU. The Blu-ray can be fully tested as a result. Within the "WINDTALKERS\BDMV\BACKUP\BDEDIT" folder I've included all my working files, hence the size of the download. The "Readme.txt" file within that folder outlines the contents located there. The menus can be accessed in BDedit by going to the CLIPINF tab, selecting the given CLPI file (99000=TOP MENU | 99001=POPUP MENU for Feature Presentation | 99002=POPUP MENU for Theatrical Trailer), then pressing the MENU button. Enjoy! ;)

Lowpro

3rd July 2024, 11:47

I purchased this movie on Blu-ray last week. Just for fun I decided to create my own Blu-ray for it moving the Feature Presentation and Bonus Features over once I had the disc in hand. Today I put the finishing touches on the graphics for the Blu-ray menus. Within the next couple days I should have the Blu-ray completed. Eye candy of the TOP MENU provided below. Enjoy checking out the pics. :p

MAIN MENU:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_top_p01_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_top_p01.jpg)
(Navigating "LEFT/RIGHT" wraps around at either end. Navigating "UP" performs the same action as pressing "OK". Well, only in cases where pressing "OK" would take you up a level within the menu. Navigating "DOWN" is used to return to the previous level of the menu. Navigating "DOWN" from the first level of the menu does nothing.)

PLAY (...when playback can't be resumed.):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_top_p02_03_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_top_p02_03.jpg)
(When selecting "PLAY" and pressing "OK" the above prompt is given. The "Resume where you left off" option in this case is greyed out as playback can't be resumed. Each bonus feature includes the above prompt as well. Pressing "OK" when a bonus feature is selected starts playback immediately if playback can't be resumed.)

PLAY (...when playback can be resumed.):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_top_p02_04_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_top_p02_04.jpg)
(When navigating "UP" from the "PLAY" option the above prompt is given, the "Resume where you left off" option being selected by default when playback can be resumed. Each bonus feature includes the above prompt as well.)

SCENES:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_top_p03_01_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_top_p03_01.jpg)
(When activating the "SCENES" option the last chapter played is selected by default. If no chapter had been played yet the first chapter is selected by default.)

AUDIO:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_top_p04_01_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_top_p04_01.jpg)
(When going to the "AUDIO" page the current audio stream for the Feature Presentation is selected by default. If the movie hadn't been played yet the first menu item is selected by default. While on the "AUDIO" page the header will always call out the current stream. Selecting the current stream will automatically take you to the "SUBTITLES" page. Navigating "UP" at any time will move your selection to the current stream.)

AUDIO COMMENTARY:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_top_p04_02_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_top_p04_02.jpg)
(The left and right arrows outside a given set of menu items indicate there are additional items available. Navigating "LEFT/RIGHT" from the main "AUDIO" page in this case provides for selecting one of the audio commentaries. The retail Blu-ray requires you go to the "SPECIAL FEATURES" option instead.)

SUBTITLES:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_top_p05_01_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_top_p05_01.jpg)
(When going to the "SUBTITLES" page the current subtitle stream for the Feature Presentation is selected by default. While on the "SUBTITLES" page the header will always call out the current stream. Selecting the current stream will automatically take you back a level to the "PLAY" button. Navigating "UP" at any time will move your selection to the current stream.)

BONUS (Audio Commentaries):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_top_p07_01_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_top_p07_01.jpg)
(The commentary tracks are available from the "PLAY", "AUDIO" and "BONUS" options. Turning the commentary off results in the previous audio selection for the Feature Presentation being restored in addition to the previous bonus feature selection. When making your selection the above prompt is given if playback can be resumed.)

BONUS ("Behind the Scenes" Featurette):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_top_p08_01_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_top_p08_01.jpg)
(The "Behind the Scenes" featurette contains 7 chapters. Each chapter is its own video, a "PLAY ALL" option offered if you'd like to watch them back to back.)

BONUS (Additional featurettes.):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_top_p06_02_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_top_p06_02.jpg)
(Two additional featurettes were included with the retail Blu-ray. Each are pictured above. Also, the "Resume" functionality extends to the bonus features as well. If playback of the given bonus feature can be resumed the "Resume" prompt is given.)

BONUS (Theatrical Trailer):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_top_p09_01_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_top_p09_01.jpg)
(A theatrical trailer is the last of the bonus features included with the retail Blu-ray. The trailer is in 1.78:1. Online I found a 1.33:1 version of the same trailer and decided to include it. To increase the fun factor I included the above prompt.)

BONUS (Paintings of El Dorado):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_top_p10_01_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_top_p10_01.jpg)
(During the opening credits 15 paintings are shown which were created just for the movie. I took screenshots of each prior to the credits fading in. I then created a video of the images, each screenshot being displayed for 10 seconds, each painting individually accessible via the included chapter thumbnails.)

BONUS (Soundtrack):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_top_p11_01_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_top_p11_01.jpg)
(I acquired the soundtrack from YouTube. The video portion includes a still of Nelson Riddle conducting for a short time followed by an image of an album cover as the soundtrack plays. The running time is 15 minutes, 13 tracks total, each of which are available to select from both the TOP MENU and POPUP MENU.)

Lowpro

11th July 2024, 03:53

In my previous post I provide a preview of the TOP MENU for the latest Blu-ray I'm working on. This post covers the POPUP MENU. The POPUP MENU (99001.m2ts) in this case mirrors the TOP MENU (99000.m2ts). When viewing the IG's (Interactive Graphics Menu) in BDedit the only difference you'll see between them are the images used for the objects. Aside from that the menus are identical, every page, every BOG, every navigation command, every object referenced. In the near future I'll be sharing more on what I've done here in addition to making a playable version of the Blu-ray available along with my working files. In the interim here's some additional eye candy. :p

MAIN MENU:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_pop_p01_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_pop_p01.jpg)
(Navigating "LEFT/RIGHT" wraps around at either end. Navigating "UP" performs the same action as pressing "OK". Well, only in cases where pressing "OK" would take you up a level within the menu. Navigating "DOWN" is used to return to the previous level of the menu. Navigating "DOWN" from the first level of the menu turns the POPUP MENU off. When turning the POPUP MENU off, then back on again the prior state of the POPUP MENU is restored.)

SCENES:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_pop_p03_01_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_pop_p03_01.jpg)
(When activating the "SCENES" option the current chapter is selected by default. Navigating "UP" at any time moves your selection to the current chapter, i.e. in cases where the chapter has changed while viewing the "SCENES" menu page.)

AUDIO:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_pop_p04_01_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_pop_p04_01.jpg)
(When going to the "AUDIO" page the current audio stream is selected by default. While on the "AUDIO" page the header will always call out the current stream. Selecting the item showing as the current stream will automatically take you to the "SUBTITLES" page. Navigating "UP" at any time will move your selection to the current stream.)

AUDIO COMMENTARY:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_pop_p04_02_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_pop_p04_02.jpg)
(The left and right arrows outside a given set of menu items indicate there are additional items available. Navigating "LEFT/RIGHT" from the main "AUDIO" page in this case provides for selecting one of the audio commentaries. The retail Blu-ray requires you go to the "SPECIAL FEATURES" option instead.)

SUBTITLES:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_pop_p05_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_pop_p05.jpg)
(When activating the "SUBTITLES" option the current subtitle stream is selected by default. While on the "SUBTITLES" page the header will always call out the current stream. Selecting the item showing as the current stream results in the POPUP MENU being turned off. Navigating "UP" at any time will move your selection to the current stream.)

BONUS (Audio Commentaries):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_pop_p07_01_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_pop_p07_01.jpg)
(The commentary tracks are available from the "AUDIO" and "BONUS" options. Turning the commentary off results in the previous audio selection for the Feature Presentation being restored in addition to the previous bonus feature selection. When making your selection the above prompt is given providing for enabling the audio commentary track only, i.e. you're not required to start playback from the beginning as is the case with most retail Blu-ray releases.)

BONUS ("Behind the Scenes" Featurette):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_pop_p08_01_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_pop_p08_01.jpg)
(The "Behind the Scenes" featurette contains 7 chapters. Each chapter is its own video, a "PLAY ALL" option offered if you'd like to watch them back to back.)

BONUS (Theatrical Trailer):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_pop_p09_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_pop_p09.jpg)
(A theatrical trailer is the last of the bonus features included with the retail Blu-ray. The trailer is in 1.78:1. Online I found a 1.33:1 version of the same trailer and decided to include it. To increase the fun factor I included the above prompt.)

BONUS (Paintings of El Dorado):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_pop_p10_01_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_pop_p10_01.jpg)
(During the opening credits 15 paintings are shown which were created just for the movie. I took screenshots of each prior to the credits fading in. I then created a video of the images, each screenshot being displayed for 10 seconds, each painting individually accessible via the included chapter thumbnails.)

BONUS (Soundtrack):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_pop_p11_01_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/el_dorado/bd_menu_el_dorado_pop_p11_01.jpg)
(I acquired the soundtrack from YouTube. The video portion includes a still of Nelson Riddle conducting for a short time followed by an image of an album cover as the soundtrack plays. The running time is 15 minutes, 13 tracks total, each of which are available to select from the POPUP MENU.)

stonesfan129

17th July 2024, 17:33

stonesfan129

17th July 2024, 17:34

Lowpro

17th July 2024, 18:43

That looks pretty damned good imo. Did you use the Criterion Collection BD as the source?It's the Amazon Prime offering actually and yeah, it doesn't look bad. I do plan to purchase the Criterion BD, but am in between jobs at the moment so. :p

Lowpro

17th July 2024, 19:20

What is the quality like compressing a TV series on Blu-ray down to fit a BD-25? So let's say I have a series that has 10 episodes, each one is in the range of about 12-15gb. If I rip all of these to individual .mkv files and create a quick-play disc onto a BD-25, will the quality turn out to be crap? I often find with 1080p that ~8mbps-12mbps usually turns out more than acceptable quality.You'll be fine. I watch all my content at 150" diagonal and have authored a ton of TV series content to Blu-ray, digital purchases (streams) which fall in the 2GB per episode range on the low end. These are titles not yet released on Blu-ray. The video holds up just fine. It's akin to watching the TV broadcast, but with better audio and no commercials, station logos and the like. Certainly beats giving the DVDs another spin. If/when the given title is made available on Blu-ray I go all in. I'll take as many 1's and 0's of true quality as I can get. It can make a big difference in many cases, especially at 150" diagonal. Love me some lossless audio as well of course.

Lowpro

14th September 2024, 04:10

I purchased this movie on Blu-ray recently. The Blu-ray menus left much to be desired so I decided to give my Universal Blu-ray Authoring Template (https://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?p=2004229#post2004229) a spin for the first time which I'm very close to completing. In this case I went with the same horizontal layout used for my recent re-authoring of "El Dorado". Eye candy of the TOP MENU provided below for your viewing pleasure. :p

MAIN MENU:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_top_main_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_top_main.jpg)
(Navigating "LEFT/RIGHT" wraps around at either end. Navigating "UP" performs the same action as pressing "OK". Well, only in cases where pressing "OK" would take you up a level within the menu. Navigating "DOWN" is used to return to the previous level of the menu. Navigating "DOWN" from the first level of the menu does nothing with the exception of the "PLAY" option. Navigating "DOWN" from the "PLAY" option turns "Commentary" integration with the "PLAY" option on and off. The default state of this feature can be be set under MovieObject 0 prior to burning the Blu-ray to BD-R.)

PLAY:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_top_play_overview_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_top_play_overview.jpg)
(When selecting "PLAY" and pressing "OK" the above prompt is given. The "Resume where you left off" option in this case is greyed out as playback can't be resumed. The "Overview" is displayed above the resume options by default. Navigating "UP" toggles the "Overview" on and off. The default state of this feature can be set under MovieObject 0 prior to burning the Blu-ray to BD-R. Additional pic (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_top_play.jpg).)

PLAY (Commentary):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_top_play_commentary_overview_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_top_play_commentary_overview.jpg)
(When selecting "PLAY" and pressing "OK" the above prompt is given if "Commentary" integration is turned on. Navigating "UP" or pressing "OK" from the current selection displays the "Resume" prompt. Navigating "UP" from the "Resume" prompt toggles the "Overview" on and off. The default state of this feature can be set under MovieObject 0 prior to burning the Blu-ray to BD-R. Additional pic (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_top_play_commentary.jpg).)

SCENES:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_top_scenes_01_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_top_scenes_01.jpg)
(When activating the "SCENES" option the last chapter played is selected by default. If no chapter had been played yet the first chapter is selected by default. Navigating "UP" at any time moves your selection to the current chapter. Additional pics: Chapters 5-8 (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_top_scenes_02.jpg), Chapters 9-12 (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_top_scenes_03.jpg), Chapters 13-16 (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_top_scenes_04.jpg), Chapters 17-19 (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_top_scenes_05.jpg))

AUDIO:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_top_audio_01_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_top_audio_01.jpg)
(When going to the "AUDIO" page the current audio stream for the Feature Presentation is selected by default. If the movie hadn't been played yet the first menu item is selected by default. While on the "AUDIO" page the header will always call out the current stream. Selecting the current stream will automatically take you to the "SUBTITLES" page. Navigating "UP" at any time will move your selection to the current stream.)

AUDIO (Commentary):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_top_audio_02_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_top_audio_02.jpg)
(The left and right arrows outside a given set of menu items indicate there are additional items available. Navigating "LEFT/RIGHT" from the main "AUDIO" page in this case provides for selecting the audio commentary.)

SUBTITLES:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_top_subtitles_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_top_subtitles.jpg)
(When going to the "SUBTITLES" page the current subtitle stream for the Feature Presentation is selected by default. While on the "SUBTITLES" page the header will always call out the current stream. Selecting the current stream will automatically take you back a level to the "PLAY" button. Navigating "UP" at any time will move your selection to the current stream.)

BONUS (Commentary):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_top_bonus_commentary_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_top_bonus_commentary.jpg)
(The commentary track is available from the "PLAY", "AUDIO" and "BONUS" options. Turning the commentary off results in the previous audio selection for the Feature Presentation being restored in addition to the previous bonus feature selection. When making your selection the above prompt is given if playback can be resumed.)

BONUS (Theatrical Trailer/TV Spot):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_top_bonus_trailers_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_top_bonus_trailers.jpg)
(The retail Blu-ray includes the "Theatrical Trailer" and a "TV Spot", both contained within the same video. Rather than porting over the one video I decided to go with separate videos, then including a "PLAY ALL" option. In the process I corrected an issue with the "Theatrical Trailer" which was presented in letterbox format, i.e. 1.85:1 matted to 1.33:1, then stretched to fill the 1.78:1 frame. Doh! When re-authoring I had AviSynth resize each 1920x1080 frame to 1440x1080, then adding black bars on the left and right sides, i.e. 1.85:1 matted to 1.33:1, 1.33:1 in turn matted to 1.78:1. Problem solved.)

BONUS (Interviews):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_top_bonus_interviews_01_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_top_bonus_interviews_01.jpg)
(The retail Blu-ray includes 7 interviews. When porting them over I added a "PLAY ALL" option that way I could watch the interviews back to back if I wanted. Additional pic (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_top_bonus_interviews_02.jpg).)

BONUS (Featurettes):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_top_bonus_featurettes_01_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_top_bonus_featurettes_01.jpg)
(The retail Blu-ray includes 4 featurettes. When porting them over I added a "PLAY ALL" option that way I could watch the featurettes back to back if I wanted. Additional pic (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_top_bonus_featurettes_02.jpg).)

BONUS (Galleries):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_top_bonus_galleries_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_top_bonus_galleries.jpg)
(Additional bonus features ported over from the retail Blu-ray. Navigating "UP" from any given bonus feature displays the "Resume" prompt if applicable.)

Lowpro

14th September 2024, 04:11

And why not, here's pics of the POPUP MENU. See my prior post for pics of the TOP MENU. ;)

MAIN:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_pop_main_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_pop_main.jpg)
(Navigating "LEFT/RIGHT" wraps around at either end. Navigating "UP" performs the same action as pressing "OK". Well, only in cases where pressing "OK" would take you up a level within the menu. Navigating "DOWN" is used to return to the previous level of the menu. Navigating "DOWN" from the first level of the menu turns the POPUP MENU off. When turning the POPUP MENU off, then back on again the prior state of the POPUP MENU is restored.)

SCENES:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_pop_scenes_01_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_pop_scenes_01.jpg)
(When activating the "SCENES" option the current chapter is selected by default. Navigating "UP" at any time moves your selection to the current chapter, i.e. in cases where the chapter has changed while viewing the "SCENES" menu page. Additional pics: Chapters 5-8 (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_pop_scenes_02.jpg), Chapters 9-12 (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_pop_scenes_03.jpg), Chapters 13-16 (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_pop_scenes_04.jpg), Chapters 17-19 (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_pop_scenes_05.jpg))

AUDIO:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_pop_audio_01_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_pop_audio_01.jpg)
(When going to the "AUDIO" page the current audio stream for the Feature Presentation is selected by default. If the movie hadn't been played yet the first menu item is selected by default. While on the "AUDIO" page the header will always call out the current stream. Selecting the current stream will automatically take you to the "SUBTITLES" page. Navigating "UP" at any time will move your selection to the current stream.)

AUDIO (Commentary):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_pop_audio_02_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_pop_audio_02.jpg)
(The left and right arrows outside a given set of menu items indicate there are additional items available. Navigating "LEFT/RIGHT" from the main "AUDIO" page in this case provides for selecting the audio commentary.)

SUBTITLES:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_pop_subtitles_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_pop_subtitles.jpg)
(When going to the "SUBTITLES" page the current subtitle stream for the Feature Presentation is selected by default. While on the "SUBTITLES" page the header will always call out the current stream. Selecting the current stream will automatically take you back a level to the "PLAY" button. Navigating "UP" at any time will move your selection to the current stream.)

BONUS (Audio Commentary):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_pop_bonus_commentary_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_pop_bonus_commentary.jpg)
(The commentary track is available from the "AUDIO" and "BONUS" options. Turning the commentary off results in the previous audio selection for the Feature Presentation being restored in addition to the previous bonus feature selection. When making your selection the above prompt is given providing for enabling the audio commentary track only, i.e. you're not required to start playback from the beginning as is the case with most retail Blu-ray releases.)

BONUS (Theatrical Trailer/TV Spot):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_pop_bonus_trailers_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_pop_bonus_trailers.jpg)
(The retail Blu-ray includes the "Theatrical Trailer" and a "TV Spot", both contained within the same video. Rather than porting over the one video I decided to go with separate videos, then including a "PLAY ALL" option. In the process I corrected an issue with the "Theatrical Trailer" which was presented in letterbox format, i.e. 1.85:1 matted to 1.33:1, then stretched to fill the 1.78:1 frame. Doh! When re-authoring I had AviSynth resize each 1920x1080 frame to 1440x1080, then adding black bars on the left and right sides, i.e. 1.85:1 matted to 1.33:1, 1.33:1 in turn matted to 1.78:1. Problem solved.)

BONUS (Interviews):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_pop_bonus_interviews_01_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_pop_bonus_interviews_01.jpg)
(The retail Blu-ray includes 7 interviews. When porting them over I added a "PLAY ALL" option that way I could watch the interviews back to back if I wanted. Additional pic (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_pop_bonus_interviews_02.jpg).)

BONUS (Featurettes):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_pop_bonus_featurettes_01_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_pop_bonus_featurettes_01.jpg)
(The retail Blu-ray includes 4 featurettes. When porting them over I added a "PLAY ALL" option that way I could watch the featurettes back to back if I wanted. Additional pic (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_pop_bonus_featurettes_02.jpg).)

BONUS (Galleries):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_pop_bonus_galleries_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_pop_bonus_galleries.jpg)
(Additional bonus features ported over from the retail Blu-ray. Navigating "UP" from any given bonus feature displays the "Resume" prompt if applicable.)

Lowpro

18th September 2024, 23:16

I revisited my re-authoring of "Cat People" today adding additional Popup Menus. Eye candy provided below.

(See my last two posts for pics of the Top Menu and Popup Menu for the Feature Presentation.)

Popup Menu available on First Playback prior to reaching Top Menu:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_pop_main_menu_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_pop_main_menu.jpg)
(Click on the preview image above to view the full size image.)

Popup Menu available when playing "Bonus Feature" from Top Menu:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_pop_return_to_main_menu_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_pop_return_to_main_menu.jpg)
(Click on the preview image above to view the full size image.)

Popup Menu available when playing "Bonus Feature" from Feature Presentation:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_pop_return_to_feature_presentation_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/cat_people/bd_menu_cat_people_pop_return_to_feature_presentation.jpg)
(Click on the preview image above to view the full size image.)

Lowpro

20th September 2024, 07:26

Tomorrow I'll be testing the vertical menu layout support for my Universal Blu-ray Authoring Template (https://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?p=2004229#post2004229). (See the post here (https://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?p=2007457#post2007457) for a revised version of the GPR definitions my template will be using.) In preparation for tomorrow I decided to create a mock-up in Photoshop of a Blu-ray menu which utilizes both a horizontal and vertical menu layout. I recently purchased the movie "Twisted" on Blu-ray, a Kino Lorber release. The menus were a bit underwhelming so I decided why not. Eye candy provided below of the TOP MENU.

MAIN MENU:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_top_main_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_top_main.jpg)
(Navigating "LEFT/RIGHT" wraps around at either end. Navigating "UP" performs the same action as pressing "OK". Well, only in cases where pressing "OK" would take you up a level within the menu. Navigating "DOWN" is used to return to the previous level of the menu. Navigating "DOWN" from the first level of the menu does nothing. )

PLAY:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_top_play_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_top_play.jpg)
(When selecting "PLAY" and pressing "OK" the above "Resume" prompt is given. The "Resume where you left off" option in this case is greyed out as playback can't be resumed.)

PLAY (Commentary):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_top_play_commentary_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_top_play_commentary.jpg)
(When selecting "PLAY" and pressing "OK" the above "Commentary" prompt is given if "Commentary" integration is turned on, options provided to watch the "Feature Presentation" with or without audio commentary.)

PLAY (Commentary\Resume):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_top_play_commentary_resume_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_top_play_commentary_resume.jpg)
(Pressing "OK" from a given "Commentary" option results in the above "Resume" prompt being displayed if playback of the "Feature Presentation" can be resumed. If playback can't be resumed no prompt is given, playback starting immediately. In the above example playback can be resumed, the "Resume where you left off" option selected by default.)

AUDIO:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_top_audio_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_top_audio.jpg)
(When going to the "AUDIO" page the check mark positioned to the right of the items calls out the current audio stream for the Feature Presentation. If the movie hadn't been played yet the first menu item is selected by default. Selecting the current stream will automatically take you to the "SUBTITLES" page. Navigating "RIGHT" at any time will move your selection to the current stream.)

SUBTITLES:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_top_subtitles_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_top_subtitles.jpg)
(When going to the "SUBTITLES" page the check mark positioned to the right of the items calls out the current subtitle stream for the Feature Presentation. Selecting the current stream will automatically take you back a level to the "PLAY" button. Navigating "RIGHT" at any time will move your selection to the item that reflects the current state of the subtitles.)

BONUS:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_top_bonus_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_top_bonus.jpg)
(When selecting the "Bonus" option from the retail Blu-ray a single list of all bonus features is displayed. See here (https://images.static-bluray.com/reviews/31540_29_1080p.jpg). I decided to group the bonus features by category instead. When going to the "BONUS" page the last category that was in use is selected by default. The same is the case when entering a given category, the last bonus feature played from the given category being selected by default.)

BONUS (Commentary):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_top_bonus_commentary_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_top_bonus_commentary.jpg)
(The commentary track is available from the "PLAY", "AUDIO" and "BONUS" options. Turning the commentary off results in the previous audio selection for the Feature Presentation being restored in addition to the previous bonus feature selection.)

BONUS (Featurettes):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_top_bonus_featurettes_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_top_bonus_featurettes.jpg)
(The retail Blu-ray includes 3 featurettes. If playback can be resumed the "Resume" prompt is given when selecting a given item and pressing "OK". Navigating "RIGHT" from a given item also displays the "Resume" prompt, the "Resume where you left off" option being greyed out if playback can't be resumed. Navigating "LEFT" takes you back to the "Featurettes" bonus option.)

BONUS (Deleted Scenes):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_top_bonus_deleted_scenes_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_top_bonus_deleted_scenes.jpg)
(The retail Blu-ray includes 10 extended/deleted scenes. If playback can be resumed the "Resume" prompt is given when selecting a given item and pressing "OK". Navigating "RIGHT" from a given item also displays the "Resume" prompt, the "Resume where you left off" option being greyed out if playback can't be resumed. Navigating "LEFT" takes you back to the "Deleted Scenes" bonus option.)

BONUS (Trailers):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_top_bonus_trailers_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_top_bonus_trailers.jpg)
(The retail Blu-ray includes 1 feature trailer and 8 bonus trailers. For good measure I'll be including a "Play All" option. If playback can be resumed the "Resume" prompt is given when selecting a given item and pressing "OK". Navigating "RIGHT" from a given item displays the "Resume" prompt as well. Navigating "LEFT" takes you back to the "Trailers" bonus option.)

BONUS (Playback Options\Start from beginning.):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_top_bonus_resume_start_from_beginning_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_top_bonus_resume_start_from_beginning.jpg)
(The above "Resume" prompt is displayed when selecting a "Bonus Feature", then navigating "Right" or pressing "OK". In the above example the "Resume where you left off" option is greyed out as playback of the selected item can't be resumed.)

BONUS (Playback Options\Resume where you left off.):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_top_bonus_resume_where_you_left_off_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_top_bonus_resume_where_you_left_off.jpg)
(The above "Resume" prompt is displayed when selecting a "Bonus Feature", then navigating "Right" or pressing "OK". In the above example playback can be resumed, the "Resume where you left off" option being selected by default.)

Lowpro

22nd September 2024, 04:49

I just completed the POPUP MENU for the latest Blu-ray I'm working on. Thought I'd share some eye candy. See my prior post for pics of the TOP MENU. ;)

MAIN:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_pop_main_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_pop_main.jpg)
(Navigating "LEFT/RIGHT" wraps around at either end. Navigating "UP" performs the same action as pressing "OK". Well, only in cases where pressing "OK" would take you up a level within the menu. Navigating "DOWN" is used to return to the previous level of the menu. Navigating "DOWN" from the first level of the menu turns the POPUP MENU off. When turning the POPUP MENU off, then back on again the prior state of the POPUP MENU is restored.)

AUDIO:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_pop_audio_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_pop_audio.jpg)
(When going to the "AUDIO" page the current audio stream is selected by default. While on the "AUDIO" page the header will always call out the current stream. Selecting the current stream will automatically take you to the "SUBTITLES" page. Navigating "UP" at any time will move your selection to the current stream.)

SUBTITLES:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_pop_subtitles_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_pop_subtitles.jpg)
(When going to the "SUBTITLES" page the check mark positioned to the right of the items calls out the current subtitle stream. Navigating "RIGHT" at any time will move your selection to the current stream. Selecting the current stream turns the POPUP MENU off.)

BONUS:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_pop_bonus_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_pop_bonus.jpg)
(When selecting the "BONUS" option from the retail Blu-ray a single list of all bonus features is displayed. See here (https://images.static-bluray.com/reviews/31540_29_1080p.jpg). I decided to group the bonus features by category instead. When going to the "BONUS" page the last category that was in use is selected by default. The same is the case when entering a given category, the last bonus feature played from the given category being selected by default.)

BONUS (Commentary):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_pop_bonus_commentary_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_pop_bonus_commentary.jpg)
(The commentary track is available from the "AUDIO" and "BONUS" options. Turning commentary off results in the previous audio selection for the Feature Presentation being restored in addition to the previous bonus feature selection.)

BONUS (Commentary\Resume):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_pop_bonus_commentary_resume_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_pop_bonus_commentary_resume.jpg)
(The above "Resume" prompt is always displayed when navigating "RIGHT" or pressing "OK" from a given commentary menu item, the options given to continue playback or start from the beginning. When making your selection the POPUP MENU remains on, the user taken back to the "BONUS\COMMENTARY" page.)

BONUS (Featurettes):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_pop_bonus_featurettes_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_pop_bonus_featurettes.jpg)
(The retail Blu-ray includes 3 featurettes. When selecting a bonus feature and pressing "OK" no prompt is given. Playback begins immediately. Navigating "LEFT" from a given item takes you back to the "Featurettes" bonus option. Navigating "RIGHT" from a given item displays the "Resume" prompt, the "Resume where you left off" option being greyed out as it's not possible to resume playback of a bonus feature when played from the Feature Presentation.)

BONUS (Deleted Scenes):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_pop_bonus_deleted_scenes_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_pop_bonus_deleted_scenes.jpg)
(The retail Blu-ray includes 10 extended/deleted scenes. When selecting a bonus feature and pressing "OK" no prompt is given. Playback begins immediately. Navigating "LEFT" from a given item takes you back to the "Deleted Scenes" bonus option. Navigating "RIGHT" from a given item displays the "Resume" prompt, the "Resume where you left off" option being greyed out as it's not possible to resume playback of a bonus feature when played from the Feature Presentation.)

BONUS (Trailers):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_pop_bonus_trailers_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_pop_bonus_trailers.jpg)
(The retail Blu-ray includes 1 feature trailer and 8 bonus trailers. For good measure I included a "Play All" option. When selecting a bonus feature and pressing "OK" no prompt is given. Playback begins immediately. Navigating "LEFT" from a given item takes you back to the "Trailers" bonus option. Navigating "RIGHT" from a given item displays the "Resume" prompt, the "Resume where you left off" option being greyed out as it's not possible to resume playback of a bonus feature when played from the Feature Presentation.)

BONUS (Playback Options\Start from beginning.):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_pop_bonus_resume_start_from_beginning_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_pop_bonus_resume_start_from_beginning.jpg)
(The above "Resume" prompt is only displayed when navigating "RIGHT" from a given bonus feature. The "Resume where you left off" option will always be greyed out in case as it's not possible to resume playback of a bonus feature when played from the Feature Presentation. That being said, the POPUP MENU does select the last bonus feature played from each category by default. The same is the case for the TOP MENU. From the TOP MENU playback of a given bonus feature can be resumed.)

Lowpro

27th September 2024, 22:24

I made a number of revisions to my Universal Blu-ray Authoring Template (https://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?p=2004229#post2004229) in the process of authoring "Twisted (2004) (https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Twisted-Blu-ray/337401/)" to Blu-ray. A revised version of the GPR Definitions (variables) my template will be using is shown below.

https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_gpr_definitions_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/twisted/bd_menu_twisted_gpr_definitions.jpg)
(Click on the preview image above to view the full size image.)

Putting the above into practice...
When re-authoring a Blu-ray using my template I first map out the structure of the original Blu-ray. Below is what that looks like for the Blu-ray release of "Twisted (2004)".
__________________________________

ORIGINAL BLU-RAY STRUCTURE
(Referenced when re-authoring Blu-ray.)

PLAY | BONUS | SUBTITLES | AUDIO

FIRST PLAYBACK
TITLE 02 | MPLS 00007 | M2TS 00001 | 00:00:00.041 (Region Code check. | This disc is intended for playback in Region A only.)
TITLE NA | MPLS 00001 | M2TS 00002 | 00:00:15:140 (Copyright Warning, Kino Lorber Studio Classics)
TITLE NA | MPLS 00001 | M2TS 00007 | 00:00:07.007 (Commentary Disclaimer)
REMINDER: Remove user prohibited actions from playlists also adding IG providing for skipping directly to TOP MENU.

TOP MENU
TITLE 00 | MPLS 00003 | M2TS 00003 | 00:02:33.153 (Menu Background Video)
TITLE 00 | MPLS 00003 | M2TS 00005 (IG | Interactive Graphics Menu)
REMINDER: Re-author 00003.m2ts once new menu background image created in Photoshop.

PLAY
TITLE 01 | MPLS 00004 | M2TS 00008 | 00:00:11.011 (Kino Lorber)
TITLE 01 | MPLS 00004 | M2TS 00004 | 01:37:00.648 (Feature Presentation)
TITLE 01 | MPLS 00004 | M2TS 00000 | 00:00:01.001 (Blank | Video of a black screen.)
TITLE 01 | MPLS 00004 | M2TS 00006 (IG | Interactive Graphics Menu)

BONUS\Audio Commentary
Audio Commentary by Director Philip Kaufman (ON | OFF)
(See Title 01, "PLAY".)

BONUS\Featurettes (All video in MPEG-2, 480i, 29.97)
TITLE 03 | MPLS 00000 | M2TS 00011/00010(Blank)/00015(IG) | 11:00 | Creating a Twisted Web of Intrigue
TITLE 04 | MPLS 00002 | M2TS 00012/00010(Blank)/00015(IG) | 10:01 | The Inspectors: Clues to the Crime
TITLE 05 | MPLS 00005 | M2TS 00013/00010(Blank)/00015(IG) | 06:57 | San Francisco: Scene of the Crime

BONUS\Deleted Scenes (All video in MPEG-2, 480i, 29.97)
TITLE 06 | MPLS 00006 | M2TS 00016-00019/00021-00026/00010(Blank)/00015(IG) | 16:21 | Play
TITLE 07 | MPLS 00008 | M2TS 00027-00036/00010(Blank)/00015(IG) | 16:21 | Play with Audio Commentary

BONUS\Trailers (D.C. Cab in MPEG-2, 480i, 29.97)
TITLE 08 | MPLS 00009 | M2TS 00037/00000(Blank)/00020(IG) | 02:03 | Twisted
TITLE 09 | MPLS 00010 | M2TS 00038/00000(Blank)/00020(IG) | 02:26 | Changing Lanes
TITLE 10 | MPLS 00011 | M2TS 00039/00000(Blank)/00020(IG) | 02:22 | Eastern Promises
TITLE 11 | MPLS 00012 | M2TS 00040/00000(Blank)/00020(IG) | 02:30 | In Bruges
TITLE 12 | MPLS 00013 | M2TS 00041/00000(Blank)/00020(IG) | 02:30 | The Score
TITLE 13 | MPLS 00014 | M2TS 00042/00000(Blank)/00020(IG) | 02:14 | Suspect Zero
TITLE 14 | MPLS 00015 | M2TS 00043/00010(Blank)/00015(IG) | 02:33 | D.C. Cab
TITLE 15 | MPLS 00016 | M2TS 00044/00000(Blank)/00020(IG) | 02:16 | Invasion of the Body Snatchers
TITLE 16 | MPLS 00017 | M2TS 00045/00000(Blank)/00020(IG) | 01:53 | The Wanderers

SUBTITLES
English (ON | OFF)

AUDIO (5.1 | 2.0)
1. DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
2. DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
3. Dolby Digital 2.0 (Audio Commentary. Not included under "Audio" option.)
__________________________________

Once mapping out the Blu-ray I updated my Blu-ray template so that the filenames for the menus matched the original Blu-ray.

TOP MENU renamed from "99000.m2ts/clpi" to "00005.m2ts/clpi".
POPUP MENU for Feature Presentation renamed from "99001.m2ts/clpi" to "00006.m2ts/clpi".
POPUP MENU for First Playback and Bonus Features renamed from "99002.m2ts/clpi" to "00015.m2ts/clpi" and "00020.m2ts/clpi".

I then copied all M2TS/CLPI/MPLS files from the original Blu-ray over to my Blu-ray template with the exception of the below files, all of which are related to the Blu-ray menus.

(File "00003.m2ts" contains the video played from the TOP MENU. Once creating the menu graphics I re-authored the M2TS file laying my own menu background image on top of the original video.)

Files not carried over from original Blu-ray...
00005.m2ts (Top Menu)
00006.m2ts (Popup Menu for Feature Presentation)
00015.m2ts (Popup Menu for Bonus Features) (SD, includes no graphics.)
00020.m2ts (Popup Menu for Bonus Features) (HD)

(When the time comes I'll make this Blu-ray available for those interested, no files from the original Blu-ray being included. Those that own the original Blu-ray would just need to move over all M2TS files except for the 4 detailed above.)

With all files in place I then loaded my template up in BDedit updating MovieObject 0 from the BDMV tab. The first GPR (variables) values I updated are GPR700-GPR732. These GPRs link each Playlist to a Title. (See the above excel sheet for reference.) My template out the box includes 32 Titles. In this case I only needed 17 Titles (GPR700-GPR716). As such, I deleted Titles 18-32 from the BDMV tab. With each playlist assigned to a Title I then started at the top of MovieObject 0 and worked my way down updating the assigned GPR values (...the fields on the excel sheet which use the cyan fill color) based on the menu design I had in mind and contents of the original Blu-ray shown above, the excel sheet being updated accordingly.

Once updating MovieObject 0 I shifted my focus to the graphics for the Blu-ray menus. Using Photoshop I created a mock-up of the Blu-ray menus, then exporting the assets (images) for import to BDedit. Prior to import the images (PNGs) for each menu needed processed though PNG Quantizer, PNG Quantizer making a given set of images compliant for use with HDMV based Blu-ray's. With my assets ready for import I returned to BDedit accessing each menu importing the given set of images from the "Objects" tab, then updating the "x" and "y" coordinates referenced within the applicable BOGs on each menu page. In this case there were only three sets of coordinates used, "0.838 (x.y)" for all objects at Level 1 of the menus, "0.410 (x.y)" for all objects at Level 2 of the menus with the exception of the static portions of the "Audio" and "Subtitle" menu items. Those objects used the coordinates, "103.410 (x.y)". Lastly, I mux'd out to the M2TS file for the given menu.
__________________________________

Well, there's a bit more to the process, mostly with respects to the menu graphics. The documentation I'll be providing along with the template should fill in most of the gaps. Over the next week I'll be completing my work on the template. The last item to address is the navigation orientation, i.e. horizontal and vertical menu layout support. It's working well at this point. There's still a scenario or two I need to account for though. By next weekend I should have the functionality completely flushed out. I'll then start my work on the accompanying documentation to be included when making the template available.

Lowpro

7th October 2024, 09:05

I continue to make progress on my "Universal Blu-ray Authoring Template". Below is a list of the most recent additions.

(See my prior post for the GPR definitions called out below.)

Navigation Orientation (UP/DOWN/LEFT/RIGHT)
By default a horizontal menu layout is used, i.e. "LEFT/RIGHT" is used to navigate from menu item to menu item. "UP" is used to access the next level of the interface. "DOWN" is used to return to the prior level of the interface. Variables GPR1810-GPR1931 provide for rotating the "UP/DOWN/LEFT/RIGHT" functionality 90 degrees clockwise (vertical expanding right), 90 degrees counterclockwise (vertical expanding left) in addition to inverting "UP/DOWN" (horizontal expanding up) to "DOWN/UP" (horizontal expanding down). For maximum flexibility the desired orientation can be set per page and per "Resume" prompt, the menu item navigation adjusting accordingly.

Button Navigation User Operations (Move Up/Move Down/Move Left/Move Right)
The Blu-ray format provides for restricting access to "UP/DOWN/LEFT/RIGHT" for a given Playlist (MPLS). I've implemented this at the page level. Variables GPR16-GPR19 are used to disable/enable navigation in any given direction while on Page 1 for example. Depending on the menu layout one may choose to restrict "Move Up" for example requiring the user press "OK" instead. One example that comes to mind is the menu layout used by Studio Distribution Services (SDS), the main menu items arranged horizontally across the bottom of the screen to the left, the next level of the interface displaying menu items vertically on the far right side of the screen. When adding this feature I also included the ability to prevent navigation from wrapping around when there are only 2 menu items available, cases where visually both items are displayed on-screen at the same time.

Resuming playback of the "Feature Presentation" and "Bonus Features" from the TOP MENU.
I spent the better part of a day enhancing the resume functionality. Originally it was only possible to resume playback of the last item played whether that be the feature presentation or a bonus feature. I'm watching the feature presentation (Title 1) for example. During the middle of the presentation I return to the TOP MENU (Title 0). At this point I'm able to resume playback of the feature presentation (Title 1) if I like. This remains the case so long as I don't play another title whether it be the same title or a different title. That being said, GPR3000 now provides a way around that. Well, it's a tradeoff, but an interesting one.

When assigned the value of "1" the core structure of the Blu-ray changes on First Playback now. Title 2 was previously used for the first bonus feature. Title 2 is now reserved for use with the TOP MENU and all bonus features. On First playback MovieObject 0 is played, the last command taking us to Title 0 which is always reserved for the TOP MENU. Title 0 in this case is assigned to MovieObject 1. If GPR3000 equals 0 the TOP MENU plays from Title 0 as it normally would, the bonus features being played from Titles 3-32. If GPR3000 equals 1 during First Playback a redirect immediately takes place from Title 0, MovieObject 1 to Title 2, MovieObject 3.

Movie Object 3 was originally used solely for the bonus features. That continues to be the case when GPR3000 equals 0. When GPR3000 equals 1 the MovieObject is used to play the TOP MENU as well. This provides for retaining the ability to resume playback of the feature presentation (Title 1) from the TOP MENU (Title 2) even after playing a bonus feature (Title 2), the tradeoff here being that it's no longer possible to resume playback of a bonus feature from the TOP MENU. To play a bonus feature from the TOP MENU in this case the "Terminate PL" command is used rather than the "Jump Title" command. Executing the "Jump Title" command, even for the same title would result in the backup registry being cleared which we don't want.

So when selecting a bonus feature the associated title is assigned to GPR4. When the playlist is terminated MovieObject 3 executes the next series of commands in the list, the playlist associated with the title in question being assigned to GPR6, the "Play PL GPR6" command then being executed playing the bonus feature. When the bonus feature finishes playing (or when leaving the bonus feature via the POPUP MENU) the MovieObject then assigns GPR4 the value of 0, i.e. Title 0 (TOP MENU). The playlist associated with Title 0 is then played taking us back to the TOP MENU (Title 2). Rinse and repeat, the ability to resume playback of the feature presentation being retained as we never left Title 2.

Now one might ask the question, why perform that initial redirect from Title 0 to Title 2 on First Playback. Couldn't I just play the TOP MENU and bonus features from Title 0. Well yes, I could do that, but Title 0 is an "Interactive" title and that can't be changed. Other Titles can have their "Title playback type" set to "Movie" instead, but not Title 0, hence why I'm using Title 2 in this case, otherwise certain functionality would be unavailable when playing a bonus feature. When playing a bonus feature from Title 0 the Blu-ray player will be unable to show you the actual running time for instance. Chapters also aren't supported in addition to some other things. I'm also in this case prohibiting access to the TOP MENU via the Blu-ray player remote which is hard coded to Title 0. The redirect would immediately take place to Title 2, but that redirect would also clear the backup registry. Instead the POPUP MENU must be used to access the TOP MENU.

Restricting access to the "Resume" prompt.
The "Resume" prompt can now be turned on or off. When GPR3001 equals 0 or 1 the "Resume" prompt is disabled. When set to 0 playback will resume if possible, otherwise playback starts from the beginning. When set to 1 playback always starts from the beginning. When GPR3001 equals 2, 3 or 4 the "Resume" prompt is enabled. When set to 2 the "Resume" prompt can be accessed by navigating "UP" even in cases where playback can't be resumed. Pressing "OK" in this case only displays the "Resume" prompt if playback can be resumed. When set to 3 the "Resume" prompt is not available by navigating "UP". Pressing "OK" again in this case only displays the "Resume" prompt if playback can be resumed. When set to "4" the "Resume" prompt can once again be accessed by navigating "UP". Pressing "OK" in this case does not display the "Resume" prompt, playback resuming if possible, otherwise playback starts from the beginning.

Play behavior for Page 1 (Play).
The "Play" button on Page 1 is used to play the feature presentation. GPR14 is used to tailor that experience to your liking. When GPR14 equals 0 or 1 playback begins immediately if playback can't be resumed. If playback be can resumed the "Resume" prompt is given. Well, so long as the "Resume" prompt is enabled. (See GPR3001). When GPR14 equals 1 you're taken to Page 2 (Play\Commentary) if the current audio selection is a commentary track, otherwise the standard functionality applies. When GPR14 equals 2 or 3 the "Resume" prompt is always given first, the "Resume where you left off" option being greyed out if playback can't be resumed. (I include the synopsis for the feature presentation within the "Resume" prompt, hence why one might want to go to the "Resume" prompt even in cases where playback can't be resumed). When GPR14 equals 3 you're taken to Page 2 (Play\Commentary) if the current audio selection is a commentary track, otherwise the standard functionality applies. Also, Page 1 (Play) can be hard coded to Page 2 (Play\Commentary) if you like. That's done by assigning GPR311 the value of 0 and GPR321 the value of 2. If GPR311 is assigned a value of 3 or higher the Title matching that value is played. If GPR311 equals 0 it jumps to the page which matches the value of GPR321, in this case Page 2 (Play\Commentary).

Lowpro

11th October 2024, 22:33

Testing of my "Universal Blu-ray Authoring Template" continues. To keep things fresh I decided to re-author another Blu-ray. Using my template it took 15 minutes to re-author everything but the menu graphics and 10 minutes of that was the initial time spent mapping out the original Blu-ray. Gotta love it! For the menu graphics I decided to do a complete rebuild based on the original design that way I could modify things to my heart's content. Just completed the TOP MENU. Eye candy provided below for your viewing pleasure. :p

TOP MENU:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_top_main_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_top_main.jpg)
(Navigating "LEFT/RIGHT" wraps around at either end. Navigating "UP" performs the same action as pressing "OK". Well, only in cases where pressing "OK" would take you up a level within the menu. Navigating "DOWN" is used to return to the previous level of the menu. Navigating "DOWN" from the first level of the menu does nothing. )

PLAY:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_top_play_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_top_play.jpg)
(When selecting "PLAY" and pressing "OK" the above "Resume" prompt is given. The "Resume where you left off" option in this case is greyed out as playback can't be resumed.)

PLAY (Commentary):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_top_play_commentary_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_top_play_commentary.jpg)
(When selecting "PLAY" and pressing "OK" the above "Commentary" prompt is given if "Commentary" integration is turned on, options provided to watch the "Feature Presentation" with or without audio commentary.)

PLAY (Commentary\Resume):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_top_play_commentary_resume_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_top_play_commentary_resume.jpg)
(Pressing "OK" from a given "Commentary" option results in the above "Resume" prompt being displayed if playback of the "Feature Presentation" can be resumed. If playback can't be resumed no prompt is given, playback starting immediately. In the above example playback can be resumed, the "Resume where you left off" option selected by default.)

SCENES:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_top_scenes_01_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_top_scenes_01.jpg)
(When activating the "SCENES" option the last chapter played is selected by default. If no chapter had been played yet the first chapter is selected by default. Navigating "LEFT/RIGHT" wraps around at either end. Navigating "UP" at any time moves your selection to the current chapter. Additional pics: Chapters 5-8 (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_top_scenes_02.jpg), Chapters 9-12 (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_top_scenes_03.jpg))

AUDIO:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_top_audio_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_top_audio.jpg)
(When going to the "AUDIO" page the "+" symbol positioned to the left of the menu items calls out the current audio stream for the Feature Presentation. If the movie hadn't been played yet the first menu item is selected by default. Selecting the current stream will automatically take you to the "SUBTITLES" page. Navigating "RIGHT" at any time will move your selection to the current stream.)

SUBTITLES:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_top_subtitles_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_top_subtitles.jpg)
(When going to the "SUBTITLES" page the "+" symbol positioned to the left of the menu items calls out the current subtitle stream for the Feature Presentation. Selecting the current stream will automatically take you back a level to the "PLAY" button. Navigating "RIGHT" at any time will move your selection to the item that reflects the current state of the subtitles.)

BONUS:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_top_bonus_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_top_bonus.jpg)
(When going to the "BONUS" page the last menu item played is selected by default. The retail Blu-ray spreads the bonus features out across two pages. I decided to go with one page instead. For good measure I included the audio commentary as a bonus feature, the retail Blu-ray listing the audio commentary under the "Setup\Audio" option only.)

BONUS (Commentary):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_top_bonus_commentary_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_top_bonus_commentary.jpg)
(The commentary track is available from the "PLAY", "AUDIO" and "BONUS" options. Turning the commentary off results in the previous audio selection for the Feature Presentation being restored in addition to the previous bonus feature selection.)

BONUS (Playback Options\Start from beginning.):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_top_bonus_resume_start_from_beginning_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_top_bonus_resume_start_from_beginning.jpg)
(The above "Resume" prompt is displayed when selecting a "Bonus Feature", then navigating "Right" or pressing "OK". In the above example the "Resume where you left off" option is greyed out as playback of the selected item can't be resumed.)

BONUS (Playback Options\Resume where you left off.):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_top_bonus_resume_where_you_left_off_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_top_bonus_resume_where_you_left_off.jpg)
(The above "Resume" prompt is displayed when selecting a "Bonus Feature", then navigating "Right" or pressing "OK". In the above example playback can be resumed, the "Resume where you left off" option being selected by default.)
__________________________________

I've since completed the POPUP MENU. Well, for the "Feature Presentation". Eye candy provided below.

POPUP MENU:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_pop_main_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_pop_main.jpg)
(Navigating "LEFT/RIGHT" wraps around at either end. Navigating "UP" performs the same action as pressing "OK". Well, only in cases where pressing "OK" would take you up a level within the menu. Navigating "DOWN" is used to return to the previous level of the menu. Navigating "DOWN" from the first level of the menu turns the POPUP MENU off. When turning the POPUP MENU off, then back on again the prior state of the POPUP MENU is restored.)

The POPUP MENU here mirrors the TOP MENU so I didn't bother with additional pics. Working on the remaining POPUP MENU now, the one accessible during First Playback and while playing a Bonus Feature. The fun never ends!
__________________________________

And here's the POPUP MENU accessible when a video is playing during First Playback, prior to the Feature Presentation, and while playing a Bonus Feature. When enabled the POPUP MENU displays the appropriate message based on the current scenario. This in turn dictates what happens when pressing "OK".

FIRST PLAYBACK:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_pop_proceed_to_main_menu_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_pop_proceed_to_main_menu.jpg)
(The image above shows what the POPUP MENU looks like when accessed during First Playback prior to reaching the TOP MENU for the first time. Pressing "OK" skips directly to the TOP MENU. Navigating "DOWN" turns the POPUP MENU off.)

PRIOR TO FEATURE PRESENTATION:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_pop_proceed_to_feature_presentation_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_pop_proceed_to_feature_presentation.jpg)
(When initiating playback of the Feature Presentation from the original Blu-ray an audio related message is first displayed, a 20 second video. The image above shows what the POPUP MENU looks like when accessed during this time. Pressing "OK" skips directly to the Feature Presentation. Navigating "DOWN" turns the POPUP MENU off.)

RETURN TO FEATURE PRESENTATION:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_pop_return_to_feature_presentation_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_pop_return_to_feature_presentation.jpg)
(This next example shows what the POPUP MENU looks like when initiating playback of a bonus feature from the feature presentation. Pressing "OK" resumes playback of the feature presentation. Navigating "DOWN" turns the POPUP MENU off.)

RETURN TO MAIN MENU:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_pop_return_to_main_menu_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_pop_return_to_main_menu.jpg)
(In this last example a bonus feature had been played from the TOP MENU. Pressing "OK" in this case takes you back to the TOP MENU. Navigating "DOWN" turns the POPUP MENU off.)

varekai

12th October 2024, 08:42

Testing of my "Universal Blu-ray Authoring Template" continues.The fun never ends!
Always a big smile on my face when I see your excellent work with BD-Rebuilder Blu-ray menus, and then, when I read your guide "Universal Blu-ray Authoring Template" I get an extreme headache... haha!
Damn, you are so good at this!! :D

Lowpro

12th October 2024, 14:45

Always a big smile on my face when I see your excellent work with BD-Rebuilder Blu-ray menus, and then, when I read your guide "Universal Blu-ray Authoring Template" I get an extreme headache... haha!
Damn, you are so good at this!! :D
Thanks for the kind words. And yes, BD Rebuilder helped light the spark, but I don't use it for menu creation anymore. I do use BD Rebuilder to encode MP4's to M2TS, but that's about it. That being said, I'm quite pleased with the latest Blu-ray I've churned out here. Having something fresh to test my template with is very helpful. In the process of re-authoring this latest Blu-ray I found a serious bug with my template which I'll be working to address this weekend. I'll also be revisiting the menu graphics for my latest test subject here prior to burning to BD-R for this evening's showing. Just made a nice improvement to the "PLAY" page actually. Something was missing. Before and after pics below. Much better I think. ;)

Before:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_top_play_before_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_top_play_before.jpg)
(Click on the preview image above to view the full size image.)

After:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_top_play_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_top_play.jpg)
(Click on the preview image above to view the full size image.)

varekai

14th October 2024, 07:54

You're absolutely right, aesthetic formatting text is key!
So beautiful, classic, with an initial letter that matches the font of the title "The Sword and the Socerer"!

2 feet... :/

Lowpro

17th October 2024, 10:06

I revisited my re-authoring of this Blu-ray release yesterday making a number of improvements to the menu graphics. See my post a couple back for updated pics. Below are some additional pics of the POPUP MENU. Enjoy checking them out. ;)

POPUP MENU:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_pop_main_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_pop_main.jpg)
(Navigating "LEFT/RIGHT" wraps around at either end. Navigating "UP" performs the same action as pressing "OK". Well, only in cases where pressing "OK" would take you up a level within the menu. Navigating "DOWN" is used to return to the previous level of the menu. Navigating "DOWN" from the first level of the menu turns the POPUP MENU off. When turning the POPUP MENU off, then back on again the prior state of the POPUP MENU is restored.)

SCENES:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_pop_scenes_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_pop_scenes.jpg)
(When activating the "SCENES" option the last chapter played is selected by default. If no chapter had been played yet the first chapter is selected by default. Navigating "LEFT/RIGHT" wraps around at either end. Navigating "UP" at any time moves your selection to the current chapter.)

AUDIO:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_pop_audio_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_pop_audio.jpg)
(When going to the "AUDIO" page the "+" symbol positioned to the left of the menu items calls out the current audio stream for the Feature Presentation. If the movie hadn't been played yet the first menu item is selected by default. Selecting the current stream will automatically take you to the "SUBTITLES" page. Navigating "RIGHT" at any time will move your selection to the current stream.)

SUBTITLES:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_pop_subtitles_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_pop_subtitles.jpg)
(When going to the "SUBTITLES" page the "+" symbol positioned to the left of the menu items calls out the current subtitle stream for the Feature Presentation. Selecting the current stream turns the POPUP MENU off. Navigating "RIGHT" at any time will move your selection to the item that reflects the current state of the subtitles.)

BONUS:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_pop_bonus_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_pop_bonus.jpg)
(The retail Blu-ray spread the bonus features out across two pages. I decided to go with one page instead. For good measure I included the audio commentary as a bonus feature, the retail Blu-ray listing the audio commentary under the "Setup\Audio" option only. When going to the "BONUS" page the last menu item played is selected by default. Navigating "RIGHT" at any time will move your selection to the last item played as well. )

BONUS (Commentary):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_pop_bonus_commentary_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_pop_bonus_commentary.jpg)
(The commentary track is available from the "AUDIO" and "BONUS" options. In the above example the "Audio Commentary" bonus feature was selected. Turning the commentary off off in this case results in the previous audio selection for the Feature Presentation being restored in addition to the previous Bonus Feature played being once again becoming the default menu item selected.)

BONUS (Commentary\Resume):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_pop_bonus_commentary_resume_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_pop_bonus_commentary_resume.jpg)
(The above "Resume" prompt is always displayed when making a selection from the "Audio Commentary" feature, the options given to continue playback or start from the beginning. When making your selection the POPUP MENU remains on, the user taken back to the "BONUS\COMMENTARY" page.)

Lowpro

19th October 2024, 06:36

I performed a complete fresh today on the menu graphics for my re-authoring of the Shout Factory "The Sword and the Sorcerer" Blu-ray release. See my previous few posts for updated pics. For the POPUP MENU I went the extra mile recreating the image which appears to the left of the menu items, a portion of one of the movie posters.

Originally I was using the 8-bit indexed PNG from the retail Blu-ray which involved removing the grey surrounding background. The image also included some significant banding. (HDMV based Blu-ray's are limited a single 256 color palette per menu page. Gradients don't fare so well as a result.) That being said, I found a clean version of the poster they sourced the image from so I rolled my own. Turned out great I think. See below for a pic of the progression. :p

https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_poster_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/sword_and_the_sorcerer/bd_menu_sword_and_the_sorcerer_poster.jpg)
(Click on the preview image above to view the full size image.)

On the far left next to the poster is the object from the retail Blu-ray which is to scale. To the right of the poster is the portion I extracted for use with my version of the Blu-ray. To the far right is the end result once sized down and tweaked in various ways, the most significant tweak being to the castle pictured on the left side which I made look more complete as Shout Factory had done with their version of the image.

Lowpro

22nd October 2024, 18:35

I continue to revise and enhance my "Universal Blu-ray Authoring Template". In the process of re-authoring "The Sword and the Sorcerer" I implemented a couple workarounds I haven't used in quite a while as they used to be very time consuming. That's no longer the case thanks to the later versions of BDedit. As such, I decided to include said workarounds in my template. Each are outlined below, the excel sheet a few posts back updated accordingly.
__________________________________

Condition based navigation for Page 3. (SCENES) | Set GPR value under MovieObject 0.
GPR35 (23) | Alternate "Scenes" implementation. // GPR35, 0 (Disabled); GPR35, 1 (Enabled) | Menu items spread out across multiple pages when enabled. Improves image quality significantly in many cases.

HDMV based Blu-ray's are limited to a single 256 color palette per menu page. As a result, you will often find chapter selection spread out across multiple pages when viewing retail Blu-ray's in BDedit, each page having its own unique color palette. This is done to optimize image quality as that 256 colors per menu page limitation is reached very quickly when displaying full color images, especially if the images contain any gradients.

That being said, my template supports up to 32 chapters, all of which are displayed from the same menu page by default, Page 3. When enabling this option (Move GPR35, 1) chapter selection is spread out across 8 pages instead, Pages 14-21, each page used for 4 chapters. Using this feature requires each set of images to be processed through PNG Quantizer separately prior to import to BDedit as multiple palettes are required. Based on the number of chapters in question a small number of edits are required to the navigation commands on Pages 14-21 as well.

(When making the template available multiple versions of the menus will be provided for use with the above option, the required edits to the navigation commands having already been made for up to 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28 and 32 chapters. Included along with the Photoshop file will be an action file that can be loaded for use with the template. Included within the action group will be individual actions for exporting a given set of assets in addition to exporting all assets for a given menu. I'll additionally be including Photoshop scripts and actions that work with those scripts which will provide for exporting an action or action file to XML. Once exported a simple text replace can be used to update the directory location the actions use when going to save each image. Once editing the XML file there's another action which can be used to create an action file from the XML file after which you'd load the new action within Photoshop. Are we having fun yet!)
___________________

Condition based navigation for Page 4. (AUDIO) | Set GPR value under MovieObject 0.
GPR45 (2D) | Alternate "Audio" implementation. // GPR45, 0 (Disabled); GPR45, 1 (Enabled) | Multiple instances of "Audio" page used when enabled. Provides clean transition to page and current stream.

My template supports up to 12 audio streams. The "Audio" page contains 2 sets of objects (images) that call out each stream. The first set of objects represent which audio stream (menu item) is selected. The second set calls out the current audio stream. When going to the "Audio" page the appropriate object from each set is enabled based on the current audio stream.

That being said, this can produce an undesired result visually in some cases, especially from the POPUP MENU where static elements of the page may be displayed just prior to the objects representing the current selection and stream. Enabling this option (Move GPR45, 1) addresses the issue by using multiple instances (Pages 22-33) of the "Audio" page instead of Page 4, each instance set to display the objects for the current stream without needing to enable the buttons first, i.e. all objects are displayed at once, the moment you arrive on the page.
___________________

Condition based navigation for Page 5. (SUBTITLES) | Set GPR value under MovieObject 0.
GPR55 (37) | Alternate "Subtitles" implementation. // GPR55, 0 (Disabled); GPR55, 1 (Enabled) | Multiple instances of "Subtitles" page used when enabled. Provides clean transition to page and current stream.

My template supports up to 12 subtitle streams. The "Subtitles" page contains 2 sets of objects (images) that call out each stream, each set also including an object for when subtitles are turned off. The first set of objects represent which subtitle stream (menu item) is selected. The second set calls out the current subtitle stream. When going to the "Subtitles" page the appropriate object from each set is enabled based on the current subtitle stream.

That being said, this can produce an undesired result visually in some cases, especially from the POPUP MENU where static elements of the page may be displayed just prior to the objects representing the current selection and stream. Enabling this option (Move GPR55, 1) addresses the issue by using multiple instances (Pages 34-46) of the "Subtitles" page instead of Page 5, each instance set to display the objects for the current stream without needing to enable the buttons first, i.e. all objects are displayed at once, the moment you arrive on the page.

Lowpro

26th October 2024, 21:11

I just finished re-authoring the Warner Bros. release of "The Hitcher" to Blu-ray. Eye candy provided below for your viewing pleasure. :p

TOP MENU:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_top_main_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_top_main.jpg)
(Navigating "LEFT/RIGHT" wraps around at either end. Navigating "UP" performs the same action as pressing "OK". Well, only in cases where pressing "OK" would take you up a level within the menu. Navigating "DOWN" is used to return to the previous level of the menu. Navigating "DOWN" from the first level of the menu does nothing. )

PLAY:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_top_play_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_top_play.jpg)
(When selecting "PLAY" and pressing "OK" the above "Resume" prompt is given. The "Resume where you left off" option in this case is greyed out as playback can't be resumed.)

PLAY (Commentary):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_top_play_commentary_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_top_play_commentary.jpg)
(When selecting "PLAY" and pressing "OK" the above "Commentary" prompt is given if "Commentary" integration is turned on, options provided to watch the "Feature Presentation" with or without audio commentary.)

PLAY (Commentary\Resume):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_top_play_commentary_resume_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_top_play_commentary_resume.jpg)
(Pressing "OK" from a given "Commentary" option results in the above "Resume" prompt being displayed if playback of the "Feature Presentation" can be resumed. If playback can't be resumed no prompt is given, playback starting immediately. In the above example playback can be resumed, the "Resume where you left off" option selected by default.)

SCENES:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_top_scenes_01_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_top_scenes_01.jpg)
(When activating the "SCENES" option the last chapter played is selected by default. If no chapter had been played yet the first chapter is selected by default. Navigating "LEFT/RIGHT" wraps around at either end. Navigating "UP" at any time moves your selection to the current chapter. Additional pics: Chapters 5-8 (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_top_scenes_02.jpg), Chapters 9-12 (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_top_scenes_03.jpg))

AUDIO:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_top_audio_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_top_audio.jpg)
(When going to the "AUDIO" page the check mark positioned to the left of the menu items calls out the current audio stream for the Feature Presentation. If the movie hadn't been played yet the first menu item is selected by default. Selecting the current stream will automatically take you to the "SUBTITLES" page. Navigating "RIGHT" at any time moves your selection to the current stream.)

SUBTITLES:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_top_subtitles_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_top_subtitles.jpg)
(When going to the "SUBTITLES" page the check mark positioned to the left of the menu items calls out the current subtitle stream for the Feature Presentation. Selecting the current stream will automatically take you back a level to the "PLAY" button. Navigating "RIGHT" at any time moves your selection to the current stream.)

BONUS:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_top_bonus_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_top_bonus.jpg)
(When going to the "BONUS" page the last menu item played is selected by default. The last menu item played can be accessed at anytime by navigating "RIGHT".)

BONUS (Commentary):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_top_bonus_commentary_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_top_bonus_commentary.jpg)
(The commentary track is available from the "PLAY", "AUDIO" and "BONUS" options. Turning the commentary off results in the previous audio selection for the Feature Presentation being restored in addition to the previous bonus feature selection.)

BONUS (Resume):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_top_bonus_resume_where_you_left_off_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_top_bonus_resume_where_you_left_off.jpg)
(The above "Resume" prompt is always given if playback of the selected "Bonus Feature" can be resumed, otherwise playback starts from the beginning, no prompt given.)
__________________________________

POPUP MENU:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_pop_main_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_pop_main.jpg)
(Navigating "LEFT/RIGHT" wraps around at either end. Navigating "UP" performs the same action as pressing "OK". Well, only in cases where pressing "OK" would take you up a level within the menu. Navigating "DOWN" is used to return to the previous level of the menu. Navigating "DOWN" from the first level of the menu turns the POPUP MENU off. When turning the POPUP MENU off, then back on again the prior state of the POPUP MENU is restored.)

SCENES:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_pop_scenes_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_pop_scenes.jpg)
(When activating the "SCENES" option the last chapter played is selected by default. If no chapter had been played yet the first chapter is selected by default. Navigating "LEFT/RIGHT" wraps around at either end. Navigating "UP" at any time moves your selection to the current chapter.)

AUDIO:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_pop_audio_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_pop_audio.jpg)
(When going to the "AUDIO" page the check mark positioned to the left of the menu items calls out the current audio stream for the Feature Presentation. If the movie hadn't been played yet the first menu item is selected by default. Selecting the current stream will automatically take you to the "SUBTITLES" page. Navigating "RIGHT" at any time moves your selection to the current stream.)

SUBTITLES:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_pop_subtitles_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_pop_subtitles.jpg)
(When going to the "SUBTITLES" page the check mark positioned to the left of the menu items calls out the current subtitle stream for the Feature Presentation. Selecting the current stream turns the POPUP MENU off. Navigating "RIGHT" at any time moves your selection to the item that reflects the current state of the subtitles.)

BONUS:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_pop_bonus_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_pop_bonus.jpg)
(When going to the "BONUS" page the last menu item played is selected by default. The last menu item played can be accessed at anytime by navigating "RIGHT".)

BONUS (Commentary):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_pop_bonus_commentary_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_pop_bonus_commentary.jpg)
(The commentary track is available from the "AUDIO" and "BONUS" options. In the above example the "Audio Commentary" bonus feature was selected. Turning the commentary off off in this case results in the previous audio selection for the Feature Presentation being restored in addition to the previous Bonus Feature played being once again becoming the default menu item selected.)

BONUS (Commentary\Resume):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_pop_bonus_commentary_resume_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_pop_bonus_commentary_resume.jpg)
(The above "Resume" prompt is always displayed when making a selection from the "Audio Commentary" feature, the options given to continue playback or start from the beginning. When continuing playback the POPUP MENU remains on, the user taken back to the "BONUS\COMMENTARY" page.)

Lowpro

26th October 2024, 21:28

And here's a few pics of the second POPUP MENU accessible during "First Playback", before and after the "Feature Presentation" is played and while playing a given "Bonus Feature".

FIRST PLAYBACK:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_pop_proceed_to_main_menu_from_first_playback_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_pop_proceed_to_main_menu_from_first_playback.jpg)
(The image above shows what the POPUP MENU looks like when accessed during First Playback prior to reaching the TOP MENU for the first time. Pressing "OK" skips directly to the TOP MENU. Navigating "DOWN" turns the POPUP MENU off.)

RETURN TO MAIN MENU:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_pop_return_to_main_menu_after_feature_presentation_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_pop_return_to_main_menu_after_feature_presentation.jpg)
(A copyright notice is shown after the Feature Presentation finishes playing prior to being taken back to the TOP MENU. The image above shows what the POPUP MENU looks like when accessed during this time. Pressing "OK" skips directly to the TOP MENU. Navigating "DOWN" turns the POPUP MENU off.)

RETURN TO FEATURE PRESENTATION:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_pop_return_to_feature_presentation_from_bonus_feature_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_pop_return_to_feature_presentation_from_bonus_feature.jpg)
(This next example shows what the POPUP MENU looks like when initiating playback of a bonus feature from the feature presentation. Pressing "OK" resumes playback of the feature presentation. Navigating "DOWN" turns the POPUP MENU off.)

RETURN TO MAIN MENU:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_pop_return_to_main_menu_from_bonus_feature_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_pop_return_to_main_menu_from_bonus_feature.jpg)
(In this last example a bonus feature had been played from the TOP MENU. Pressing "OK" in this case takes you back to the TOP MENU. Navigating "DOWN" turns the POPUP MENU off.)

doobre

27th October 2024, 03:11

Hi lowpro, I haven't been here for a while, and i am impressed with your continuing work on the little gem that is the QUICK-PLAY MENU. Good job, cheers CD

Lowpro

27th October 2024, 04:34

Hi lowpro, I haven't been here for a while, and i am impressed with your continuing work on the little gem that is the QUICK-PLAY MENU. Good job, cheers CD
Hi Doobre. Thanks for the kind words and yes, BD Rebuilder's "Quick-Play" feature did ignite the spark. It's what first got me interested in learning more about the Blu-ray format. That being said, I don't use the "Quick-Play" feature anymore. It's been a few years since I used it last. I create Blu-ray's from scratch now instead using BDedit. It's the primary authoring tool I use. At most I'll use BD Rebuilder to author menu background videos in MP4 format to M2TS, but that's about it. ;)

varekai

27th October 2024, 11:58

I just finished re-authoring the Warner Bros. release of "The Hitcher" to Blu-ray. Eye candy provided below for your viewing pleasure. :p[/I]
The movie... I remember it from VHS, jeez how scary...
The Hitcher (1986) new release restored to Blu-ray 2024 is getting really good video quality reviews so I'm going to buy it!!
I'm probably more "hardened" today so maybe not as scary but back then at -86 it was shocking...

Lowpro

30th October 2024, 02:37

Prior to burning my latest project to BD-R I revisited the POPUP MENU used for "First Playback", before and after the "Feature Presentation" plays, and while playing a given "Bonus Feature". I ended up adding an alternate layout to the POPUP MENU which I decided to use in this case. The buttons are the same as the prior POPUP MENU shown a few posts back from this one. With this version the buttons are centered and placed against a backdrop that covers the entire screen. See below. ;)

(GPR2030 determines which layout the secondary POPUP MENU will use. When GPR2030 equals "1" the original layout shown a few posts back is used. When GPR2030 equals "2" the new layout shown below is used instead.)

FIRST PLAYBACK:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_pop_proceed_to_main_menu_from_first_playback_alt_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_pop_proceed_to_main_menu_from_first_playback_alt.jpg)
(The image above shows what the POPUP MENU looks like when accessed during First Playback prior to reaching the TOP MENU for the first time. Pressing "OK" skips directly to the TOP MENU. Navigating "DOWN" turns the POPUP MENU off.)

RETURN TO MAIN MENU:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_pop_return_to_main_menu_after_feature_presentation_alt_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_pop_return_to_main_menu_after_feature_presentation_alt.jpg)
(A copyright notice is shown after the Feature Presentation finishes playing prior to being taken back to the TOP MENU. The image above shows what the POPUP MENU looks like when accessed during this time. Pressing "OK" skips directly to the TOP MENU. Navigating "DOWN" turns the POPUP MENU off.)

RETURN TO FEATURE PRESENTATION:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_pop_return_to_feature_presentation_from_bonus_feature_alt_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_pop_return_to_feature_presentation_from_bonus_feature_alt.jpg)
(This next example shows what the POPUP MENU looks like when initiating playback of a bonus feature from the feature presentation. Pressing "OK" resumes playback of the feature presentation. Navigating "DOWN" turns the POPUP MENU off.)

RETURN TO MAIN MENU:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_pop_return_to_main_menu_from_bonus_feature_alt_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_pop_return_to_main_menu_from_bonus_feature_alt.jpg)
(In this last example a bonus feature had been played from the TOP MENU. Pressing "OK" in this case takes you back to the TOP MENU. Navigating "DOWN" turns the POPUP MENU off.)

Lowpro

30th October 2024, 06:10

When watching content via my front projector and 16x9 screen I physically mask off unused areas of the screen for content north or south of 1.78:1. (See my AVSForum post, here (https://www.avsforum.com/threads/screen-masking-leading-edge-and-skirting-infinitely-adjustable.3054196/?post_id=57689844#post-57689844). I've since added side masking as well.) The masking I use is manually deployed. What I used to do is start playback of the given movie, chapter skip if need to be to find a frame that's sufficiently bright along the width of the image just inside the black bars, pause playback, move the masking into place, then start playback from the beginning.

That being said, for a few years now when authoring anything to Blu-ray I've been including a hidden option accessible from both the TOP MENU and POPUP MENU. The hidden option displays white bars in the same position as the black bars which will be seen when watching the movie. For movies I don't generally even bother with menus. In those cases the white bars "are" the POPUP MENU. Once starting playback I immediately pause playback. With hardware Blu-ray players the POPUP MENU is fully functionality while the video is paused. Once pausing the video I turn the POPUP MENU on which displays white bars over the black bars which are part of the video. I then move the physical masking into place after which I turn the POPUP MENU off and resume playback.

Well this evening I finally got around to integrating this as a feature of my "Universal Blu-ray Authoring Template". (Included with the template will be white bars for all the aspect ratios my Blu-ray's encompass. The included actions will provide for selecting the desired aspect ratio prior to exporting the menu assets.) The feature is enabled via GPR15. From MovieObject 0 the Navigation Command reads, "Move GPR15, 1". To disable the feature the command would be, "Move GPR15, 0". Navigating "DOWN" from "PLAY (TOP MENU)" hides any menu elements displayed on-screen providing an unobstructed view of the menu background video. Navigating "DOWN" a second time displays the masking panels. Navigating "UP" when the masking panels are displayed hides them. Navigating "UP" when the masking panels are hidden displays the menu elements for Page 1 taking you back to "Play (TOP MENU)". From the POPUP MENU you only navigate "DOWN" once. Navigating "DOWN" from "MAIN (POPUP MENU)" hides any menu elements displayed on-screen, then displays the masking panels. Navigating "UP" from there hides the masking panels, then displays the menu elements for Page 1 taking you back to "MAIN (POPUP MENU)".

Example pics provided below, the movie being in 2.39:1 in this case.

TOP MENU (Digital masking off.)
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_top_main_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_top_main.jpg)

TOP MENU (Digital masking on.)
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_top_masking_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_top_masking.jpg)
__________________________________

POPUP MENU (Digital masking off.)
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_pop_masking_off_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_pop_masking_off.jpg)

POPUP MENU (Digital masking on.)
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_pop_masking_on_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_pop_masking_on.jpg)
__________________________________

But wait, there's more! In addition to the "Digital Masking Panel" feature I also added a feature which provides for using more than one Playlist with the TOP MENU. The value of GPR700 determines the Playlist to be used by default. The value of GPR700 is now being backed up to GPR1700. The value of GPR1701 determines the alternate Playlist to be used if any. If an alternate Playlist is not available GPR1701 should be assigned the value "65535". For this Blu-ray the default Playlist (00001.mpls) is comprised of a menu background video (00001.m2ts) and menu layout (00002.m2ts) which take full advantage of the 1.78:1 screen area. The alternate Playlist (00239.mpls) I've added uses a menu background video (00010.m2ts) and menu layout (00239.m2ts) confined to the 2.39:1 aspect ratio of the Feature Presentation. Eye candy provided below. :p

https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_top_main_2.39_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_top_main_2.39.jpg)
(Click on the preview image above to view the full size image.)

Switching to the alternate Playlist is not supported from the POPUP MENU in this case. Navigating "DOWN" from "PLAY (TOP MENU)" hides any menu elements displayed on-screen providing an unobstructed view of the menu background video just as is the case with the "Digital Masking Panel" feature. Pressing "OK" at that point terminates the default Playlist (GPR1700), then plays the alternate Playlist (GPR1701) so long as the digital masking panels are not being shown at the time. Rinse and repeat to go back to the default Playlist (GPR1700), the Blu-ray disc retaining your preference so long as the disc remains in the Blu-ray player, playback able to be resumed if playback had been stopped.

Additional Notes:
If GPR1701 equals "65535" (Alternate playlist not available.) and GPR15 equals "0" ("Digital Masking Panel" feature disabled.) nothing happens when attempting to navigate "DOWN" from "PLAY (TOP MENU)". If GPR15 equals "0" ("Digital Masking Panel" feature disabled.) the POPUP MENU is turned off when navigating "DOWN" from "MAIN (POPUP MENU)".
__________________________________

On a related note...
I always prefer masking down to the primary aspect ratio used when watching something. This includes movies in scope which include IMAX scenes. To each his own, but I could care less about the framing of a given shot during those scenes. I prefer a true black hole around the projected image the entire time and nothing can make unused portions of a white screen appear black short of physical masking. To prevent any IMAX scenes from being projected on my physical masking I used to crop down to the primary aspect ratio when re-authoring using AviSynth, then adding the black bars back. That being said, I now do something different. Rather than re-encoding the given movie I just add an "always-on" menu. The menu in this case includes digital masking panels, a set in black for use while watching the Feature Presentation, the black bars cropping the image down to the preferred aspect ratio, a set in white for use as a guide when moving my physical masking into place, and an option to turn off the masking which would be my preference when watching the movie on my plasma display versus my projector. Now that's what I call thinking outside the box!

Lowpro

2nd November 2024, 10:04

My re-authoring of the Warner Bros. release turned out so well I decided to purchase the standard Season Sight release today re-authoring it also. I haven't received the disc yet, but the Blu-ray is ready to go. It will take all of 15 minutes to update the Blu-ray once the Second Sight disc arrives thanks to my "Universal Blu-ray Authoring Template". In any event, eye candy provided below as always, pics of the TOP MENU. Enjoy checking them out. ;)

PLAY:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_second_sight_top_play_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_second_sight_top_play.jpg)
(When selecting "PLAY" and pressing "OK" the above "Resume" prompt is given. The "Resume where you left off" option in this case is greyed out as playback can't be resumed.)

PLAY (Commentary):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_second_sight_top_play_commentary_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_second_sight_top_play_commentary.jpg)
(When selecting "PLAY" and pressing "OK" the above "Commentary" prompt is given if "Commentary" integration is turned on, options provided to watch the "Feature Presentation" with or without audio commentary.)

PLAY (Commentary\Resume):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_top_play_commentary_resume_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_top_play_commentary_resume.jpg)
(Pressing "OK" from a given "Commentary" option results in the above "Resume" prompt being displayed if playback of the "Feature Presentation" can be resumed. If playback can't be resumed no prompt is given, playback starting immediately. In the above example playback can be resumed, the "Resume where you left off" option selected by default.)

SCENES:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_top_scenes_01_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_top_scenes_01.jpg)
(When activating the "SCENES" option the last chapter played is selected by default. If no chapter had been played yet the first chapter is selected by default. Navigating "LEFT/RIGHT" wraps around at either end. Navigating "UP" at any time moves your selection to the current chapter. Additional pics: Chapters 5-8 (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_second_top_scenes_02.jpg), Chapters 9-12 (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_second_top_scenes_03.jpg))

AUDIO:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_second_sight_top_audio_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_second_sight_top_audio.jpg)
(When going to the "AUDIO" page the check mark positioned to the left of the menu items calls out the current audio stream for the Feature Presentation. If the movie hadn't been played yet the first menu item is selected by default. Selecting the current stream will automatically take you to the "SUBTITLES" page. Navigating "RIGHT" at any time moves your selection to the current stream.)

SUBTITLES:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_second_sight_top_subtitles_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_second_sight_top_subtitles.jpg)
(When going to the "SUBTITLES" page the check mark positioned to the left of the menu items calls out the current subtitle stream for the Feature Presentation. Selecting the current stream will automatically take you back a level to the "PLAY" button. Navigating "RIGHT" at any time moves your selection to the current stream.)

BONUS:
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_second_sight_top_bonus_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_second_sight_top_bonus.jpg)
(When going to the "BONUS" page the last menu item played is selected by default. If the last menu item played is contained within a category that category is selected by default. Navigating "RIGHT" at any time takes you to the current default selection.)

BONUS (Feature Length Audio Commentaries):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_second_sight_top_bonus_commentary_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_second_sight_top_bonus_commentary.jpg)
(The "Feature Length Audio Commentaries" are available from the "PLAY", "AUDIO" and "BONUS" options. Turning "Commentary Off" results in the previous audio selection for the Feature Presentation being restored in addition to the previous bonus feature selection. The "Scene Specific Audio Commentary with Cast and Crew" menu item was not included in this case as its Playlist only covers the scenes which contain commentary.)

BONUS (Interviews):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_second_sight_top_bonus_interviews_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_second_sight_top_bonus_interviews.jpg)
(When going to the "BONUS\Interviews" page the last menu item played is selected by default. The last menu item played can be accessed at anytime by navigating "RIGHT".)

BONUS (Featurettes & Short Films):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_second_sight_top_bonus_featurettes_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_second_sight_top_bonus_featurettes.jpg)
(When going to the "BONUS\Featurettes" page the last menu item played is selected by default. The last menu item played can be accessed at anytime by navigating "RIGHT".)

BONUS (Trailers):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_second_sight_top_bonus_trailers_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_second_sight_top_bonus_trailers.jpg)
(When going to the "BONUS\Trailers" page the last menu item played is selected by default. The last menu item played can be accessed at anytime by navigating "RIGHT".)

BONUS (Resume):
https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_top_bonus_resume_where_you_left_off_thumb.jpg (https://www.lowpro.net/doom9.org/menus/the_hitcher/bd_menu_the_hitcher_top_bonus_resume_where_you_left_off.jpg)
(The above "Resume" prompt is always given if playback of the selected "Bonus Feature" can be resumed, otherwise playback starts from the beginning, no prompt given.)
__________________________________

Details acquired from original disc prior to plugging values into my template...

FIRST PLAYBACK
00:00:07 | Title 65535 | 00999 MPLS | 00099 M2TS | 1080p, 23.976 | Copyright Warning
00:00:10 | Title 65535 | 00999 MPLS | 00098 M2TS | 1080p, 23.976 | Commentary Disclaimer
00:00:10 | Title 65535 | 00999 MPLS | 00097 M2TS | 1080p, 23.976 | Second Sight Films
(Chapter stops at start of each PlayItem. UO27 "Skip to next point" not prohibited.)

MENUS
TOP (00014.m2ts): PLAY | SCENES | SETUP | EXTRAS ("PLAY" always starts from beginning.)
POP (00016.m2ts): MAIN | SCENES | SETUP | EXTRAS
POP (00017.m2ts): EXTRAS | CLOSE (Used for all "Bonus Features" except for "How Do These Movies Get Made" featurette. "EXTRAS" button returns to TOP MENU. Playback always starts from beginning.)
POP (00018.m2ts): EXTRAS | CLOSE (Used for "The Hitcher: How Do These Movies Get Made?" featurette. "EXTRAS" button returns to TOP MENU. Playback always start from beginning.)

TOP MENU
00:00:01 | Title 00 | 00998 MPLS | 00996/00014(IG) M2TS | 1080p, 23.976 | Menu Background Video
(IG = Interactive Graphics Menu)

PLAY
01:37:26 | Title 01 | 00000 MPLS | 00000/00016(IG) M2TS | 12 Chapters | 1080p, 23.976 | Feature Presentation

AUDIO (Playlist | STN\Au\mPID | STN\Au\attrib | Description)
0000 MPLS | 1100 | DTS-HD XLL, Stereo, 48 kHz, eng | 2.0 Stereo
0000 MPLS | 1101 | Dolby Lossless, Multi-ch., 48 kHz, eng | Dolby Atmos
0000 MPLS | 1102 | DD, Stereo, 48 kHz, eng | Audio commentary by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas
0000 MPLS | 1103 | DD, Stereo, 48 kHz, eng | Audio commentary with Director Robert Harmon and Writer Eric Red
0000 MPLS | 1104 | DD, Stereo, 48 kHz, eng | The Projection Booth Podcast: featuring Robert Harmon and Rutger Hauer
0012 MPLS | 1105 | DD, Stereo, 48 kHz, eng | Scene Specific Audio Commentary with Cast and Crew
(Last audio track only accessible when playing the particular bonus feature.)

SUBTITLES (STN\PG\mPID | Description)
NA | Off
1200 | English SDH
1201 | English (Scene Specific Audio Commentary with Cast and Crew)

EXTRAS

Feature Length Audio Commentaries
Audio commentary by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas
Audio commentary with Director Robert Harmon and Writer Eric Red
The Projection Booth Podcast: featuring Robert Harmon and Rutger Hauer

Scene Specific Audio Commentary with Cast and Crew (Robert Harmon, Eric Red, Edward S. Feldman, Mark Isham, John Seale, Rutger Hauer, and C. Thomas Howell)
00:51:53 | Title 03 | 00012 MPLS | 00000/00017(IG) M2TS | 12 Chapters | 1080p, 23.976 | DD, Stereo | Selected Scenes from Feature Presentation
00:00:02 | Title 03 | 00012 MPLS | 00015/00017(IG) M2TS | 12 Chapters | 1080p, 23.976 | No audio. | Black Screen
(POPUP MENU for "Bonus Features" used. Forced subtitles call out who is providing commentary.)

Interviews
00:41:29 | Title 04 | 00011 MPLS | 00001/00017(IG) M2TS | 1080p, 23.976 | DD, Stereo | Bullseye: an interview with Director Robert Harmon
00:41:09 | Title 05 | 00001 MPLS | 00002/00017(IG) M2TS | 1080p, 23.976 | DD, Stereo | Penning the Ripper: an interview with Writer Eric Red
00:28:19 | Title 06 | 00002 MPLS | 00003/00017(IG) M2TS | 1080p, 23.976 | DD, Stereo | Doomed to Live: an interview with Actor C Thomas Howell
00:09:40 | Title 07 | 00003 MPLS | 00004/00017(IG) M2TS | 1080p, 23.976 | DD, Stereo | The Man from Oz: an Interview with Director of Photography John Seale
00:15:30 | Title 08 | 00004 MPLS | 00005/00017(IG) M2TS | 1080p, 23.976 | DD, Stereo | A Very Formative Score: an interview with Composer Mark Isham

Featurettes
00:19:55 | Title 09 | 00005 MPLS | 00006/00017(IG) M2TS | 1080p, 23.976 | DD, Stereo | Duel Runner: Leigh Singer on the Evolution of The Hitcher and Rutger Hauer
00:34:48 | Title 10 | 00006 MPLS | 00007/00017(IG) M2TS | 1080p, 23.976 | LPCM, Mono | China Lake: a Short Film by Robert Harmon
00:15:15 | Title 11 | 00007 MPLS | 00008/00017(IG) M2TS | 1080p, 23.976 | DD, Stereo | The Calling Card: Robert Harmon on China Lake
00:26:25 | Title 12 | 00008 MPLS | 00009/00017(IG) M2TS | 1080p, 23.976 | DD, Stereo | Telephone: a Short Film by Eric Red
00:38:06 | Title 13 | 00009 MPLS | 00010/00018(IG) M2TS | 0720p, 59.940 | DD, Stereo | The Hitcher: How Do These Movies Get Made?

Trailers
00:00:02 | Title 14 | 00010 MPLS | 00015/00017(IG) M2TS | 1080p, 23.976 | No audio. | Black Screen
00:01:14 | Title 14 | 00010 MPLS | 00011/00017(IG) M2TS | 1080p, 23.976 | LPCM, Stereo | Trailer 1
00:01:28 | Title 14 | 00010 MPLS | 00012/00017(IG) M2TS | 1080p, 23.976 | LPCM, Stereo | Trailer 2
00:02:30 | Title 14 | 00010 MPLS | 00013/00017(IG) M2TS | 1080p, 23.976 | LPCM, Stereo | Trailer 3