Quick-Play Menus, the gateway drug to BDedit menu creation.

[Lowpro]

Tomorrow I'll be testing the vertical menu layout support for my Universal Blu-ray Authoring Template. (See the post here 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:

(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 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):

(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):

(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:

(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:

(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:

(When selecting the "Bonus" option from the retail Blu-ray a single list of all bonus features is displayed. See here. 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):

(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):

(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):

(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):

(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.):

(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.):

(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]

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:

(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:

(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:

(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:

(When selecting the "BONUS" option from the retail Blu-ray a single list of all bonus features is displayed. See here. 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):

(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):

(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):

(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):

(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):

(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.):

(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]

I made a number of revisions to my Universal Blu-ray Authoring Template in the process of authoring "Twisted (2004)" to Blu-ray. A revised version of the GPR Definitions (variables) my template will be using is shown below.


(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]

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]

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.

TOP MENU:

(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 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):

(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):

(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:

(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, Chapters 9-12)

AUDIO:

(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:

(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:

(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):

(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.):

(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.):

(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:

(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:

(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:

(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:

(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:

(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]

Originally Posted by Lowpro

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!!

[Lowpro]

Originally Posted by varekai

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!!

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:

(Click on the preview image above to view the full size image.)

After:

(Click on the preview image above to view the full size image.)

[varekai]

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]

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:

(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:

(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:

(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:

(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:

(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):

(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):

(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]

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.


(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]

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]

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

TOP MENU:

(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 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):

(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):

(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:

(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, Chapters 9-12)

AUDIO:

(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:

(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:

(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):

(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):

(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:

(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:

(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:

(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:

(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:

(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):

(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):

(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]

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:

(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:

(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:

(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:

(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]

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]

Originally Posted by doobre

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]

Originally Posted by Lowpro

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

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:

(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:

(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:

(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:

(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]

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. 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.)


TOP MENU (Digital masking on.)

__________________________________

POPUP MENU (Digital masking off.)


POPUP MENU (Digital masking on.)

__________________________________

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.


(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]

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:

(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):

(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):

(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:

(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, Chapters 9-12)

AUDIO:

(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:

(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:

(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):

(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):

(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):

(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):

(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):

(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

[Lowpro]

I was testing out the latest version of my "Universal Blu-ray Authoring Template" this evening and decided to create a video of it's use with my re-authoring of Warner's "The Hitcher" Blu-ray release. Those interested can check out the video, here.