The HD Problem
As you may already know, AMC’s The Walking Dead television show was dealt a minor blow to it’s highly anticipated campaign of zombified greatness, after news broke that The Walking Dead will not be shown in HD because of a failure to reach a financial agreement to run the show in HD. So, to some, it may seem like a semi-grim outcome if the show were to be presented in standard definition in all of it’s (I guess) non high definition glory? Sure, we all want to see the show we’ve been anxiously waiting for in all of it’s detail and crispness, searching out every small detail to which we could connect to the characters we already know and love, while being shocked by the horrific nature of our favorite comic zombies brought into a live action scenario. And with this statement, I totally agree. We should be granted this pleasure, I mean, we are the fans that will either propel this show to its outer most limits or pass it by and watch it whither and die, this is our show and the source material definitely deserves the quality and depth that the presentation via HD would produce.
But is the show really going to be at a disadvantage if the show isn’t presented in HD? A lot of people seem to think it will, and that the shows ratings will be affected if the show were to be shown in standard definition. But, you see, I think that that’s the real question here. Would the high/standard definition affect the show? And would it contribute to the overall quality? For me to answer those questions to the fullest of my ability would be a travesty because I would be left to nothing but assumptions because I have not seen the show. What I can do though is approach it from the more personal and faithful part of this debate. Sure, some of the more nit-picky fans of the series would be affected by standard definition, and yes these fans might go to other places to find the HD version of the show. But is it that big of a problem for people, honestly? If the show is written pitch perfect and the acting is on par to what we expect does the definition of what your watching really matter? Will it really enhance the story or will the story succeed because it is well written and believable? Will you risk low ratings for the show because of a minor setback? I think we all need to accept the show the way it’s presented, regardless. We are all fans, and we need to show our fandom, no matter what. I think if the show’s well written and there is some quality there, it will naturally draw fans to the series, new fans who don’t care about the little things as long as the story is riveting and compelling and would you, the hardcore fan, not watch the show on a regular basis and be subject to being the fan that is left behind because you didn’t want to watch the standard version the day it came out along with not being able to talk about it on the forums with other fans? I hope you won’t because like I said before you deserve it, and we all need to support this as a whole. If everything is what we expected, can you really hold it back because of the fact that it’s not in HD? No, you can’t because in the larger scale of things that is only (like I’ve said before) minor. Just because it isn’t presented that way doesn’t mean you ignore it. Yes, you have your personal preferences and you are entitled to it, but give it a chance. You never know, standard could benefit the show and give it a depth that couldn’t be achieved if it was in HD, perhaps it would take on a grittier, and more human story rather than whatever the HD version would produce or perhaps it won’t do anything at all maybe both versions will be exactly the same and we are all making a big fuss over nothing.
And while both the visual presentation and the quality of the script go hand in hand I think the strength of the story will heavily outweigh the need for HD and this need for it will be slowly erased in our minds as the show progresses. But as I think I’m starting to assume things, I will end this by saying that. We can’t have certain prejudices before we’ve even seen the show and that we all need to have faith in the creators, that they will bring us something honest and chockfull with quality, that they will make the right decisions concerning the show and that they will be respectful to most of our needs. So, with all of our faith, anticipation, and wonder let’s all sit back and see where this takes us. It should be quite a ride.
Thank you for reading.
-Dane
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7 Responsesto “The HD Problem”
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The Walking Dead Podcast is dedicated to The Walking Dead television show on AMC as well as the comic by Image Comics. We report on news and rumors, and do an in depth analysis of both the comic and the television show. The Walking Dead Podcast is not affiliated in any way with The Walking Dead, Image Comics, AMC, or any of the owners/creators.
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Wait so now the show isn’t being filmed AT ALL in HD? I thought it was just a disagreement between AMC and the dish providers about airing the HD version?
If it’s not going to be aired in HD anywhere, this is a serious problem and not something that should be just shrugged off.
It’s 2010. High definition is a MUST.
HD for cable only. Directv and Dish Network is a no go. At least for now.
Unfortunately I have dish
I have directv =/… But I’ll never go back to Comcast. overpriced with not as many channels.
It’s unfortunate because this will increase piracy, meaning it WILL have a negative impact. Some shows benefit greatly from piracy (BSG) so I guess there is that possibility, but I bet a lot of people won’t bother with the SD version when they can wait an extra hour and get an HD copy.
But don’t you think people will watch it regardless on the day/hour it is first aired just to watch it because said people (us) are dying to see the show regardless of the HD/SD bs?
Oh I’m sure a lot of people that are dying (nice pun) to see the show will watch it.
I just think there are more people out there who will wait for the HD copy, considering it’s 2010 and HD has become more and more popular. I love the comic and can’t wait for the show but I’m not going to settle for an inferior quality when I can hold out just a bit longer and display it’s sexiness on my plasma in 720p. Aren’t they using a Super 16 camera to film this show? I believe it may already be grainy and contain other artistic artifacts so it really might not matter in the end, I’m just a HD snob and would rather hold out for a better copy. I know I’m not the only one!
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