Even more impressive, when Universal re-released the original Battlestar Galactica on Blu-Ray, they included both the 4:3 and 16:9 versions on the same disc, with the option to switch between them. This would be the most ideal solution for Buffy as well. Lately I was interested in rewatching Buffy again. When it came out on Netflix in HD, I was aware of the issues. It doesn't preserve the 4:3 ratio ofJoss Whedon's original vision. Certain filters were not applied so day-as-night doesn't always appear at night. Apparently some framing in the first few seasons cuts people's heads off (though I have yet to see instances of this occurrance). Also crew members can sometimes be seen in frame but again this has been a few-and-far-between issue and isn't that noticeable unless you're looking for it.

Featurette– An all too-brief featurette that has some cast and crew interviews as well as some behind the scenes footage. If Fox spent the money to do this right like CBS/Paramount did with Star Trek: TOS and Star Trek: TNG and Fox did with the perfect The X-Files Blu-Ray then Buffy would look amazing in HD. The problem is just bad decision making and poor effort, Joss Whedon himself needs to find a way to take charge of this project and redo it all from scratch so that it can be kept to the original filmmakers vision.Even without this problem, there’s stuff where sunset scenes (like the famous one in the season three opener “Anne”) look like they take place in the middle of the day. Moreover, there’s a weird tint to all the daytime and exterior scenes that belies the absence of post-production that took place on the original standard definition version. Released on Blu-ray in 2009, the HD remaster of all seven seasons of Star Trek: The Next Generation may be the platonic ideal of restoring geek TV for… well, the next generation. I feel the same way with the show. Having a grainy picture is good because it helps add to the vibe of the show. It feels more real. That is why I will never buy movies like Jaws or Friday the 13th on blu ray. It takes away from the experience. When Buffy started in the 1990s, the first two seasons were shot on 16mm film and everything thereafter on 35mm. Even though extensive post-production work is required, it’s fairly suitable for a big restoration like those that other popular shows have got, so where are the Blu-rays?

The only episode that is really affected that much by the 16x9 aspect ratio is Season 5's The Body, which is framed in a very particular way. Yeah, yeah, I know, framing is always intentional and important. But in my opinion, it only plays a major part to the story in this single episode. So, for all I care, leave that one in 4x3. Or not. As with certain releases in the DVD range (some will still shudder at the very mention of a spanner), there are optional improved special effects on these upscaled stories, but as far as classic Doctor Who goes, the idea is to faithfully represent the show on home media, whether through the episodes themselves or the newly produced documentaries and other features. However, BBC Worldwide has recently started producing season boxsets on the format for the first time, starting with Season 12, which marked Tom Baker’s debut. Peter Davison’s first season followed, with Baker’s swansong due in shops next month. These sets have proven popular so far and based on people who have reportedly contributed to the special features, it’s been reported that seasons of the Jon Pertwee and Sylvester McCoy eras will arrive on Blu-ray later in 2019.

With any further high-def Star Trek releases on hold for the foreseeable future, the longest-running show with the broadest range of what’s achievable in terms of picture quality is still Doctor Who. Can these shows keep up with the latest demands of high-definition technology? And more importantly, should they? Whether it’s the superb restoration of The Next Generation from the outright vandalism done to Buffy, remastering shows in high-definition always changes them in some way.