[Preservation & Restoration Project] Dragon’s Lair Limited Edition from 2002

[The Thinker]

Preservation and Restoration Overview

 

The YouTube video isn’t perfectly synchronised (the actual files you can download below are), but it gives you an idea.

LaserDisc version (MKV) on the left, Restored Version 2 (M2V) on the right.

Source Material (Original LaserDisc Capture)

You can download DLE-NTSC-Side1.mkv and its WAV audio file, both captured directly from the original LaserDisc.

• These files represent the highest-quality extracts available

• They are lossless, authentic, and frame-accurate

• They must be used as the primary source for any restoration or archival work

---

Restored Version (For Playback and Emulation)

Because the original footage has inherent limitations, a restored edition is also available:

• DLE-NTSC-Restored.m2v (video)

• DLE-NTSC-Restored.ogg (audio)

This version has been carefully enhanced to improve visual quality while preserving original timing and content.

• Fully compatible with Hypseus

• Designed for practical use and emulation

• Does not replace the archival source, but complements it

---

Download Links

Dragon’s Lair Limited Edition (Original)

• https://mega.nz/folder/HoZSCL6S#fgXN5-FMnWTSd0vCUd8ETw

Dragon’s Lair Limited Edition – Restored (Version 2)

• https://mega.nz/folder/OlARAY4Q#cOzmwdxRxVe0SCRfKnWjtQ

• Version 2 includes enhanced graphics and replaces the previous release

---

Frame and Duration Verification

Both versions are perfectly matched in timing and structure.

Timing and Frame Data

File	Duration	Frame Count	Frame Rate
DLE-NTSC-Side1.mkv	1853.318 s	55,544	29.97 fps
DLE-NTSC-Restored.m2v	1853.318 s	55,544	29.97 fps

Aspect Ratio and Image Area

File	Display AR	Sample AR	Active Pixels	Notes
Original MKV	4:3	352:413	760	Full analog scan captured
Restored M2V	4:3	8:9	720	Same image, mathematically resized

---

Important Update (Hypseus Compatibility)

• The first 157 frames were removed from DLE-NTSC-Restored.m2v

• This fix ensures correct playback in Hypseus

Required Files for Proper Operation

Make sure the following files are present:

• DLE-NTSC-Restored.m2v

• DLE-NTSC-Restored.ogg

• dle21.txt

• lair.txt

---

Archival Capture Details (Technical Summary)

The LaserDisc was captured directly to an uncompressed YUV4MPEG2 (.y4m) master using a high-quality professional capture chain.

Raw Capture Header

YUV4MPEG2 W760 H488 F30000:1001 It A352:413 C444p16 XCOLORRANGE=LIMITED

What This Means (In Simple Terms)

• Resolution: 760×488

  • Captures the entire NTSC active image

  • Preserves more picture information than standard 720×480

• Frame Rate: 29.97 fps

  • Exactly matches NTSC LaserDisc timing

• Interlacing: Top-field-first

  • Keeps motion and transitions authentic to the original arcade output

• Color Format: 4:4:4 at 16-bit precision

  • Every pixel contains full color data

  • No chroma subsampling is introduced during capture

  • Prevents rounding errors and preserves maximum detail

• Color Range: Broadcast-safe (16–235)

  • Fully compliant with NTSC video standards

Although the original LaserDisc signal is naturally limited in color bandwidth, capturing in 4:4:4, 16-bit ensures no additional loss occurs during digitisation.

---

Archival Strategy

This capture method creates an archival-grade digital master, suitable for:

• Long-term preservation

• Future restoration work

• Accurate color correction

• Historical documentation

From the original .y4m master:

• A lossless FFV1 version was created for archiving

• A visually lossless MPEG-2 (.m2v) version was created for compatibility and distribution

---

Summary

• Original MKV + WAV = authoritative archival source

• Restored M2V + OGG = enhanced, emulator-ready edition

• Both versions are frame-perfect, timing-accurate, and faithful to the original LaserDisc

 

 

Modifié vendredi à 21:15 par The Thinker

[The Thinker]

Updated on December 26 with a newer restored version that further improves quality.
The previous version has been replaced.
Enjoy, and feel free to contribute by making additional enhancements using the original LaserDisc MKV as the reference source.