TV's Frink said:
If the original is 5.1 and the edit isn't (or is faked), I don't think it's unfair to take a point or two off audio editing.
You pointed out your own quote from the video thread. You have stated that you don't support taking off points for only an SD release, whereas you do support taking off points for only stereo release.
You are welcome to your own opinions and values. This is a totally subjective discussion, but IMO these statements are somewhat at odds with each other. Unless we are talking about an edit of an older movie, an HD source with 5.1 audio exists. The only question is whether the editor chooses to obtain it and has the technology, the skills, and motivation to use it. By "motivation," I mean how much one values the HD or 5.1 relative to the amount of time involved.
I can totally respect that [MENTION=5815]spicediver[/MENTION] places low value on 5.1 and has made a personal choice to not edit in 5.1, but I can also respect that reviewers may want to take off points if they place a higher value on 5.1.
I guess what I have come to as my personal opinion on both related subjects is that it is ok to take off a bit from video and audio quality ratings in these instances. I remember being excited when the first HD star wars edits started being released last year, and it has really changed the playing field for me about what Star Wars edits I would consider recommending to others. Based on that, HD and 5.1 have a clear value for me.
It doesn't make or break a good edit for me. I care way more about good editing technique, narrative, and creativity. There are amazing editors like [MENTION=8731]Gatos[/MENTION] doing awesome SD work, and I would never want to discourage anybody from editing just because they don't meet HD 5.1 standards, but nevertheless it is a standard, and it does affect some people's overall enjoyment/appreciation of the work. All other things being equal, I am going to choose an HD 5.1 edit every time, and I don't think that is unfair to be reflected in the review/ratings.