Hitchcock DVDs: Best versions? [Archive]

MartinC

06-08-2002, 13:02

the Universal R1s do have nicer covers than some of the R2s,
bar that not much difference until you include the Criterions.

the cheap R2 Rebecca, Notorious were actually very good I thought, and much cheaper than getting the crit ones.

has to be Criterion for the 39 Steps though.

the only sticking points seem to be Vertigo and Psycho re r1/r2.

the r1 vertigo is the correct print, r2 may not be according to recent info - but it is anamorphic.

the r1 pyscho has a documentary on, pretty sure its not there on the R2.

Richie

06-08-2002, 15:49

check this thread (http://www.thedvdforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=101987) as well!

Richie

06-08-2002, 15:52

btw although the R1 Psycho is non-anamorphic (the R2 is anamorphic) it has TONS of extras not on the R2 and I would say has a better print as well.

To my eye the R1 and R2 "Vertigo" version are from the same restored print - only R2 is anamorphic and looked all the better for it IMHO.

MartinC

06-08-2002, 16:00

Originally posted by Richie
btw although the R1 Psycho is non-anamorphic (the R2 is anamorphic) it has TONS of extras not on the R2 and I would say has a better print as well.

To my eye the R1 and R2 "Vertigo" version are from the same restored print - only R2 is anamorphic and looked all the better for it IMHO.

yep completely agree about psycho... the extras like this are really important for me.. (50-60 minute doc).
anamorphic for a b&w film isnt essential, especially against this.

I'd also agree about the vertigo situation, robert harris (?) who did the restoration was swearing blind recently that the r2 anamorphic one was worse and not off the proper master.. its never bothered me to be honest, and I actually had the R1 version before that.

there was a web page with comparisions of the print if anyone can remember the link.

ScreachingWeasel

06-08-2002, 17:05

There are comparisions for Vertigo and some other films on this site http://www.dvdbeaver.com/ . You can either find it under whats new or underneath one of the pictures at the bottom of the picture collage. Also the Psycho doc is actually about 90 mins.

Has anyone picked up any of the French dvds of his oldest (or is it earlier work) pre 39? I'm forgetting titles right now, but the movies that seem to be Public Domain.

Michael Brooke

06-08-2002, 17:30

My recommendations

Early British films (up to 1939)

These are out on various US labels taking advantage of the fact that for various legal reasons they're in the public domain. Madacy and Laserlight between them distribute a surprising number of titles, including some seriously obscure rarities (Easy Virtue, Number Seventeen, The Manxman), but print and transfer quality is usually poor - though they're extremely cheap, which helps!

Criterion do The 39 Steps and The Lady Vanishes - the former is a terrific package (both transfer and extensive extras), the latter somewhat basic. I can certainly confirm from first-hand experience that it's better than the Laserlight, but it's considerably more expensive and far from pristine.

The Man Who Knew Too Much and The 39 Steps are out on Carlton in R2, but I haven't seen the DVDs.

1940s

Rebecca, Notorious and (soon) Spellbound - out on various labels in both R1 and R2, but I don't think there's any good reason not to go for the Criterions, which are absolutely superb.

Shadow of a Doubt and Rope - out in R1 and R2 in decent packages: good if not outstanding transfers and worthwhile extras (especially the documentaries).

1950s

Strangers on a Train - terrific on both R1 and R2, offering two separate cuts of the film.

Rear Window, The Trouble With Harry, The Man Who Knew Too Much - identical in both R1 and R2 as far as I can see.

Vertigo - R1 is non-anamorphic NTSC, R2 is anamorphic PAL. Extras are identical, so this is a no-brainer!

North By Northwest - absolutely unbelievable transfer that's still my benchmark for films of this era. The R1 and R2 are broadly similar, but I'd favour the R1 as it has one of those delicious Hitchcock-fronted trailers.

1960s/1970s

Psycho (R1) is an absolutely stunning package in terms of extras (virtually everything you could possibly want and then some, including a 90-minute documentary and tons of other supplements) but it's non-anamorphic NTSC. R2 is anamorphic PAL, but loses virtually all the extras. I'd favour the R1, as by all accounts the picture quality isn't that different.

The Birds - R1 and R2 look similar, but I've heard R2 is cropped to 4:3 while R1 is anamorphic 1.85:1. I don't know this for certain, so feel free to correct me!

I'm also not sure about the R2 aspect ratios on Marnie, Torn Curtain, Topaz, Frenzy and Family Plot - so, again, I'd instinctively favour the R1 editions. Aspect ratios aside, they appear to be pretty much identical packages.

MartinC

07-08-2002, 00:08

go here for a read of the Vertigo query regarding r1 & r2, and the anamorphic print.. (and brightness increased also?).

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?threadid=82751

some interesting stuff direct from Robert Harris the restorer.

I'd still go for the R2 though.

ScreachingWeasel

07-08-2002, 07:13

Hey "To Catch a Thief" is being released by Paramount on November 5th. That's one more down, now if only Warners would hurry up and put out their Hitchcock's.

MartinC

07-08-2002, 11:20

that's excellent news... wondered when TCAT was coming out,
and hadn't seen mention of this.

any web link and details of extras?

ali

07-08-2002, 16:46

Marnie is cropped to 4:3 in R2

ali

MartinC

07-08-2002, 17:08

thats scary.

I remember there was the threat of 4:3 versions at the time the disks were about to be released, but when Rear Window turned up 16:9 I just expected the rest had followed suit.

so by yours and other comments, Marnie, Torn Curtain, Topaz, Frenzy and Family Plot are all 4:3 cropped?

scary.

glad I bought the R1 boxsets now.:)

nicer artwork too.

Richie

07-08-2002, 17:24

The Birds R2 & R4 are definately 4:3. The R1 is yummy anamorphic though!

ScreachingWeasel

07-08-2002, 18:13

Originally posted by MartinC
that's excellent news... wondered when TCAT was coming out,
and hadn't seen mention of this.

any web link and details of extras?

This from DVD File
Finally, Paramount will also release two more Cary Grant classics on 11/5, To Catch a Thief and Houseboat. Both are presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen and mono, with To Catch a Thief also including the "Writing and Casting of To Catch A Thief" and "The Making Of To Catch A Thief" featurettes, and both include a still gallery and trailers. Retail is $24.95 a pop.

den

07-08-2002, 18:26

Moving to Region Comparison

DeadKenny

05-10-2002, 13:14

Just my 2p on these (with a slight PAL preference). Of the one's I've got...

39 Steps - Criterion R0 (1.33:1, NTSC)
The Lady Vanishes - Criterion R0 (1.33:1, NTSC, though a little low on the extras for the price)
Rebecca - Criterion R0 (1.33:1, NTSC)
Saboteur - Universal R2 or R4 if you like PAL (1.33:1)
Shadow of a Doubt - Universal R2 or R4 if you like PAL (1.33:1)
Notorious - Criterion R0 (1.33:1, NTSC)
Rope - Universal R2 or R4 if you like PAL (1.33:1)
The Trouble With Harry - Universal R2 or R4 if you like PAL (1.85:1 Anamrophic)
Vertigo - Columbia Tristar R2 (1.85:1 Anamorphic, whereas R1 is not Anamorphic)
North By Northwest - R4 if you like PAL and don't like snapper cases, R2 if snapper is your thing, R1 if you want the extra trailer. Personally, just for a trailer I'd only watch once compared to the film, I prefer PAL and sturdy cases, so R4 for me (plus it's cheaper and I can probably download the trailer anyway) (1.85:1 Anamorphic)
The Birds - Universal R1 CE (1.85:1 Anamorphic. R2/4 is non-anamorphic 4:3, though supposedly open matt)
Frenzy - Universal R2 or R4 if you like PAL (1.78:1 Anamorphic)

And a few others I've yet to get but have looked into...

The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934) - Carlton R2 for PAL and Amaray case, or R0 for the LaserLight snapper with a couple of small extras (haven't heard great things about the LaserLight editions though, although Carlton isn't much better).
Spellbound - R0 Criterion ?
Strangers on a Train - R4? if there is one. R1/2 are Warner snappers. R2 if you like PAL.
Rear Window - R2/4 for PAL (Rewind says R1 has DVD-ROM content, but I'd rather have a PAL version). (1.66:1 Anamorphic)
To Catch a Thief R1 due in November.
The Man Who Knew Too Much (1955) - Universal R2 or R4 if you like PAL (1.85:1 Anamorphic)
Pyscho - Wait for a better R2/4 ;). R1 may have extras, but it's the film I'm most interested in so if I bought it now I'd get the R2 for being anamorphic. Non-anamorphic NTSC of a 1.85:1 film is awful, even if it is black and white. Visible scan-lines, just can't stand them myself.
Marnie - Universal R1 CE (1.85:1 Anamorphic. R2/4 is non-anamorphic 4:3, though supposedly open matt). R1 has more extras.
Torn Curtain - Universal R1 (1.85:1 Anamorphic. R2/4 is non-anamorphic 4:3, though supposedly open matt).
Topaz - Universal R1 (1.85:1 Anamorphic. R2/4 is non-anamorphic 4:3 though supposedly open matt).
Family Plot - Universal R2 (R4?) for PAL (1.85:1 Anamorphic).

P.S. As well as Rewind, check out MichaelDVD (http://www.michaeldvd.com.au/) for some in-depth comparisons between R1s and R4s.

smithy20

06-10-2002, 00:49

And dont forget :-

MR AND MRS SMITH region 2 (France ) Editions Montparnasse -- ( and YES it is in ENGLISHwith ENGLISH titles too )

SUSPICION Region 2 (France ) Editions Montparnasse / caihirs du cinema ( again in ENGLISH with English titles 0 also includes quite a number of interviews and extras ( including Patricia Hitchcock ) these are all in ENGLISH ( with FORCED FRENCH subtitles ) except one which is in FRENCH with NO subtitles what so ever.

the quality on both is excellent particularly Mr and Mrs Smith

well worth buying

smithy20

elmpark80

06-10-2002, 19:21

Hi Smithy20,

Thanks for the info. about the French releases of
Suspicion and Mr. & Mrs. Smith.

I see them listed on www.alapage.com - Suspicion
with a release date of November 2002. Have you been
able to get Suspicion early from another retailer?

Any info. appreciated. Thanks.

smithy20

06-10-2002, 23:45

Elmpark80 wrote

Have you been able to get Suspicion early from another retailer?

Yes i bought it from a DVD shop in Tours whilst on holiday in France last month ( i actually bought it on the 8th september ) but www.cinestore.fr have it in stock online .

smithy20

smithy20

06-10-2002, 23:47

A more direct link is

http://www.cinestore.com/html/fiche_produits.php?groupe=1&page=1&id=10872

smithy20

smithy20

06-10-2002, 23:49

And Mr and Mrs Smith is here

http://www.cinestore.com/html/fiche_produits.php?groupe=1&page=1&id=10504

great service from cinestore ordered this on a sunday it arrived thursday morning

smithy20

smithy20

07-10-2002, 00:00

Screachingweasle asked

Has anyone picked up any of the French dvds of his oldest (or is it earlier work) pre 39? I'm forgetting titles right now, but the movies that seem to be Public Domain.

are these the titles that are available from www.hitch2001.com ?

i.e. DVD's

Foreign Correspondant
Stage Fright
Under Capricorn
I Confess
Lifeboat
Dial M For Murder
To Catch A Thief
The Wrong Man

as well as the VHS versions of

Downhill
Elstree Calling
The Pleasure Garden
Blackmail ( silent )
Waltzes From Vienna ( French version )

Has anybody bought any of them ? are they any good quality wise.

smithy20

smithy20

07-10-2002, 00:08

Hi it's me again

Don't forget ( as i nearly did ) that BOTH silent AND talkie versions of Blackmail are out on DVD in Germany.

see here:-

http://www.amazon.de/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005UE71/qid=1033945374/sr=1-17/ref=sr_1_2_17/028-1262497-7859743

smithy20

elmpark80

07-10-2002, 00:25

Hi Smithy20,

Thanks for the purchase info. on Suspicion DVD

I have now ordered it. It looks to be a very good Collector's Edition.

I have also ordered from www.hitch2001.com as you
appear to have done and recently picked up 'Stage Fright'
and 'Under Capricorn'

Also, Criterion have just released 'Spellbound' in the US.
This is the fifth title in their Hitchcock collection. I have
been very pleased with their other titles, even though
'Notorious' was a bit grainy in places.

elmpark80

KeyserSoze

07-10-2002, 00:45

can someone find a direct link to the Vertigo comparison on DVDbeaver ?

i cant seem to find it.

karellen

07-10-2002, 01:03

Originally posted by KeyserSoze
can someone find a direct link to the Vertigo comparison on DVDbeaver ?

This one? - Vertigo (http://www.cinedvd.net/compvertigo.html)

Mark_vdH

07-10-2002, 07:46

The Paradine Case for GBP 5 delivered:

http://www.splashdvd.com/splash/search.cfm?item_id=PTDVD1313&act=detail

Quite some extra's too....:)

KeyserSoze

07-10-2002, 12:01

Originally posted by karellen
This one? - Vertigo (http://www.cinedvd.net/compvertigo.html)

thx

i think ill go for the R2, it is sharper, porbably why you can see more grain.

and the colours look too colourful in the R1, anyone else think so ?

smithy20

07-10-2002, 18:47

Originally posted by elmpark80

I have also ordered from www.hitch2001.com as you
appear to have done and recently picked up 'Stage Fright'
and 'Under Capricorn'

elmpark80

hi Elmpark 80

Whats the quality like on these discs ?

smithy20

elmpark80

07-10-2002, 20:12

Hi Smithy20,

The two I bought recently through www.hitch2001.com were:

Stage Fright & Under Capricorn

1.33:1 Ratio, Dolby 2 channel Stereo, Removable Chinese Subtitles, Picture Quality is better than VHS but with no restoration - looks its age - print damage is minimal as are the speckles - picture could be sharper. The colour on Under Capricorn is definitely faded / washed out, but the picture is
53 years old.

I also picked up the Chinese Versions, also available from www.hitch2001.com of:

Lifeboat & The Wrong Man

Lifeboat and The Wrong Man each have a Dolby Digital 5.1 Audio track and are presented in their original 1.33:1 Ratio. Again the picture quality is better than VHS with minimal speckles and print damage. Picture could be a bit sharper.

On the whole I think you will be quite pleased with these titles especially since Warner Bros. don't have any plans to release or restore any of there unreleased titles at the moment. Under Capricorn may not get a DVD release for years.

The only other Chinese release I have is:

Dial M For Murder

Colour faded / washed out. Audio track is Dolby Digital 4.
Picture presented in 1.33:1 ratio. No restoration - looks its age.
Looks awful in comparison with Warner's restored 'North By Northwest'. No sign of Warner releasing this though in the US or UK at the moment.

'Dial M For Murder' is also available from Asian VCD retailers, released by Warner Bros. - picture is better than the chinese DVD but again has had no restoration.

Don't by the chinese version of 'To Catch A Thief' at the moment. It is due to be released in the US in an Anamorphic 1.85:1 ratio with additional features in November, by Columbia TriStar. A UK release is also in the pipeline as the US additional features have already passed through the BBFC. Release date not anounced yet for the UK.

I do plan to pick up, 'Foreign Correspondent' and 'I Confess', both chinese releases, from www.hitch2001.com very soon.

Hope this helps.

elmpark80

smithy20

08-10-2002, 00:47

Thanks elmpark80

looks like the credit card will be taking a battering.

I have heard somewhere on he grapevine that Warners ARE doing a full restoration job on Dial M For Murder with a view to release in 2003 ( doesn't look like we'll be getting a 3D version though-- wouldn't that make a great double DVDrelease ? a 3D AND flat version of the same film in a double box set well we can dream )

smithy20

gooseUK

08-10-2002, 09:47

Originally posted by DeadKenny
The Birds - Universal R1 CE (1.85:1 Anamorphic. R2/4 is non-anamorphic 4:3, though supposedly open matt)

I thought the aspect ratio of the R2/4 was basically a cropped 4.3 P&S version, which is why I've been considering the R1 version? BUT the R2/4 maybe open matt? I dont mind this whatsoever as long as there is no picture loss at all compared to the R1 (and I do prefer PAL). I've checked DVDCompare, but thats pretty ambiguous - suggesting that PARTS of R2/4 maybe cropped, others open. So, can anyone confirm if R2/4 is def open matt? cheers.

DeadKenny

08-10-2002, 12:07

Originally posted by gooseUK
I thought the aspect ratio of the R2/4 was basically a cropped 4.3 P&S version, which is why I've been considering the R1 version? BUT the R2/4 maybe open matt? I dont mind this whatsoever as long as there is no picture loss at all compared to the R1 (and I do prefer PAL). I've checked DVDCompare, but thats pretty ambiguous - suggesting that PARTS of R2/4 maybe cropped, others open. So, can anyone confirm if R2/4 is def open matt? cheers.

That's where I got my info from too so I can say other than what they say. They've cut&pasted the same note for the other 4:3 R2/4 films (e.g. Marnie, Torn Curtain, Topaz). Makes you wonder if they've just generalised and don't know for certain that this is the case with all of them.

R1 is good though (thankfully anamorphic), and if it helps the original cinema ratio was 1.85:1.

gooseUK

08-10-2002, 14:04

Originally posted by DeadKenny

R1 is good though (thankfully anamorphic), and if it helps the original cinema ratio was 1.85:1.

That does help. I think I will go with the R1 - at least i know for definite what aspect ratio I'm getting all the way thru the film! cheers

elmpark80

08-10-2002, 22:10

Hi Smithy20,

Thanks for the good news about Warner restoring
'Dial M For Murder' - lets hope this is really going on
as they did a wonderful job with 'North By Northwest'.

I have ordered the French DVD of 'Suspicion' that you
mentionned earlier from the French Amazon website.
It looks to be a very good special edition. There is a Chinese
DVD which is 'colourised', believe it or not, losing much of
the period in the process - a bit like 'Laurel & Hardy' in colour.
To be avoided by all.

The BIRDS (R2) DVD has never been classified in Widescreen
format by the BBFC: Full-screen version only. The R1 version is
Anamorphic Widescreen and is definitely the one to go for,
albeit NTSC.

elmpark80

14-10-2002, 18:54

Hi Smithy20,

Just recieved the 'Special Edition' DVD of Suspicion
from France. Very pleased with it.

Can you let me know what the picture quality is like
on the French 'Mr & Mrs Smith DVD'. I currently have it
on on VHS released recently here in the UK and plan to
order the DVD you refer to soon.

Thanks,

elmpark80

elmpark80

14-10-2002, 18:54

smithy20

15-10-2002, 00:16

Hi Elmpark80

Not watched Mr and Mrs Smith yet but had a quick look and the picture looks superb i'll watch it tomorrow and will post my verdict tomorrow night .

see you

smithy20

elmpark80

15-10-2002, 07:32

Thanks Smithy20

Look forward to hearing what you say.

elmpark80

smithy20

15-10-2002, 18:27

Hi ELMPARK80

i've just finished watching the French DVD release of Mr and Mrs Smith. , and what a joy it was too. This was always one of my favorite screwball comedies even before i started getting into Alfred Hitchcock films, then it was a bonus. An excellent film all round and one that is often overlooked.

The picture is in 4:3 format of course which is what it should be in and was very clean and bright and on the whole very sharp. There was a couple of thimes it went into soft focus but i think that is how it was intended.

There are a few artifacts on the picture now and again but for a film that is 51 years old that is only to be expected. There is also a litle crackle and hiss to the soundtrack in the last reel otherwise the sound is fine.

I think that a little restoration work has been done on this copy ( if not it is a very good archive copy ) but a little more work could be done especially to the sound on the last reel

All in all i think this is a vast improvement over the VHS release and is worth every centime of the Ff 99 ( whatever that is in Euro's )

smithy20

smithy20

15-10-2002, 21:42

film that is 51 years old .

This of course should be 61 years old

smithy20

elmpark80

15-10-2002, 22:17

Thanks for your review of this DVD. Very much appreciated.

I will order it next week and get rid of my old UK VHS copy.

I also notice that there is a French DVD of 'Young & Innocent'
available - do you know anything about it? It is listed on
the French Amazon website.
I currently have the UK Carlton DVD of this title and was wondering whether this French version was of better quality.

Thanks,

elmpark80

smithy20

16-10-2002, 00:21

Hi Elmpark80

No i havent heard anything about the French Young and innocent but it can only be an improvement on the appalling carlton DVD even the Laserlight was an improvement over that.

Do you know anything about the German release of Blackmail with the Talkie AND silent versions on it ?

smithy20

orac

16-10-2002, 12:34

kept north by northwest (r2) - superb.

sold strangers on a train - DVD material - mmm - taped it off of TCM.

Someone convince me to keep vertigo - its in the ebay pile at the moment!

samuelowens

16-10-2002, 13:42

Originally posted by orac
...Someone convince me to keep vertigo - its in the ebay pile at the moment!

[Steps up to the podium]What!!!! Are you :nuts: ? One of the all time great movies given a great transfer and well remixed 5.1 sound (unlike Suspicion) along with a decent extras package. Can you honestly say you'll never want to watch the movie again?

My $0.02.

(Was that good enough? ) :)

orac

17-10-2002, 11:25

mmm dunno...

rather put the £ towards The Office dvd!

feverpitch96

12-01-2003, 05:13

Has anyone got any thoughts/info on why the R1 and R4 versions of To Catch A Thief being released this month are apparently anamorphic 1.85:1 when, according to both MichaelDVD and the IMDb, the OAR is 1.66:1? Why, why, why???

:confused: :(

elmpark80

12-01-2003, 10:31

The R2 (UK) also appears to be 1.85:1 anamorphic as well.

hitch_fan

12-01-2003, 18:07

Originally posted by feverpitch96
Why, why, why???

:confused: :(

Because To Catch A Thief was shot on VistaVision and Paramount more than likely used a 35mm reduction print for the DVD transfer which would allow any aspect ratio between 1.66:1 and 1.85:1 to be a correct and original ratio for projection (and for the DVD obviously).
If Paramount had used original VistaVision elements any ratio between 1.85:1 and 2:1 would have been correct.
In short, the DVD is correct and (probably) gives you more info on the sides with 1.85:1 then it would have with 1.66:1.

feverpitch96

13-01-2003, 07:45

Originally posted by hitch_fan
Because To Catch A Thief was shot on VistaVision and Paramount more than likely used a 35mm reduction print for the DVD transfer which would allow any aspect ratio between 1.66:1 and 1.85:1 to be a correct and original ratio for projection (and for the DVD obviously).
If Paramount had used original VistaVision elements any ratio between 1.85:1 and 2:1 would have been correct.

:confused:
I'm usually pretty good with this sort of thing (well, I think I am), but I might need a new manual for that one...? Surely there is one intended AR, so how could anything in a range be correct?

In short, the DVD is correct and (probably) gives you more info on the sides with 1.85:1 then it would have with 1.66:1.

Well I like the bottom line anyway. :)

hitch_fan

13-01-2003, 10:18

Originally posted by feverpitch96
:confused:
I'm usually pretty good with this sort of thing (well, I think I am), but I might need a new manual for that one...? Surely there is one intended AR, so how could anything in a range be correct?

There probably was a recommended ratio but ultimately choosing what ratio to use within the range of 1.66:1 and 1.85:1 would have been up to the projectionist of the cinema. Whatever the projectionist chose would have made no big difference as Hitchcock would have framed his shots according to VistaVision specs, ie he could expect that some theaters would show it 1.66:1 while others would use 1.85:1.
This page might explain it better. It has an actual VistaVision frame from TCAT with the different possible aspect ratios outlined in the frame: http://www.widescreenmuseum.com/widescreen/vvspecs.htm

Everything else you may want to know about VistaVision can be found on that website (one of the best on the web imho) as well: http://www.widescreenmuseum.com/widescreen/wingvv1.htm

feverpitch96

13-01-2003, 11:35

Excellent. Cheers hitch. :)

DeadKenny

04-04-2003, 09:45

Worth a bump I think as Hitch questions are up again and it's time to fill in the details about the new R2 issue of Psycho (see this thread here (http://www.thedvdforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=172954)). :D

jon smith

16-04-2003, 17:22

Some good info on this thread.

The new 17 disc boxset looks great (love the covers and the pic on the spines) and is cheap, £120 from Amazon. I only have 4 of these at the mo as was getting the cheap r4s a few weeks back. May have to get this rather than just buying the ones I want for a tenner each at Play.

Has anyone been able to find out if the Birds etc discs are open matte or pan and scan?

samuelowens

17-04-2003, 08:18

Open matte

DeadKenny

15-05-2003, 11:50

Anyone know what the new UK R2 DVDs are like? Are they just the same discs but with new covers or is there anything new/different/better?

I wish they hadn't done a matching 'spine' thing to the covers though, as I've got a mix of R1, R2 and R4 discs :oh-hum:.

Puhkipsy

15-05-2003, 18:32

Same discs - new packaging as far as I know ...
... plus a few extras added to the range (not released on R1 currently as far as I know)
Foreign Correspondent
Suspicion
Mr & Mrs Smith

DeadKenny

16-05-2003, 13:18

Looks like The Birds R2 is actually pan&scan...

http://www.thedvdforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=191195&perpage=20&pagenumber=2

:oh-hum:

kozza6

19-05-2003, 13:33

can anyone tell me the difference between open matte and pan and scan?
kozza.

DeadKenny

19-05-2003, 15:41

Originally posted by kozza6
can anyone tell me the difference between open matte and pan and scan?
kozza.

Open Matte is where the full frame of the 35mm negative/print is used. This is nearer to a 4:3 (1.33:1) ratio. No panning across the screen is required. It fills the TV and there's no pan&scan going on, but it may not be the desired 'composition' leading to excessive floor and ceiling space and sometimes unwanted junk in the shot (microphone booms). Generally an open matte transfer will be from a 'safe' print without junk in the shot. Some films are shot with TV and cinema in mind so they have a widescreen frame and a TV frame they shoot to.

Pan&Scan is where the available print is already in 'widescreen' and to fill a 4:3 TV screen they have to 'pan and scan' across the widescreen print because it physically will not fit in that ratio. Many films are only designed for cinema widescreen ratios, especially if there are special effects to be added. An open matte film could be pan&scanned across the widescreen portion of the frame, or the film could be 'hard' matted already so there is only a widescreen frame.

Neither is "as the director intended" usually with widescreen films (well, Kubrick excepted ;)) and to reproduce the "how it was at the cinema" look with a decent quality it really needs to be anamorphic widescreen.

An example of an open matte frame from Raging Bull which is nicked from a film book I've got which illustrates the issue...

http://www.deadkenny.co.uk/images/ragingbull.jpg

The red lines highlight the area intended for show. The reflections on the floor under the windows, and microphone boom at the top are not intended to be shown. However, you could get away with the open matte on TV except for the boom.

A better explanation can probably be found here...

How Film Is Transferred to Video (http://www.cs.tut.fi/~leopold/Ld/FilmToVideo/)

P.S. matt or matte? never quite sure.