The Pianist Already on Blu-ray?

[HD Goofnut]

Originally Posted by Pieter V

1080i and only DD5.1 sound for Canada.

Yep, that would be why. The HD DVD is still the only quality release of The Pianist for region A folks. I don't think this is even on Universal's radar yet for a release.

[James Luckard]

Originally Posted by HD Goofnut

I don't think this is even on Universal's radar yet for a release.

Sadly I agree. I had hoped for a 10th Anniversary release last year, but no luck.

My only hope now for an American release is Criterion, since they have a relationship with Universal and they love Polanski, having released 4 of his first 5 films and with the restored Tess apparently coming from them some time this year.

[coopBluRay]

Has anyone heard or read anything about this edition that was released in Japan (Region 'A' territory) on March 2nd? I am thinking of ordering it but would like to know more about it's techinical aspects before purchasing - such as Subtitles forced or optional?
http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/The-Pi...Blu-ray/63925/

[JackTwist]

Originally Posted by coopBluRay

Has anyone heard or read anything about this edition that was released in Japan (Region 'A' territory) on March 2nd? I am thinking of ordering it but would like to know more about it's techinical aspects before purchasing - such as Subtitles forced or optional?
http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/The-Pi...Blu-ray/63925/

There was a post on ebay, not sure on its accuracy, that stated subs were only in Japanese, so if that's the case, then the German portions of the film won't be subtitled.

I'm wondering what happened to the UK Studio Canal edition. It skyrocketed in price. I was going to order that edition but not at what amounts to almost $40 bucks when shipped to the stated from Amazon. I know the Norweigen edition has English writing throughout the packaging but where in the world do I get a Swedish blu-ray shipped to the states?

At this point, is it worth pursuing the Studio Canal edition?

[HD Goofnut]

Originally Posted by JackTwist

There was a post on ebay, not sure on its accuracy, that stated subs were only in Japanese, so if that's the case, then the German portions of the film won't be subtitled.

I'm wondering what happened to the UK Studio Canal edition. It skyrocketed in price. I was going to order that edition but not at what amounts to almost $40 bucks when shipped to the stated from Amazon. I know the Norweigen edition has English writing throughout the packaging but where in the world do I get a Swedish blu-ray shipped to the states?

At this point, is it worth pursuing the Studio Canal edition?

If you have an HD DVD player or can find an HD DVD add on drive as they are cheap, then no. The PQ is superior on the HD DVD release anyway and it even has lossless audio.

[James Luckard]

Originally Posted by HD Goofnut

If you have an HD DVD player or can find an HD DVD add on drive as they are cheap, then no. The PQ is superior on the HD DVD release anyway and it even has lossless audio.

Awful lot of work for one film though.

I keep hoping Criterion will pick it up.

If not, the expensive UK disc is the best/easiest option for those who can play it.

Fingers crossed for this afternoon's monthly Criterion announcement...

[JackTwist]

Originally Posted by James Luckard

Awful lot of work for one film though.

I keep hoping Criterion will pick it up.

If not, the expensive UK disc is the best/easiest option for those who can play it.

Fingers crossed for this afternoon's monthly Criterion announcement...

I found it for about $10 bucks less ordering the UK edition from Amazon.fr. I checked all the European Amazon affiliates. Typically, Amazon.es has been the cheaper, but France won. I guess I'll order from there.

The reason I don't think we'll see a Criterion release any time soon is because they take long breaks between releasing films from the same filmmaker. With the inevitable Tess announcement, The Pianist could be a long ways off.

[James Luckard]

Originally Posted by JackTwist

I found it for about $10 bucks less ordering the UK edition from Amazon.fr. I checked all the European Amazon affiliates. Typically, Amazon.es has been the cheaper, but France won. I guess I'll order from there.

The reason I don't think we'll see a Criterion release any time soon is because they take long breaks between releasing films from the same filmmaker. With the inevitable Tess announcement, The Pianist could be a long ways off.

Did you find the UK edition, or one with French writing? The one at Amazon.fr has a photo that has a normal cover, but the disc and insert bizarrely says "The Pianiste", with the English article and the French noun. Weird.

[JackTwist]

Originally Posted by James Luckard

Did you find the UK edition, or one with French writing? The one at Amazon.fr has a photo that has a normal cover, but the disc and insert bizarrely says "The Pianiste", with the English article and the French noun. Weird.

If you select blu-ray as the search option and scroll down. There is one that has English writing and states it is the UK version in the translated text.

[James Luckard]

Originally Posted by JackTwist

If you select blu-ray as the search option and scroll down. There is one that has English writing and states it is the UK version in the translated text.

Ah, found it. Although it appears to be sourced from an overstock store in France. I wouldn't be surprised if you end up getting a disc with French packaging.

[JackTwist]

Originally Posted by James Luckard

Ah, found it. Although it appears to be sourced from an overstock store in France. I wouldn't be surprised if you end up getting a disc with French packaging.

I just checked. I must have bought the last one because mine is direct from Amazon and not the one now listed on the home page.

[tama]

I've been meaning to pick up the U.K. Studio Canal release. Might as well do that now and pick up Port of Shadows while I'm at it.

[HD Goofnut]

Originally Posted by JackTwist

I just checked. I must have bought the last one because mine is direct from Amazon and not the one now listed on the home page.

It's also region B locked if you didn't already know.

[JackTwist]

Originally Posted by HD Goofnut

It's also region B locked if you didn't already know.

I have a region-free player just for such an occasion. What's crazy is that the cost of the movie on Amazon.fr has gone up 20 euros since I played the order. I'm doing the happy dance.

Now if Criterion announces on Monday, the happy dance will quickly end!

[James Luckard]

Originally Posted by JackTwist

I have a region-free player just for such an occasion. What's crazy is that the cost of the movie on Amazon.fr has gone up 20 euros since I played the order. I'm doing the happy dance.

Now if Criterion announces on Monday, the happy dance will quickly end!

I think you're safe there Tess seems guaranteed this month or next, since the restoration just came out on BD in the UK and came out in France in Dec, and Janus controls the rights.

Still, I'll keep hoping for The Pianist soon, as it seems plausible for Criterion as a Polanski film controlled by Universal.

[md99]

Am (im)patiently awaiting the Universal release, providing they don't DNR it all over the shop. Either way, it surely can't be as bad a transfer as the Studio Canal version....

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