French Connection (1971) visual question

[BluRayJon]

Hello fellow Aussie Blu-ray viewers and collectors.
The Australian release of The French Connection has always seemed a little off to me in terms of the picture quality. The picture is quite grainy, even bearing in mind it was shot with a handheld camera. The colours are a bit subdued, too.
I genuinely want to know if the version we got on Blu-ray is the same as it was back when it was released in 1971.
Can anyone well versed in Blu-ray transfers shed some light on this?
Cheers!

[LordCrumb]

The Australian release will feature the same transfer as the United States initial release;

https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/The-F...y/2533/#Review

The transfer is the source of much contention between Director Friedkin and Cinematographer Roizman, and hence amongst Blu-ray fans as well. Friedkin has personally approved the transfer as-seen on this disc

The Second release in the US was approved by both Director and Cinematographer;

https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/The-F.../39973/#Review

First of all, this disc has also, if the packaging is to be believed, been approved not only by Friedkin, but also by The French Connection Cinematographer Owen Roizman

[BluRayJon]

Originally Posted by LordCrumb

The Australian release will feature the same transfer as the United States initial release;

https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/The-F...y/2533/#Review



The Second release in the US was approved by both Director and Cinematographer;

https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/The-F.../39973/#Review

Thanks LordCrumb! I have heard about the second US release. Doubt it will be released here, though. From the screenshots, it does look like a better overall picture than the first release.

[wesdadude]

I know there was some controversy with a regrade of one of the Blu-ray transfers. Is the second American edition the one to avoid this?

[nitin]

The 2nd US release is what the film should look like and is a massive improvement and the only way to watch the film IMHO. The 1st US release make it look like a CSI episode.

[LMFAObros]

Does the Aussie double pack have the bonus disc. If it does I'll probably just grab it cheap otherwise I'll import it

[BluRayJon]

Originally Posted by LMFAObros

Does the Aussie double pack have the bonus disc. If it does I'll probably just grab it cheap otherwise I'll import it

Nope, it doesn't. Sorry.

[LMFAObros]

Originally Posted by BluRayJon

Nope, it doesn't. Sorry.

Looks like I won't be buying the local release. I'll either go for the remastered us one or the uk steelbook

[BluRayJon]

Originally Posted by LMFAObros

Looks like I won't be buying the local release. I'll either go for the remastered us one or the uk steelbook

Out of curiosity, which versions have the extra disc? Might seek it out!

[LMFAObros]

Originally Posted by BluRayJon

Out of curiosity, which versions have the extra disc? Might seek it out!

The us original release and two pack i think. Same for the uk. I believe the remaster carries most bonus features on the main disc