Ace in the Hole (1951) 28 April 2014

[Oscar Rothman]

[insomniac013]

All i can think of is that Simpsons episode where Bart falls down a well and it's hilarious. I will most likely get this just for that!

[HotRats]

Great film dripping with cynicism from start to finish. Amazing work from Kirk Douglas and what an ending. I'd been waiting for Criterion to upgrade their DVD but this is more than welcome

[ravenus]

When I saw this film, I was absolutely shocked and amazed at how brutally cynical it was. Kirk Douglas must have had a lot of courage to take up such a completely unsympathetic role and make it work.

[oscarmerkx]

More Kirk Douglas is always good news

[kuro_sawa]

No word on the extras? I wonder how it will fare vs Criterion in that department. I'd imagine the transfer will be too close to call.

[cash_black]

Amazon UK only lists these for extras
Gorgeous 1080p transfer of the film
40-PAGE BOOKLET with a new essay, vintage interview material, rare archival imagery.

The criterion is loaded, but at the cheaper price point I may stick with the Masters of Cinema

[franzsanchez]

saw this for £9.99 in hmv at the weekend. very tempted but limited extras compared to the US version.

[cash_black]

Originally Posted by franzsanchez

saw this for £9.99 in hmv at the weekend. very tempted but limited extras compared to the US version.

well it has one extra that the US version doesnt and is missing a couple of minor ones, the picture on the Moc is slightly better imo though

[tenia]

Criterion has a stronger contrast and a cleaner picture. Also, it is 1.37 when the MoC is 1.33 (so less picture).

[rapta]

Originally Posted by tenia

Criterion has a stronger contrast and a cleaner picture. Also, it is 1.37 when the MoC is 1.33 (so less picture).

At the end of the day it comes down to whether you a) have a multi-region player, b) can afford to import, or c) actually care that much about which features to pick up or not.

Both have their merits. If you're a completist you would buy both. But if you're sensible you'd support the more local of the two companies. And as far as transfer goes, as long as it's noticeably better than a DVD equivalent there are rarely complaints from me!

[Mansinthe]

Originally Posted by rapta

At the end of the day it comes down to whether you a) have a multi-region player, b) can afford to import, or c) actually care that much about which features to pick up or not.

doesnt change the fact that hes right with the superiror video quality and aspect ratio of the criterion release

[rapta]

Originally Posted by Mansinthe

doesnt change the fact that hes right with the superiror video quality and aspect ratio of the criterion release

Doesn't change the fact it's a third more expensive before import postage...not to mention possibility of import tax if you're buying more than one title at a time

[Mansinthe]

i prefer quality releases over saving some money
and its not really a excuse as well.. they could have done the same job for the UK release.

[crazyman]

Originally Posted by rapta

Doesn't change the fact it's a third more expensive before import postage...not to mention possibility of import tax if you're buying more than one title at a time

If you want to save money rather than get the best quality you might as well buy the DVD.

[adamhopelies]

Originally Posted by Mansinthe

i prefer quality releases over saving some money
and its not really a excuse as well.. they could have done the same job for the UK release.

*cough* Zombie Flesh Eaters *cough*

[cash_black]

Originally Posted by tenia

Criterion has a stronger contrast and a cleaner picture. Also, it is 1.37 when the MoC is 1.33 (so less picture).

I prefer the look of the moc

[rapta]

Originally Posted by Mansinthe

and its not really a excuse as well.. they could have done the same job for the UK release.

Am I reading about the end of the world right now on this forum? It seems so...underwhelming...

Seriously though guys...I've not watched my disc yet but to me the MoC one looks sharper from these caps: http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film4/blu-r...le_blu-ray.htm

Still nothing to go by I know but it's hardly a debate now is it.

Originally Posted by crazyman

If you want to save money rather than get the best quality you might as well buy the DVD.

Now that's a bit drastic isn't it. Are you implying the MoC transfer is DVD quality? I presume not, so why say it?

All in all again, complete 'spilt milk' situation yet again...though I kinda should expect that on these forums!

[Modman]

Originally Posted by cash_black

I prefer the look of the moc

Agreed, i don't feel in anyway that MOC has produced a shoddy product. If you prefer the look of the Criterion that's fine, personally, i'm happy with the MOC release.

[cash_black]

Originally Posted by tenia

Criterion has a stronger contrast and a cleaner picture. Also, it is 1.37 when the MoC is 1.33 (so less picture).

the MoC is sharper plus the difference in aspect ratio is criterion 1.37.1 and MoC 1.35.1, its barely noticable