James Clavell's Noble House (1988) -- January 2024

[McCrutchy]

Umbrella Entertainment will release Gary Nelson's miniseries of James Clavell's Noble House (1988) as a 2xBD set in January 2024.

Extras:

• NEW! James [Clavell] Video Essay (2 Parts) by Stephen Vagg

https://shop.umbrellaent.com.au/prod...s-blu-ray-1988

[OceanBlue]

My initial reaction to seeing Noble House among the announcements in the Umbrella email newsletter earlier today was very excited (it's the only title among the announcements that I was interested in). Prior to this, I knew of the Scandinavian Blu-ray releases and had hoped the mini-series would make it's way to the States and/or UK on Blu-ray. It's been shown on television here a couple of times in the past year or two (including recently), but I believe it wasn't shown in it's original form (they were shown here recently in hour-long parts, including ads).

That's two Australian Blu-ray titles I'm interested in getting now, that are coming out in December and January respectively (the On the Buses films boxset from Via Vision and now Noble House from Umbrella). I'll wait for comments/observations first though, before deciding whether to order a copy of Noble House.

The aspect ratio stated on the Umbrella website listing page, is that correct? I'm sure I've read in the past about different aspect ratios for Noble House. And are Umbrella using existing masters?

[McCrutchy]

Originally Posted by OceanBlue

My initial reaction to seeing Noble House among the announcements in the Umbrella email newsletter earlier today was very excited (it's the only title among the announcements that I was interested in). Prior to this, I knew of the Scandinavian Blu-ray releases and had hoped the mini-series would make it's way to the States and/or UK on Blu-ray. It's been shown on television here a couple of times in the past year or two (including recently), but I believe it wasn't shown in it's original form (they were shown here recently in hour-long parts, including ads).

That's two Australian Blu-ray titles I'm interested in getting now, that are coming out in December and January respectively (the On the Buses films boxset from Via Vision and now Noble House from Umbrella). I'll wait for comments/observations first though, before deciding whether to order a copy of Noble House.

The aspect ratio stated on the Umbrella website listing page, is that correct? I'm sure I've read in the past about different aspect ratios for Noble House. And are Umbrella using existing masters?

I saw that also. I'm assuming they have licensed this from StudioCanal. The Lionsgate US and StudioCanal DVD editions are from within the last 10-15 years and also said to be 1.66:1 on the back covers, but I have no idea if that's the original aspect ratio or if it is modified (either cropped or opened up) from 1.33:1.

[The Hornets]

Originally Posted by OceanBlue

My initial reaction to seeing Noble House among the announcements in the Umbrella email newsletter earlier today was very excited (it's the only title among the announcements that I was interested in). Prior to this, I knew of the Scandinavian Blu-ray releases and had hoped the mini-series would make it's way to the States and/or UK on Blu-ray. It's been shown on television here a couple of times in the past year or two (including recently), but I believe it wasn't shown in it's original form (they were shown here recently in hour-long parts, including ads).

That's two Australian Blu-ray titles I'm interested in getting now, that are coming out in December and January respectively (the On the Buses films boxset from Via Vision and now Noble House from Umbrella). I'll wait for comments/observations first though, before deciding whether to order a copy of Noble House.

The aspect ratio stated on the Umbrella website listing page, is that correct? I'm sure I've read in the past about different aspect ratios for Noble House. And are Umbrella using existing masters?

See you are in UK as well. For those who missed it, its been on Talking Pictures TV a few times recently, as you note. Not sure if still available on their free streaming service if you want to give it a try, or I'm sure may be repeated on their TV channel before too long.

[The Mole]

The listing of the aspect ration by Umbrealla is correct. While originally shot and aired in the 4:3 aspect ratio, the HD master of NOBLE HOUSE produced by Lionsgate in the mid 2000s is indeed framed at 1,66:1. So the image loses some information on the top and on the botton, but the new framing has been carefully done and is only recognizable in the opening credits where the top of the coin is slightly cut off.

Mind you that this transfer is at least 15 years old and has already been used for the US and German DVDs as well as for the Scandinavian Blu-ray. I doubt Lionsgate or anyone else will go back and produce a new master.

[James Luckard]

Umbrella's specs say 1.66, but their video clip is 1.78.

https://shop.umbrellaent.com.au/coll...s-blu-ray-1988

They just posted this announcement on their Facebook page, so I asked them to clarify which aspect ratio the disc will be.

It's a shame the HD master was cropped, but I'd prefer the minimal cropping of 1.66 to the 1.78 in the clip.

I loved this miniseries as a kid, especially the gorgeous score, which I was thrilled to find on a rare CD years later. Can't wait to revisit it in all its cheesy, melodramatic glory.

[Nitroes]

Not seen it since it was first released I'd definitely take another look.

https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Noble...lu-ray/347538/


There was an old Nordic release:

[weir]

For those in the US, Orbit DVD has it available for $40.99.

[James Luckard]

Does anyone have a copy in hand yet to confirm the aspect ratio?

The specs say 1.66, but the official video clip is 1.78.

[James Luckard]

It's up on Amazon US now:

https://www.amazon.com/Noble-House-P...dp/B0CQD9VMN5/

Anyone got a copy and able to confirm the aspect ratio?

[weir]

Originally Posted by James Luckard

It's up on Amazon US now:

https://www.amazon.com/Noble-House-P...dp/B0CQD9VMN5/

Anyone got a copy and able to confirm the aspect ratio?

I have a copy coming and will report back for you, James.

Those Amazon prices are high. Grindhouse and Orbit are lower PLUS you'll get it packed in a box with care and bubble!

[James Luckard]

Originally Posted by weir

I have a copy coming and will report back for you, James.

Those Amazon prices are high. Grindhouse and Orbit are lower PLUS you'll get it packed in a box with care and bubble!

Thanks!!

[weir]

Originally Posted by James Luckard

Does anyone have a copy in hand yet to confirm the aspect ratio?

The specs say 1.66, but the official video clip is 1.78.

I can confirm it's 1:66. Nice packaging and slipcover. Static menus with the theme playing in the background.

[James Luckard]

Originally Posted by weir

I can confirm it's 1:66. Nice packaging and slipcover. Static menus with the theme playing in the background.

Thanks! I'm much more comfortable with 1.66 for something shot for 1.33, the minimal amount lost on the top and bottom will be roughly the same as what was lost to overscan anyway on the tube TV I watched the series on in 1988.

[James Luckard]

Originally Posted by weir

I have a copy coming and will report back for you, James.

Those Amazon prices are high. Grindhouse and Orbit are lower PLUS you'll get it packed in a box with care and bubble!

Would you be able to post the Grindhouse and/or Orbit links? I've never ordered from them.

Did you order from one of them? Diabolik doesn't have it in stock. I didn't preorder, because I wanted to be 100% sure of the aspect ratio, but it looks like Diabolik sold out of their first batch and they're awaiting a new shipment.

[weir]

Originally Posted by James Luckard

Would you be able to post the Grindhouse and/or Orbit links? I've never ordered from them.

Did you order from one of them? Diabolik doesn't have it in stock. I didn't preorder, because I wanted to be 100% sure of the aspect ratio, but it looks like Diabolik sold out of their first batch and they're awaiting a new shipment.

I sure can. Most of the imports I've been ordering come from Orbit. Umbrella, for example, offers website only exclusives you have to order directly from them.

Orbit is here.

Grindhouse is here.

[James Luckard]

Originally Posted by weir

I sure can. Most of the imports I've been ordering come from Orbit. Umbrella, for example, offers website only exclusives you have to order directly from them.

Orbit is here.

Grindhouse is here.

Thanks! I ordered from Orbit, and was able to use some PayPal funds I had.

[TheOneWithThePrize]

Got this today. Had a chuckle reading "James Clevall video essay" on the back.

[weir]

Originally Posted by James Luckard

Thanks! I ordered from Orbit, and was able to use some PayPal funds I had.

What did you think of the transfer and the better framing? I'm quite happy with it and already have the slipcover in a case. It's a nice package put together by Umbrella.

[James Luckard]

Originally Posted by weir

What did you think of the transfer and the better framing? I'm quite happy with it and already have the slipcover in a case. It's a nice package put together by Umbrella.

I skipped around a bit to check it out, but haven't watched it all the way through yet.

The minimal cropping from the original 1.33 isn't too bad, and it looks nice.

The retro slipcover packaging is GORGEOUS. It's a good chunk of the reason I bought this set, not gonna lie.



It's inspired by the vintage Clavell paperback covers, like this one: