Black Angel (1946) (Special Edition) Arrow Academy

[MooneyRara]

Black Angel (Special Edition) Blu-ray

Special Features and Technical Specs:

• BRAND NEW RESTORATION FROM ORIGINAL ELEMENTS by Arrow Films
• Uncompressed Mono 1.0 PCM audio soundtrack
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• New audio commentary by the writer and film scholar Alan K. Rode
• A Fitting End, a new video appreciation of the film by the film historian Neil Sinyard
• Original trailer
• Gallery of original stills and promotional materials
• Reversible sleeve featuring two artwork options
• First pressing only: Illustrated collector's booklet featuring new writing on the film by author Philip Kemp

[Professor Echo]

Not much of a noir, per se, more of a B murder mystery, despite being adapted by a Woolrich story (loosely). Still a very entertaining movie and a rare chance to see Dan Duryea as a leading man in something other than a western.

[Dan8700]

So, this was restored by Arrow BUT was encoded by them (!) in a wrong ratio (1.28:1), squeezing the original 1.37 framing... anyone got in touch with Arrow, by any chance? They should totally re-encode this...

[drat]

DVD Talk just posted a review mentioning the odd aspect ratio (just like this site). Both reviewers mention that the 1.28:1 ratio doesn't look bad in motion but comparisons of specific frames may create some concern.

I'm hoping Arrow or a film nor expert could chime in with a reason why the aspect ratio was changed.

[Dan8700]

Originally Posted by drat

I'm hoping Arrow or a film nor expert could chime in with a reason why the aspect ratio was changed.

There's no valid reason, it's clearly a mistake! Anyhow, I just mailed them, let's wait and see.

[drat]

Thanks for contacting them.

It certainly seems like a mistake to me too but I wanted to leave the door open to the possibility that there was some reason why it was done.

I love Arrow and the stuff they put out but if this is an error I hope they correct it quickly. It makes no sense to present a new 2K restoration in the wrong ratio.

[chas speed]

Originally Posted by drat

Thanks for contacting them.

It certainly seems like a mistake to me too but I wanted to leave the door open to the possibility that there was some reason why it was done.

I love Arrow and the stuff they put out but if this is an error I hope they correct it quickly. It makes no sense to present a new 2K restoration in the wrong ratio.

It's hard to believe they weren't aware of it before they released it.

[Dan8700]

Originally Posted by Dan8700

Anyhow, I just mailed them, let's wait and see.

Mr. Newcomb has just replied to me, saying they will post a statement TOMORROW on Arrow's Facebook page. Stay tuned.

[sonicyogurt]

There will be a replacement program. Shouldn’t be much longer; they have an encode ready to go.

[Dan8700]

Yeah, very glad they replied and solved the issue.

[PowellPressburger]

Has there been any update on the replacement discs?

I can’t find anything since they first stated they would be repressing.

[mdanderson]

Originally Posted by PowellPressburger

Has there been any update on the replacement discs?

I can’t find anything since they first stated they would be repressing.

I was wondering the same thing. I just got my region 2 disc a couple of days ago but I don't know if I should open it until I hear something from Arrow.

[drat]

Originally Posted by mdanderson

I was wondering the same thing. I just got my region 2 disc a couple of days ago but I don't know if I should open it until I hear something from Arrow.

I'm keeping mine sealed, but if I remember correctly in the past they just ask for your mailing address and proof of purchase and send you out a new disc.

But unless you want to get into the extras there's no reason to open it -- just wait for the fixed version.

[mdanderson]

Originally Posted by drat

I'm keeping mine sealed, but if I remember correctly in the past they just ask for your mailing address and proof of purchase and send you out a new disc.

But unless you want to get into the extras there's no reason to open it -- just wait for the fixed version.

Thanks for the information. I went ahead and opened up the package and watched the movie. I wanted to see the extras and keep the booklet. Thanks again. If nothing had been said about the aspect ratio being wrong I probably wouldn't have even noticed it. The movie still looks very nice and the supplements are very good.

[FrazM865]

I contacted Arrow directly about the replacement discs and they advised will release full details on the Facebook page so keep an eye on it.

[mdanderson]

Originally Posted by FrazM865

I contacted Arrow directly about the replacement discs and they advised will release full details on the Facebook page so keep an eye on it.

Thanks for the update.

[drat]

It seems like this is taking a really long time to get done. It's been over two months now since the problem was discovered.

[rocknblues81]

I was thinking about picking this up in the arrow sale, but it sounds like I should hold off if the transfer is messed up.

[Gunsnroses092789]

Originally Posted by rocknblues81

I was thinking about picking this up in the arrow sale, but it sounds like I should hold off if the transfer is messed up.

It’s fairly negligible. It’s technically messed up but I would never have noticed had it not been discovered. Also, if you buy it now I believe they’ll send you the corrected replacement when it’s ready.

[FrazM865]

Disc replacement programme is now live.

https://arrowfilms.com/news/black-an...ent-programme/