Best "...Wonderful Life"

[Jodi]

Which BD and/or DVD version of "It's a Wonderful Life" is the best looking, and with decent sound? Please just indicate the year of release of the best version and I'll be sure to track a copy down.

[jscoggins]

The one that's on sale this week at Target.

[lilboyblu]

Originally Posted by Jodi

Which BD and/or DVD version of "It's a Wonderful Life" is the best looking, and with decent sound? Please just indicate the year of release of the best version and I'll be sure to track a copy down.

Robert A Harris said it best: A few words about...™ It's a Wonderful Life -- in Blu-ray

There's also a review by Blu-ray.com's very own Michael Reuben there too: HTF Blu-ray Review: IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (not recommended)

If you don't have a giant screen, stick with one of these two. Yes, the DVD, if you can believe it. I actually sold my Blu-ray and picked up the single disc 60th Anniversary Edition DVD in it's place. The DNR on the Blu-ray is really disappointing for a 1946 film.

[HonestJohn]

Originally Posted by Jodi

Which BD and/or DVD version of "It's a Wonderful Life" is the best looking, and with decent sound? Please just indicate the year of release of the best version and I'll be sure to track a copy down.

https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Its-a...-Blu-ray/6097/

Didn't notice any DNR as mentioned up. Referring to the B&W version, have never watched the colorized, nor do I plan on it. I've owned the DVD and Blu-ray, sold the DVD a long time ago.

[tylergfoster]

I dunno about DNR, but it doesn't seem like nearly as good a transfer as one would hope.

http://www.caps-a-holic.com/hd_vergl...ess=#vergleich

[geomon]

I notice the DNR. Damn shame.

[jscoggins]

Originally Posted by tylergfoster

I dunno about DNR, but it doesn't seem like nearly as good a transfer as one would hope.

http://www.caps-a-holic.com/hd_vergl...ess=#vergleich

The DVD image is narrower. Is one of them stretched, vertically for the DVD or horizontally for the BD?

[tylergfoster]

Originally Posted by geomon

I notice the DNR. Damn shame.

The main thing is I see no more texture in the DVD that's being erased on the Blu-ray, so I suspect it's just the way the existing master looks. I don't think it looks good but I'm not convinced I see any untoward additional manipulation of the Blu-ray image.

[HD Goofnut]

There is a mild amount of DNR, but it appears the master from the DVD was used. The DVD is also stretched vertically.

[jscoggins]

Originally Posted by HD Goofnut

There is a mild amount of DNR, but it appears the master from the DVD was used. The DVD is also stretched vertically.

That is enough to disqualify the DVD.

Edit: It's cropped, too.

[lilboyblu]

Just to clarify, the Blu-ray isn't anywhere in the same ball park as Predator: UHE or Patton (2008 - first edition) awful with the DNR. And, to many that are into clean and sharp looking digital video, it's probably going to be excellent for you. Hell, there are plenty of other reviewers that thought so too.

However, if you're a fan of film and you enjoy having grain in your 1946 movies, the DVD (as cropped and stretched as it may be) looks great in motion.

[The Great Owl]

I'm pleased with the black-and-white version in this Blu-ray set...



If a better transfer ever surfaces, though, then I'll run to purchase a copy.

[y2jman]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I'm pleased with the black-and-white version in this Blu-ray set...



If a better transfer ever surfaces, though, then I'll run to purchase a copy.

i always wanted to see color version i got a copy old black and white dvd

anyways so bluray edtion of its a wonderful life isn't very good that has both color/ black and white or not to buy

[OneWayFilms]

I LOVE my copy of it, watched both Black & White AND color. Looks great to me.

[horroru]

For anyone who owns the blu-ray, I read there is film damage along the right side for about the last 9 minutes. Have you found this distracting or is it one of those things that you don't really notice until you go looking for it? Just wanted some opinions, thanks!

[jscoggins]

Originally Posted by horroru

For anyone who owns the blu-ray, I read there is film damage along the right side for about the last 9 minutes. Have you found this distracting or is it one of those things that you don't really notice until you go looking for it? Just wanted some opinions, thanks!

I didn't really notice it.

Originally Posted by y2jman

i always wanted to see color version i got a copy old black and white dvd

anyways so bluray edtion of its a wonderful life isn't very good that has both color/ black and white or not to buy

The DVD looks terrible.

[moviebuff75]

I wonder if the damage on the right side might have always been there. More picture information is shown here than in the past, so it has exposed what looks to be the very edge of the frame.

[horroru]

Originally Posted by jscoggins

I didn't really notice it.

Thanks jscoggins, at $12.99 I can't resist!

Originally Posted by jscoggins

The DVD looks terrible.

Agreed, just look at the caps-a-holic comparison the blu has a lot more detail. As long as it's not slathered with DNR I'll be fine with it.

[jscoggins]

Originally Posted by moviebuff75

I wonder if the damage on the right side might have always been there. More picture information is shown here than in the past, so it has exposed what looks to be the very edge of the frame.

Yup. The DVD crops the image, which is why we didn't see the entire picture for years.

[GenPion]

I agree that the current U.S. Blu-ray is the best edition. It's not perfect, but it's the best available option to date. I do hope the film receives a restoration at some point that is a more faithful film-like presentation, but this is far from being a travesty. It's the best it has looked to date.

The audio lacking a lossless option was actually more disappointing for me. For one of the greatest films ever made, it should receive another edition at some point. I'd be thrilled with a Criterion release (and jam-packed with new supplements).