Seven Samurai quality?

[kristoffer]

Hey. How is the quality of Seven Samurai on itunes? It’s in HD I can see, but what transfer was used? :

[Big-D]

Originally Posted by kristoffer

Hey. How is the quality of Seven Samurai on itunes? It’s in HD I can see, but what transfer was used? :

It's the transfer from the BFI, which is pretty poor. The blacks actually look grey and the print shows a lot of wear and tear.

I own the Criterion Blu-ray which is fantastic in terms of picture quality.

[kristoffer]

Thanks! I already have the BFI version on BD. I was hoping for a remaster or the Criterion print. I am in Europe and don’t have a Region free player.

[Big-D]

Originally Posted by kristoffer

Thanks! I already have the BFI version on BD. I was hoping for a remaster or the Criterion print. I am in Europe and don’t have a Region free player.

The US Criterion edition is definitely the superior version in terms of picture quality and extras. You definitely should invest in a multi-region player, it'll be the best investment you'll ever make and they're very affordable now.

[Fiffy]

The version in the US iTunes store is actually the Criterion as well. Looks very good to my eyes, so I guess it's very likely based on the same master as the Criterion disc.

[heyadol]

Out of curiosity, are the subtitles burned-in or removable?

[tjritter79]

Originally Posted by heyadol

Out of curiosity, are the subtitles burned-in or removable?

I can confirm what Fiffy said above: Seven Samurai on iTunes in U.S. IS the Criterion version.

Since the sound is native Japanese, I don't think the subtitles are "removable" at least they are not on my ATV.

Don't know if this is available in UK or other areas, but FilmStruck still has Seven Samurai (The Criterion Edition) on its list for on-demand streaming, but I think its leaving at end of July. For $11@ month (U.S.) you stream movies from vaults of TCM & Criterion. A great place to preview any Criterion titles before you decide to buy. They are also available via your PC as well.

[SpaceBlackKnight]

Yes, Seven Samurai on ITunes US and Canada is the Criterion restoration. The version on ITunes stores throughout Europe and Australia is the BFI transfer which is an older DVD-era restoration and pales in comparison to newer ones.

However, nothing beats the atrocious vesion that's supposedly on ITunes Japan, which is said to be an older Toho HD master being piss poor upscale of a SD source with DNR beyond the infinite (Ironically, the Toho created a brand new master for their BD of Seven Samurai, and looks better than the CC with less EE and more info despite some black crush and the Japanese greyish black levels to go with it).