Kino/Lober's Black Sabbath (1963)

[PowellPressburger]

I own the Arrow Blu/DVD set. I feel bad that Kino's Bava releases especially Black Sabbath leaves much to be desired for U.S. fans of the film.

I know many say if you can save up some money for a region free BLU player by all means do so, and this is yet another example of a well done UK region locked release where the U.S. is inferior. The UK release has a nice HD bonus showing differences between the U.S. and Italian versions.

I would assume Kino can't use the AIP versions due to licensing rights, possibly with MGM?

So for those bothered or unhappy with the Kino release maybe think about getting a region free player. I still use my regular player for all other u.s. discs.

[sethdlh]

I think I'll be placing my order for the Arrow disc tomorrow.

[Brian81]

Wow, this is disappointing (re: Black Sabbath). I wouldn't go as far and say that the Arrow is the best it could be. The framing is still off on the Arrow (cropping). Look at the Kino shots - no chopped heads. But the color is really bad on the Kino. Had the colors been the same, the Kino would have been tops given the lack of cropping.

[NoirFan]

The Arrow release is, as always with Kino/Arrow Bava comparisons, the clear choice. It ports the Lucas commentary, includes both English and Italian dubs, the AIP version, and additional extras, including an amazingly detailed and lengthy split-screen comparison (images and sounds) between the Italian and AIP versions. Plus, you get a nice booklet and reversible art. The cropping didn't seem too severe to me, at least not enough for anyone to favor the Kino disc.

[bigshot]

All I really care about is the film. It's a shame Kino couldn't give us a clean transfer. I'll stick with my DVD.

[Brian81]

Originally Posted by PowellPressburger

I own the Arrow Blu/DVD set. I feel bad that Kino's Bava releases especially Black Sabbath leaves much to be desired for U.S. fans of the film.

There's really nothing lacking in the AV presentations of the others...it's just Black Sabbath. If the AIP cuts and additional extras were on the Kinos, I wouldn't have imported the Arrow releases.


I just don't understand the complaints on Black Sunday, Lisa and the Devil, and Baron Blood. They all look fine.

[bgart13]

BLACK SUNDAY could look a lot better -- from both companies.

[dsman71]

Originally Posted by bigshot

All I really care about is the film. It's a shame Kino couldn't give us a clean transfer. I'll stick with my DVD.

Ive got the Arrow release and as far as Im concerned that is the definitive release for it
Kino sure is dropping the ball with lack of anything for their releases....

[NoirFan]

Originally Posted by Brian81

There's really nothing lacking in the AV presentations of the others...it's just Black Sabbath.

Arrow did do additional remastering on Baron Blood.

[Brian81]

Originally Posted by NoirFan

Arrow did do additional remastering on Baron Blood.

I haven't picked that one up yet. The Kino looks fine to me. I will pick up the Arrow at some point, but I'm in less of a hurry as the release isn't limited. I do want the alternate cut (again) - which in this case I've never seen.

[rondanto]

English please

[Spooked]

I think Arrow just needs to loosen their Region restrictions. (Or I could adjust my television/computer monitor to compensate for the green tint, lol.)

I can't fathom trying to purchase a Region-free player just for some Arrow titles. Albeit awesome ones.

[jws]

Originally Posted by Spooked

I think Arrow just needs to loosen their Region restrictions. (Or I could adjust my television/computer monitor to compensate for the green tint, lol.)

I can't fathom trying to purchase a Region-free player just for some Arrow titles. Albeit awesome ones.

Arrow is not the only company releasing titles that are not available in America. The investment in a region free player is well worth the money and it will open up so many opportunities for you.

[Kriztoffer Swank]

Originally Posted by NoirFan

The Arrow release is, as always with Kino/Arrow Bava comparisons, the clear choice.

Incomplete statement now with the Kino Bay of Blood out.

I've been content with the Kino releases thus far. Easier on my wallet, don't really care about the AIP cuts—but the screencaps make their Black Sabbath BD look really lifeless. This is a colorful film, so to have it look so dull and with poor contrast just turns me off entirely.

The AIP cut is different enough to make me want the UK disc in addition to the superior PQ, and the unique Karloff segues that the AIP cut has (and also his actual voice) are fun to watch, even if overall I find the original Italian cut to be vastly superior in just about every way.

It's a shame that the Arrow and Kino releases can't be near-identical with the Kino ones offering alternate cuts, but for my own interests, the Kino ones are usually fine. Arrow Black Sabbath is obviously the one to get, just as Kino's A Bay of Blood is. In terms of movie presentation, at least. (I'll keep my Arrow Bay for the packaging and extras.)

[ravenus]

Originally Posted by Spooked

I can't fathom trying to purchase a Region-free player just for some Arrow titles. Albeit awesome ones.

There's also Eureka (Masters of Cinema), Second Sight, BFI, Artificial Eye...even major studios with multi-region presence sometimes release a title only in one region, so it is always an advantage to be region-free (except perhaps for the burdened wallet )

[jws]

Originally Posted by ravenus

There's also Eureka (Masters of Cinema), Second Sight, BFI, Artificial Eye...even major studios with multi-region presence sometimes release a title only in one region, so it is always an advantage to be region-free (except perhaps for the burdened wallet )

My wallet has been burdened by those distributors many times over the last two years.

[bgart13]

Originally Posted by Spooked

I think Arrow just needs to loosen their Region restrictions.

That's not up to Arrow; region status is up to the owners of the films.

[bgart13]

Ahem.

[Brian81]

Watch the Black Sabbath version end up looking really nice and be colored properly this time around... Didn't MGM HD air the AIP cut a few years back?

[Alfredlynch]

Cool. I held off for the U.S. release. Turning out to be a great year for releases.