Twilight Time Discussion Thread

[oildude]

Originally Posted by Page14

I agree! This is one of my favorite movies, Twilight Time or not. I have both the UK and TT releases and my preference is for the TT release, mostly because I feel that the UK version is slightly distorted, which once I see the distortion, I can't *not* see it anymore ... it bugs me. And I know everybody won't agree with me on this either, but I prefer the color "palette" of the TT release also. To me, it's more true. (When I first bought the UK release, I didn't think it could be beat. But I slowly changed my stripes after seeing the TT release).

I don't understand why this movie isn't more popular, in general.

Zulu is one of THE great classic films, an icon of film history, and in my top ten of all time. It also has one of the greatest film scores ever created; John Barry's epic music elevates Zulu into the stratosphere of powerful and unforgettable films. Whenever I think of the movie, Barry's theme instantly pops into my head. Fans of rousing action cinema can't do any better than this.

I also have both releases. I wonder if many people who would have otherwise bought the TT disc already have the import? It deserves to have sold out long ago.

Here is a great montage of Barry's music set to images from the 1964 film as well as illustrations and photographs from the actual 1879 Zulu War. For those who haven't seen the movie yet, or even for those who have, this little clip will get you pumped up. I think it is better than the actual trailer.

JOHN BARRY ZULU THEME - YouTube

[dragon53]

I have the UK version of ZULU.
Is the TT ZULU commentary by Lem Dobbs and Nick Redman worth the cost of buying the TT version?

[yunro]

Originally Posted by dragon53

I have the UK version of ZULU.
Is the TT ZULU commentary by Lem Dobbs and Nick Redman worth the cost of buying the TT version?

I found it enjoyable, coming from a perspective of being kids in the UK when it came out. Also a wealth of production tidbits and actor bios. Don't know if its worth $30 though.

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by dragon53

I have the UK version of ZULU.
Is the TT ZULU commentary by Lem Dobbs and Nick Redman worth the cost of buying the TT version?

I liked this commentary track a lot (although I had to skip forward a bit when my disc froze during the commentary last night). They go pretty in-depth about the actual history of the events depicted in the film.

[Page14]

Originally Posted by dragon53

I have the UK version of ZULU.
Is the TT ZULU commentary by Lem Dobbs and Nick Redman worth the cost of buying the TT version?

If you're happy/content with the UK transfer, then that's a tough decision.

I haven't watched either of these (with the audio-commentaries) in about 1-1/2 years ... my memory is foggy (on who said what in which commentary). I wish I could help more.

[rdodolak]

Isolated Score Track / Audio Commentary with Writer-Director Carl Franklin / Don Cheadle Screen Test / Original Theatrical Trailer

[docc]

Originally Posted by oildude

Zulu is one of THE great classic films, an icon of film history, and in my top ten of all time..

I also have both releases. I wonder if many people who would have otherwise bought the TT disc already have the import? It deserves to have sold out long ago.

Thank you and Great Owl for recommending this, I haven't ordered it yet but from what I've read online the color timing on the UK release is more accurate and vivid while TT's slightly muted in comparison. True?

[rdodolak]

Special Features: Isolated Score Track / Audio Commentary with Film Historians Julie Kirgo and Nick Redman / TV Spots / Original Theatrical Trailer

[infiniteCR]

I'm not entirely sure if City of Joy is Columbia Pictures, but is it conceivable that Twilight Time would be able to get the rights to it and give it a proper release?

Some great cinematography of Calcutta, India to be enjoyed here.

[f451]

Originally Posted by docc

Thank you and Great Owl for recommending this, I haven't ordered it yet but from what I've read online the color timing on the UK release is more accurate and vivid while TT's slightly muted in comparison. True?

I can't speak to the TT release which I understand is great. I bought the UK a few years back -- it *is* brilliant! The image and sound quality are exemplary --
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/dvdcompare/zulu.htm

Barry and the Zulu sound great! I wished there was a separate 5.1 release of this score -- another remarkable should have gotten the Oscar score.

[oildude]

Originally Posted by docc

Thank you and Great Owl for recommending this, I haven't ordered it yet but from what I've read online the color timing on the UK release is more accurate and vivid while TT's slightly muted in comparison. True?

I wouldn't say the UK release is more accurate. It is definitely more vivid, with dazzling bright color, especially the red tunics. The Twilight Time release with an MGM supplied transfer is more toned down and muted, perhaps more realistic. Honestly, I like both. I think the dirt, dust, and powder smoke that dulls the red tunics in the Twilight Time release is more noticeable and more true to reality. Some might say the UK transfer is over saturated, which is most likely true, but, man, do those colors pop on the Paramount (UK) disc. I have also read that the UK release seems slightly stretched to some people, but I never notice that either. It looks pretty spectacular all around.

The UK release appears to have some DNR, but it doesn't bother me; while the TT transfer is pretty much DNR free to my eye. I am not one for comparing screen caps because there is too much variability in calibration between different monitors and screen caps are not good indicators of what the transfer looks like in motion. But to give you a relative sense of the difference between the two transfers, Blu-ray.com's review screen caps for both releases do a decent job.

Twilight Time (MGM transfer)






Paramount transfer (UK release)






So which do I prefer? I have both and like both, but ever since getting the TT release when I am in the mood to re-watch Zulu, I find myself reaching for that one. It may not be as vivid, but somehow to me it just looks more filmic overall. The TT version also has an isolated score and some good extras.

You win either way, whichever version you choose, because Zulu is a treasure in any Blu-ray collection.

[Jobla]

Great cover for BLACK WIDOW. I do wish that Theresa Russell was contributing an interview of some sort.

[dragon53]

Thanks for the replies about the TT ZULU commentary.
On the UK ZULU commentary, most of it concerns the actual making of the movie and not the actual battle of Roarke's Drift. However, the UK version does include other special features with some interviews of James Booth, et al.

[Page14]

Originally Posted by oildude

[Show spoiler]I wouldn't say the UK release is more accurate. It is definitely more vivid, with dazzling bright color, especially the red tunics. The Twilight Time release with an MGM supplied transfer is more toned down and muted, perhaps more realistic. Honestly, I like both. I think the dirt, dust, and powder smoke that dulls the red tunics in the Twilight Time release is more noticeable and more true to reality. Some might say the UK transfer is over saturated, which is most likely true, but, man, do those colors pop on the Paramount (UK) disc. I have also read that the UK release seems slightly stretched to some people, but I never notice that either. It looks pretty spectacular all around.

The UK release appears to have some DNR, but it doesn't bother me; while the TT transfer is pretty much DNR free to my eye. I am not one for comparing screen caps because there is too much variability in calibration between different monitors and screen caps are not good indicators of what the transfer looks like in motion. But to give you a relative sense of the difference between the two transfers, Blu-ray.com's review screen caps for both releases do a decent job.

Twilight Time (MGM transfer)

[Show spoiler]

Paramount transfer (UK release)

[Show spoiler]

So which do I prefer? I have both and like both, but ever since getting the TT release when I am in the mood to re-watch Zulu, I find myself reaching for that one. It may not be as vivid, but somehow to me it just looks more filmic overall. The TT version also has an isolated score and some good extras.

You win either way, whichever version you choose, because Zulu is a treasure in any Blu-ray collection.

Excellent summary on a very divisive subject.

On the stretching issue ... for whatever reason, I think the stretching is more visible in motion than when comparing still screen caps (like maybe when the camera is panning across a group of standing people), but even with 2 of the screen caps that you provided ("unspoilered" above), there may be a hint of stretching.

[Sleazeaddict]

Can anyone help me with Vampires pre-order ? imossible to find it at TT !

[bookcase]

I can't wait to see the cover art and extras for Sense and Sensibility. Emma Thompson commentary and I'm in. I hope they use the theatrical art for the cover, but after Remains of the Day, I doubt it.

[Blu MacReady]

Originally Posted by Sleazeaddict

Can anyone help me with Vampires pre-order ? imossible to find it at TT !

First page information

[spargs]

Originally Posted by Sleazeaddict

Can anyone help me with Vampires pre-order ? imossible to find it at TT !

It isn't available for pre-order yet, as TT's pre-orders don't begin until 2 weeks prior to release date. Vampires' pre-order starts on 9/30 at 4 PM eastern.

[jcs913]

Anybody have a new release ship yet from SAE? Seems like they have been good about shipping TT products lately, maybe a title was delayed?

[Sleazeaddict]

Originally Posted by spargs

It isn't available for pre-order yet, as TT's pre-orders don't begin until 2 weeks prior to release date. Vampires' pre-order starts on 9/30 at 4 PM eastern.

Thank you, i thought pre-order was 08/30 !