El Cid (1961)

[Hammerlover]

I like EL CID (the score by Miklos Rozsa is magnificent), but Bronston's FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE is in a class by itself as far as gargantuan roadshow epics go...and I desperately want a 4K of it.

[Douglas R]

Originally Posted by PonyoBellanote

It is odd that he hasn't grandfathered a new restoration given how he introduced the original 1993 restoration. :/

I dunno. The fact that nothing has been done tells me it's gotta be a matter of original negatives lost. But if that's the case can't we at least get a new scan of the best source available?

Both CIRCUS WORLD and 55 DAYS AT PEKING were restored to Blu-ray from the original negatives by Pinewood Studios so there is no reason to think that the original negatives for El CID and FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE have not also been well protected over the years. The problem is the cost of scanning, remastering etc. especially when Blu-rays of CID and FALL have been released worldwide (other than the US), regardless of the disappointing quality but which probably satisfies the casual viewer, making it difficult to make a decent financial return for any distributor.

[CinemaScope]

Yup, I don't think it's a case of missing elements, just legal stuff & who now owns the films & the cost of a proper restoration. Fall Of The Roman Empire is the one I'd like the most.

[fredworld]

I just discovered this thread while searching for EL Cid. Found that there are many Blu-Ray editions available on the Amazon UK site. I'm tempted to pick one up. Can anyone point me to reviews of the German or Spanish issues other than what's on the Amazon reviews?

[DTSBOY]

German disc reviewed at the Beaver... probably the best of the not so great bunch. Until something greater gets put out then the choice is a bit meh.

http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDRev...dvd_review.htm


Japanese bluray if you can find one seems like it's a bit better.

https://thedigitalbits.com/item/el-c...ppinet-2023-bd


This site compares every release.

https://www.dvdcompare.net/compariso....php?fid=31726

[fredworld]

Originally Posted by DTSBOY

German disc reviewed at the Beaver... probably the best of the not so great bunch. Until something greater gets put out then the choice is a bit meh.

http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDRev...dvd_review.htm

Thanks for the quick reply. Seems it's Region B locked so I'll need to find out if the hack for my Panasonic 820 and 420 players (STOP>Top Menu 3x) will work on it before pulling the trigger.

Also, will be looking into Fall of the Roman Empire.

[DTSBOY]

That last site states the Japan disc as region A. Could be your best shot.

[fredworld]

Yeah, I saw the Region 0 reference but the review stated inferior image quality and the audio is 4.0. I prefer the better image and the DTS HD 5.1. Will investigate further regards the Region free hack playability for my players.

[pross]

I have 3 versions of El Cid on Blu ray. The best for audio and video is the French Remini Editions … I was not impressed with the new Japanese version as the sound was lacking…

[fredworld]

Originally Posted by pross

I have 3 versions of El Cid on Blu ray. The best for audio and video is the French Remini Editions … I was not impressed with the new Japanese version as the sound was lacking…

I presume it's this one? https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/El-Cid-Blu-ray/301170/
The aspect ratio is listed as 2.20:1 which was the 70mm AR.The 1990 restoration, I thought, had to rely on a 35mm print adn had to use 2.35:1. Is your copy 2.2 or 2.35?

[SGFfilmfan]

Originally Posted by fredworld

I presume it's this one? https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/El-Cid-Blu-ray/301170/
The aspect ratio is listed as 2.20:1 which was the 70mm AR.The 1990 restoration, I thought, had to rely on a 35mm print adn had to use 2.35:1. Is your copy 2.2 or 2.35?

My set says 2:35 on "El Cid"

[fredworld]

@SGFfilmfan , Interesting! My Screenbound UK edition of 55 Days at Peking says 2.35 but it's actually 2.25 when measured. Thanks for the reply.

[fredworld]

To those of you that have the Rimini editions of El Cid and/or The Fall of the Roman Empire, can you confirm if these editions play in North American Blu-ray players, please?
Thank you.

[Elvis_Tangerium]

Originally Posted by fredworld

To those of you that have the Rimini editions of El Cid and/or The Fall of the Roman Empire, can you confirm if these editions play in North American Blu-ray players, please?
Thank you.

Just picked up the Rimini El Cid. Packaging says Region B, but disc started right up on my regular NA player, no region warnings.

[fredworld]

Originally Posted by Elvis_Tangerium

Just picked up the Rimini El Cid. Packaging says Region B, but disc started right up on my regular NA player, no region warnings.

Interesting. Thank you. If you don't mind, would you pls state what player you have?

[Elvis_Tangerium]

Originally Posted by fredworld

Interesting. Thank you. If you don't mind, would you pls state what player you have?

Panasonic. Normally, to get a region B disc to play, you have to do the Stop / Top Menu trick after the message.

[fredworld]

Originally Posted by Elvis_Tangerium

Panasonic. Normally, to get a region B disc to play, you have to do the Stop / Top Menu trick after the message.

Thanks. I'm familiar with that hack. I have the Panny 820 and 420. But did I understand your post correctly, that the discs played without the hack?

[Elvis_Tangerium]

Originally Posted by fredworld

Thanks. I'm familiar with that hack. I have the Panny 820 and 420. But did I understand your post correctly, that the discs played without the hack?

Sorry, missed this. Yes, played without the hack.

[RangerofJacurutu]

Can anyone tell me if the umbrella entertainment blu ray of El Cid will play in region A players or not (or if the stop/ main menu trick works)? I know it says region B on the cover, but I was told by someone that it plays in region A players and wanted to see if anyone can confirm this for me.

Thanks in advance

[iaragorn1]

Originally Posted by RangerofJacurutu

Can anyone tell me if the umbrella entertainment blu ray of El Cid will play in region A players or not (or if the stop/ main menu trick works)? I know it says region B on the cover, but I was told by someone that it plays in region A players and wanted to see if anyone can confirm this for me.

Thanks in advance

If you read the last few posts literally right above yours, Elvis says it plays without any hacks