Richard III (1955) with Laurence Olivier

[classicfilmcollector]

Would love to see itv or someone release this classic

[Vakulinchuk]

So this is getting a release in UK within a week... Can we expect a review? Or maybe just a comparison with the Criterion disc.

[manicsounds]

I just watched the Criterion today of all things. Since the Network is also using the Film Foundation restoration, I assume it will look identical to the Criterion. Network has been putting out very good quality discs.

[Vakulinchuk]

good to know! I want to get This Sporting Life from them also, so it's reassuring to hear good things about their input.

[Cinemach]

Originally Posted by Vakulinchuk

good to know! I want to get This Sporting Life from them also, so it's reassuring to hear good things about their input.

Regarding Network's disc of This Sporting Life, it features lossy audio and a somewhat inconsistent, if not altogether terrible video transfer (but one that does improve on the Criterion DVD). I was able to get it shipped for less than £9, though, so I'm not peeved by the disk, and have and will continue to purchase their discs as they interest me.

Regarding Network's issue of Richard III - I concur that the transfer will be similar if not identical to Criterion's due to access to the same Film Foundation restoration. I'd imagine Network's would have less extras (Criterion features an Olivier interview and a commentary), but will certainly be more affordable as well.

[CinemaScope]

Originally Posted by Cinemach

Regarding Network's issue of Richard III - I concur that the transfer will be similar if not identical to Criterion's due to access to the same Film Foundation restoration. I'd imagine Network's would have less extras (Criterion features an Olivier interview and a commentary), but will certainly be more affordable as well.

...& the Network Blu won't be region A locked like the Criterion.

[oddbox83]

Originally Posted by Cinemach

Regarding Network's disc of This Sporting Life, it features lossy audio and a somewhat inconsistent, if not altogether terrible video transfer (but one that does improve on the Criterion DVD). I was able to get it shipped for less than £9, though, so I'm not peeved by the disk, and have and will continue to purchase their discs as they interest me.

Regarding Network's issue of Richard III - I concur that the transfer will be similar if not identical to Criterion's due to access to the same Film Foundation restoration. I'd imagine Network's would have less extras (Criterion features an Olivier interview and a commentary), but will certainly be more affordable as well.

Network has it's own set of extras, and they're impressive even if they don't look anything special on paper.

SPECIAL FEATURES
[] Original Intermission Cards
[] Original Theatrical and TV Trailers
[] Extensive Image Galleries
[] The Trial of Richard III - See more at: http://networkonair.com/shop/1957-ri....5PH2y9sL.dpuf

The Trial of Richard III is a UK TV production from the 1980s and is three and a half hours long (in SD of course).

[mr young]

I did see a section of this projected in 2K a few years ago and it did look
really good.

[Vakulinchuk]

I looked for Henry V in these forums, and it seems that the region B bluray is horrible. Let's hope Richard III is done properly.

[manicsounds]

This is currently in the 3 for 20 deal on Amazon along with other Network releases? Has anyone got it? How long are the extras on the UK release (min/sec)?

[NeilZ]

Has anyone bought the newly released Studio Canal release of this film? I wonder how it compares to the Criterion.

[beantherio]

Originally Posted by NeilZ

Has anyone bought the newly released Studio Canal release of this film? I wonder how it compares to the Criterion.

I don't know how it compares to the Criterion (I don't own that one) but it is certainly an improvement over the earlier Network-release. The bitrate is almost double that of the Network and both colours and detail are noticeably better.

[Douglas R]

Originally Posted by beantherio

I don't know how it compares to the Criterion (I don't own that one) but it is certainly an improvement over the earlier Network-release. The bitrate is almost double that of the Network and both colours and detail are noticeably better.

I disagree. The Network and Studio Canal are from the same restoration and the picture quality on my 86" is the same.

[beantherio]

Originally Posted by Douglas R

I disagree. The Network and Studio Canal are from the same restoration and the picture quality on my 86" is the same.

They are from the same restoration but the significantly higher bitrate should make it clear that the transfer is different.

[yougottaguys]

Anyone know how the Studiocanal BD compares to the Criterion?

[drush9999]

Originally Posted by yougottaguys

Anyone know how the Studiocanal BD compares to the Criterion?

Don't know how it compares but the 2021 StudioCanal release looks fantastic. Best looking Olivier/Shakespeare film on BD.

[yougottaguys]

Originally Posted by drush9999

Don't know how it compares but the 2021 StudioCanal release looks fantastic. Best looking Olivier/Shakespeare film on BD.

Does it have a natural looking colour grade or is it the yellowish thing which Studiocanal often do?

[drush9999]

Originally Posted by yougottaguys

Does it have a natural looking colour grade or is it the yellowish thing which Studiocanal often do?

It's not had the yellow filter applied

[yougottaguys]

Originally Posted by drush9999

It's not had the yellow filter applied

Good to hear. Still conflicted on whether I want to pick this one up or not. It's in a 2 for $20 at Jb hi fi (Australian store) which is a good deal but it seems to have almost no special features and they could've done a 4K release given that it's sourced from a 4K restoration. I also don't particularly like the artwork. the Network release had great artwork and the Criterion artwork looks gorgeous. I'd much rather those than Laurence Olivier up-close staring directly at me with a disapproving glare.

[oddbox83]

That's my impression - absolutely no point owning it if you also own the Network. The Network has great extras that outweigh the compression differences that you won't see at viewing distance anyway.

4K would have been different. Especially considering the potential as this was shot VistaVision.