The Isle - 02/27/2015

[Dan8700]

Originally Posted by Ray O. Blu

Received my copy just now. Got #58 of 700. Might check it out later tonight.

How is it, PQ-wise? New scan, upscale... also, are the supplements subtitled?

[Ray O. Blu]

Originally Posted by Dan8700

How is it, PQ-wise? New scan, upscale... also, are the supplements subtitled?

Hey Dan. I'm about to watch it with the wife, so I'll report back after. I'm hoping for the best and not just a lazy transfer job.

No subs at all for the special features.

[Ray O. Blu]

I took a couple pictures of my tv screen that show the difference in picture quality from my dvd copy to this Blu-ray.

This is the dvd:

image.jpg

[Ray O. Blu]

Sorry, couldn't seem to get both pics on one post.

This is the exact same frame on the Blu-ray:

image.jpg

We both thought the Blu-ray was significantly better than the dvd (obviously).
I haven't seen the other Blu-ray release to compare it with, but altogether this is by far the best I've seen this look.

The dark/night scenes have grain intact and it's much easier to make out what is going on during those scenes than the muddy DVD.

[Ray O. Blu]

The DVD:

image.jpg

I reposted this so that they could be on the same page for comparison.

[Dan8700]

Wooow, what a difference! Thank you very much!

[Behemot]

Ordered!!

[Yasujiro Ozu]

Did the package arrive undamaged from the seller and what wrapping material did they use.
Also you mentioned some other Bluray release of this film, to which are you referring?
Thanks.

[Ray O. Blu]

Originally Posted by Yasujiro Ozu

Did the package arrive undamaged from the seller and what wrapping material did they use.
Also you mentioned some other Bluray release of this film, to which are you referring?
Thanks.

I ordered directly from the Novamedia website and it arrived in a nice sturdy box with plenty of layers of bubble wrap. It came in perfect condition.

I've read that their was an HK release previously that had an underwhelming transfer. I haven't seen it myself. The only reference that I could use was my dvd copy, so I just posted a comparison with that.

[Yasujiro Ozu]

Originally Posted by Ray O. Blu

I ordered directly from the Novamedia website and it arrived in a nice sturdy box with plenty of layers of bubble wrap. It came in perfect condition.

I've read that their was an HK release previously that had an underwhelming transfer. I haven't seen it myself. The only reference that I could use was my dvd copy, so I just posted a comparison with that.

Thanks for the reply. The west could learn a thing or two from the Asians regarding good shipping practices.
I will order tomorrow as this film is a favorite of mine.

[darry]

Looks like a nice upgrade. Pity I can't really get into Kim Ki Duk. It's a bit like watching Lars Von Trier, I sway from, 'This is great!', to 'Why am I watching penis' being cutoff? etc. etc.' in the space of two scenes. And then I wonder into the 'Is this director serious or just playing me?' territory.

[PGW]

I understand. I look at the caps above and say to myself "Wow! That's a HUGE upgrade! I should order that!" then remember the film and ask myself "What's the point? I'm never going to watch it."

Not all Kim Ki Duk films are as tough to watch as "The Isle," though. "3-Iron," "The Bow" and "Time" come to mind - though each of them is not without some disturbing moments. "Samaria" is also quite good (though more violent than the other three I mentioned).