What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993)

[Akijama]

https://www.amazon.com/Whats-Eating-...es-tv&sr=1-523

[AeroK]

Probably in my top 10 favorite films of all time.

[Member-222782]

I imported a Korean Blu a couple of years ago so I'm good. great movie.

[bergman864]

I'm surprised it took this long. You'd think if Paramount had a Depp/DiCaprio movie in their catalogue there would've been many re-releases of it by now.

[stvn1974]

Fantastic film and another case where the Academy got it wrong. Not sure if I would watch the disc often enough to warrant a purchase but I have awhile to think about it.

[McCrutchy]

American Dad! ruined this movie for me, now I just think of the characters in squirrel form:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfFS7zRUOWU

[SpaceBlackKnight]

I think this one of the Paramount titles Criterion sat on and never released. Paramount wouldn't allow renewals so it's no surprise this went back to them. Also, the overseas DVDs and BDs use a totally different transfer (Paramount only has US distribution rights, while Filmrise owns international through J&M Entertainment).

Since this isn't in the Presents line (yet stuff like Back to the Beach and First Wives Club are) and given the recycled DVD artwork, this will probably use the dated HD master used on said DVD. The UK BD at least uses a more recent transfer that is free of the scanner noise and EE that plagues Paramount's HD master.

[dressedtokill]

Originally Posted by SpaceBlackKnight

I think this one of the Paramount titles Criterion sat on and never released. Paramount wouldn't allow renewals so it's no surprise this went back to them. Also, the overseas DVDs and BDs use a totally different transfer (Paramount only has US distribution rights, while Filmrise owns international through J&M Entertainment).

Since this isn't in the Presents line (yet stuff like Back to the Beach and First Wives Club are) and given the recycled DVD artwork, this will probably use the dated HD master used on said DVD. The UK BD at least uses a more recent transfer that is free of the scanner noise and EE that plagues Paramount's HD master.

I don't think this is a title that Criterion ever had tbh. While it's true that Criterion sometimes licenses certain titles and takes a long time releasing them, there have never been any rumors they had this one. Frankly it's the kind of title that while high profile and critically acclaimed isn't something I could picture them going for. As for the renewal claim, that's not entirely accurate. Yes, there were some titles which they didn't manage to renew, but for the most part they have been able to keep a lot of their titles. Some of them show no signs of going OOP despite the number of years that have passed and if The Virgin Suicides UHD is anything to go by, the Criterion-Paramount relationship is still going strong.
In terms of the Presents line, I do agree that some of the choices have been a bit random and questionable. IMO, Gilbert, Soapdish and Top Secret certainly made more sense than Back to the Beach.
Can't say I understand or agree with your claim related to The First Wives Club. I think it makes complete sense that it's part of the Presents line. I mean, to this day, it has a heavy rotation on tv, has a large following from both women and the LGBTQIA+ community (with a lot screenings, live shows and reenactments from drag queens, etc) and recently even Ariana Grande referenced it in many of her live performances of that awful yet catchy song, Thank U next. Plus, it has long been requested and it will clearly do well.
What do I question is Back to the Beach.... now that I don't understand.

[dressedtokill]

Originally Posted by McCrutchy

American Dad! ruined this movie for me, now I just think of the characters in squirrel form:

[Show spoiler]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfFS7zRUOWU

Yes, that's the first thing that came to mind. What a great episode, it manages to include a parody of both Gilbert and Midnight Cowboy.

[orrman]

About goddamn time. It's been available just about everywhere else around the world.

[Gosszilla]

Running $13.99 at Amazon. Yep, about damn time Paramount. Had seen a HD streaming version of this many years ago and it was decent. My guess is this will turn out to be an older Master for this Blu Ray.

[wonkavision]

The price point isn't a good sign on any new master.

Come to think of it, Lasse Hallström is shafted again. I don't think any of his films look good on blu-ray (except maybe post 2010 films).

[ARS12]

Will definitely be picking this up.

[bergman864]

Originally Posted by Gosszilla

Running $13.99 at Amazon. Yep, about damn time Paramount. Had seen a HD streaming version of this many years ago and it was decent. My guess is this will turn out to be an older Master for this Blu Ray.

If it isn't a Paramount Presents titles, you get whatever's in the vault. That's what I expect and I've learned to live with it.

[frederiickx]

Will be buying!

[chadr108]

now $12.99 on Target's website....I'll take 2 please

[Ray O. Blu]

Out for delivery! Been waiting forever for this.

Would be nice to have a double feature with This Boy’s Life and this.

[danny24]

Ordered it but the ending of this movie is so freaking sad but the movie itself is brilliant. Depp and Leo have a ton of on screen chemistry. I was gonna pick the import up but didn't.

[Wes_k089]

Never seen the film, but just got my copy in the mail.

Skipping through some chapters, this release looks great. Very filmic, fine detail is impressive, colors are vibrant. A little instability, an occasional spec of dust, but looks great.

I expected this to be a "DVD transfer-to-bluray" scenario but this could be a new scan.

Will give it a watch soon.

[Member-222782]

I picked up a Korean edition of this film on Blu last year. Haven't watched it yet so don't know if I need to grab this US edition. I'm assuming both are from the same master. Will wait for reviews before I double dip but that slip on the Korean disc is pretty cool.