The Big Blue (Le Grand Bleu) 4K UHD (1988)

[Sifox211]

A bit OT, but I came across this fascinating documentary on the ARTE service and had to share it:

Cap Corse, le mystère des anneaux

Nothing about free diving, rather a scientific mystery combined with wonderful shots of diving in the sea north of Corsica!

[BigNickUK]

I was thinking about ordering the vinyl and 4k box set from FNAC. Do they take payment at order? I was about to hit it but my bank approval came through for the full amount so cancelled the transaction

[nicwood]

Originally Posted by BigNickUK

I was thinking about ordering the vinyl and 4k box set from FNAC. Do they take payment at order? I was about to hit it but my bank approval came through for the full amount so cancelled the transaction

It depends on your payment method. If you use a credit card, they take payment up front but not via PayPal. Unlike with Arrow, their PayPal system works nicely so you don’t need to approve the payment again before shipping. Haven’t tested the other payment methods they offer though.

[Nitroes]

Originally Posted by Robojaws

So, how is Gaumont's track record in regards to encoding, grain management, DNR, disc size, etc.

Can't comment on disc size but I have dozens of their releases and they're usually top notch and most are very well funded and have English subtitles.

Originally Posted by nicwood

they take payment up front but not via PayPal. Unlike with Arrow, their PayPal system works nicely so you don’t need to approve the payment again before shipping. Haven’t tested the other payment methods they offer though.

I noticed PayPal was greyed out for me on the payment page with FNAC.

I've not ordered yet anyway but I don't think I'll be able to help myself.

I want to deep dive in the Besson tat.

Jules Vernes eat your heart out

[DanWizard]

Found some footage of the new restoration via a Japanese account, as I understand the 4k is getting a theatrical release in Japan this month.

Youtube

[moviemaker]

Originally Posted by Robojaws

So, how is Gaumont's track record in regards to encoding, grain management, DNR, disc size, etc.
Really wanna add this to my collection, but don't wanna spend premium bucks on a lackluster release.
Thanks

I'm sure it'll be released in Germany and the UK through Studio Canal with the extras subtitled, similar to Nikita, Subway, and Leon. With Gaumont releases, the main feature has subtitles, but the extras remain in French only.

[moviemaker]

Originally Posted by dr727

Best soundtrack ever & one of the best movies ever too! I’m normally patient to the extreme but can’t believe we have to wait another 2 years for Le Grande Bleu 4K!

I’m hopeful that they’ll rescan Atlantis as well because it’s a wonderful companion/bridge for LGB and Nikita. It was shot between them when director & DP decided that they wanted to stay in Greek/Euro waters for another couple years after LGB wrapped.

Love the soundtrack. Have both the Eric Serra Original and the American-ized by Bill Conti.

Would love Atlantis in 4K as well as Le Dernier Combat, Besson's first film.

[moviemaker]

Originally Posted by bigrob

I doubt the US cut will be included as a curiosity but we can hope

It will never happen. I have the US Laserdisc and a DVD copy of it but Besson hates it.

That version was forced upon Luc Besson (and the Bill Conti soundtrack) by Sid Sheinberg, Universal Studios president at the time. He was Spielberg's early mentor and the same studio president who forced Gilliam to release the "Love Conquers All" version of Brazil.

[moviemaker]

Originally Posted by cooey

According to the Amazon.fr listing it says English subs are included - https://www.amazon.fr/-/en/dp/B0FGKCWTSB/

EDIT: The DVDfr listing also says English audio and subs.

Like other Luc Besson films released by Gaumont, the special content will likely be as French as a beret-wearing mime eating a croissant. This makes the StudioCanal UK or German releases your best bet if you don't want to play charades with the director's commentary.

Any interviews with English-speaking cast members (Jean-Marc Barr, Rosanna Arquette) would obviously be in English... unless Gaumont decides to get creative and dub American actors speaking English back into French for the French market.

[moviemaker]

Here is the official and very cool Japanese (kadokawa) website for the 4K release of Le Grand Bleu out this Friday, 8.29.25.

https://movies.kadokawa.co.jp/le-grand-bleu/




And another Youtube promo from kadokawa:

æ˜*画『グラン・ブルー 完全版 4Kã€�本予告60秒ã€�8月29æ—¥(金) 公開】 - YouTube