The Piano (1993) Jan 20th 2014

[oslouk]

Another site now reporting that studio canal has put back this release to 19th May 2014. As I remember, they did exactly the same with the german edition when it was close to being released - bit wierd really

Perhaps they're re-thinking the teal issue !

[JackTwist]

Originally Posted by oslouk

Another site now reporting that studio canal has put back this release to 19th May 2014. As I remember, they did exactly the same with the german edition when it was close to being released - bit wierd really

Perhaps they're re-thinking the teal issue !

That is disappointing. I guess I can't complain too much since I already own the US edition... but still.

It is an odd choice since at least one review copy was already sent out and it is essentially the same edition as released in Germany. It isn't like Studio Canal to release multiple editions like that. I wonder what the hold up is. The review at Blu-ray Definition didn't mention any faults of the disc...

[filmmusic]

Originally Posted by oslouk

Perhaps they're re-thinking the teal issue !

I'd hope so but I don't think so.

[MacEachaidh]

Oh grrr, I hate this teal thing they keep insisting on doing. Makes everything look like it was filmed underwater in a chlorinated pool.

I've been hanging out for this, but I may end up getting the US release. Not fussed about a 5.1 audio track, since it wasn't filmed with one anyway, but the colours do bother me. How bad is the transfer on the US release, really? (genuine question)

[Rockercub]

Originally Posted by MacEachaidh

How bad is the transfer on the US release, really? (genuine question)

It's not very good, in my opinion. But if you're tolerant of grain, you might be okay. Another huge issue on the U.S. release is the absence of subtitles for the Maori language. I'm still waiting to hear about this issue with the UK release.

[JackTwist]

Originally Posted by MacEachaidh

Oh grrr, I hate this teal thing they keep insisting on doing. Makes everything look like it was filmed underwater in a chlorinated pool.

I've been hanging out for this, but I may end up getting the US release. Not fussed about a 5.1 audio track, since it wasn't filmed with one anyway, but the colours do bother me. How bad is the transfer on the US release, really? (genuine question)

I'll say this: Is it better than the non-anamorphic dvd from 1999? Abso-fing-lutely. Is it tolerable and watchable? Yes. It is not the worst blu-ray around and still allows the film to have a huge impact, the closest to seeing it theatrically as of yet. The problem is that the issues can be distracting, especially the bigger the screen. The overblown contrast, harsh noise and uneven grain, missing subtitles, etc do harm the overall enjoyment. That being said, had this other release not turned up with positive reviews, would I be happy? Happy enough.

If you can wait, the teal is not overly used in this situation as on other controversial releases. It seems like a much more filmic presentation overall. I hope we hear about the missing subs on the further reviews as it gets closer to the delayed release date.

[stratford]

I 'bee-lieve' that the delay is a privilege exclusive to Amazon, as PlanetofDVD advise me that they expect further copies this week

[JackTwist]

Originally Posted by stratford

I 'bee-lieve' that the delay is a privilege exclusive to Amazon, as PlanetofDVD advise me that they expect further copies this week

Which website is this? I googled them with no luck. I know of http://www.dvdplanet.com but they have no listing for this release, only the US and AU editions.

[stratford]

Jack twist, sorry if I did not get their name 100%, they are commonly an affiliate on play or amazon, for example http://preview.tinyurl.com/k265t59

[eChopper]

Originally Posted by MacEachaidh

Oh grrr, I hate this teal thing they keep insisting on doing. Makes everything look like it was filmed underwater in a chlorinated pool.

I've been hanging out for this, but I may end up getting the US release. Not fussed about a 5.1 audio track, since it wasn't filmed with one anyway, but the colours do bother me. How bad is the transfer on the US release, really? (genuine question)

[filmmusic]

Originally Posted by Rockercub

Did you notice the editor's note in the review?

I hope that means they're addressing the teal and subtitle issues.

well, it has already been released from the same studio in Germany (in teal), so I assume it's an encoding issue or something..

[Rockercub]

Originally Posted by filmmusic

well, it has already been released from the same studio in Germany (in teal), so I assume it's an encoding issue or something..

You're probably right. I just always hope that someone is paying attention to all the criticisms on the various review sites. At this point though, I can live with the teal if everything else falls into place.

[filmmusic]

has anyone read any new review?

I found this, but it's hardy a Bluray review (more like a film review):
http://www.thehollywoodnews.com/2014...lu-ray-review/

[manicsounds]

dvdactive review

[filmmusic]

Originally Posted by manicsounds

dvdactive review

Thanks.
I see no-one mentions the teal conversion of the blues..

[MacEachaidh]

Dynamics range across a stylised use of colours such as blue and sunset oranges to a very natural looking affair. ... In fact, the film style here is much more akin to a movie of the 2000s as opposed to the actual 1993 release and that makes the image feel much fresher.

Bummer.

[Jerry_Dam]

Originally Posted by manicsounds

dvdactive review

I assume this is the same transfer as the German edition that Studio Canal/Arthaus released last year? (this is the one I got but haven't watched it yet)

[JackTwist]

I received the release a few days ago and cannot be happier. In fact, it blew away any and all expectations I had for this release. For starters, all subs have returned for the sign language and Maori sequences that had been removed from most of the recent releases. The image quality far surpasses the Lionsgate release to the point that I'd label it near reference quality. Its obviously a newer restoration of a print in very good condition. Some of the color scheme is slightly different from the US release but it mirrors the European prints that you can find in earlier trailers for the film. With all of the special features, I'd be curious to know if this was director approved or not. I admire this film more than almost any other and to have this beautiful picture quality was unexpected. The issue of being teal-ified I don't think are warranted but perhaps I'm not the best judge on that issue. The 5.1 mix is also unexpectedly enveloping in a way that transcends previous experiences with the film. I say if you can play region B, purchase away. STRONG RECOMMENDATION.

Edit: Maori.

[filmmusic]

Originally Posted by JackTwist

I received the release a few days ago and cannot be happier. In fact, it blew away any and all expectations I had for this release. For starters, all subs have returned for the sign language and native tongue sequences that had been removed from most of the recent releases. The image quality far surpasses the Lionsgate release to the point that I'd label it near reference quality. Its obviously a newer restoration of a print in very good condition. Some of the color scheme is slightly different from the US release but it mirrors the European prints that you can find in earlier trailers for the film. With all of the special features, I'd be curious to know if this was director approved or not. I admire this film more than almost any other and to have this beautiful picture quality was unexpected. The issue of being teal-ified I don't think are warranted but perhaps I'm not the best judge on that issue. The 5.1 mix is also unexpectedly enveloping in a way that transcends previous experiences with the film. I say if you can play region B, purchase away. STRONG RECOMMENDATION.

Thank you very much for your review..
May I ask: the subtitles for the sign and native languages are hardcodded on the image? Or are they part of the English subtitles that you turn on and off?

[JackTwist]

Originally Posted by filmmusic

Thank you very much for your review..
May I ask: the subtitles for the sign and native languages are hardcodded on the image? Or are they part of the English subtitles that you turn on and off?

I believe they may be hard coded. I did not see any options to turn them off via the settings when looking at the audio options. I was honestly so surprised they were there, I forgot to check!