The Pianist (Studio Canal Collection)

[sapphire_nick]

I had the original release and it had lots of audio problems - loud pops and digital noise artifacts on the DTS-MA track when decoded internally on my BDP-LX91

Thankfully those loud pops are absent from this release and the sound track seems better to me. I am very pleased with it!

[Damoxuk]

Just recieved today looks like a good package will watch later..

[Adam_ME]

I finally got a chance to A-B a few scenes on the Studio Canal Blu-ray with the Universal HD-DVD.

Honestly, I had to strain my eyes to see any significant difference between the two transfers. I was watching on a 58" Panasonic plasma and maybe the Blu-ray looked marginally better.

The audio on the other hand was far better on the Blu-ray. The HD-DVD does have a Dolby TrueHD track, but the DTS HD-MA on the Blu-ray was a lot stronger and with better surrounds. It's possible it's a higher bitrate than the Dolby TrueHD track, but regardless the Blu-ray wins this one.

The extras are also superior on the Blu-ray. So it's an easy recommend if you're a fan of the film.

[md99]

Should have mine today. Will post a pile of captures in the screenshot thread.

[KrugerIndustrial]

So what is the final verdict on picture quality?

[nametag]

Originally Posted by KrugerIndustrial

So what is the final verdict on picture quality?

Not really sure there is a 'final verdict', more a series of opinions, which are expressed here. Sounds like the DVDbeaver review is the most useful if you're trying to decide to buy it.

[kashif]

Is it far better than the previous release or marginal? I mean the comparison screenshots look like the same, just a little difference? So what u say?

[Damage Inc.]

Originally Posted by kashif

Is it far better than the previous release or marginal? I mean the comparison screenshots look like the same, just a little difference? So what u say?

Would anyone know if this version is the same as the French Studio Canal Collection release?
So this is like a hardcover book-like case with a booklet inside and all that?
Cause the UK-version doesn't have very detailed pictures, just scans of the front and back or something.

[BigNickUK]

Originally Posted by Damage Inc.

Would anyone know if this version is the same as the French Studio Canal Collection release?
So this is like a hardcover book-like case with a booklet inside and all that?
Cause the UK-version doesn't have very detailed pictures, just scans of the front and back or something.

Be careful there are 2 versions knocking around, both with the same transfer from Studio Canal UK. One is an early version in an amaray case and then it was rereleased as a digibook in the Studio Canal Collection.
Some of the early batch of the first release didnt have hard coded subs for the German language parts.

[Damage Inc.]

Originally Posted by BigNickUK

Be careful there are 2 versions knocking around, both with the same transfer from Studio Canal UK. One is an early version in an amaray case and then it was rereleased as a digibook in the Studio Canal Collection.
Some of the early batch of the first release didnt have hard coded subs for the German language parts.

So that means the DigiBook-version would have always-on subtitles?
Also, that would be in English?

As for the case, I guess it would be clear on the website (like Amazon) which version you're getting right?
Just wondering if the content/appearance is the same for all those DigiBook-versions.

[BigNickUK]

Originally Posted by Damage Inc.

So that means the DigiBook-version would have always-on subtitles?
Also, that would be in English?

As for the case, I guess it would be clear on the website (like Amazon) which version you're getting right?
Just wondering if the content/appearance is the same for all those DigiBook-versions.

Yes the digi book has always on English subtitles through the German speaking parts.

The image of the digibook is pretty clear thats the one you are getting, another way to tell is that it will be around the £15 mark as the Studio Canal Collection Digibooks havent come down in price really in the UK. Whereas the amaray is around the £7 mark

[Damage Inc.]

Originally Posted by BigNickUK

Yes the digi book has always on English subtitles through the German speaking parts.

The image of the digibook is pretty clear thats the one you are getting, another way to tell is that it will be around the £15 mark as the Studio Canal Collection Digibooks havent come down in price really in the UK. Whereas the amaray is around the £7 mark

Oh, it was just not as clear as the French version, which has a more expanded picture, the case opened up and contents showing.
So, I wasn't sure if it would be completely the same as it doesn't show as much.
Couldn't just assume anyway... :P

[James Luckard]

Has this gone OOP? There are only 2 copies left at Amazon, without the usual wording "more on the way", and only used copies left at Play.com.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pianist-Stud.../dp/B003PHJLSM

http://www.play.com/DVD/Blu-ray/4-/1...t/Product.html

[rapta]

This any better than the regular amaray? Was gonna get the amaray to upgrade from my DVD copy, but hate those StudioCanal digibooks.

[DJJez]

the grail of pianists blu rays is the kimchi steelbook: forget that garbage digibook

[UpsetSmiley]

Sorry for bumping this but I was thinking about selling my Kimchi release due to the subtitles issue. Apparently the German speaking parts are only translated into English once the subs are selected. Somewhat of a hindrance to be playing with the remote when you're being emotionally reeled into the film.

Maybe a 4K release will come around soon?

[ArnoldLayne56]

Originally Posted by UpsetSmiley

Sorry for bumping this but I was thinking about selling my Kimchi release due to the subtitles issue. Apparently the German speaking parts are only translated into English once the subs are selected. Somewhat of a hindrance to be playing with the remote when you're being emotionally reeled into the film.

Maybe a 4K release will come around soon?

Yes, where the h*ll is a US release of awesome film?
I am now buying the StudioCanal digibook, will rip the disc to remove the region lock and stream from network drive via Oppo.

[heineken]

Since there is no region A release of this great film, I went ahead and purchased this a week ago; just received it today. A definite upgrade over the DVD.

[benhoppel]

Originally Posted by heineken

Since there is no region A release of this great film, I went ahead and purchased this a week ago; just received it today. A definite upgrade over the DVD.

Yeah, but overall quite a dated transfer. Needs a new 4K scan and UHD release.

[Bates_Motel]

Originally Posted by benhoppel

Yeah, but overall quite a dated transfer. Needs a new 4K scan and UHD release.

Problem is, if the studio didn't bother putting money into a simple blu-ray release, even with an oder scan, the chances aren't great that they would put even more into a whole new scan and a UHD. I'm sure it'll happen eventually somewhere though.