Tess (1979)

[James Luckard]

Originally Posted by Jbug

Is the German region free version worth getting? It can be had at a cheaper price.

All existing BDs except the apparently atrocious old Spanish disc are based off the same 4K restoration from the original negative, supervised by Polanski, that premiered at Cannes in 2012.

However the German disc appears to include only the film and the old recycled DVD docs, just like the UK disc. The French disc has a few more docs, but it appears the Criterion disc will include every previously released doc from the various DVDs and BDs, and new material as well.

[Dubliner1]

Originally Posted by James Luckard

It's one of the most gorgeous films you can imagine. When I was at film school, the cinematography professors always spoke of this and Days of Heaven as being the most beautifully photographed films ever.

Interestingly they're both late 70s films about tragic love triangles set in the late 1800s/early 1900s with extensive portions set in huge rolling fields at twilight

I've always found Peter Weir's 'Picnic At Hanging Rock' to be quite beautiful too.

[JackTwist]

So I pre-ordered this day one for the $27.99 price. My spouse started yelling about my blu-ray addiction, so I regretfully cancelled. I'm really hoping this will go back down before release. I've wanted to see this for so many years, mainly for the breathtaking cinematography. I guess I should just bite the bullet and accept the higher price tag... or wait until July. Boo!

To those who have seen the film, is the cinematography involve fluid camera movement, or is it more static shots. Either way is beautiful, but I'm just curious.

[slimdude]

Originally Posted by JackTwist

So I pre-ordered this day one for the $27.99 price. My spouse started yelling about my blu-ray addiction, so I regretfully cancelled.

There is nothing like being single, and having the freedom to do whatever you want to do.

[JackTwist]

Originally Posted by slimdude

There is nothing like being single, and having the freedom to do whatever you want to do.

Considering the expenses of a new home, I understand the anger to my addiction. At the same time, usually I can get away with it if I get to the mail box first. Unfortunately, three packages came at once yesterday... and I was late to check it. Oh well.

[I_Like_Movies]

Just pre-ordered this

[jasonjl]

Review is up

https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Tess-Blu-ray/44127/

[Sorgansf]

I was a huge fan of this film every since it was released. In fact, I played hooky from school and paid a dear price when I got home. So, this is a big "want" on my wish list.

I did get a chance to see the restored digital "print" at The Castro in San Francisco last year and it looked gorgeous. Much better than I even remember (I originally saw a 70mm blow up). However, I was a little crushed that Polanski (like Cimino with Heaven's Gate) decided to cut the Intermission from the film. Not that it needs it due to length, but I thought the intermission was always perfectly placed and helped in adding more drama to the film as you waited to see what happened with Tess. Call me crazy, but I see a lot of benefit with adding an intermission to films, especially when a lot of time has narratively passed once the film begins again. It's a great reset for the audience.

I'm not sure if the intermission was ever Polanski's original plan with the film--he may have been required to add it due to the pace--but I do miss its inclusion.

[KMR]

I'm really looking forward to seeing this Blu-ray. I had the DVD for a brief time, but it was one of the most wretched transfers of a major film that I have ever seen.

[ccg1978]

I really want to see this but not sure how long it will take Netflix to get the Blu. Is this worth a blind buy?

[Zen_Amako]

I think so. It's a beautiful looking film with a young and gorgeous Nastassja Kinski in the lead. It is kind of a "heavy" drama, though, so it might not be a film you will watch a lot.

[pro-bassoonist]

PHOTOS OF THE UPCOMING TESS RELEASE

Tess Blu-ray REVIEW









Pro-B

[spanky87]

Nice package.

I couldn't wait any longer and just re-watched the UK blu ray. The audio track is so immersive, and combined with the cinematography it transports you to Thomas Hardy's Wessex. Make sure there'll be no distractions for 3 hours and pump up the volume on this blu ray.

[johnjohnson]

I have to admit, I'm not impressed with the digipacks. Makes the release look cheap. I thought Criterion were better than this?

[johnjohnson]

Originally Posted by slimdude

There is nothing like being single, and having the freedom to do whatever you want to do.

Quite. lol

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by spanky87

Make sure there'll be no distractions for 3 hours and pump up the volume on this blu ray.[/B]

This is why I'm waiting until the weekend to watch my copy of Tess that I bought yesterday.

[tama]

Picked this up last night. Can't wait to watch this film but might not get the chance to until this weekend.

Also I'm not bothered by the Digipacks either.

[Danchez]

I've read a couple reviews and now I'm thinking that this film is worth a blind-buy!

[johnjohnson]

Originally Posted by Jbug

I'm surprised no mention of the great soundtrack. Very nice indeed.

And still available. One of my favourite Phillipe Sarde scores.

[Dex Robinson]

Mine is on the UPS truck at this moment. I'm really looking forward to this one.

This is one of those few period pieces where I've read the original novel.TESS OF THE D'URBERVILLES was required reading in a high school English class. Like most teenage boys, I managed to avoid reading it until the weekend before the test. So I read the whole thing in two days and, much to my surprise, I loved it.


***Doorbell ringing...UPS delivered it while I'm typing this message!