Contraband (Fulci) (1980) filmArt

[The Mole]

Because good things take time.

[Andrew Woo]

Almost 2 1/2 years should be enough.

[Marv Inc.]

I dunno look how long it takes Synapse to realease titles.,lol.

[WJB]

Someone very helpful (DukeTogo84) on the US Blue Underground thread just reported that BU had access to the original elements of CONTRABAND recently in order to create an HD master for a BD release. The elements were in such bad shape that they abandoned the project, reporting that the current SD master is better. This information came from BU themselves on their Facebook site.

I don't know if this has any bearing on the filmArt release, but it might explain the delay...

[ZeTi]

No updates from FilmArt - though, they are still working on it.

[Fulci1978]

They answered me recently on FB, saying also that the original elements are in bad shape and they're going to restore the film using the negative material and two other german 35mm prints.

[Jompa]

I wonder why it's in bad shape? The other horror films by Fulci is in good shape.

[shocker2]

Statement by filmArt on movieside.de:

Like a lot of you we want a release asap.
The negative is in desastrous condition and Studiocanal had no alternative material either.
We got hold of two top-notch archival prints, scanned them in 4K and combined the best of both worlds.
There are seven passages that are problematic, though.
The guys at LSP Media currently work on this using a third source.
If this is finished, there will be a complete 4k scan/restauration of Contraband for the first time.
Release could happen this year.
Since this will be the first title in our new Polizeschi Edition we'd like to create a great packaging.
You will be surprised.
Interviews are cancelled, we couldn't reach Testi due to scheduling problems.
There will be a great booklet and other features, though.

Screenshots (shot one is compressed):

[Jompa]

Finally some good news.

[drush9999]

Hopefully get this and New Gladiators/Warriors of the Year 2072 this year.

[shocker2]

Bad news for all international customers.
Due to a change of the rightholder filmArt is only allowed to include German language/subtitles on their release now.
But according to them the US already showed interest in their transfer.

[WJB]

Coming to the USA market in March 2022 via Cauldron Films. They say it's a scan from the negative - let's hope it's a good one!

https://www.diabolikdvd.com/product/...case-preorder/

[Jompa]

Damn. I thought it was blue underground.

[shocker2]

From the label spokesman at movieside.de:

"It continues...
Below you can see a comparison between our master/encode and the US Blu-ray.
On the left filmArt - on the right Cauldron.
The US release still looks quite acceptable, but has almost no or very little color in many scenes.
At times, I had the impression I was watching a black and white film.
Another plus for us: original credits/location information.
The US release did recreations here and has burnt in location/time information.
We also have the color filter at the beginning of the film, which is set in the early morning hours.
In individual scenes where it also was missing, it also will be included.
The encode is of course better as well, but as always, not 100% reproducible on the captions.
I'd say the (admittedly long) wait was worth it.

More information coming soon..."

Due to renegotiations English & Italian language as well as subtitles will now be available.

[shocker2]

Update:

"We're nearing the finish line! The disc is finished, and this is what you can expect...

A little more information about our master first.

We have a new restoration/new grade by LSP Medien based on the original Italian 35mm material.
Since the Italian negative material was damaged or incomplete, we completed the version using the German material (by Uwe Schier) and reconstructed it down to the last frame.
In addition to completing the work, we also restored all the "Day-For-Night" filters.
In the best Fulci tradition, the opening sequence is also included on the disc in a full-color version without the filter, using seamless branching.
So you're spoiled for choice. Several times...

Aspect ratio: 1.85:1 1080p FULL HD
Languages: German, English, Italian DTS-HD MASTER AUDIO
Running time: 97 min. (UNCUT)
Subtitles: German, English

Extras:

- Booklet about the film and Lucio Fulci by Pelle Felsch & Dr. Marcus Stiglegger
- Featurette: An essay about the film by Dr. Marcus Stiglegger
- Featurette: Uwe Schier & The Syndicate of Horror
- Bahnhofskino podcast special by Patrick Lohmeier & Heiko Hartmann
- Photo gallery with the complete German cinema poster
- German opening credits
- Italian theatrical trailer
- English theatrical trailer
- German theatrical trailer
- New scan of the German dubbing from the original German sound negative

Now it's time for the covers "

[LeDroitDeTuer]

What will be a good place to order this from the US? I typically order German releases from jpc.de but they unfortunately will not ship FSK 18 items overseas.

[shocker2]

"Cheapest" option, postage wise, I could find was https://www.medienversand.at/ with 28,90€ https://www.medienversand.at/Lieferzeit/.
Alternative: https://www.wicked-shop.com/en/, 39,99€ https://www.wicked-shop.com/en/info/...onditions.html.

Or put a request to DiabolikDVD or Orbit DVD.

[Alexcap]

and now shameless is releasing it on blu-ray.

[LeDroitDeTuer]

I pre-ordered the Shameless version, it sounds like it also has additional color correction done and I wonder if it's using the FilmArt master. I will report back once I have it, please do share screencaps of the FilmArt version if you do get it.

This definitive edition is presented fully uncut, restored from 4K vault negative with additional colour correction and upgraded sound – exclusive to this version. It also uniquely features two optional seamless colour-version openings.

[shocker2]

filmArt posted on movieside that there'll be a third opening sequence on their release.