It's weird because the movie is such a great "first episode" for the character. I think the first half is fine, but it's a whole lot of setup. Once Sim shows up, the whole movie soars.
I'm not too familiar with other Sim performances (besides Scrooge), is there anything else he did that would be comprable to this role?
An Inspector Calls .. It's equally convoluted but just as enjoyable
An Inspector Calls .. It's equally convoluted but just as enjoyable
I wish someone would bring out the three Alastair Sim/Gordon Harker Inspector Hornleigh movies. I thought they’d be right up Network’s alley, I asked them and they said no plans
English subtitles are HoH (SDH) in a smaller white font. The only extra is an image gallery, although there are some color poster images and remastering notes printed on the inside of the jacket.
Code:
Total Video
Title Codec Length Movie Size Disc Size Bitrate Bitrate Main Audio Track Secondary Audio Track
----- ------ ------- -------------- -------------- ------- ------- ------------------ ---------------------
00002.MPLS AVC 1:31:08 19,898,769,408 19,934,875,786 29.11 25.92 LPCM 2.0 1536Kbps (48kHz/16-bit)
I'm surprised Network considered this ageing transfer worthy of BD release, as it has nowhere near 2K of resolution. It dates back at least 15 years, as it previously appeared on Network's 2006 DVD and another one from the previous year.
Criterion managed to find a far superior transfer for their 2007 DVD (UK link) which, despite being compromised by windowboxing, has more detail, grain and is less cropped. It has substantial extras, to boot.
My advice is to skip this smeary, damaged BD and get one of the cheaper UK DVDs, which are also barebones. Aside from the former having deeper black levels, there's virtually no qualitative difference between them.
Alternatively, pick up Criterion's DVD or wait for them to release a BD done properly.
I'll second the recommendation for An Inspector Calls although every release to date, including StudioCanal's 2014 BD, has incorrectly transferred it open matte. Composed and shot for widescreen, the fact the transfer's botched is evident in every frame.
Last edited by Brent Reid; 12-03-2019 at 05:28 PM.
I read your review on Amazon after they had already shipped mine.
I also was able to compare it to the Criterion on a large screen. There's no getting around the fact that this Bd is a disappointment. But to call the Criterion superior is a not quite right either. I can easily see ringing around objects, as well as everything having that typical mpg instability.
In 2019, I can't say that either one provides a satisfying viewing experience.
One thing is for sure, the quality on this isn't high enough to have me eager to rewatch it anytime soon. I would have been much better off just letting it slide by and waiting for Criterion, or someone else, to tackle it in the years ahead.
You can tell by the Beaver caps that the Blu is far superior to the Network DVD. In fact, despite apparently being from the same master, it looks more like the Criterion. Sure, it needs a restoration, but it's hardly a disaster.
You can tell by the Beaver caps that the Blu is far superior to the Network DVD. In fact, despite apparently being from the same master, it looks more like the Criterion. Sure, it needs a restoration, but it's hardly a disaster.
Agreed but the Criterion does edge it.
Since I have the movie on dvd as part of the Sim collection, I can wait to this appears in one of Network's sales or Criterion do something with it.
So, Beaver say the same master and everyone goes with that?
The damage being on the same places is indicative of the film materials having them, not the same video master being used. Their removal is a different argument. I guess they don't see potential sales of this as worthy of the higher level of restoration.
Don't understand why some are saying that the Criterion edges it. I don't think it's a fair reflection.
Sure, the Network Blu isn't going to win any awards but this is what, a 60+ year old B - Movie for all intents and purposes. It is what it is.
Completely fallacious comment. It's actually a 60-year-old A-movie, nor does it makes any difference in terms of the film stock used. Furthermore, the original negative and all pre-print materials have been carefully stored at the BFI Archive since it was first released. There's no reason why, with a new scan and minimal clean-up, it wouldn't look like it was shot yesterday. I hope eventually one day we'll get to see it.
Last edited by Brent Reid; 12-09-2019 at 03:40 PM.
There is plenty fo evidence though that if you put some effort into it, a B movie from 60+ years ago can look fantastic.
Begs the question as to why Network didn't then. I'm guessing the only selling point being Alastair Sim. I like it, it's an enjoyable yarn but it's no 'A Christmas Carol [Scrooge]' or St Trinians. Oddly enough 'An Inspector Calls' gets much better treatment.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brent Reid
Completely fallacious comment. It's actually a 60-year-old A movie, nor does it makes any difference in terms of the film stock used. Furthermore, the original negative and all pre-print materials have been carefully stored at the BFI Archive since it was first released. There's no reason why, with a new scan and minimal clean-up, it wouldn't look like it was shot yesterday. I hope eventually one day we'll get to see it.
Sorry a 73 year old film that it isn't clear was a main feature or second feature.
Park Circus have UK theatrical distribution rights and say no DCP has been made on this title; they only hold 35mm prints. So the BD is definitely from the same older source as the previous UK DVDs. Apart from a few dodgy Asian releases and DVD-R bootlegs, there don't appear to be any other legit home video releases.
Most worryingly though, it's not listed in the Janus Films database, which means Criterion may no longer have the rights either. I hope I'm wrong but unless there's a surprise announcement, we're stuck with what we have for the foreseeable future.
Park Circus have UK theatrical distribution rights and say no DCP has been made on this title; they only hold 35mm prints. So the BD is definitely from the same older source as the previous UK DVDs. Apart from a few dodgy Asian releases and DVD-R bootlegs, there don't appear to be any other legit home video releases.
Most worryingly though, it's not listed in the Janus Films database, which means Criterion may no longer have the rights either. I hope I'm wrong but unless there's a surprise announcement, we're stuck with what we have for the foreseeable future.
The DVD is still available for sale on the Criterion website, so they obviously still have home rights to exploit that. Obviously doesn’t say how long those rights may last or if they could source an HD version if they wanted to upgrade to BD.
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