The Third Man (1949) - OUT OF PRINT

[baheidstu]

Originally Posted by hearthesilence

No, do NOT get this version, it looks terrible and another big reason why Criterion's BD was so sought after for a while. Get StudioCanal's current edition, which has a NEW 4k scan and looks amazing.

Well, he said he already has it. But the best advice would be to try to sell it and put the proceeds towards the Studio Canal version.

Originally Posted by Blu_Beard

What are the odds that StudioCanal will be releasing their new 4K scan stateside anytime soon? I have the Criterion Digipack DVD but I've long been considering upgrading to the UK or French release.

I'd say it's not likely they'll release it any time soon in North America considering they haven't released anything here in a while. Seeing as the UK version is region free, I can't see any reason why you shouldn't just import that one.

[mja345]

Originally Posted by Blu_Beard

What are the odds that StudioCanal will be releasing their new 4K scan stateside anytime soon? I have the Criterion Digipack DVD but I've long been considering upgrading to the UK or French release.

You can pick it up relatively cheap on Amazon UK. I'm probably going to throw it in my cart the next time I pick up some Indicator releases on Amazon UK.

[thompsonjohn]

Anyone still interested I've lowered my price to $55 +S&H, this is now a first come first serve deal. PM me.

[Blu_Beard]

Originally Posted by baheidstu

I'd say it's not likely they'll release it any time soon in North America considering they haven't released anything here in a while. Seeing as the UK version is region free, I can't see any reason why you shouldn't just import that one.

That's good to know - I had seen that they released a BD with the old scan under the StudioCanal Collection in 2010, which is still on the market. I had thought they may still be active in the US, which it appears they are not.

Originally Posted by mja345

You can pick it up relatively cheap on Amazon UK. I'm probably going to throw it in my cart the next time I pick up some Indicator releases on Amazon UK.

I think I may just do the same. It turns my copy is actually the older 1999 Criterion release.

[thompsonjohn]

I need to sell "The Third Man" by end of today fofr $65, terms of payment will be discussed one on one.

I've decided you will get "Smokey and the Bandit" blu-ray/DVD free. Also, I'm willing to throw in the "Indiana Jones" box set free.

PM me.

[PaperThinWalls]

Originally Posted by Blu_Beard

That's good to know - I had seen that they released a BD with the old scan under the StudioCanal Collection in 2010, which is still on the market. I had thought they may still be active in the US, which it appears they are not.

Actually, Studio Canal/Lionsgate released The Man Who Fell to Earth in the US this past January, so they are still active here. That said, the odds of The Third Man being released in NA, I think, are pretty slim.

[Member-167298]

Originally Posted by PaperThinWalls

Actually, Studio Canal/Lionsgate released The Man Who Fell to Earth in the US this past January, so they are still active here. That said, the odds of The Third Man being released in NA, I think, are pretty slim.

I thank this thread for alerting me to the fact that the UK release is a new 4K scan. Even though I only recently bought the US release, after comparing the caps I had to order the UK disc from Amazon UK. Also threw in the new Lady From Shanghai from Indicator and the 4 disc UK Forever Marilyn collection since it was cheap. Only like $43USD for everything :-)

[3DEnterpriser]

What are chances Criterion will finally cut a deal with LG/StudioCanal in favor of the (far-superior) newer scan?

[jackinbox]

Originally Posted by 3DEnterpriser

What are chances Criterion will finally cut a deal with LG/StudioCanal in favor of the (far-superior) newer scan?

I'd rather Criterion spend their resources on other titles. The Studio Canal 4k Restoration is cheap. I wouldn't mind having those audio commentary tracks but I likely wouldn't buy it again just for that.

[4kUltraBD]

Apologies for the silly question here, but it looks like I am late to the party.

Can someone please pint me in the direction of the 4k restoration version from the UK?

Also, is there anybody out there who has the Criterion version who can compare these two releases? Is the UK 4k edition as good as the Criterion release?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[ravenus]

Originally Posted by 4kUltraBD

Can someone please pint me in the direction of the 4k restoration version from the UK?

Also, is there anybody out there who has the Criterion version who can compare these two releases? Is the UK 4k edition as good as the Criterion release?

I don't have either disc but the screenshots at caps-a-holic show the SC restored edition to be not just as good as, but superior to the older Criterion release. See for yourself:
Caps-a-holic Comparison

[Jexes23]

Originally Posted by ravenus

I don't have either disc but the screenshots at caps-a-holic show the SC restored edition to be not just as good as, but superior to the older Criterion release. See for yourself:
Caps-a-holic Comparison

Thanks for that link. I've been holding out on this title for a while but it looks like no more. I haven't perused enough to read about "extra features" but that new copy is clearly superior to the Criterion edition, and I'm a Criterion fan.

[4kUltraBD]

Originally Posted by ravenus

I don't have either disc but the screenshots at caps-a-holic show the SC restored edition to be not just as good as, but superior to the older Criterion release. See for yourself:
Caps-a-holic Comparison

Awesome!

Thank you for the links and info!

[Maczones]

Originally Posted by ravenus

I don't have either disc but the screenshots at caps-a-holic show the SC restored edition to be not just as good as, but superior to the older Criterion release. See for yourself:
Caps-a-holic Comparison

I'm sorry but I disagree. I have both versions and the Criterion is clearly more superior by being sharper and the grain field is pronounced. If you just look at Capture #2 from the Caps-a-holic site, and focus on the man's face, you will see clearly the Criterion shows the man's facial pores in fine detail, whereas the Studio Canal version is blurry and unsharpened. Watching both films on my HD Plasma clears shows this difference as well. This is of course not to say the Studio Canal is a bad transfer, on the contrary it is an excellent one too but the verdict for me is the Criterion is a slightly better version of this great film. To quote Blu-ray.com:

"Criterion release has inarguably the stronger transfer, with better contrast and especially inkier blacks, as well as less print damage". and "While this StudioCanal release isn't quite up to Criterion standards, it also won't cost you an arm and a leg".

Maczones

[Acer2010]

Why doesn't StudioCanal release the 4K restoration of THE THIRD MAN in the U.S.?

[bigshot]

It kinda depends. If you look at Joseph Cotton's suit in cap 3, the Criterion looks better. I think if you have one, you probably don't need to double dip. If the Studio Canal is available, there's no reason to pay more for an out of print Criterion.

[jackinbox]

Originally Posted by bigshot

It kinda depends. If you look at Joseph Cotton's suit in cap 3, the Criterion looks better. I think if you have one, you probably don't need to double dip. If the Studio Canal is available, there's no reason to pay more for an out of print Criterion.

I thought the Studio Canal looked light-years better than I remember the Criterion disc looking. I sold my Criterion off a couple of years ago, so my memory could be incorrect. My recollection is that the Criterion disc looked very nice, but the Studio Canal is stunning.

[Brutimus]

Originally Posted by bigshot

If you look at Joseph Cotton's suit in cap 3, the Criterion looks better.

I believe that's just sharpening on Criterion's. I can't see any additional detail there.

[TheBoss062]

Originally Posted by bigshot

It kinda depends. If you look at Joseph Cotton's suit in cap 3, the Criterion looks better. I think if you have one, you probably don't need to double dip. If the Studio Canal is available, there's no reason to pay more for an out of print Criterion.

If you’re a collector?

[BLUEGRASS]

I found a used copy (in great condition) of the Criterion version for $19.99 tonight at my local used media store