R2 Anamorphic list... etc etc (1 Viewer)

[Hans Eikanger]

Sorry if I missed this being mentioned, but I believe A nightmare before Christmas belongs on the list.
Also, there are still some non-anamorphic R2 Armageddon disks floating around, so be careful!

 

[Richard Semple]

Besides the UK release of Mulan, all the other countries in Region 2 (the entirety of Europe with different censorship standards, of course) have anamorphic and uncut versions out on DVD. It's also anamorphic and uncut in Region 4.
A couple of others:
The Region 2 Go has animated scored menus and, on my opinion, much nicer cover art than the Region 1 release.
Vertigo in both R2 and R4 is anamorphic, although the R4 has the original poster cover art whereas the R2 cover is just plain ugly.
Add to that list the upcoming Region 2 SE release of the classic Glory (which I referred to in a separate thread that I started).
Link Removed

 

[Omer M]

Well... another addition, the Full Monty is released as a bizonal region 2&4 disc and includes an anamorphic transfer (1.85:1, although I found it a little lacking in depth and a little 'diffused' in a few scenes, it still makes a far better transfer compared to the US non-anamorphic release).
Take under consideration that the US release contains both the original English soundtrack and the slightly "Americanized" U.S. Soundtrack while the Region 2 has only the better Original soundtrack.

 

[Jay W]

Correct me if I am wrong but the newer Region 1 release of "Liar Liar" (Universal Collector's Edition) is a 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer. I picked this up quite a few months ago.
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Home Theater Equipment
DVD Collection

 

[Omer M]

Liar Liar movie-only and Liar Liar DTS region 1 transfer's are Full Screen 1.33:1 transfer.
The $35 (retail) Liar, Liar: Special Edition includes not only an anamorphic widescreen (1.85:1) transfer but also Film Highlights, Documentaries, Outtakes, Cast/Crew Bios, Photo Gallery, Production Notes, Theatrical Trailer, Web Access, Audio Commentary, Deleted Scenes and Filmographies.

 

[Hans Eikanger]

I don't have (either of?) the Liar Liar disc(s?), but wasn't this one of those films released in both a full frame and a widescreen edition, like The Mummy was? If that's the case, then Jehan really is right, Omer...
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Who you callin' a psycho?! -Roy Munson

 

[Chad Parks]

Also, the Region 2 (and I believe the Region 4 as well, but I don't own it) release of Purple Rain is the ONLY way to see this film in it's OAR (1.85:1). Also, it is indeed anamorphic, has a 5.1 DD sountrack, but is oddly enough missing the theatrical trailer that has deleted scenes.
Also Fritz the Cat, Orgazmo, and Escape From New York are three more films that are region 2 exclusive off the top of my head (but only Orgazmo's anamorphic).
Chad http://www.geocities.com/freeregiondvd

 

[Omer M]

Ok Ok... after quite a long time, a few additions:
(1) Bird On A Wire
John Badham's 'Bird On A Wire' will be released as a German Region 2 disc on July 3rd with an original aspect ratio of 2.35:1 and an anamorphic transfer along with English, Dutch, French, Italian and Spanish Dolby Surround audio tracks and English, Dutch, French, Portuguese, Danish, Finnish, Swedish, Norwegian, Hollandish, Polish and Czech subtitles.
This edition will also include the US trailer, production notes and biographies.
(The US release included a 2.10:1 letterboxed transfer with English Dolby Surround, Trailer and production notes).
NOTE: a UK release of the film will be avaliable on July 12th, details are yet to be confirmed.
(2) Manic Street Preachers - Leaving the 20th Century
Sony Music Video will be releasing this concert on July 3rd. the disc will feature Discography. Photo Gallery. pre- and post- gig interviews with the band. Footage of the soundtrack and rehearsals. Interviews with fans attending the memorable night. Weblink.
The songs that would be featured are:
You Stole the Sun From My Heart, Faster, Everything Must Go , Tsunami, The Masses Against The Classes, The Everlasting, Kevin Carter , La Tristesse Durera (Scream To A Sigh), Rock & Roll Music, Ready For Drowning, Of Walking Abortion, No Surface - All Feeling, Motown Junk, Motorcycle Emptiness, Too Good To Be True, Small Black Flowers, Australia, Elvis Impersonator, You Love Us, Stay Beautiful, If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next, A Design For Life.
(3) Elton John - Live In Barcelona 1992
Eastwest will be releasing a French disc of Elton John's 1992 concert at Barcelona on July 11th. While I can not say much on what exactly the disc will include, it will be 120 mins long with a 5.1 DD audio track and lyrics in multiple languages, the concert would be presented in a 4/3 full screen mode, and will feature a special multi-angle documentary of the tournament that was taking place in Barcelona in the time of the concert (more details quite soon).
A few others later today...

 

[Omer M]

(Compiling a few posts I recently sent to other thread and adding those to this thread for a reference)
(1) Summer Of Sam - Summer Of Sam french release is really something worth mentioning as it not only include an SDR English audio track (outstanding work on this Spike Lee film, although this is NOT DTS, and this does not bring the same qualities that DTS does, but is slightly superior to English DD5.1) but also features an anamorhpic transfer (I am not overestimating on this one, the anamorphic transfer does bring a different definition to the image compared to the letterboxed US disc transfer, although the calibration of the colors is slightly better on the Region 1).
In terms of supplements the French release includes, beside some awfully ugly menus, some french film critic from the time the movie was released (quite an interesting feature, too bad it is in french, ack), TV Spot and a theatrical trailer. this release also includes two interviews, the first one, a nice thingie with Spike Lee (three minutes approximately) which summarizes the history and which explains why Spike chose the scenario of the film.
If ya got any french knowledge, the other interview is really something to write home about, an interview with Stéphane Bourgoin, a French journalist, specialist in the serial killers, who shade some light into the world of these killers (tells the stories of meeting a few serial killers) and also spreads the true history of David Berkowitz (Sam...), really impassioning from the beginning to the end.
The UK Region 2 release of The Summer Of Sam is due on 24 July but will feature a directors commentary, behind-the-scenes documentary, cast and crew intervewis including one with Spike Lee, the theatrical trailer, production notes, photo gallery, cast biographies and TV spots (Unlike the Region 1 disc) and will be anamorphic (again, compared to the US letterboxed).
(2) When Harry Met Sally - Released as a Region 4 disc last February, see http://www.hometheaterforum.com/uub/Forum15/HTML/013175.html
Look out for a few more later today.
Take care, Omer.

 

[Omer M]

Ok.... lets try a few more:
(1) When a Man Loves a Woman - the previously released US and UK release were both 1.85:1 letterboxed, the forthcoming June 6th region 4 release will feature an anamorphic transfer (all 3 releases are Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround)
(2) Turner & Hooch - Tom Hank's Turner & Hooch was never released on region 1 and is set for an August Region 4 release, details are yet to be announced but as far as I know the disc will include an anamorhpic transfer and a trailer.
(3) Another Day In Paradise - Melanie Griffith is coming in anamorphic on this region 4 release on July 19th. no word yet if the disc will include the US features of unrated director's cut and Clarence Carter Music Video (the US release was widescreen letterboxed)
(4) Last Of The Mohicans - I can easily recommend the US release of this Daniel Day Lewis film as it contained 12 unreleased scenes along with a THX letterboxed transfer, but, if yer after the anamorphic transfer, there will be a late 2000 release of this title on region 4, extras are yet to be announced.
(5) Oasis - Unplugged - Region 4 - Late 2000 release
(6) Babyface - Unplugged - Region 4 - Late 2000 release
(7) Stranglers - 60 mins Region 2 French release (Stereo Soundtrack), 4/3 Full screen presentation, featuring a short animation, a quiz, group history, a photo gallery and a multiple angle feature for the conecrt with the songs:
Toiler on the sea, something Better Change, 96 Tears, Someone like you, Sweet Smell of Success, Always the Sun, Strange Little Girl, Hanging Around, Let's Celebrate, Golden Brown, No More Heroes, Nuclear Device, Duchess, All day & All of The Night, Punch & Judy. (Live At Alexandra Palace)
(8) The Corrs - Unplugged - Region 2 (recommended... a very good one)
(9) The Corrs - Live At The Albert Hall - Region 2
(10) The Very Best Of Dire Straits (Sultans Of Swing) - Region 2 - 4/3 full screen presentation, Stereo soundtrack, Interview With Mark Knopfler, lyrics in English, German, French, Dutch, Spanish, Italian, Swedish along with multi lingual menus. Music videos of: Sultans Of Swing, Lady Writer, Romeo And Juliet, Tunnel Of Love, Private Investigations, Twisting By The Pool, Love Over Gold (Live), So Far Away, Money For Nothing, Brothers In Arms, Walk Of Life, Calling Elvis, Heavy Fuel, On Every Street, Your Latest Trick (Live), Local Hero -Wild Theme- (Live) (tho image is a little grainy in a few of the videos, take under consideration that the videos were made 20 years ago at some cases, soundtrack is a really good one, tho not dolby digital nor dolby surround)
(11) The Prince's Trust Rock Gala Volume 1: 1986
(Region 2, featuring Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Elton John, Mark Knopfler, Phil Collins, Sting, Rod Stewart, George Michael, Paul Young, Tina Turner, Midge Ure, Joan Armatrading, Level 42, Big Country, Howard Jones, Suzanne Vega, 94 Min, Stereo soundtrack, 4/3 full screen)
(12) The Prince's Trust Rock Gala Volume 2: 1987
(Region 2, featuring Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Elton John, Bryan Adams, Phil Collins, Paul Young, Ben E. King, Alison Moyet, Midge Ure, Labi Siffre, Mark King (From Level 42), Tony Hadley (from Spandau Ballet), Dave Edmunds, Go West and Curiosity Killed The Cat, 80 Min, Stereo soundtrack, 4/3 full screen)
(13) The Prince's Trust Rock Gala Volume 3: 1988
(Region 2, featuring Wet Wet Wet, Sweet Little Mystery, Twist And Shout, Léonard Cohen, Tower Of Song, T'Pau, Heart And Soul, Midge Ure & Midge Ure All Star Band, Dancing With Tears In My Eyes, Howard Jones, What Is Love, Rick Astley & Midge Ure All Star Band, Never Gonna Give You Up, Colin Vearncombe & M.U.A.S Band, Wonderful Life, Phil Collins & Muas Band, You Can't Hurry Love, Joe Cocker & M.U.A.S Band, The Letter, The Bee Gees & M.U.A.S Band, You Win Again, Peter Gabriel & M.U.A.S, Sledgehammer, Mark Knomfler & Eric Clapton's All Star Band, Money For Nothing, Elton John & Eric Clapton's All Star Band, I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That, Eric Clapton & His All Star Band, Layta, All Concert Artists, With A Little Help From My Friends. 79 mins, Stereo soundtrack, 4/3 full screen)
(14) Party In The Park 1998 (From Hyde Park, London): Region 2 - Multiangle on 13 tracks, 1.33:1 full screen ratio, Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track.
Man I Feel Like A Woman - Shania Twain, You Are Still The One - Shania Twain , Back For Good - Gary Barlow, Stranded - Lutricia McNeal, I Don't Wanna Know - Julian Lennon, Torn - Natalie Imbruglia, Big Mistake - Natalie Imbruglia, Arms Around The World - Louise, Life - Des'ree, Nothing Ever Happens - Del Amitri, What Can I Do - The Corrs, I Wanna Be The Only One - Eternal, Dance The Night Away - The Mavericks, Tell Me Why - The Mavericks, The Bottle Let Me Down - The Mavericks, Under The Bridge - All Saints, Lady Marmalade - All Saints, It's Not Unusal - Tom Jones, Delilah - Tom Jones, You Can Leave Your Hat On - Tom Jones, Free - Ultra Nate, Say You, Say Me - Lionel Richie, Time - Lionel Richie
(15) Party In The Park 1999 (From Hyde Park, London): Region 2 - 1.33:1 full screen ratio, Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track.
Madness - Our House, One Step Beyond, S Club 7 - Bring It All Back, S Club 7, Martine McCutcheon - Perfect Moment, I Got You, The Brand New Heavies - Saturday Nite, Midnight At The Oasis, Culture Club - Karmachemeleon, Your Kisses Are Charity, Geri Halliwell - Mi Chico Latino, Look At Me, Bag It Up, Honeyz - Finally Found, Mike and the Mechanics- Over My Shoulder, Texas - Black Eyed Boy, Say What You Want, Ronan Keating - When You Say Nothing At All , Steps - One For Sorrow, Tragedy, UB40 - Come Back Darling, Can't Help Falling In Love, Boyzone - When The Going Gets Tough , Picture Of You , Love Me For A Reason, You Needed Me, No Matter What
Will see if I got time to post a few more laters,
Omer

 

[John DrakeLaw]

Omer, you`re a mine of information, can`t wait for your site to be up and running.
Do you know if the Region 2 version of Judge Dredd is anamorphic? I know R1 isn`t and R4 is. Thanks, John

 

[TheLongshot]

Suprised that this isn't on your list, but Farscape is being released on DVD in Region 2.
Jason

 

[Omer M]

Well, Sorry again, I was gone for the last 2 weeks, and could not add anything to this thread, at any rate, I will be able to write more permanently in a few weeks.
Stigmata is set for a region 2 release on July 10th with the following supplements (superior to the region 1 release): 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen, Dolby Digital 5.1 in 5 languages, Divine Rites - The Story of Stigmata (missing in the US release), director's commentary, movie with or without an alternate ending, 5 deleted scenes, music video - Natalie Imbruglia, theatrical trailer, animated menus with music, 16 subtitles with English and German hard of hearing
(1) Cutthroat Island Japanese release is not only anamorphic but also blessed with a DTS audio track.
(2) Under 2 owners, The Tellytubbies are coming to DVD this autumn from the BBC.
I also received the following report from the latest DVD Europe conference:
(a) 'DTS and Dolby had a head to head during one seminar at Europe 2000, with both justifiably claiming great successes. While UK consumers are champing at the bit for full-on DTS soundtracked feature films, it is both reassuring and little galling to hear that there are 45 discs already released or in preparation in Germany, including some big name titles (The Sixth Sense picked up a Europa award at the conference). Following the disappointment of SLEEPY HOLLOW not getting a DTS track here
(due to production deadlines), DTS themselves point out that now a UK authoring house is DTS (and THX) equipped, we should see some big titles come from some of the UK companies. Already, there are some music titles available in the UK with DTS tracks.'
(b) 'While a staggering 2/3rds of all European players are able to play discs from outside Europe, it was clear that more and more local DVDs are beating their US counterparts for features. Both MGM and Columbia now regularly add extra features for the local market (see below for full details on MGM's
upcoming STIGMATA).'
July 24th will see Stigmata Region 2 release, which will be slightly better than the former US release and will feature 16:9 anamorphic widescreen, Dolby Digital 5.1, dual layer, commentary by Tim Burton, "Behind the Legend" documentary (30 mins), "Reflections on Sleepy Hollow" documentary (12 mins), biographies, photo gallery, theatrical and teaser trailers, English subtitles for the hearing
impaired, 3D animated menus)

Glory - German Region 2 release will include this following specs on a DVD-9 disc:
Runtime: 117 Min. + 90 Min of Bonus material
Anamorphic widescreen 1.85:1 transfer
Audio Tracks:
English Dolby Digital 5.1, Dutch Dolby Digital 2.0, French Dolby Digital 2.0, Italian Dolby Digital 2.0, Spanish Dolby Digital 2.0
Audio commentary Dolby Digital 2.0 (Mono)
Isolated Music score Dolby Digital 5.1
And for supplements:
- "The True Story of Glory continued" documentary (45 Min.)
- Making-Of (20 Min.)
- "Voices of Glory" (7 Min.)
- Audio commentary
- Deleted scenes (6 Min.)
- Trailer
- Biographies
I noticed some of ya asked for details on 'Chain Reaction', first, it is only released as a Region 2 for the time being, and as far as I know there is no US release planned soon. At any rate, the release feature a Widescreen anamorphic 1.85:1 transfer with an English Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track, there is also a 14-minute featurette that tries to go behind the scenes, but certainly does not give much insight into the making of…
The long awaited 'The Alamo' will be released as a region 2 title on July 12th with 40 minute documentary, trailer and animated menus.
MGM will be releasesing a special edition of From Russia with Love which will feature an Inside From Russia With Love documentary, narrated by Patrick McNee - 34 mins approx, Harry Saltzman:
Showman - 27mins approx, 3 theatrical trailers, 3 TV spots and 3 radio spots.
Thunderbirds are go on Region 2 DVD, with all 32 mini-epics available for the first time on the digital format. The 8 discs will have 4 episodes each, and have been remastered in Dolby Digital 5.1. Extras will include an F.A.B fact file, a Test Your Brains quiz, behind the scenes, "Best of" selections, hard of hearing subtitles and animated menus.
Please note that there's also a complete box set out in November.

A few more to be added laters (especially on the German Sixth Sense 2 disc-set and yesterday's region 2 The Big Blue (Version Lounge) release).

 

[Iain Lambert]

ba badaba da ba baba da
ba badebe de be ba daba
sorry. Just had this vision of Jean Reno diving to the tune of 'Girl from Ipanema'. Yes, it The Big Blue: Version Lounge!
Sorry Omer, its actually really useful info. By the way, I bought this during the week, but haven't had a chance to watch it yet. According to the box, we have a trailer as the only extra, it's the correct anamorphic ratio, and 2.0 surround in English or French along with a pile of subtitle options. When I find three hours to watch it I'll let you all know of the quality.
iain

 

[Jason Passons]

I have a Creative DXR3 DVD-ROM drive, It asks you what region you want to set it up for when you install the software for it, I just wish I could set it up for multiple regions. I did this once before but had to use external software, eventually had to format the HD and had problems reinstalling it and I won't dare try it again until I have a backup player.
Theres a movie called 'Best Men' out on DVD in Region 2 now. It was released by a company called Cinema Club (Its actually one of Orion's old titles before they went under) and I don't expect to see it on DVD here in the US.

 

[Omer M]

Okay, ya might find the following additions interesting enough:
Gaumont/Columbia are planning an August region 2 release of Dead Zone, which was never released on Region 1. The release will include an anamorphic transfer along with a Both English and French Dolby Digital 2.0 audio track and French subtitles. Supplements will be the original theatrical trailer, a 'portrait of Stephen King and his work' documentary and catalogue of King's films.
Beethoven (yet to be released on region 1) will also be released by Gaumont and will be:
- 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen
- French/English Dolby Digital 2.0 audio tracks
Alec Baldwin's 'The Shadow', which was a full-screen non-anamorphic region 1 disc is set to be released by Gaumont as well with:
- 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen
- French/English Dolby Digital 5.1 audio tracks
Do not dare to get a hold of the Region 2 release of Kalifornia, first for the fact that it is set for an anamorphic Region 1 re-issue on August and mainly for the fact that the anamorphic Region 2 release is simply one of the worst transfers I witnessed. (and featured a bad 2.0 audio track as well. by the way, the special features include a 20 minute documentary and a non anamorphic trailer which is far superior to the anamorphic transfer of the film for some reason…)

I was asked for a few words on Courage Under Fire region 4 release, so here goes: the dual layered RSDL disc features a PAL 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer, and quite honestly, one of the sumptuous transfers I had seen. Pristinely clean transfer and minimum defects creating a very detailed and sharp image with superb black level and shadow detail.
The Audio track is an English Dolby Digital 5.1 (with subtitles in: Czech, Polish, Hungarian, Portugese, English - Hearing Impaired, Icelandic, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish) and is an excellent one. On the supplements side, only a theatrical trailer is given but are at least the disc is blessed with anamorphic crisp menus.

 

[Roland Wandinger]

John
The french version of Judge Dredd is as far as I know 16x9
but I think it has noneofswitchable subtitles when the english track is selected, I'm not 100% positive though, you would need that modified player.
It is english DD 5.1.

 

[Omer M]

Well, not sure why, but I never paid the deserved attention to the Region 4 release of Jackie Brown (by Village Roadshow), which is far better than the French release (and its annoying irremovable subtitles)… so, I hope ya can find this short review helpful in some way.
Image (aspect ratio of 1.78:1, 16x9 enhanced) is vividly rendered with rich colour presentation and very strong reds standing out, the fact that no colour bleeding could be noticed makes me believe that this was the way the film was shot.
The transfer is at most point clear and sharp with quite fine shadow detail with a few scenes of no shadow detail at all, a fact that must be related to Tarantino's cinematographic style and the filming process. No digital atrefacts could be spotted and only a few film-to-video artefects can be seen at some points. The overall in my opinion is a quite good tranfer, but still a few step behind excellence.
Sound wise this is again a pretty good effort. A nicely balanced and not at all aggressive 5.1 soundtrack (there is also an English DD 2.0 audio track), with audio sync problems appeaing every now and then at some players (well, actually those are quite rare and appearing only between the 72-74 min and on chapter 24). Soundstage is centered in the front with surround used mainly for music, the woofer carried the bottom end of the music and the occasional gunshot but was otherwise quite silent.
Extras are limited only to animated menu (with quite a delightful music bit), theatrical trailer and bios.

 

[Omer M]

John John, okay, I did a little research on the various European releases of Judge Dredd and I came up with 2 different Region 2 releases:
(a) The Pathe Release - An 2.35:1 Widescreen non-anamorphic transfer, but despite not being anamorphic, looks about as good as it gets, with bitrate going just under 9Mb/s presenting a vivid and clear image with highly saturated, rich colors presentation. The Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track is a quite good one, blessed with full surround activity. (the disc includes a 'Stallone's Law: The Making of Judge Dredd' - 20 mins documentary, trailer, bios and animated menu). The drawback is quite a critical one in my opinion and makes this disc inferior to the US release is the fact that the film was cut by the BBFC and is 35 seconds shorter including a very bold cut around the 81st minute of the film (violence cuts).
(b) The German edition is 'Nicht-anamorphic' (non anamorphic…) and feature only a Dolby Digital 5.1 German soundtrack, disqualified !.. (image wise and sound wise - this is one of the worst german releases I saw)
Another note that must be added - please do not fall for the rumours of German discs who offer English DTS titles... there are 45 German DTS released/prepped titles but all those will feature only a German DTS audio track and not an English one. a good news piece is the fact that there are around 20 DTS titles being prepped (as far as I heard) by a few UK and European studios for a UK release and will include an English DTS track.

 

[Omer M]

Dunno why I decided to add this one, but there ya go (take under consideration that Men In Tights was never released on region 1):
Robin Hood - Men In Tights (single layered DVD-5)
Transfer: anamorphic widescreen 1.85:1
Audio Track: German, English and Italian Dolby Surround
Subtitles: English, German, Italian, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Hindi, Turkish, Danish, Arab, Swedish, Finnish, Icelandic, Norwegian, Portuguese, Greek and Hebrew.
Image quality is quite good but can not be compared with the recent Fox releases which gives anamorphic a new meaning, this is a common, good anamorphic transfer with a very nice color saturation and a clean image, with a drawback of quite a few artefacts.
The dolby surround track is excellent as far as dialouge is concerned with a very clear dialouge and only avarage use of surrounds.
Supplements include original trailer, cast profiles and a film documentary with interviews and a photo gallery. (all presented in 3 languages and the innumerable subtitles)