Stephen King's - The Langoliers (1 Viewer)

[Harry-N]

Last year I posted about my ancient copy of THE LANGOLIERS on DVD no longer working. At the time, it was out of print, so I replaced it with a used copy that wasn't too pricey.

The other day, I happened to see a newly-packaged DVD in a local Target store. It was cheaply priced at around $10 or $12 as I recall, but I suspect it was just a repackage job. They didn't do a stealth remaster, did they? Anyone know?

As one of my guilty pleasure movies, I might consider grabbing the new one just for the heck of it - and certainly if it were any kind of upgrade.

Harry

 

[Harry-N]

.

 

[Harry-N]

Curiosity got the better of me. For $9.99 at Target, I got my answers. In a nutshell, the new version is not exactly the same as the old. Here are some details.

The old disc is a 1999 Republic/Artisan version, while the new 2103 version hails from CBS/Paramount. So what's different?

The menu has changed, the chapter stops have changed, and there are additional language tracks on the CBS DVD. And I detect a different video master. It's not exactly a "Re-" master, but it is a different master. There's a sharper clarity to the new image with deeper blacks, and the newer version seems to have a brighter and warmer color palette, though don't expect miracles. This was processed for television on video, so it can only get just so good on today's HDTVs without going back to original film elements like they're doing with STAR TREK: TNG. And that's not about to happen with an also-ran Stephen King TV miniseries. Just the fact that it's available and once again in-print should be sufficient for fans.

Here are some screen-shots from both versions for what they're worth. The first of the two will be the old Artisan version, the second is the CBS DVD.

Artisan first, CBS second

Artisan menu, CBS Menu

Artisan plane shot, CBS plane shot

Artisan entering terminal shot, CBS entering terminal shot

Since I really like this crazy movie, I feel vindicated in the double-dip, if only for the fact that I've had one Artisan DVD go bad on me, and the replacement I got on eBay has a slight crack around the hub. $9.99 at Target was a pretty good deal.

Harry

 

[Ethan Riley]

To me it looks like a significant DVD upgrade. Looks like you made a good purchase. Did they have the new version of the Stand?

 

[Harry-N]

I believe they did. And there's also a Stephen King trilogy set that has three titles - LANGOLIERS, THE STAND (I believe), and something else. Amazon has it too.

Harry

 

[hypnohighball]

I believe they did. And there's also a Stephen King trilogy set that has three titles - LANGOLIERS, THE STAND (I believe), and something else. Amazon has it too.

Harry

The 3rd movie is "Golden Years".

http://www.amazon.com/Stephen-Langoliers-Stand-Golden-Years/dp/B000RZIGUE/ref=sr_1_3?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1379543433&sr=1-3&keywords=langoliers

 

[Harry-N]

A couple more screenshot comparisons:

Artisan pre-flight prep, CBS/P pre-flight prep

Artisan end of first half, CBS/P end of first half

Harry

 

[Radioman970]

After Salem's Lot, my fav of the King TV minis. Love this film! the whole idea is a great one, like a good TZ.

I have the 3 movie set I got from Big Lots for $6. Was happy to upgrade my VHS (recording from Sci-Fi Chan complete with annoying commercials/promos/crap) but not real happy about the quality of the transfer. It looks to me like the better color is reason enough to consider yet another upgrade. Although.. color plays a role in the film, how the color seems to be leaving the world along with sound fidelity, etc. They didn't screw that up by upping the color did they? I'm hoping that is enhanced...

 

[Ethan Riley]

They need to redo Rose Red and Ellen Rimbauer as a set.

 

[Ethan Riley]

Duplicate post

 

[Radioman970]

I was disappointed in Rose Red. The Legend of Hell House is similar but oh so much better.