A few words about...™ "Bullitt" -- in HD

Robert Harris · 03-01-2007, 12:46 AM

I must begin this piece discussing the wonderful documentary on film editing entitled "The Cutting Edge," which I've noted in the past. It was previously available on SD disc, but with the release of "Bullitt", this great documentary, which beautifully explains (with great examples) the art of motion picture editing has arrived on high definition disc.

It's important to know that the documentary alone is worth the $20 or thereabouts, which is the street price of the disc.

"Bullitt" was reviewed upon release in 1968 as "a terrific movie." It has held up through the intervening decades in perfect fashion, and 40 years later is still "a terrific movie."

I've noted Eastman 5254 negative stock on HTF in the past, and "Bullitt" looks to have been photographed on this stock as opposed to the slightly earlier 5251.

This is an emulsion that was the taking stock for some of the greatest films of the era from 1968 through 1974.

My point is that Warner's HD release of "Bullitt" (and I'm certain that when I view it on BD it will look the same), perfectly reproduces the look, the textures, and the grain structure of that stock. Too many post houses are attempting to lower visible grain for HD and BD releases, and this is wrong, as it changes the look and texture of the film.

From my perspective, which may take on a bit of a purist position, Warner's new high definition DVDs of "Bullitt" perfectly reproduces the film as it was meant to be seen in theatres almost 40 years ago.

Bravo for Bullitt!

Bravo for Warner!

Bravo for Peter Yates and Steve McQueen!

and Bravo! to those technicians who made the film look as it should.

This is a brilliant film, backed up by a brilliant documentary on film editing that should be in everyone's library.

Hopefully, I've made my point.

Am I happy?

Oh, yes.

Extremely Highly Recommended!

RAH

Tim Glover · 03-01-2007, 02:00 AM

Once again, Warner releases a classic film on HD DVD that I haven't seen before. But that will soon be the end of that!

Stephen PI · 03-01-2007, 11:19 AM

Robert, while we are on the subject of editing, are the impact flash frames during the car chase still removed?

Robert Harris · 03-01-2007, 11:44 AM

I didn't notice the impact flash frames, and was looking for them, but didn't have the time to go back and re-check. As I recall from prints, it was 2-3 frames.

Mark Zimmer · 03-01-2007, 11:48 AM

And it should be noted that the editing documentary is in HD too!

**HTF Ads**

EnricoE · 03-02-2007, 02:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Zimmer

And it should be noted that the editing documentary is in HD too!

WHOA!

i wasn't gonna sure if i should upgrade from 2 disc sd dvd but this is very good point towards an upgrade. well, not right now, but surely in the future

Geoffy · 03-02-2007, 05:40 AM

That's a gushing 'few words'

Excellent news indeed; I can't wait to receive my copy of this - have already palmed the SD off onto a family member in anticipation.

Geoff_D · 03-02-2007, 05:37 PM

Mine's on the way, and like my doppelganger above I've also gotten rid of the SD version. Bullitt looked great on DVD, and after RAH's recommendation I can't wait to watch the HD-DVD. I didn't get round to watching that editing documentary before, but to have it in HD is an unexpected bonus.

DavidJ · 03-06-2007, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Zimmer

And it should be noted that the editing documentary is in HD too!

Wow. I actually bought the SD of Bullitt more for that documentary than the movie. In my case, the movie was the "extra." Still, I don't know that I want to double dip on this one. I will have to think about it.

ppltd · 03-06-2007, 06:13 PM

You can keep the new James Bond (s) and Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt, I will take Bullitt and Dirty Harry any day.

Tim Glover · 03-06-2007, 07:51 PM

Just bought this for my parents...but plan on watching it beforehand.

Can't wait. Only seen bits and pieces on TNT many years ago...