![King Kong [Blu-ray]](http://cdn.hometheaterforum.com/2/2d/50x50px-ZC-2d38c4d3_B001KZVQJI-51-+lqydZmL.jpg)
For fans of Peter Jackson's take on King Kong, Universal's original HD release was considered reference quality, albeit limited to the theatrical release only, presumably based upon the ability of the HD format to contain both.
Released concurrent with the HD disc in November of 2006, was a three-disc SD version filled to overflowing with a myriad of additional extras.
Now, finally making its bow on Blu-ray, one receives the same extremely high quality image and audio as the 2006 HD, but now with the addition of the longer (200 minute, and not necessarily better) cut of the film, which is interconnected with the 187 cut via seamless branching.
If one looks at price -- the new Blu-ray is currently available on Amazon for $20, reduced from $30 -- I would have preferred to put on end to this particular version of Kong, by adding a second disc with the extras only found on the standard def version, and making this release all inclusive. A $5 price increase would have been quite acceptable.
As it stands, one can make the case of yet another Kong coming our way within the next year, probably billed as an Ultimate Edition.
What we have is a technically beautiful, reference quality Blu-ray, but still missing the extras for those who desire them.
As far as time is concerned, the 1933 original seemed to get everything into 100+ minutes. Seven decades later, I'm not certain that we've gained anything story-wise over the original.
Recommended.
RAH
Released concurrent with the HD disc in November of 2006, was a three-disc SD version filled to overflowing with a myriad of additional extras.
Now, finally making its bow on Blu-ray, one receives the same extremely high quality image and audio as the 2006 HD, but now with the addition of the longer (200 minute, and not necessarily better) cut of the film, which is interconnected with the 187 cut via seamless branching.
If one looks at price -- the new Blu-ray is currently available on Amazon for $20, reduced from $30 -- I would have preferred to put on end to this particular version of Kong, by adding a second disc with the extras only found on the standard def version, and making this release all inclusive. A $5 price increase would have been quite acceptable.
As it stands, one can make the case of yet another Kong coming our way within the next year, probably billed as an Ultimate Edition.
What we have is a technically beautiful, reference quality Blu-ray, but still missing the extras for those who desire them.
As far as time is concerned, the 1933 original seemed to get everything into 100+ minutes. Seven decades later, I'm not certain that we've gained anything story-wise over the original.
Recommended.
RAH
