Criterion Press Release: Charade (Blu-ray) - Page 2

Criterion released a letterboxed 4:3 DVD of Charade in 1999. They re-released the disc, with the exact same cover art and spine number, in 2004, with an anamorphic transfer with improved color.

The only difference between the two is the ISBN number and a few notes on the back about a "New high-definition digital transfer" that's "Enhanced for Widescreen Televisions". The discs are also different colors. The old one is black with a blue arrow design, the 2004 one is black with a yellow arrow design.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Douglas Monce 

Was there more than one Criterion release of Charade on DVD? The version I have is anamorphic.

 

Doug

Cool thanks guys. I have to say that the version I have is a beautiful transfer of the movie. It should look glorious on blu-ray.

Doug

One of my 'obsessed about' movies. Every time Deep Discount had a sale I picked one up, for a total of six or seven for myself and as gifts. I wasn't aware either that it was never anamorphic. I have a couple here, so must take a look. It's been a while!

I think it was very courageous of Criterion to give it the CC treatment, considering its public domain status and the number of hack, backstreet jobs out there and how easily it could get lost among them, to those unlucky enough to know no better. There ought to be a law! 

I asked them once if they'd please do the same for Brando's 'One Eyed Jacks', another one that was criminally allowed to fall into public domain and suffer the same fate.

The Blu-ray is a no-questions-asked pre-order.

Quote:

Originally Posted by marsnkc 

One of my 'obsessed about' movies. Every time Deep Discount had a sale I picked one up, for a total of six or seven for myself and as gifts. I wasn't aware either that it was never anamorphic.

Criterion did put out an anamorphic transfer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobertR 

Criterion did put out an anamorphic transfer.

Thanks, Robert. I meant to say that I wasn't aware that Criterion's was anything but anamorphic. The two I have are anamorphic, so I must have missed out on news of the initial release.
 

I have the 2007 Criterion DVD and am curious if the BD will be a new print of the film? 

The 07 DVD starts off a bit rough in terms of picture, but clears up after a few minutes. 

I look forward to the reviews on this one for sure!!! 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Haxton 

I have the 2007 Criterion DVD and am curious if the BD will be a new print of the film? 

 

The 07 DVD starts off a bit rough in terms of picture, but clears up after a few minutes. 

 

I look forward to the reviews on this one for sure!!! 

I can't answer your question, but are you asking about the first scene with the train?  I always assumed that's the way it was shot, and there's not much that can be done.  It was shot on location in dim lighting.

I went ahead and preordered.  I trust Criterion to put out the best product they can.

Doug
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug Otte 

. . . are you asking about the first scene with the train?  I always assumed that's the way it was shot, and there's not much that can be done.  It was shot on location in dim lighting.

 

 

That opening pre-credits scene has always looked that way. I saw this movie on its first run. 

First online review of BD of Charade, with comparison pics. http://www.hometheaterloft.com/?p=3967

Looks great.

Thanks for the link, Brandon. The Loft has just been added to my favorites list. I didn't think the Criterion anamorphic could get any better (miraculous, given the 'god-awful' - as 'Pirate' puts it - public domain trash out there) but the comparisons are jaw-dropping!

Looks good! Getting this for my Dad's birthday.