Mk2 (France) - Region 2- PAL "Bed and Board" vs. Criterion (Doinel Boxset)- Region 0 - NTSC vs. Fox Lorber - Region 0 - NTSC
Big thanks to Ole of DVDBasen for the PAL Screen Caps!
All versions seem marginally cropped in spots, but it is all negligible. The Mk2 image is slightly softer, but at the cost of detail. Again this difference is marginal in comparison to the Criterion which shows slight grain. I think the skin tones are more true in the Criterion, but again, a slight difference. Both the Mk2 and Criterion versions show the failings of the Fox Lorber image, which, actually, is not that bad considering. The real disparity is in the extras which go totally in Criterion's favor. The Mk2 has some nice additions as well, but they are not subtitled in English. Again the Fox Lorber has included the short 'Tribute to Jean-Pierre Leaud' and again has burned in subs for the film and this extra. Colors are relatively balanced in all three versions. If I had bought the 12 Disc Truffaut Boxset from Mk2, I wouldn't be overly disappointed in comparison to the Criterion in this case, especially if I understood French for the Extras. Still though, buy the Criterion Boxset if you don't own this film.
Warner - Region 2/4 - PAL "The Shining" vs. Warner Region 1 - NTSC vs. Warner - Re-mastered - Region 1 - NTSC
Big thanks to Ole of DVDBasen for the PAL Screen Caps!
Okay. My research tells me that there are at least 4 versions of this film.
• The original theatrical release version at 146 minutes.
• U.S. theatrical release and R1 DVD - 144 minutes.
• International theatrical release - 119 minutes (After the film's US release garnered mixed reviews and disappointing box-office, Kubrick cut a further 25 minutes from the film. With a few exceptions - a National Film Theatre screening, an ITV showing in the early 1990s - all non-American versions of the film will conform to this cut).
• International PAL video version (including R2/R4 DVD) - 114 mins.
These cut versions were personally edited and approved by Stanley Kubrick himself - indeed, he apparently favors the shorter cut now AFTER critics reviews. Personally, I don't like adjusting your 'art' to appeal to critical comments and am glad the longer one is still available on Region 1 DVD. The 146-minute version seems to have vanished for good. I believe it had an alternate ending.
The quality of the video goes in this order. R1-remastered is the best, R2/4 next, R1-old version is the worst. I don't think I need to go into detail as it is documented quite adequately on Michaels website HERE. I agree reviewer Paul Cordingley's comments in his conclusion - "In overview, the R1 (re-mastered) presents the film in a manner which I find more satisfying in all ways – visually, sonically and story-wise." and about the longer version ..."the film feels more rounded and complete."
In detail, the old R1 appears washed out. In comparison the Region 1 re-mastered version is far superior in every category. What I am most interested in is the subtle differences such as the cropping. In certain scenes it appears the older version was cropped, but if you look closely it is apparent in all three versions. Also, I wonder WHY the title font in Vivian Kubrick's short featurette was changed when it was made so many years ago? It seems crazy to me. Nice addition in the new version ( both R1 and R2/4) is the commentary on the short which is not there on the older version. The re-mastered version is brighter, sharper clearer with occasional reddish skin tones. Buy the Region 1 re-mastered and watch the long version, less altered by critical judgment. - Gary W. Tooze
NOTE: The new versions should have included the original sound (2.0 mono) as an option as we are essentially not hearing it the way Mr. Kubrick intended
For the supporting visuals:
http://www.compare.dvdbeaver.com/
Cheers,
P.S. I appreciate the support of all who e-mail me with corrections or offers with screen captures of future comparisons. Please understand I am one man (with a young baby!), and am trying the best I can... thanks.
Big thanks to Ole of DVDBasen for the PAL Screen Caps!
All versions seem marginally cropped in spots, but it is all negligible. The Mk2 image is slightly softer, but at the cost of detail. Again this difference is marginal in comparison to the Criterion which shows slight grain. I think the skin tones are more true in the Criterion, but again, a slight difference. Both the Mk2 and Criterion versions show the failings of the Fox Lorber image, which, actually, is not that bad considering. The real disparity is in the extras which go totally in Criterion's favor. The Mk2 has some nice additions as well, but they are not subtitled in English. Again the Fox Lorber has included the short 'Tribute to Jean-Pierre Leaud' and again has burned in subs for the film and this extra. Colors are relatively balanced in all three versions. If I had bought the 12 Disc Truffaut Boxset from Mk2, I wouldn't be overly disappointed in comparison to the Criterion in this case, especially if I understood French for the Extras. Still though, buy the Criterion Boxset if you don't own this film.
Warner - Region 2/4 - PAL "The Shining" vs. Warner Region 1 - NTSC vs. Warner - Re-mastered - Region 1 - NTSC
Big thanks to Ole of DVDBasen for the PAL Screen Caps!
Okay. My research tells me that there are at least 4 versions of this film.
• The original theatrical release version at 146 minutes.
• U.S. theatrical release and R1 DVD - 144 minutes.
• International theatrical release - 119 minutes (After the film's US release garnered mixed reviews and disappointing box-office, Kubrick cut a further 25 minutes from the film. With a few exceptions - a National Film Theatre screening, an ITV showing in the early 1990s - all non-American versions of the film will conform to this cut).
• International PAL video version (including R2/R4 DVD) - 114 mins.
These cut versions were personally edited and approved by Stanley Kubrick himself - indeed, he apparently favors the shorter cut now AFTER critics reviews. Personally, I don't like adjusting your 'art' to appeal to critical comments and am glad the longer one is still available on Region 1 DVD. The 146-minute version seems to have vanished for good. I believe it had an alternate ending.
The quality of the video goes in this order. R1-remastered is the best, R2/4 next, R1-old version is the worst. I don't think I need to go into detail as it is documented quite adequately on Michaels website HERE. I agree reviewer Paul Cordingley's comments in his conclusion - "In overview, the R1 (re-mastered) presents the film in a manner which I find more satisfying in all ways – visually, sonically and story-wise." and about the longer version ..."the film feels more rounded and complete."
In detail, the old R1 appears washed out. In comparison the Region 1 re-mastered version is far superior in every category. What I am most interested in is the subtle differences such as the cropping. In certain scenes it appears the older version was cropped, but if you look closely it is apparent in all three versions. Also, I wonder WHY the title font in Vivian Kubrick's short featurette was changed when it was made so many years ago? It seems crazy to me. Nice addition in the new version ( both R1 and R2/4) is the commentary on the short which is not there on the older version. The re-mastered version is brighter, sharper clearer with occasional reddish skin tones. Buy the Region 1 re-mastered and watch the long version, less altered by critical judgment. - Gary W. Tooze
NOTE: The new versions should have included the original sound (2.0 mono) as an option as we are essentially not hearing it the way Mr. Kubrick intended
For the supporting visuals:
http://www.compare.dvdbeaver.com/
Cheers,
P.S. I appreciate the support of all who e-mail me with corrections or offers with screen captures of future comparisons. Please understand I am one man (with a young baby!), and am trying the best I can... thanks.
deceiving practices.
Any info on this?
