- Joined
- Feb 8, 1999
- Messages
- 18,407
- Real Name
- Robert Harris
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 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.
Note: Since viewing the original HD release, and having not had the time to view the BD version, it now seems that something untoward has occurred, and frames have
been removed. Whether I missed this and blinked during the HD screening, or whether the BD is derived from a new master, which I doubt, the beautiful transfer
moves into the problematic zone, and cannot be recommended.
As of May 2011, Bullitt is a Fail.
RAH
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 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.
Note: Since viewing the original HD release, and having not had the time to view the BD version, it now seems that something untoward has occurred, and frames have
been removed. Whether I missed this and blinked during the HD screening, or whether the BD is derived from a new master, which I doubt, the beautiful transfer
moves into the problematic zone, and cannot be recommended.
As of May 2011, Bullitt is a Fail.
RAH
