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35mm elements of BLACK BOOK/REIGN OF TERROR (1949) at Sony (1 Viewer)

Stefan Andersson

Second Unit
Joined
May 12, 2001
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370
Thru posting and answer at Criterion Forum I´ve learned Sony apparently has a nice 35mm element of Mann´s BLACK BOOK in their vault. Anybody want this rarity released?

Calling Mike Schlesinger!

Maybe BLACK BOOK and other relevant films could make up a Sony "Historical Thrillers" DVD box.
 

Charles H

Screenwriter
Joined
Jan 7, 2004
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1,526
VCI is bringinging out REIGN OF TERROR as part of a Classic Noir Collection, Volume 3 with the AMAZING MR. X on 3/31. They use the "best elements available" and there will be an audio commentary. A credible print has been MIA for way too long. As Maltin says: "Stunningly photographed by John Alton: every shot is a painting!"
 

SeanAx

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Sean Axmaker
This discussion has been long over, but it seems as good a place as any to note that Sony did put "The Black Book" out on its MOD line and it is excellent.

Film Chest is releasing its own "Restored in High Definition" version coming out and I watched the first ten minutes. It doesn't touch the Sony version. Film Chest does not have access to Sony's print and their substitute source is quite inferior, very damaged, splicey, there's wow in the opening credits. They've probably done the best they could with the materials at hand, but it's just not there.
 

Keith Cobby

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This film has long been a favourite of mine. I have the Sony release and it has also been released by Koch in Germany. DVDBeaver has compared all the editions and it looks like the Koch version is best. I would like a blu-ray but in the meantime will probably buy from Germany.
 

Robin9

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Robin
SeanAx said:
This discussion has been long over, but it seems as good a place as any to note that Sony did put "The Black Book" out on its MOD line and it is excellent.

Film Chest is releasing its own "Restored in High Definition" version coming out and I watched the first ten minutes. It doesn't touch the Sony version. Film Chest does not have access to Sony's print and their substitute source is quite inferior, very damaged, splicey, there's wow in the opening credits. They've probably done the best they could with the materials at hand, but it's just not there.
Thank you for giving me that dig in the ribs. I needed reminding about that Sony MOD which I have now ordered.
 

Keith Cobby

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Further to my earlier post about The Black Book I have now looked at DVDBeaver's comparison of all the different releases and from the screen captures the Sony MOD edition looks the best. I have this release and although it is darker than the others it shows greater sharpness and detail. I shall stay with the Sony and not now buy the Koch.
 

Colin McGuigan

Second Unit
Joined
Apr 4, 2009
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Colin McGuigan
There looks to be something wrong with those Beaver screencaps - the ones supposed to come from the Koch release look to be duplicates of the Film Chest edition.
I have the German disc and it does not look like the caps posted. There's a random selection of captures from my own disc here:
http://imgur.com/Poi9eib
http://imgur.com/2NiD36c
http://imgur.com/YhNfCGj
http://imgur.com/aevvOQm
http://imgur.com/UUpfqkT
http://imgur.com/SXZWEzq
http://imgur.com/qvmeuxq
http://imgur.com/XVXfyZm
http://imgur.com/C7czlYy
http://imgur.com/qjPeZDs
http://imgur.com/ytePkyE
 

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