- Joined
- Feb 8, 1999
- Messages
- 18,392
- Real Name
- Robert Harris
I was going to begin this discussion with the concept of Shout Factory! being pulled up by its bootstraps, in publishing the extraordinary Herzog Collection of Blu-rays.
Then I realized that it made little sense, as generally, Shout and Scream Factory! releases push the limits of extras, and strive to eke quality out of even the most pasteurized supplied masters.
When I think of Werner Herzog, my memories go to an incident at The Telluride Film Festival c. 1979, when (memory is clouded) Werner was either pushing Klaus Kinski into a dumpster...
or helping him out of one.
I've always been a fan of his work, and Shout Factory's multi-pound book presentation allows fans to own a large portion of his cinematic output (15 films) from Even Dwarfs Started Small (1970) through Little Dieter Needs to Fly (1997), plus his film about Mr. Kinski, My Best Fiend (1999).
I've not had the time to view all of the films, but have some away generally very pleased, and in some ways more pleased than I thought I would, as I had heard some problematic notes regarding Nosferatu and digital cleansing.
What I'm seeing are occasional digital problems, heavy and then lowered grain in parts of Fitzcarraldo, but nothing that would be problematic, especially at a normal viewing distance. Spot-checking Nosferatu in German, left me pleased, as I was prepared for plastic, and there was more than a general sense of film grain, with occasional shots seemingly slightly affected. Then I checked the English version, which I presumed would be the same, but with only language change. Wrong. Have no idea what went wrong here, but grain has been heavily removed. Not certain why. Doesn't affect me, as I'd view the German version anyway.
This is not the set that one would give as a gift for a wedding shower, bar mitzvah, sweet sixteen or other family or religious function. This is a very specific set for the cinema aficionado, who has a love of Mr. Herzog's work, and fortunately that's a decently sized fan base.
With over 40 films to his credit Shout Factory! is able to give us about 40% of them in a single serving, and that's extremely commendable. Currently $100 on Amazon. Interestingly, the BFI also has a Herzog set, but with several different films. You pays your money. You takes your chance...
Bottom line on this release. Shout Factory! has stepped up to the plate and delivered.
Recommended.
RAH
