Any film by Billy Wilder is a treat, and we now have a reasonable selection of them on Blu-ray, with now 2 on 4k, courtesy of Kino.
The Apartment (1960) is prime Wilder – most of them are – but to see it in 4k is a new treat.
Beautifully rendered in black & white – shot by Joseph LaShelle, it won five Academy Awards and placed itself as the adult comedy (also drama and romance) of the era to beat.
Previously released, presumably from the same master, by Arrow, it joins a list of UA (MGM) productions arriving in sparkling new 4k restoration on Arrow or Criterion, to be supplanted by 4k via Kino.
For those wondering if you’ll get an uptick in 4k over the Arrow, the answer is yes, but not major. You’ll see it more in projection than on a flat panel. If one doesn’t have the Arrow, go directly to Kino for the 4k.
The audio is still primarily monaural, although tracking in 5.1, with music working more via the left and right.
One of the great films, and a necessity in any serious library.
Image – 5 (SDR)
Audio – 5
Pass / Fail – Pass
Plays nicely with projectors – Yes
Makes use of and works well in 4k – 4.5
Very Highly Recommended
RAH
The Apartment (1960) is prime Wilder – most of them are – but to see it in 4k is a new treat.
Beautifully rendered in black & white – shot by Joseph LaShelle, it won five Academy Awards and placed itself as the adult comedy (also drama and romance) of the era to beat.
Previously released, presumably from the same master, by Arrow, it joins a list of UA (MGM) productions arriving in sparkling new 4k restoration on Arrow or Criterion, to be supplanted by 4k via Kino.
For those wondering if you’ll get an uptick in 4k over the Arrow, the answer is yes, but not major. You’ll see it more in projection than on a flat panel. If one doesn’t have the Arrow, go directly to Kino for the 4k.
The audio is still primarily monaural, although tracking in 5.1, with music working more via the left and right.
One of the great films, and a necessity in any serious library.
Image – 5 (SDR)
Audio – 5
Pass / Fail – Pass
Plays nicely with projectors – Yes
Makes use of and works well in 4k – 4.5
Very Highly Recommended
RAH
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Neil S. Bulk
Senior HTF Member
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So...no?
jayembee
Senior HTF Member
That's understating it a bit. Out of the 26 films he made as director, only 3 are not on Blu-ray: Mauvaise graine, The Spirit of St. Louis, and Buddy Buddy. And it won't be long before we get a third UHD.
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- Robert Harris
A definite uptick.
I was on the fence based on these caps. Could be true, may not be, but there is a difference. The Kino seems to have cranked up the contrast, and maybe even the sharpening, though the latter can be a result of the cranked contrast. Thoughts?
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I’m not seeing problematic sharpening. Contrast levels look fine. It’s a beautiful disc.I was on the fence based on these caps. Could be true, may not be, but there is a difference. The Kino seems to have cranked up the contrast, and maybe even the sharpening, though the latter can be a result of the cranked contrast. Thoughts?
I will get it to see it in motion. Those caps show a large difference in contrast between Kino and the prior Arrow release.
I received the KL 4K yesterday here in the UK from WowHD. Just compared it to my 2011 MGM Blu-ray last night, which I always thought was quite a respectable transfer (in spite of infuriating down-resolved opening credits). I'm happy to report the 4K knocks it out of the park and looks stunning on the projector, as RH says.
Amazon has delayed mine twice already. Now due April 9th.
titch
Screenwriter
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Anyone with a projector will notice the difference
The Apartment • US Ultra HD Blu-ray vs. US Blu-ray
caps-a-holic.com
warnerbro
Supporting Actor
Order from Kino. You get it sooner, they offer huge discounts, and you support classic films on physical media.
Wayne Klein
Stunt Coordinator
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I paid a pretty penny for the Arrow. I like the film. A lot. i think I’ll pass though On this. I can’t keep rebuying the same films.
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