- Joined
- Feb 8, 1999
- Messages
- 18,424
- Real Name
- Robert Harris
It appears John Sturges' 1963 Panavision war film, The Great Escape, like a number of other UA films owned by MGM, has been licensed to Kino in 4k, while Criterion holds the Blu-ray rights.
The film takes on a bit nicer imagery in 4k, and a certain uptick can be noted examining the image close to the screen.
But sit in a normal position, and the film, which was never 4k to begin with, seems a nice match to the Criterion release.
Presumably from the same master, the hi-con titles take on a bit more of a razor edge, while grains for production footage are minimal.
There's an age-old dilemma here, Criterion Blu-ray or Kino 4k.
To me the answer is simple.
If one already has the Criterion, you're set.
If you don't have a copy of the filmi and desire one - it's a terrific piece of entertainment - go with the 4k, which slightly better.
It remains to be seen how many more of these 50-60 year-old UA productions Kino will license in 4k, but I'll be interested in seeing how many folks purchase them to supplant their Criterions.
I'd bet not that many.
Akin to Criterion, a nice selection of extras, on a separate disc.
Image – 5
Audio – 5
Pass / Fail – Pass
Plays nicely with projectors - Yes
Upgrade from Blu-ray - If you don't already have the Criterion
Makes use of and works well in 4k - 3.75
Highly Recommend
RAH
The film takes on a bit nicer imagery in 4k, and a certain uptick can be noted examining the image close to the screen.
But sit in a normal position, and the film, which was never 4k to begin with, seems a nice match to the Criterion release.
Presumably from the same master, the hi-con titles take on a bit more of a razor edge, while grains for production footage are minimal.
There's an age-old dilemma here, Criterion Blu-ray or Kino 4k.
To me the answer is simple.
If one already has the Criterion, you're set.
If you don't have a copy of the filmi and desire one - it's a terrific piece of entertainment - go with the 4k, which slightly better.
It remains to be seen how many more of these 50-60 year-old UA productions Kino will license in 4k, but I'll be interested in seeing how many folks purchase them to supplant their Criterions.
I'd bet not that many.
Akin to Criterion, a nice selection of extras, on a separate disc.
Image – 5
Audio – 5
Pass / Fail – Pass
Plays nicely with projectors - Yes
Upgrade from Blu-ray - If you don't already have the Criterion
Makes use of and works well in 4k - 3.75
Highly Recommend
RAH
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