- Joined
- Feb 8, 1999
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- 17,047
- Real Name
- Robert Harris
Frank Darabont's wonderful 1999 film based upon Stephen King's serial novel, is one of those new hybrid 4k UHD releases.
It's a "serial" novel, because it was released in soft cover in six parts, a bit akin to the works of Dickens, although without a work house. It was originally published (in parts) in 1996, in the UK in hardcover in 2000, and later via specialized publisher Subterranean Press (if you're unfamiliar with them, check them out) in six parts with a matching slip case.
As an example of their publishing concept, the tome(s) were released in three variants: an edition of 2,000 copies, unsigned, cloth-bound; a limited edition of 148 signed and numbered sets in leather and cloth, also in a slipcase, and a special lettered edition of 52, with an original sketch matted in the traycase.
I'm a huge fan of Subterranean.
Returning to the new 4k, it's beautiful in projection, with wonderful blacks, great shadow detail and terrific color. What it lacks is any connection to cinema or film.
But in 2022, that's okay if the filmmaker's deem it so. Whether they requested that it be done, or whether I saw a test and like it, I've not a clue. And even though I may personally not like the look of it, it doesn't matter.
The further reality is that from that oft-mentioned proper seating distance, one can't tell the difference anyway.
What all of these words mean is that a "grain-managed" production, with the work done at the behest of, or at least approved by the filmmaker(s), is just fine. Since the word "restoration" isn't being used, it's even more than fine.
What's interesting from a technical perspective, is that this 4k UHD release has taken a production shot on film, and massaged it to appear to have been shot digitally.
And again, that's just fine.
A terrific film from Warner Bros., now available in what we'll call a re-imagined release.
Image – 5 (HDR)
Audio – 5 (Dolby Atmos)
Pass / Fail – Pass
Plays nicely with projectors - Yes
Makes use of and works well in 4k - 5
Upgrade from Blu-ray - Yes
Highly Recommended
RAH
It's a "serial" novel, because it was released in soft cover in six parts, a bit akin to the works of Dickens, although without a work house. It was originally published (in parts) in 1996, in the UK in hardcover in 2000, and later via specialized publisher Subterranean Press (if you're unfamiliar with them, check them out) in six parts with a matching slip case.
As an example of their publishing concept, the tome(s) were released in three variants: an edition of 2,000 copies, unsigned, cloth-bound; a limited edition of 148 signed and numbered sets in leather and cloth, also in a slipcase, and a special lettered edition of 52, with an original sketch matted in the traycase.
I'm a huge fan of Subterranean.
Returning to the new 4k, it's beautiful in projection, with wonderful blacks, great shadow detail and terrific color. What it lacks is any connection to cinema or film.
But in 2022, that's okay if the filmmaker's deem it so. Whether they requested that it be done, or whether I saw a test and like it, I've not a clue. And even though I may personally not like the look of it, it doesn't matter.
The further reality is that from that oft-mentioned proper seating distance, one can't tell the difference anyway.
What all of these words mean is that a "grain-managed" production, with the work done at the behest of, or at least approved by the filmmaker(s), is just fine. Since the word "restoration" isn't being used, it's even more than fine.
What's interesting from a technical perspective, is that this 4k UHD release has taken a production shot on film, and massaged it to appear to have been shot digitally.
And again, that's just fine.
A terrific film from Warner Bros., now available in what we'll call a re-imagined release.
Image – 5 (HDR)
Audio – 5 (Dolby Atmos)
Pass / Fail – Pass
Plays nicely with projectors - Yes
Makes use of and works well in 4k - 5
Upgrade from Blu-ray - Yes
Highly Recommended
RAH
