Akira 70mm version on DVD in UK (1 Viewer)

[Jeff Kleist]

From Anime News Service

UK Akira DVD "Cinemascope Version"

According to the write-up on MovieMail regarding the Akira DVD from Manga:

'Post-apocalyptic Tokyo. A government group try restoring an ancient force (Akira) to save their world but it proves uncontrollable. Cinemascope version with a fascinating production report video included. The stunning vision of a dystopian, futuristic city deserves honourable comparison with Blade Runner and Metropolis.'

Agggh!!!!

I can confirm that the film was animated using 70mm (2.20:1) cels (don't believe me, watch the production report). I'm definately thinking about picking this up.

The movie was produced with that ratio in mind only for 70mm presentation. 1.85:1 is still the official ratio of the 35mm prints

 

[Jeff Jacobson]

I can confirm that the film was animated using 70mm (2.20:1) cels (don't believe me, watch the production report). I'm definately thinking about picking this up.

The movie was produced with that ratio in mind only for 70mm presentation. 1.85:1 is still the official ratio of the 35mm prints

So I am assuming that the 70mm was cropped from 2.20:1 to create the 35mm version at 1.85:1. Is this correct? Are the current DVDs (in R1) then missing info from the sides of the screen?

 

[Chris Xolotl]

Same transfer as the R1 releases (there was at least three R1 lately)

 

[Jeff Kleist]

So I am assuming that the 70mm was cropped from 2.20:1 to create the 35mm version at 1.85:1. Is this correct? Are the current DVDs (in R1) then missing info from the sides of the screen?

Yes, but 1.85:1 is a valid AR for the film, only on 70mm is it supposed to be 2.20:1. Mostly it's just "set extensions" (more backdrop), there is no action or animation that's missing.

 

[Richard Smith]

Jeff,
According to the review thats up at Link Removed the transfer is 1.78:1. Next time I go into town I'll check out what ratio it says on the packaging just to make sure. If this had been the Cinemascope version I'd have got a copy to go alongside my R1 version.
Richard

 

[Julian Lalor]

The R2 UK version is 1.78:1, identical to the R1 version.

 

[Jeff Kleist]

Right, this is a NEW EDITION

 

[Julian Lalor]

Jeff, I am talking about the version released this week in the UK. It is not 2.20:1, but 1.78:1. There are no other versions planned for release as far as I am aware, so I have no idea what Anime News Service is talking about.

 

[Jeff Kleist]

Obviously this is planned for release later.

 

[Enrique B Chamorro]

I heard the Aussie version has the original and new

English dub track. Will the new(?) UK version also

have both English tracks? What ratio is the Aussie disc?

 

[Jeff Kleist]

Not to be rude, but why do you want the original dub track? Not only is it a confusing, incomprehensible mess, but they basically wrote a new script. The new dub is MUCH better

Of course, you shouldn't be watching it dubbed at all, but that's another story