Biblical-Roman-Egyptian epics not yet on Blu-ray (2 Viewers)

[OliverK]

I don't know but I doubt Imprint would use a DVD upscale and advertise it as an HD presentation.

Technically speaking it is probably an HD master but with more or less DVD resolution

 

[Capt D McMars]

When I say "cost," I'm mainly referring to any restoration or cleanup WAC would have to do before they release it on blu-ray. My DVD copy from nearly 20 years ago already looked pretty rough for the time, so I imagine whatever print Warner still has on hand requires even more care now.

Really it's in the studios interests to maintain thier archives. These are the legacy of the studios history and bottom line. By restoring thier properties, they insure thier continued film market presence, now and in the future. They should be doing restoration to thier films for them, the customers benfit as well, but it's all about keeping thier produce fresh and sell-able, LOL!! By doing so, everyone benefits!!

 

[RolandL]

I think you can rule out the possibility that Sony revisited Barabbas and nobody heard about it. If you want to have a look here is what you can expect:

Barabbas • FR Blu-ray vs. UK DVD

caps-a-holic.com

As a description of the PQ I would settle for slightly less low-rez than the DVD.

With a ca. 1% chance that this comes from a new master it may make sense to check back with Via Vision. While we are at it The Long Ships could also look fantastic.

Barabbas and The Long Ships were both filmed in Technirama (8 perf horizontal 35mm anamorphic).

 

[Alan Tully]

Barabbas and The Long Ships were both filmed in Technirama (8 perf horizontal 35mm anamorphic).

Yeah, but any home video release of those two hasn't gone anywhere near the original negatives. The Long Ships is a guilty pleasure (with a great score), but Barabbas is really good, the film noir of ancient world epics, & Sony should really be doing a great transfer of it.

 

[Robin9]

Yeah, but any home video release of those two hasn't gone anywhere near the original negatives. The Long Ships is a guilty pleasure (with a great score), but Barabbas is really good, the film noir of ancient world epics, & Sony should really be doing a great transfer of it.

Absolutely. I'm puzzled that Sony have not done the right thing by this movie. They did a great job on the Rita Hayworth film Salome which is not in the same league as Barabbas.

 

[RobertMG]

Absolutely. I'm puzzled that Sony have not done the right thing by this movie. They did a great job on the Rita Hayworth film Salome which is not in the same league as Barabbas.

I sent VIA VISION an message asking is it a new transfer and they still have not responded

 

[OliverK]

Barabbas and The Long Ships were both filmed in Technirama (8 perf horizontal 35mm anamorphic).

They were even Super Technirama 70 productions with 70mm release prints. They looked great and as they are with Sony I have high hopes that they will look great again.

 

[OliverK]

Absolutely. I'm puzzled that Sony have not done the right thing by this movie. They did a great job on the Rita Hayworth film Salome which is not in the same league as Barabbas.

Fully agree regarding Salome vs. Barabbas.
Is there a Blu-ray release out there of Salome?

 

[Robin9]

Fully agree regarding Salome vs. Barabbas.
Is there a Blu-ray release out there of Salome?

Yes, in the Mill Creek Rita Hayworth box-set. Salome - and several other titles too - has a superb transfer.

 

[aptiana]

Yes, in the Mill Creek Rita Hayworth box-set. Salome - and several other titles too - has a superb transfer.

I treated myself to the RH box set as it looked good value and also pre ordered ViaVision bundle of historical films

 

[JPCinema]

I'm late to the party on this but I just bought the French Rimini blu ray of THE VIKINGS. To my eyes it looks better than any previous blu ray release.

 

[aptiana]

That's good to hear as I got that version too but have not watched it yet.

 

[PaulRossen]

I'm late to the party on this but I just bought the French Rimini blu ray of THE VIKINGS. To my eyes it looks better than any previous blu ray release.

Better than the Eureka version? How is the sound?

 

[JPCinema]

I forgot have the Eureka version. I will check.
The French blu ray does play on region A players.

 

[Jack P]

Yes, in the Mill Creek Rita Hayworth box-set. Salome - and several other titles too - has a superb transfer.

It is indeed an excellent transfer of what for me is the absolute WORST of all the Biblical-based films of the 1950-1966 era (I bookend the period as beginning with "Samson And Delilah" and ending with "The Bible").

 

[aptiana]

Anyone getting Son of Samson from Kino, peplum but not epic?

 

[OliverK]

Better than the Eureka version? How is the sound?

The Eureka seems to be pretty close to the master so that I have a hard time believing that the RIMINI will show a significant improvement but maybe there is a new master available?

 

[JPCinema]

The Eureka seems to be pretty close to the master so that I have a hard time believing that the RIMINI will show a significant improvement but maybe there is a new master available?

It’s the same master unfortunately. The difference I see is that the Rimini blu ray PQ is brighter, making it look more vivid. I truly hope that there will be a 4K restoration.

 

[OliverK]

It’s the same master unfortunately. The difference I see is that the Rimini blu ray PQ is brighter, making it look more vivid. I truly hope that there will be a 4K restoration.

Wow Ken, I can see you are a fan of this movie
I also like it a lot and the Eureka is very nice, next buy will be a Blu-ray or UHD from a new master and hopefully soon!

 

[Jobla]

I've preordered SON OF SAMSON but have never seen it before. I do assume that it's peplum rather than Biblical.