Casablanca, Deer Hunter SEs? (1 Viewer)

[Jack_F]

The Digital Bits mentioned recently SEs of Casablanca and The Deer Hunter coming out soon for R2, can anyone confirm that there will be SEs in R1 as well?

-Jack

 

[Bill J]

I doubt we'll see a Dee Hunter SE because Universal owns the the R1 rights.

 

[Brian W.]

I can confirm there will be a Region 1 release of a Casablanca Special Edition, probably by the end of 2003.

 

[Brian PB]

I've heard a tentative release of October 2003 for the Casablanca SE.

 

[Thomas T]

I'm most curious about what the SE of Casablanca will contain. The current DVD is a gorgeous pristine B&W print, includes a making of documentary hosted by Lauren Bacall (including never before seen footage) and a theatrical trailer. What could the SE possibly add that would make owners of the current disc double dip?
Don't answer that! I imagine there are quite a few HTF types out there who'd swoon for a 5.1 mix.

 

[Patrick McCart]

A 5.1 remix just wouldn't do anything for the film. However, a music-effects track is possible.

Also, a Roger Ebert commentary is rumored.

Some possible extras could be the complete Carrotblanca cartoon, some clips from the colorized version, and even some vintage stuff like newsreels.

 

[Claes Ljunghorn]

However, a music-effects track is possible.

I don't think a music & effects track exist for this film. The French dubbed language version on the current R1 DVD mostly uses different music than Max Steiner's, unfortunately.

 

[Gordon McMurphy]

In regard to the 2-disc SE of Casablanca, I would expect a radically different transfer. If Lowry is invloved, then expect it to be 'over-cleaned' digitally. The current DVD transfer is great - as are the extras, but we'll have to wait and see what Warner come out with...
Gordy

 

[oscar_merkx]

Count me in for a must buy

 

[Mark Zimmer]

Maybe they will include some of the abortive Casablanca TV series on an SE, like the Casino Royale disc including the TV presentation of the story.

 

[Patrick McCart]

LDI's services are not needed for this film.

Other than one shot having a tear (which WHV could simply airbrush out themselves, probably), the quality is outstanding. Having it digitally restored by LDI would be a waste of money and time when there are films which really could benifit from refurbishing.

 

[oscar_merkx]

here is the link to the r2 The Deer Hunter 2 disc se
http://www.r2-dvd.org/article.jsp?se...articleId=5628
Warner Home Video UK have announced a double DVD set "The Deer Hunter for release 4th August 2003. Priced at £19.99 the film is presented 2.35:1 anamorphic and features a DD 5.1 soundtrack. Extras will be:
Commentary by director Michael Cimino
Realising The Deer Hunter: an Interview with Michael Cimino
Shooting The Deer Hunter: an interview with Cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond
Playing The Deer Hunter: an Interview with John Savage
Theatrical Trailer
Picture Gallery
DVD-ROM: Downloadable original press brochure
From the PR:
This UK exclusive is packed with all new special features including an insightfull audio commentary by recluse director Michael Cimino plus interviews with Cimino, star John Savage and cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond.
wow

 

[Gordon McMurphy]

Awesome.
I wasn't expecting a commentary by Cimino!
Great to see that they were savvy enough to interview Zsigmond. I have always loved the cinematography in this film, especially De Niro's solo deer hunt - very beautiful and very powerful.
Cheers, Oscar!
Gordy

 

[oscar_merkx]

agreed Gordy on the commentary there as I was not expecting this at all.
so that is a bonus

 

[Gordon McMurphy]

I wonder if this will be a "2-DISC SPECIAL EDITION" from Warner in the cardboard slipcase?
All-new restored and remastered transfer? I hope so; this film has never looked as it should on video/TV - faded colours and bad contrast.
This release is as good a reason as any for American DVD collectors to go multi-region. Warner now has a Cimino commentary under theit belt, and I can't ever see them licensing it to Universal or Cimino recording a new one for Universal, and I'm sure it will be a very interesting commentary.
A SE of Heaven's Gate would be great. Interesting film, nowhere near as bad as people say - it's got Jeff Bridges in it! That alone is enough for me!
Gordy

 

[Rain]

The current DVD is a gorgeous pristine B&W print

Oh how the memory plays tricks.

The current DVD is certainly not bad, but there is more than one instance of visible film damage.

Of course, if they end up giving the Lowry digital wash, I'll stick with the original disc.