I found the new transfer to be very film like with an almost 3-D like appearance, especially for many of the outdoor scenes. The image is very sharp and detailed. Contrast is excellent with great black levels. I could not detect any dirt, video noise and the shadow detail was exceptional. Having said all of that, I did detect a slight (and I mean very slight) amount of grain. I don’t think the amount of grain could be any less noticeable and I suspect the only reason I am seeing it is the fact I am projecting on a 96” screen. Let me emphasize, this is not a grainy transfer and I was extremely satisfied. It is simply not as “digital looking” (which, obviously, isn’t necessarily a good thing) as a few of the recent releases i.e. Sunset Boulevard. I believe this will look outstanding on an average size RPTV.Great review, Herb.
While I'm not sure about Mildred Pierce (it's of course very possible), I believe the other two titles mentioned by Douglas are also LDI accomplishments: The Women and Citizen Kane (LDI's recently come to treat original negative film grain structure, or an approximation of it, as much more a friend than was the case in the early days of DVD, which gave us the current two disc set of Kane; this is likely the reason some minor film grain will be evident on their newer work, but rest assured, it's intentional). John Lowry held a chat here at the HTF last year: Live Chat with John Lowry, and he discusses many things therein, including grain and his company policies regarding it (or at least what they're doing with it now, as the technology continues to improve).
I've greatly admired much of LDI's work (I have a few artifact problems with Roman Holiday, which may be the compression or the digital restoration), but to see not only their best work on DVD, but indeed what I find to be the most beautiful B&W transfer on disc, bar none, I'd recommend Them! (a great giant bug movie from 1954). Speaking of giants, LDI's efforts on Giant (in color) are also a wondrous sight to behold (barring scenes beginning or ending in fades, where halos from contrast build-up and/or EE become troublesome). I read that they've done work for next month's Treasure of the Sierra Madre as well. I expected they'd beautifully resolve the (few, but annoying) troubles on the older transfer of Casablanca, and I'm very glad to hear that's the case. I can't wait to see the disc. Thanks again for the review.
David: you're the Disney guy now? Good deal. I'll keep an eye peeled for your reviews as well.
