More Multi-Region encouragement - Kurosawa's "Dreams" Warner DVD Review with scr caps (1 Viewer)

[Gary Tooze]

We have reviewed the Warner Region 2 NTSC release of Akira Kurosawa's Dreams. This is a gorgeous film in a beautiful anamorphic transfer.
The complete review with screen captures can be found HERE.
Here are two samples:




If you don't have a region-free player, this is another example of why you should consider it...
Regards,

 

[Jeff Adkins]

Supposedly, this disc is encoded R0. Can you confirm this?

Jeff

 

[Patrick McCart]

Warner is releasing a Region 1 version in March. If the R2 version looks this good, I don't see why the R1 one wouldn't look as good or better.

 

[SteveGon]

Let's hope so! This is one of my most eagarly-anticipated releases...

 

[Jeff Kleist]

The disc is coded for R1,2,3

The disc here will be the exact same disc. Order from Japan and get the snazzy packaging

 

[Gary Tooze]

I don't see why the R1 one wouldn't look as good or better.

at http://www.compare.dvdbeaver.com/ you can see the extensively larger proportion of R2 DVDs are better than their R1 counterparts... picture quality, extras etc.
I guess that's why...
Cheers,

 

[Chris Beveridge]

That second image is simply stunning during playback, not that the image above is poor. But I don't think I'd ever seen such vibrant colors as that scene before.

 

[Matthew Chmiel]

you can see the extensively larger proportion of R2 DVDs are better than their R1 counterparts... picture quality, extras etc.

Mostly because different studios release the same film in different regions.
Warner is releasing Dreams in both R1 and R2. And as Jeff said, the disc is region coded for 1, 2, and 3. Same goes for quite a few other Warner discs (Empire of the Sun comes to mind).

 

[Matthew_Millheiser]

Anyone got a best price on the R2 disc? I can't wait till March.

 

[Gary Tooze]

Mostly because different studios release the same film in different regions.

I don't see how that would make the R2's better ( aside from the PAL aspect ), but largely it is different distributors that show the imbalance.
Why wouldn't you want the masterpiece "The Scent Of Green Papaya" in its original aspect ratio if you lived in R1 land. The Columbia R1 disc as well as being inferior picture quality and extras is Pan and Scan unlike its R2 France counterpart.
You can't even get the Palm D'or winning film of 1999, Rosetta, on DVD in R1. In R2 it includes another film, La Promesse, and director interviews.
Truffaut Box Set in R2 - this is miles ahead of it Fox Lorber R1 counterpart.
Kiarostami's "The Wind Will Carry Us". The R2 France has an entire extra disc of extras as compared to the bare bones New Yorker R1. Plus again the picture quality of the R2 is miles ahead.
Beau Travail, L'Appartement, Code Unknown all further examples off tyhe top of my head.
I have enjoyed Kieslowski trilogy Blue, White and Red while my friends without region free capability still wait...
TV shows, The Family Guy (I own), Futurama etc etc. are available outside of Region 1...
I would say simply look at http://www.compare.dvdbeaver.com/ for further comparisons to support my arguement. There are exceptions, but they only help prove the rule.
Of course, if your extent of film watching reaches no further than Hollywood films like 'The Matrix', then, yes, you probably would be fine with a DVD player that plays only R1 stuff... ( this is not meant as an insult ! )
Cheers,

 

[Jeff Kleist]

It's easy, Fox Lorber has always been a company that spends the least money possible. Meanwhile, the R2s are working in Truffaut's home turf. It's simple supply and demand. More demand= more money for better mastering/restoration

 

[oscar_merkx]

Matthew
Check out Link Removed for your best option
I cannot wait to own this beauty

 

[Rob Tomlin]

I haven't even seen "Dreams", but being a huge fan of Kurosawa, and based on only two screen caps, I can't wait for this one (on Region 1).

 

[Jeff Kleist]

Since it's a Japanese disc, UK won't help you
http://www.cdjapan.co.jp
Amaazon Japan is only going to be helpful if you read Japanese, but they're a few bucks cheaper

 

[Ed St. Clair]

I'd 'heard' that "ALL" or 'multi' region disc's were compromised in ultimate transfer quality, because of the combining of the two formats [NTSC & PAL].

 

[Mark_Wilson]

I'd 'heard' that "ALL" or 'multi' region disc's were compromised in ultimate transfer quality, because of the combining of the two formats [NTSC & PAL].

If the disc is flagged for Regions 1,2, and 3 then its mostly likely NTSC only. All of those regions use NTSC. R2 being Japan only obviously.

Bonus question: Are there any other multi-format (ntsc/pal) regions other than 2 & 4?

 

[Damin J Toell]

I'd 'heard' that "ALL" or 'multi' region disc's were compromised in ultimate transfer quality, because of the combining of the two formats [NTSC & PAL].

I don't think I've seen any all- or multi-region discs that actually contain both an NTSC and a PAL transfer. It's usually just one or the other.

DJ

 

[Jeff Kleist]

No, there are no discs with both NTSC and PAL transfers on them

You never want an NTSC transfer made from a PAL source that originated at 24fps. Then you get less resolution, PAL speedup AND transfer artifacts

 

[Jay Gregory]

Anyway, here's hoping that the Region 1 NTSC Dreams looks just as fabulous as the DVD Gary has reviewed. And I'm very much looking forward to the Region 1 NTSC Day For Night DVD to be released the same day by WB!

 

[Dan Rudolph]

I don't think I've seen any all- or multi-region discs that actually contain both an NTSC and a PAL transfer. It's usually just one or the other.

Vivid does this (on Chasey Saves the World, for instance). Not sure of any mainstreams.