Sleuth on DVD question (1 Viewer)

[Dan Rudolph]

I have the original 1998 flipper edition of Sleuth. It has several oddities. I'm not sure how a 139 min movie with a single mono audio track, an unimpressive transfer and zilch for special features takes a flipper, even without dual layer disks available.

Also, the framing appears to be wrong. This movie is presented in an aspect ratio of 1.66:1. In the opening credits, many of the credits seem to go off the left or right side of the screen. Was a 1.85 film cut down to 1.66? If so, why would anyone do this? This angers both the full and widescreen camps.

It appears this movie got a 2nd DVD release at sme point. Is the framing problem fixed? Are the any other reasons to trade up to the new one?

 

[Dick]

The newer SLEUTH is ten times what the first one was in terms of quality (although certainly not flawless in its own right). It is, first, a dual-layer disc. Second, the framing is now 1.85:1 (although I think 1.66 might actually be the correct AR, this framing looks fine). The color is much more consistent and the contrast/sharpness are improved. There is also a new documentary. It sells for peanuts at places like K Mart. I recommend it.

 

[soop.spoon]

The new version is also enhanced for 16x9 TVs.

 

[Colin Jacobson]

I never saw the original disc - I didn't even know it existed - but the 2002 version offers a pretty decent package. Picture and sound quality are unexceptional but average for a movie of its vintage. The documentary's actually an interview with writer Anthony Shaffer, and it's quite interesting. Given the disc's low price, I'd think a repurchase is merited.

 

[Gordon McMurphy]

Yeah, great film.
I have never seen the 1998 flipper edition, but I own the 2002 remastered edition. It's a pretty good transfer, for my money. The 20-minute interview with Schaffner is superb. He died shortly after doing this interview. Great writer in my book. I love Sleuth. It's a unique film - only two actors for 139 minutes!
"A jumped-up pantry boy, who never learned his place!"
Anyone here like the British band, The Smiths?
Gordy