Skoobooz
Stunt Coordinator
- Joined
- May 8, 2001
- Messages
- 195
- Real Name
- Jay
Has anyone seen this, and is it anything to get excited about?
http://www.dvdempire.com/Exec/v4_ite...item_id=639468
http://www.dvdempire.com/Exec/v4_ite...item_id=639468
Has anyone seen this, and is it anything to get excited about?
Likely the Lions Gate reissue
Wow, its almost out. Has anyone seen a review for the new set?
I received mine today from DeepDiscountDVD. I only watched the first 45 minutes, but it's a solid transfer considering the film's low budget. There is some noticable print damage at the 11:16 mark(unless I have a defective disc which is doubtful), but otherwise it's the best I've seen the movie look since I saw it on the big screen 12 years ago(damn, has it been that long?!).
The DTS track is impressive as well. Again, it's a low budget movie, so it's not exactly demo material, but it's got some nice surround effects. I didn't get a chance to compare the DD track.
As far as the extras, the only thing I've watched so far is the alternate ending. I won't spoil it, but let me just say that it only reinforces the image of studio execs as complete morons. Neil Jordan pretty much trashes it in his commentary.
Overall, it's a nice little special edition considering it cost me 10 bucks and change. About the only thing missing is the trailer and the Boy George music video. I'm guessing those were left off due to rights issues.
There is some noticable print damage at the 11:16 mark
If you're referring to the small blue dots that flicker across Forrest Whittaker, then I'd disagree that it's noticeable. I had to slo-mo the disc to pick it up. Then, when I knew what to look for, I could see it at normal speed, but only if I was staring at that part of the screen. I'd call it a minor blemish. (Now, if you saw something else, then I guess it's possible your disc has a defect.)
Having now watched the entire film, I'm delighted with the transfer and mastering. With every other home video version to date, you had to work hard to ignore the aliasing, moire and general grunge that marred so many scenes. Now it looks even better than when I saw it in the theater (the release prints were very grainy).
A couple of obvious examples: In the scene where Dil visits Jimmy at the construction site, her jacket was previously a shimmering rainbow, but in this version it's covered with chrome studs, as it should be. In the striking shot where Maguire meets Jude at South Kensingon Station, you're no longer distracted by shimmering bricks and blinds; you just see Jude, conspicuously alone in a very wide frame.
The film holds up beautifully. With the various marketing gimmicks now receding into history, what stands out for me is the economical performance by Stephen Rea; you learn almost nothing about his character's history, and yet somehow you feel you know him well.
I had to laugh at the comments by the former IRA member included in the extras. His observations about the various "mistakes" in the depiction of an IRA operation sounded like something I'd read at HTF. ("None of 'em wear gloves! They're leaving fingerprints! What about masks?").
The omission of the film's trailer is odd, considering that it was included on the previous disc released by Artisan (now owned by Lion's Gate).
M.
If you're referring to the small blue dots that flicker across Forrest Whittaker, then I'd disagree that it's noticeable. I had to slo-mo the disc to pick it up. Then, when I knew what to look for, I could see it at normal speed, but only if I was staring at that part of the screen. I'd call it a minor blemish. (Now, if you saw something else, then I guess it's possible your disc has a defect.)
Yep, the blue dots are what I was referring to. I'm surprised you didn't notice them right away. It was glaring the first time I saw it. But at least it's good to know it's not a defective disc.
I'm surprised you didn't notice them right away.
It probably depends on what part of the frame you're focusing on for that second. The dots go by pretty quick. And I'm sure I was distracted (so to speak) by everything that's now so clear, as compared to previous video versions.
M.