International The Dam Busters Blu-ray Release (1 Viewer)

[Robert Crawford]

Has anybody viewed the latest UK release of "The Dam Busters"? I forgot about it being released last month, but ordered it this morning.

 

[John Hodson]

Yes; I bought the SE for the proper MetroScope presentation - it's typical Studio Canal; not the best encode, but not the worst (although they have been guilty of such). Would have benefited from a little further cleaning, but overall a clear step-up from previous Blu-ray iterations and delightful to have it framed correctly at long last.

 

[Robert Crawford]

Yes; I bought the SE for the proper MetroScope presentation - it's typical Studio Canal; not the best encode, but not the worst (although they have been guilty of such). Would have benefited from a little further cleaning, but overall a clear step-up from previous Blu-ray iterations and delightful to have it framed correctly at long last.

John, you bought the more expensive one?

 

[John Hodson]

It's the only way to get the widescreen version. Complete nonsense, but there it is.

 

[Robert Crawford]

It's the only way to get the widescreen version. Complete nonsense, but there it is.

I thought the widescreen version is on the cheaper release too. The more expensive release has both aspect ratios on separate BD discs.

 

[John Hodson]

Yes, the cheaper release only has the full frame version. Whilst appreciating that Studio Canal actually produced a widescreen version at all, I'm pretty frustrated that they've marketed it in this manner. The full frame version should be consigned to the dustbin of history.

I saw a digital projection of the film, probably 10 years ago now, in full frame and I was heartily cheered that the recent screenings in support of this release were in widescreen. But the way they've presented it on disc, with the widescreen version as some sort of supplement, is wrong.

 

[Angelo Colombus]

Great WW2 film and have a old dvd so i wanted to see some reviews on the two blu-ray releases before i buy.

 

[Simon Lewis]

Comparison between the new and old blu-rays (full frame version) at Capsaholics. Based on that the new blu-ray is a big improvement.

 

[AnthonyClarke]

I'm very happy with the new widescreen version. At last, it's being seen as intended.
And the Amazon UK pre release price softened the blow of having to buy a 5-disc set (!) instead of a single disc. It's a handsome package, even if four of the discs will never be used........

 

[Bob Cashill]

Confirming that the cheaper version (linked) only has the full-frame version. I own it, alas. (Looks very sharp, though that's beside the point. A title card at the beginning points out that the "film is presented as it was originally intended"--but that applies to derogatory language, not OAR.) https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07B1D92MX/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Angelo Colombus]

Blu-ray.com has a "VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED" review of the Blu-ray release and have placed a order on Amazon UK. http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/The-Dam-Busters-Blu-ray/200028/#Review

 

[bigshot]

The cheaper version is an excellent transfer and a very well encoded disc. I can use the zoom function on my Oppo to blow it up to 1:85 with very little apparent loss in quality. If it's one of your favorite movies, you might want to opt for the bells and whistles version, but the full frame is perfectly serviceable if it isn't on your top ten.