International To My Eyes...A BRONX TALE from (flame barrier up) Spain (1 Viewer)

[Dick]

Following my potentially combative post regarding SEANCE ON A WET AFTERNOON, which I admit was in part my fault, I also have to say that I purchased this Spanish disc, again from the UK. However, it is from a different company (Idiomas/Inversiones Derechos Audio Visuales), also on the HTF shit list for bootlegs if it is the IDA that is mentioned there. However, this release is an entirely different story.

This one looks good, except for the fact that it has DNR that largely de-grains it, not unlike a lot of domestic releases. Otherwise, the PQ is detailed (quite sharp), has good color, contrast, shadow detail, solid blacks. A nice upgrade from the domestic DVD. The 2.0 stereo sound is quite good, with good 2-channel front separation (no surround). This in no way resembles a bootleg. Whether or not it is a legal copy is unknown to me, but it certainly comes across as though it is.

I think the argument that everything coming from Spain is illegitimate is highly questionable. It is true that I have been screwed three times with discs I got from there, and have gotten rid of them (PRIZZI'S HONOR, etc.). Spain probably distributes an awful lot of bootlegs. But this release looks very good. I am posting the back cover for your appraisal. Your call.

The disc is all-region and includes Spanish and English tracks. There are no additional features.

 

[Thomas T]

Not all bootlegs look bad but they are still bootlegs. On the back, the copyright should say B.T. Films or under license from B.T. Films. Instead is it says "all the rights of the producer and owner of the contents reserved" without even telling us who the owner of the copyright is! In contrast, my legitimate Spanish DVD of A Man's Castle clearly states "de la presente edicion bajo licencia de SONY PICTURES."