3) Editions Montparnasse (Jacques Tourneur Box) - Region 2 - PAL - THIRD

ADDITION - Kinowelt - Region 2- PAL - December 2010' : Wow, this dual-layered Kinowelt (#11 in their 'Arthaus Collection' series), with extremely high bitrate, has the best image transfer. Contrast and detail dramatically improve over the other PAL discs and it even advances upon the Warner in certain areas. The weakness I would say is that the source is not as polished as the NTSC DVD - with plenty of speckles and noticeable frame-specific scratches. The source seems clean on a surface level but looks to require some form of restoration - this is probably where Warner's digital process is advantageous. Still, aside from light damage, I have never seen Cat People look this crisp. It was such a pleasure to revisit and I'd love to see it reach Blu-ray one day - but this seems improbable anytime soon. I should note that this has a German translated title card (see in the menu samples) and also Dr. Louis Judd quote that prefaces, and ends, the film.

Unfortunately, over the years I believe I have become sensitive to PAL speedup - which I find apparent in the slightly higher-pitched voices (actually the other PAL discs look to be from unconverted NTSC sources). There is a German DUB offered and German subtitles but you can choose original English and no subs as a viewing option. Only a beat up trailer and some Arthaus Collection adverts are extras.

Those very keen on Cat People, not interested in the Warner extras or Lewton box, and are PAL-locked or less-sensitive to the 4% speed-up - this is a very reasonable option (less than $12 USD!) that will supply a wonderful presentation of a pure classic! 

 - Gary W. Tooze

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ADDITION - Warner (From Lewton Boxset) - Oct 05' : The transfer: This is the type of disc we’ve come to expect from Warner Video. Sharp transfers on both features exhibit some incredible black levels, which properly display these films as “black and white” movies and leave behind the palette of foggy grays as seen on the previous Cat People DVDs. There are moments of occasional print damage, but nothing to complain about. As a double feature, these films couldn’t be more different, but as a crash course in the themes and styles of the Lewton cycle, you couldn’t ask for better.

The audio: Each transfer sounds relatively the same, and depending if you are listening to these through your TV set or through a home sound system, your impressions might vary. Each film is presented with a mono audio track. Played through your set this audio can sound a little flat and muted, but played through a sound system (which I assume it was optimized for) the audio is clear. A picky observation perhaps, but something for you to keep in mind before viewing.

Extras: The commentary by Greg Mank on both films is interesting at first, but Mank seems to run of material as the films movie on. I’m beginning to think that more DVDs would benefit by the style of commentary utilized by the BFI on their Buñuel boxset, wherein the disc skips only to major passages of the film and the commentary takes on a more focused and analytical approach. As an added bonus, Mank utilizes audio clips of the lovely Simone Simon – who sadly passed away earlier this year – with her unmistakable voice ruminating on life behind the scenes. Theatrical trailers are also present.

 - Adam Lemke

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The Montparnasse is smoother, cleaner and brighter but has taken some of the detail out of the image (see large capture below with "key in lock"). I couldn't spot any edge enhancement or significant contrast boosting in either edition - although I would bet that the Montparnasse has some degree of both. The Montparnasse comes in a Tourneur Boxset with some viable extras in comparison to the Manga. This may not be a deal breaker of transfer disparity for you. Personally, although I like the slightly darker Manga print, I would say overall the Montparnasse is the way to go. It has less grain, but too many pluses to ignore (ex. the 5.1 upgraded audio option and the unsubtitled interviews). Image: my choice is to stick with my slightly sharper and grainier Manga DVD.

NOTE: We seem to have a ratio problem as well as faces look decidedly thinner (fatter on opposing) on the Montparnasse DVD. I have no real way of knowing which is correct.

 - Gary W. Tooze