ADDITION: Sony NTSC - January 09': The new Sony seems to have a dimming greenish infiltration into the image. Where the PAL version may be boosted - it still shows more detail than the muddier US edition. Now though, the UK transfer looks to have vertically squished the image (faces look disproportionally fatter) and the NTSC shows more information in the frame sides (quite a bit). Sheeesh.

With all the subtitle and DUB options it appears that the PAL edition is the 'international' one for many different languages of Europe. Both have English subtitles - with the US in a large, gaudy yellow font. The new US edition has some extras - those silly, and very short, Martini Minutes (I still don't understand their purpose).

While both transfers are problematic but offered at a similar price, it seems a personal choice - basing on the preferred image quality. I prefer the UK release but won't be able to forget the squished image now that I've seen the 'green' US side-by-side. It's cheap enough and a worthy film to own, though not of masterpiece status - so probably the easiest to obtain, geographically, will be your best bet.

***


 

ON THE PAL: NOTE: At the time of this review this DVD has been marked down 54% to only £5.97.

This image looks exceptionally good which is surprising as there is a fairly large black border circumventing the frame - hence limiting horizontal resolution. If this was transferred tighter to the edges it could have looked even better. Contrast and grey-tones seem fine - detail is above average and audio and subtitles are clear and consistent. I see no signs of manipulation (perhaps some boosting) and very few artifacts. There are no extras but the DVD is region-coded to sell in other parts of the world (namely Australia and Russia) and has sub and DUB options that make is viable across Europe as well. The 2.35 has been closely maintained and the anamorphic DVD is excellent for a bare-bones offering.  

This is a typically fine Brit comedy of the time - Guinness and Ernie Kovacs are in top form and there is nothing to really dislike about this affable film. It even works partially as a suspense thriller. 

Gary W. Tooze