In the past I have voiced my extreme displeasure with Alliance Atlantis and their ridiculously poor DVD transfers - for such a massive company it really is unforgivable. My annoyance is exemplified by the fact that they reside in my home country of Canada. If you'd like further proof of their inadequacies - see another Canadian film their DVD transfer butchered - Atanarjuat - The Fast Runner. So, in short, The Red Violin is a magnificent film, also Canadian made, and Alliance disrespected it with a full-frame Open-Matte transfer that is single-layered and interlaced - see combing in the capture of Christoph Koncz (Kaspar Weiss) playing the violin. It has no extras. This winter I'll enjoy throwing it, and its pitiful bitrate, into the Canadian snow of my backyard and urinating on it. Nuff' said.

The 2000 Universal release of the film was better (how could it be worse?) but also had some issues of its own. It is anamorphic and in the film's aspect ratio of 1.85:1. It has a strange combing. I couldn't put a handle on it as it was sporadic - but it DOES exist - almost akin to ghosting. Supplements on the disc were limited to text screens although it was dual-layered. Colors were quite dull and lackluster. It is fairly dark.

In June of 2008 LionsGate have taken to presenting this their 'Meridian Collection' (also see Diva as a simultaneous release from that sub-label). It appears to have had some boosting but adds significant information to the frame as compared to the Universal. It still maintains the 1.78 aspect ratio and is anamorphic and dual-layered. It is much brighter but skins tones are a shade redder. I'm not a fan of boosting but weighing the benefits in this case I lean towards the Meridian release for image.

Audio - the older Universal release has an optional DTS track which may be preferable to some keen on that choice. To me the LionsGate's 5.1 sounded quite adept - some dramatic instances of separation but the film doesn't lend itself to dynamic rear channel action although the orchestral and solo violin music is, at times, brilliant. John Corigliano's, Oscar winning, original music score is quite stirring played by Joshua Bell. NOTE: All three releases have burned in subtitles for the non-English dialogue and all three offer optional English for the entire film's verbiage. But the music is really the star of this lovely film.

Supplements easily lean to the new Meridian release with an optional commentary by Co-Writer/Director François Girard and Co-writer/actor Don McKellar. Honesty though, they don't seem exceptionally prepared and neither really takes the lead although Girard eventually does. His Quebecois accent is quite audible. Plenty of gaps and simple remembrances but I wasn't overwhelmed by informative discussion.

Now I could be very well mistaken here but I don't think the advertised (even on the menu screen) short film 'Chaconne' (a 2005 French film about ballet - from IMdb) is the one I played from the Special Features menu. When I click that menu option I see an 18 minute film on music with composer John Corigliano discussing his role in creating the music for a film (specifically The Red Violin). It also has not won any awards, unless the actual name of this featurette is 'The Oscar Winning Chaconne' which, I guess, makes more sense. It is interesting especially more so for those in the field of music. Corigliano talks of Bach and Joshua Bell (who also has input). There is another featurette entitled 'The Auction Block' which is an fascinating look at very old violins and there international value through the auction process. It's 18 minutes long and I enjoyed the education. Finally there is a trailer.

I LOVE this film very much - it is beautiful and works through a wonderful adventure spanning time and many unique geographical locations. I'm so glad a decent DVD edition has finally come to light after almost 10 years. I strongly recommend it and the new Meridian DVD appears to be the definitive edition to own and enjoy. Yes, buy now.