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S E A R C H D V D B e a v e r |
directed by Michael Cimino
USA 1978
Following the funeral of Nick, the intimate
group of friends sit together around a table at their bar and sing “God
bless America”. Their voices are raised just enough to be heard, their minds
elsewhere. They do not become one in mind until they raises their glasses to
Nick. A stunning scene in every sense, from the positioning of the players
around the table, to its intertextual qualities, the ending of “The Deer Hunter”
not only invokes allusions of Ford and Visconti, it also allows the viewer
to dwell upon the story by stressing its main theme: Friendship. |
Posters
Theatrical Release: 8th December 1978, Los Angeles, California, USA
Reviews More Reviews DVD Reviews
Comparison:
Optimum (2-Disc Special Edition) - Region 2 - PAL vs. Universal (Legacy Series) - Region 1 - NTSC vs. Universal (1998 - First U.S. release) - Region 1 - NTSC vs. Bitwin (Korean Ed.) - Region 0 - NTSC vs. Warner (Special Edition 2-Disc) - Region 2 - PAL vs. Kinowelt/Optimum (Studio Canal Collection) - Region A + B - Blu-ray vs. Universal - Region FREE - Blu-ray |
Big thanks to Henrik Sylow and Gary and Guillaume Mareri and Mathias Nielsen for the DVD Screen Caps!
(Optimum (2-Disc Special Edition) - Region 2 - PAL LEFT vs. Universal (Legacy Series) - Region 1 - NTSC vs. Universal (1998 (First U.S. release) - Region 1 - NTSC - RIGHT)
DVD Box Covers |
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Distribution |
Optimum Region 2 - PAL |
Universal (Legacy Series) Region 1 - NTSC |
Universal Region 1 - NTSC |
(Bitwin (Korean Ed.) - Region 0 - NTSC - LEFT vs. Warner (Special Edition 2-Disc) - Region 2 - PAL - SECOND vs. Kinowelt (Studio Canal Collection) - Region A + B - Blu-ray - THIRD vs. Universal - Region FREE - Blu-ray - RIGHT)
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Optimum Blu-ray Edition Studio Canal Blu-ray Edition: |
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Bitwin Region 0 - NTSC |
Warner Region 2 - PAL |
Kinowelt (Germany) Region A + B - Blu-ray |
Universal Region FREE - Blu-ray |
Distribution |
Optimum Region 2 - PAL |
Universal (Legacy Series) Region 1 - NTSC |
Universal Region 1 - NTSC |
Bitwin Region 0 - NTSC |
Warner Region 2 - PAL |
Kinowelt (Germany) Region A + B - Blu-ray |
Universal Region FREE - Blu-ray |
Runtime | 2:56:01 (4% PAL speedup) | 3:03:24 | 3:03:18 | 3:02:54 | 2:56:12 (4% PAL speedup) | 3:03:31.375 | 3:03:43.053 |
Video |
2.35:1 Original Aspect Ratio
16X9 enhanced |
2:35:1 Original Aspect Ratio
16X9 enhanced |
2:35:1 Original Aspect Ratio |
2.35:1 Original Aspect Ratio |
2.35:1 Original Aspect Ratio
16X9 enhanced |
1080P / 23.976 fps Dual-layered Blu-ray Disc Size: 41,798,014,150 bytesFeature: 34,798,430,208 bytes Video Bitrate: 14.99 MbpsCodec: VC-1 Video |
1080P / 23.976 fps Dual-layered Blu-ray Disc Size: 49,407,920,097 bytesFeature: 45,893,683,200 bytesVideo Bitrate: 26.92 MbpsCodec: VC-1 Video |
NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes. |
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Bitrate:
Optimum
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Bitrate:
Universal (Legacy)
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Bitrate:
Universal (1998 (First U.S. release))
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Bitrate:
Bitwin (Korean Ed.)
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Bitrate:
Warner (Special Edition 2-Disc)
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Bitrate:
Kinowelt Blu-ray
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Bitrate:
Universal Blu-ray
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Audio | 2.0 Dolby Digital English, 5.1 Dolby Digital English | English Dolby Digital 5.1, English Dolby Digital 2.0, DUB: Spanish Dolby Digital 2.0 | English Dolby 2.0 |
English Dolby Digital 2.0 |
English Dolby Digital 2.0 |
DTS-HD Master Audio English 2146 kbps 5.1 / 48 kHz / 2146
kbps / 16-bit (DTS Core: 5.1 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps / 16-bit) DTS-HD Master Audio English 903 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 903 kbps / 16-bit (DTS Core: 2.0 / 48 kHz / 768 kbps / 16-bit) DTS-HD Master Audio English 961 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 961 kbps / 16-bit (DTS Core: 2.0 / 48 kHz / 768 kbps / 16-bit) DTS-HD Master Audio French 860 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 860 kbps / 16-bit (DTS Core: 2.0 / 48 kHz / 768 kbps / 16-bit) DTS-HD Master Audio German 872 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 872 kbps / 16-bit (DTS Core: 2.0 / 48 kHz / 768 kbps / 16-bit) DTS-HD Master Audio Italian 849 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 849 kbps / 16-bit (DTS Core: 2.0 / 48 kHz / 768 kbps / 16-bit) DTS-HD Master Audio Spanish 885 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 885 kbps / 16-bit (DTS Core: 2.0 / 48 kHz / 768 kbps / 16-bit) |
DTS-HD Master Audio English 3712 kbps 5.1 / 48 kHz / 3712
kbps / 24-bit (DTS Core: 5.1 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps / 24-bit) Dolby Digital Audio English 448 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 448 kbps / DN -4dB / Dolby Surround Dolby Digital Audio English 192 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 192 kbps / DN -4dB / Dolby Surround Dolby Digital Audio Spanish 192 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 192 kbps / DN -4dB |
Subtitles | No Subtitles | English (HOH), French, Spanish, none | English, French, Spanish, none | English, Korean, Cantonese, Thai, Mandarin, none | None | English (SDH), English, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, none | English (HOH), French, Spanish, none |
Features |
Release Information: Studio: Optimum Aspect Ratio:
Edition
Details: Chapters 20 |
Release Information: Studio: Universal Aspect Ratio:
Edition Details: Bookstyle double thick case Chapters 16 |
Release Information: Studio: Universal Aspect Ratio:
Edition Details:
Chapters 16 |
Release Information: Studio: Bitwin Aspect Ratio:
Edition Details:
DVD
Release Date: September 14, 2004 Chapters 21 |
Release Information: Studio: Warner Aspect Ratio:
Edition Details:
DVD
Release Date: August 4, 2003 Chapters 20 |
Release Information: Studio: Kinowelt
1080P / 23.976 fps Dual-layered Blu-ray Disc Size: 41,798,014,150 bytesFeature: 34,798,430,208 bytes Video Bitrate: 14.99 MbpsCodec: VC-1 Video
Edition Details:
Blu-ray
Release Date:
September 28th, 2009 Chapters 18 |
Release Information: Studio: Universal
1080P / 23.976 fps Dual-layered Blu-ray Disc Size: 49,407,920,097 bytesFeature: 45,893,683,200 bytesVideo Bitrate: 26.92 MbpsCodec: VC-1 Video
Edition Details: • My Scenes capable 100 Years of Academy Award Winners featurette (9:35 in 1080P) DVD of the
Feature Standard Blu-ray case inside cardboard slipcase Chapters 16
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Comments |
NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were ripped directly from the Blu-ray disc. ADDITION: Universal - Region FREE Blu-ray - February 2012: The Universal uses the same VC-1 encode for their Blu-ray transfer - but it is technically more robust with a very large files size about 70% higher bitrate. The Universal image is darker, which we presume is more accurate - ditto for the cooler skin tones. It does have some DNR. I should state that I realize I wasn't able to get exact frame matches in a number of the comparison captures below due to the timeline feature.A udio, like the Kinowelt Blu-ray, exports in a noticeably improved lossless DTS-HD master transfer as compared to the SD version. Like the video the Universal has a slight technical superiority with a more robust surround track but a less dynamic 2.0 channel stereo rendering. The 5.1 sounds solid with a few important separations (I didn't note it being a semi-tone higher in pitch as Bruce identified on the Kinowelt). Stanley Myers beautiful score including Sarabande, Chopin's "NOCTURNE NR. 6 (OPUS 15-3) IN G MINOR" and Frankie Valli's 'Can't Take My Eyes Off You' are crisp and attentive to the narrative. The Universal offers optional subtitles (see sample below) and the disc is region FREE playable on Blu-ray machines worldwide.Supplements duplicate the 2005 Universal DVD with the full Vilmos Zsigmond (cinematographer) + Bob Fischer ( film journalist) audio commentary, 17-minutes of deleted and extended scenes in 480i and an original theatrical trailer (2:47 in 480i.) The Blu-ray is 'My Scenes' compatible and it also has the 10-minute "100 Years of Academy Award Winners" featurette and a DVD of the feature included in the package.
No film that I have seen in the new format had a bigger
impact on - compared to SD-DVD - than The Deer Hunter.
Waiting for this North American edition - I purchased
Studio Canal
Blu-rays
for many friends. The film is devastating
in this HD format. While we may not recommend a double
dip for those that own the European 1080P - everyone
else who should indulge in the Universal - one of the
most powerful and emotive
Blu-ray
experiences that I have yet had. No, it IS
the most powerful. Our highest recommendation to those
less sensitive to the DNR!
*
ADDITION: Kinowelt - Studio Canal Collection - Region
A + B
Blu-ray - November 09:
Once again this starts with a list of country options of
which Australia and the United Kingdom are choices. This
is another
Blu-ray
from The Studio Canal Collection however this German
Kinowelt version actually has the Optimum Releasing logo
at the start - so we can safely assume it is the same as the
British edition
aside from packaging language. They have the same
subtitle and audio options - and the same video transfer
size. Both are coded for regions A + B - as we presume the
French Studio Canal editions are. If we can discern any
significant differences we will post them here.
Image quality is dramatically improved from all DVD
editions despite the low video bitrate and, what I
consider, the lesser encode VC-1. It is still
significantly cleaner, tighter with better colors and
some consistent grain showing. Audio is in the form of strong lossless DTS-HD Master tracks and the film's naturalistic sounds are vivid in 2.0 channel and subtly separated at times in the 5.1. I found the audio flawless - with dialogue both cleaner and crisper than any of the DVDs. But it's the music that comes through as most notable in advancement - Stanley Myers beautiful score including Sarabande, Chopin's "NOCTURNE NR. 6 (OPUS 15-3) IN G MINOR" and Frankie Valli's 'Can't Take My Eyes Off You'. Although there are subtitles as my software identifies - they can't be accessed via the subtitle button nor the pop-up menu - ex. you can't change to foreign language DUB tracks on the fly. They are only accessible dependant on what country option you choose initially so I couldn't find a way to get English subtitles with the English audio - although English subs do exist for foreign language DUBs. My Momitsu has identified it as being coded for Blu-ray regions A + B. NOTE: Bruce says in email "I was rather surprised that, in your review of the Kinowelt/Optimum BD release of 'The Deer Hunter', you didn't mention that the 5.1 soundtrack is pitched sharp (in musical terms, by about a semitone). (The 2.0 soundtrack is correctly pitched.) It appears that Studio Canal based the 5.1 soundtrack on a source originally used for a previous PAL DVD release. They digitally "stretched" the running time to fit the 24fps video master, but neglected (or forgot?) to digitally correct the pitch." (thanks Bruce!)
Supplements include the same 55-minutes worth of Blue Underground featurettes (Realising The Deer Hunter, Shooting The Deer Hunter, Playing The Deer Hunter) and the Cimino commentary. The deleted and extended scenes are not here on the Blu-ray but we get a lengthy and exhaustive French Vietnam War: Unknown Images piece for over 45-minutes. We also get a new Presentation by Mickey Rourke for 2.5 minutes where the actor claims to have seen the film over 40 times and talks of his appreciation for De Niro. The disc has an SD trailer and untested BD-LIVE function. What an absolutely incredible film to own in this magnificent 1080P format. An unforgettable and powerful movie experience gets escalated - impacting to an even higher level - one I would have thought improbable to achieve. BIG thanks to Studio Canal and Kinowelt. Don't have any fear in buying this - it is an essential for your digital library.
Gary
Tooze
ON THE SD-DVDs: The image appears to be from the same source as the R1
Universal (Legacy Series). While there are minute artifacts present,
these are only visible when zooming into a still frame. For regular
viewing, this is basically a flawless transfer of a 3 hour film onto
DVD. Colors are well balanced, details strong and blacks deep.
On Disc 2, three interviews - produced by Blue Underground - are to be
found, where John Savage, Vilmos Zsigmond and Michael Cimono offer their
perspective to their respective field; acting, cinematography and
creating / directing.
***
ADDITION: Universal - Legacy Series - NTSC (Sept - 05) - Firstly - this
was unnecessarily a two disc set - the Bonus disc is only 1.2 Gig and
could have fit on the Dual layered first disc with a little room to
spare. I would have preferred the commentary from the Warner PAL edition
but Cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond has some interesting knowledge to
share.
Image: I think the Legacy image is the best of the
four - the other two (non-16X9) NTSC editions are quite dull in comparison and the
PAL has had some contrast boosting. This Legacy appears to be from a
cleaner print that the other three as I could not find the damage seen
in the last large capture. Subtitles are more discreet in the Legacy which
also boasts a 5.1 track in addition to the optional mono. For viewing the film, the Legacy appears to be the
one to own, but Universal, please don't expand your package
unnecessarily with the superfluous bonus disc - not appreciated. ****
The image
on the Universal and the Bitwin seem to have come from the same
transfer. But the Bitwin is much sharper. The extras are nothing to fuss
about.
Both of these versions has overly reddish skin tones; see caps 5 and 6. |
DVD Menus
Optimum (2-Disc Special Edition) - Region 2 - PAL
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Universal (Legacy) - Region 1 - NTSC Disc 1
Universal (Legacy) - Region 1 - NTSC Disc 2
(Universal (1998 (First U.S. release)) -
Region 1 - NTSC - LEFT vs. Bitwin (Korean Ed.) - Region 0 - NTSC -
MIDDLE vs. Warner (Special Edition 2-Disc) - Region 2 - PAL - RIGHT)
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Universal - Region FREE - Blu-ray
CLICK EACH BLU-RAY CAPTURE TO SEE ALL IMAGES IN FULL 1920X1080 RESOLUTION
Screen Captures
1) Optimum (2-Disc Special Edition) - Region 2 - PAL TOP 2) Universal (Legacy) - Region 1 - NTSC SECOND 3) Universal (1998- First U.S. release) - Region 1 - NTSC - THIRD4) Bitwin (Korean Ed.) - Region 0 - NTSC - FOURTH 5) Warner (Special Edition 2-Disc) - Region 2 - PAL - FIFTH 6) Kinowelt (Studio Canal Collection) - Region A + B - Blu-ray - SIXTH 7) Universal - Region FREE - Blu-ray - BOTTOM |
There are no subtitles on the R2 editions
NOTE: Optimum offers no subtitle options |
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1) Optimum (2-Disc Special Edition) - Region 2 - PAL TOP 2) Universal (Legacy) - Region 1 - NTSC SECOND 3) Universal (1998- First U.S. release) - Region 1 - NTSC - THIRD4) Bitwin (Korean Ed.) - Region 0 - NTSC - FOURTH 5) Warner (Special Edition 2-Disc) - Region 2 - PAL - FIFTH 6) Kinowelt (Studio Canal Collection) - Region A + B - Blu-ray - SIXTH 7) Universal - Region FREE - Blu-ray - BOTTOM |
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1) Optimum (2-Disc Special Edition) - Region 2 - PAL TOP 2) Universal (Legacy) - Region 1 - NTSC SECOND 3) Universal (1998- First U.S. release) - Region 1 - NTSC - THIRD4) Bitwin (Korean Ed.) - Region 0 - NTSC - FOURTH 5) Warner (Special Edition 2-Disc) - Region 2 - PAL - FIFTH 6) Kinowelt (Studio Canal Collection) - Region A + B - Blu-ray - SIXTH 7) Universal - Region FREE - Blu-ray - BOTTOM |
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1) Optimum (2-Disc Special Edition) - Region 2 - PAL TOP 2) Universal (Legacy) - Region 1 - NTSC SECOND 3) Universal (1998- First U.S. release) - Region 1 - NTSC - THIRD4) Bitwin (Korean Ed.) - Region 0 - NTSC - FOURTH 5) Warner (Special Edition 2-Disc) - Region 2 - PAL - FIFTH 6) Kinowelt (Studio Canal Collection) - Region A + B - Blu-ray - SIXTH 7) Universal - Region FREE - Blu-ray - BOTTOM |
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1) Optimum (2-Disc Special Edition) - Region 2 - PAL TOP 2) Universal (Legacy) - Region 1 - NTSC SECOND 3) Universal (1998- First U.S. release) - Region 1 - NTSC - THIRD4) Bitwin (Korean Ed.) - Region 0 - NTSC - FOURTH 5) Warner (Special Edition 2-Disc) - Region 2 - PAL - FIFTH 6) Kinowelt (Studio Canal Collection) - Region A + B - Blu-ray - SIXTH 7) Universal - Region FREE - Blu-ray - BOTTOM |
Note the severe print damage on this capture!
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More Blu-ray Captures
1) Kinowelt (Studio Canal Collection) - Region A + B - Blu-ray - TOP2) Universal - Region FREE - Blu-ray - BOTTOM |
1) Kinowelt (Studio Canal Collection) - Region A + B - Blu-ray - TOP2) Universal - Region FREE - Blu-ray - BOTTOM |
1) Kinowelt (Studio Canal Collection) - Region A + B - Blu-ray - TOP2) Universal - Region FREE - Blu-ray - BOTTOM |
1) Kinowelt (Studio Canal Collection) - Region A + B - Blu-ray - TOP2) Universal - Region FREE - Blu-ray - BOTTOM |
1) Kinowelt (Studio Canal Collection) - Region A + B - Blu-ray - TOP2) Universal - Region FREE - Blu-ray - BOTTOM |
Report Card:
Image: |
Universal Blu-ray |
Sound: |
Universal Blu-ray |
Extras: | Blu-ray |
(
Optimum (2-Disc Special Edition) - Region 2 - PAL LEFT vs. Universal (Legacy Series) - Region 1 - NTSC vs. Universal (1998 (First U.S. release)) - Region 1 - NTSC - RIGHT)DVD Box Covers |
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Distribution |
Optimum Region 2 - PAL |
Universal (Legacy Series) Region 1 - NTSC |
Universal Region 1 - NTSC |
(Bitwin (Korean Ed.) - Region 0 - NTSC - LEFT vs. Warner (Special Edition 2-Disc) - Region 2 - PAL - RIGHT) vs. Kinowelt (Studio Canal Collection) - Region A + B - Blu-ray - RIGHT)
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Optimum Blu-ray Edition Studio Canal Blu-ray Edition: |
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Bitwin Region 0 - NTSC |
Warner Region 2 - PAL |
Kinowelt (Germany) Region A + B - Blu-ray |
Universal Region FREE - Blu-ray |