NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDITION: Masters of Cinema - Region 'B' - Blu-ray (October 2013): Firstly this is also available in a LTD Edition Steelbook, presumably also a two Blu-ray disc set (same transfer and contents) as this transparent case version is.

I don't know why, but we never added the MoC Complete Fritz Lang Mabuse Boxset DVD of Dr. Mause, The Gambler images to this DVD comparison - back in 2009 - when it came out. We simply reviewed the entire collection HERE. Regardless, I am thrilled with the new 1080P transfer of the latest restoration. The quality is so rich, thick, textured - superb black levels - and I could have taken screen captures all day. The grain is so pleasing but, as expected, the light damage - scratches etc. become more noticeable with the higher resolution and pronounced detail. Both disc are dual-layered with max'ed out bitrates. It isn't going to get any better. Some may question the contrast - but I actually think it suits the film to have it at such a pronounced degree.

Audio (the film is Silent but has a score - Aljoscha Zimmermann) is competently transferred via lossless in a linear PCM. I thought it sounded incredible and supported the film's action magnificently. Very crisp and strong! The piano-base is almost addictive to listen to and there are optional subtitles for the original-appearing German title-cards (see sample).

ADDITION: - Kino - Region 0 - NTSC - July 06' : - The new Kino edition appears to be from the same source as the Eureka release, including the use of English intertitles, probably a result of the restoration process. There are a few noticeable differences between this version and the Eureka release. One is the non removable English subtitles  over shots of German text (see capture #7). Another difference is that the contrast on the Eureka version is boosted resulting in increased sharpness and deeper blacks. However, the smoother Kino image displays better gray scale and, in most cases, reveals more image detail (capture #4 is an exception). I noticed some combing artifacts during the screen capture process indicating a non progressive transfer. No surprise coming from Kino.

 - Gregg Ferencz

NOTE: My experience with the Kino set is similar to that
of Louis Irwin as quoted. The picture is really good, but I had to
change my settings by the following from my usual settings to achieve a
quality image:
Changes made on my dvd player, not on my TV:
Gamma correction from off to medium
Brightness - 8 notches lower then normal (out of aprox 20 total)
Contrast: - 4 notches lower then normal (out of aprox 20 total)
System is a Pioneer 578 connected by inexpensive Monster 3 way component
cable to an inexpensive Toshiba 32" CRT. TV settings are at Toshiba's
"normal" default.
Without the corrections, the picture is quite washed out. With them,
it's excellent, my only other criticism is some minor flicker. (Thank Geff)

Just to add my own opinion - I suspect there are only a handful of people who 'know' what this release should look like - so after that it depends on personal preference. I think the Kino has had some brightness boosting - I think the Eureka has had some black-level boosting. One removes damage marks the other heightens sharpness. From the captures I don't mind the softer look of the Kino. I am still waiting for my copy to arrive. What bothered me about the Eureka was the audio - so I will post again after I get, and watch, my Kino version. The other issue I am still working on is the time - is the Kino taken from a PAL source? or the Eureka from an NTSC source? - I suspect the former and the 'combing' Gregg noticed may be from incorrect standard transfer - typical of Kino. More will be added to these comments as we can derive answers. At least now you can visually see the differences. Overall the Kino release would be considered a triumph for that distribution company (and their past record), but the Region 2 PAL has too many superiorities.

NOTE: We thanks Gregg for supplying the new Kino captures!

Gary Tooze  

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THE IMAGE DISC: The back jacket comments state that the transfer was made from a fine grain master and is at the correct speed. David Shepard takes great care in his releases. Perhaps much of the timing differences stem from the time the camera stays on the inter-title for the viewer to read. We are investigating.