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S E A R C H D V D B e a v e r |
(aka "The Leopard" or "Le Guépard")
directed
by Luchino Visconti
Italy / France 1963
Criterion product description: Making its
long-awaited U.S. home video debut, Luchino Visconti’s The Leopard
(Il Gattopardo) is an epic on the grandest possible scale. The film
recreates, with nostalgia, drama, and opulence, the tumultuous years of
Italy’s Risorgimento—when the aristocracy lost its grip and the middle
classes rose and formed a unified, democratic Italy. Burt Lancaster
stars as the aging prince watching his culture and fortune wane in the
face of a new generation, represented by his upstart nephew (Alain Delon)
and his beautiful fiancée (Claudia Cardinale). Awarded the Palme d’Or at
the 1963 Cannes Film Festival, The Leopard translates Giuseppe Tomasi di
Lampedusa’s novel, and the history it recounts, into a truly cinematic
masterpiece. The Criterion Collection is proud to present the film in
two distinct versions: Visconti’s original Italian version, and the
alternate English-language version released in America in a newly
restored special edition. *** Italian director Luchino Visconti delivers one of his most ambitious works with this sprawling historical drama. Based on the acclaimed novel by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, THE LEOPARD is set in Sicily during the 1800s, as the aristocracy found itself being suffocated by a newly democratic fervor. Prince Don Fabrizio Salina (Burt Lancaster) tries to hold on to the past, but it appears that his glory days are waning. This is perfectly exemplified by his nephew Tancredi Falconeri (Alain Delon) and his gorgeous wife-to-be Angelica (Claudia Cardinale). As the revolt gathers steam and begins to affect a real change, the aging prince must come to terms with the new world that surrounds him. With THE LEOPARD, Visconti confirms his status as one of Europe's most masterful directors, particularly with the 45 minute ballroom scene. |
Theatrical Release: March 28th, 1963 - Italy
Reviews More Reviews DVD Reviews
Comparison:
BFI - Region 2- PAL vs. Criterion - Region 1 - NTSC vs. Medusa - Region 2 - PAL vs. BFI (re-issue) - Region 'B' - Blu-ray vs. Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray |
Big thanks to Ole Kofoed for the DVD Screen Caps!
1) BFI - Region 2 - PAL LEFT 2) Criterion - Region 1 - NTSC - SECOND3) Medusa - Region 2 - PAL - THIRD4) BFI (re-issue) - Region 'B' - Blu-ray FOURTH5) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray RIGHT |
Box Covers |
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Re-Issued October 2014: |
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Distribution |
BFI Region 2 - PAL |
Criterion Collection Region 1 - NTSC |
Medusa Region 2 - PAL |
BFI Region 'B' - Blu-ray |
Criterion Collection - Spine #235 Region 'A' - Blu-ray |
Runtime | 2:57:48 (4% PAL speedup) | 3:05:54 | 2:57:42 (4% PAL speedup) | 3:05:48 | 3:05:51.265 |
Video |
2.21:1 Aspect Ratio
16X9 enhanced |
2.21:1 Aspect Ratio
16X9 enhanced |
2.35:1 Aspect Ratio
16X9 enhanced |
1080P / 23.976 fps Dual-layered Blu-ray Disc Size: 42,034,842,608 bytesFeature: 39,164,430,336 bytesVideo Bitrate: 24.69 MbpsCodec: MPEG-4 AVC Video |
1080P / 23.976 fps Dual-layered Blu-ray Disc Size: 48,362,408,535 bytesFeature: 47,573,385,216 bytesVideo Bitrate: 30.02 MbpsCodec: MPEG-4 AVC Video |
NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes. |
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Criterion
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Medusa
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BFI Blu-ray (original)
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BFI Blu-ray (reissue)
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Criterion Blu-ray
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Audio | Italian (Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono) | Italian (Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono) |
Italian (Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono) |
LPCM Audio Italian 1536 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 1536 kbps /
16-bit Dolby Digital Audio English 320 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 320 kbps |
LPCM Audio Italian 1152 kbps 1.0 / 48 kHz / 1152 kbps /
24-bit Dolby Digital Audio English 192 kbps 1.0 / 48 kHz / 192 kbps |
Subtitles | English or Commentary Subtitles or none. | English or none. | English, Italian or none. (Extras is only subtitled in Italian) | English (HoH), English or none | English or none |
Features |
Release Information: Studio: BFI Video Aspect Ratio:
Edition Details:
Forgacs and Rossana Capitano (optional subtitles)
• 1 page sleeve notes by David Forgacs
DVD
Release Date:
September 27th, 2004 Chapters 25
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Release Information: Studio: Criterion Aspect Ratio:
Edition Details: Chapters 32 |
Release Information: Studio: Medusa Aspect Ratio:
Edition Details:
DVD
Release Date: 2001 Chapters 28 |
Release Information: Studio: BFI Video
1080P / 23.976 fps Dual-layered Blu-ray Disc Size: 42,336,556,208 bytesFeature: 39,466,144,704 bytesVideo Bitrate: 24.90 MbpsCodec: MPEG-4 AVC Video
Edition Details:
Forgacs and Rossana Capitano (optional subtitles) • Theatrical trailer in (3:16 in HD!) • 26-page liner notes booklet with essay by David Forgacs
Blu-ray
Release Date:
June 21st, 2010 Chapters 2 5
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Release Information: Studio: Criterion
1080P / 23.976 fps Dual-layered Blu-ray Disc Size: 48,362,408,535 bytesFeature: 47,573,385,216 bytesVideo Bitrate: 30.02 MbpsCodec: MPEG-4 AVC Video
Edition Details: Chapters 32 |
Comments |
NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were ripped directly from the Blu-ray disc. ADDITION: Criterion - Region 'A' Blu-ray - June 2010: Aside from some subtle color shifts I don't see a heck of a lot of differences in the BFI (Re-issue) and Criterion Blu-rays. Technically speaking the Criterion stats are more substantial - more disc space for the film and a higher bitrate - but if I was forced to choose I might lean slightly to the BFI. The UK company appears to have had a hands-off policy from the original, restored, source and in a very few instances their colors and contrast appear more robust. Criterion flesh tones still seem to have some orange hues - not unlike their DVD where BFI are a bit warmer in some spots. This is all pretty moot as if not for the side-by-side analysis both editions visually would be hard to distinguish from each other. Criterion have the "...supervised by director of photography Giuseppe Rotunno, with restored image and sound..." which is simply another positive to take into account. Bottom line is that both look fabulous - worthy of Blu-ray of the Year 2010 consideration. The Criterion, expectantly, doesn't have the moiring issue in the last hour that was part of the original BFI release. Most differences are extremely subtle and I be surprised if it impacted even the most hard-core fan of the film.NOTE: The BFI faces are slightly fatter (horizontally stretched?) and the Criterion slightly thinner (vertically stretched?) In the audio department - it is BFI that are a shade more buoyant with a slightly higher data transfer rate for their 2.0 channel lossless Italian language track. Criterion have stuck with the original mono, also in an uncompressed linear PCM track, and it is unnoticeably flatter. The DUB'ing can be obvious at times but we will assume that this is as technically authentic as The Leopard can sound at present. Both Blu-ray editions offer optional English subtitles (see samples below). Again though, I lean to the BFI in this feature - perhaps because it was the first 1080P transfer I saw (and re-watched for both the commentary and reissues). It is possible I got used to that font and hence find the larger Criterion slightly more intrusive. Again - this is about as picky as I can get. Criterion have duplicated all that was in their mammoth 3-disc DVD package and the new hi-def includes a second Blu-ray disc to house the 161-minute American release, with English-language dialogue, including Burt Lancaster’s own voice. This is in HD but looks significantly weaker than the Italian language 1080P features from both sides of the pond (see sample below). It has damage and is very soft at times. Peter Cowie is one of the best commentarists in the business but I, must say that, really enjoyed the David Forgacs and Rossana Capitano discussions on the BFI disc. It was one of the most enjoyable commentaries I've ever heard. Criterion do stack their package with plenty of video extras including the hour long A Dying Breed: The Making of The Leopard and video interviews with producer Goffredo Lombardo and professor Millicent Marcus on the history behind The Leopard. What can I say? - this is a film I have a certain obsession with now and I'm thrilled to have both Blu-ray editions looking and sounding so tremendous with the valuable extra features. For their specific 'region' both of these packages are essential in my mind - however I doubt there are too many who'd see the need to own both - although, in my opinion, the BFI commentary is worth it's price alone. No matter where you reside make sure this timeless title is part of your digital library.
NOTE: Sent in email from Dan D. : 'You stated: "The
Leopard was originally shot in 35mm Technirama at
2.35:1, then blown up to 70mm Super-Technirama which has
an aspect ratio of 2.21:1. This blowup results in a
beautiful 70mm element but has the adverse effect of
shaving off the sides by a slim margin. Since this
picture was slated to be blown up to Super-Technirama,
one can assume that Visconti and Rutonno framed their
compositions with this in mind. So... what this means
is, both the Criterion and the BFI DVD display the 70mm
elements, in all the beautiful colour that gauge was
capable of. If you're watching another (ex. Italian
Medusa DVD) that displays a little more image on the
right and left, then it's pretty clear this was made
from the "restored 35mm print", containing a little more
left and right, but faring far worse in overall colour,
contrast, detail, grain, condition, etc..."
ADDITION: BFI - Region B
Blu-ray (reissue -
corrected) -
April 2010: We are ecstatic to report the gamma
issue reported on BFI's initial
Blu-ray
edition of The Leopard has been fully corrected!
We've included one sample capture comparisons with the
'flawed' issue to this pristine reissue below (dancing
sequence). One can see the black-level problem is now gone.
Judging by the technical stats and bitrate chart this is
essentially the same wonderful transfer as initially
released (exact same file size, time, audio, extras
etc.) but the glitch at shifting to file
00011.m2ts (at 1:54:28.194) - has been totally
Beyond the image, I'll simply repeat the below comments:
"Audio gives two options - Linear PCM 2.0 channel track
Italian at 1536 kbps and an English Dolby Digital
offering (commentary). It sounds almost as good as it looks with some
range
limitations in the original 2.0 channel stereo. Nino
Rota's symphonic original score is a real beauty and it
sound very nice with a crisp high-end and supportive
bass response. There are optional English subtitles for
the feature and the commentary as Rossana Capitano's
beautiful accent may be a shade difficult from some to
interpret at times.
Nothing new in the supplements - I had forgotten how
informative this commentary (a Herculean project for
the, staggeringly deep, 3 hour film) is - and we get the
same 10-minute Cardinale interview (with optional subs)
in HD but also now a 3:15 trailer in HD as well."
As most are aware Criterion will be releasing this, as
well, in June
HERE for region A - but I can easily
state that the BFI (reissue) is an essential Region 'B'
Blu-ray.
One of the best, and most beautiful, transfers I have
ever seen. I should also state that I LOVE this
commentary - something that is unique to the BFI.
Criterion will undoubtedly use the exact same restored
master. We will compare, as we always do, but I am
thrilled with this BFI package. It gets our highest
endorsement!
_________________________________________
For those you bought the original
Blu-ray
edition this
THE LEOPARD - FAULTY DISC REPLACEMENT SCHEME
ADDITION: BFI - Region 'B'
Blu-ray (original -
flawed) - November 09:
How does it look on my Momitsus? Stunning with an
imperfection in the last hour of the film. This is one
of the more beautiful films I think I've ever seen - and
certainly worthy of a 1080P transfer. Like the 2004 BFI
DVD (of which this source is seemingly based) this is in
the 2.21 aspect ratio. The entire spectrum of colors
jumps to life with brighter more vibrant hues on
Blu-ray.
Detail takes a large step forward, grain is readily
apparent and, despite the films extensive running time
filling almost 40 Gig - with a mid 20's bitrate,
the transfer encapsulates some real depth at times. While it supports the Criterion
DVD transfer in appearance - absolutely everything I can
judge is improved - and with a film of this grandeur -
it can often be overwhelming. But.....
NOTE
Audio gives two options - Linear PCM 2.0 channel track
Italian at 1536 kbps and an English Dolby Digital
offering. It sounds almost as good as it looks with some
range
limitations in the original 2.0 channel stereo. Nino
Rota's symphonic original score is a real beauty and it
sound very nice with a crisp high-end and supportive
bass response. There are optional English subtitles for
the feature and the commentary as Rossana Capitano's
beautiful accent may be a shade difficult from some to
interpret at times.
Nothing new in the supplements - I had forgotten how
informative this commentary (a Herculean project for
the, staggeringly deep, 3 hour film) is - and we get the
same 10-minute Cardinale interview (with optional subs)
in HD but also now a 3:15 trailer in HD as well.
Announcement by BFI: "We have investigated
this issue thoroughly and can now confirm there is a
problem on the first pressing of the BFI's Blu-ray
edition of THE LEOPARD.
***
ON THE DVDs: Criterion's transfer of the 70mm negative at Technicolor was in London 2003. They transferred this newly discovered element in High-Definition 24f, which would allow for equivalent down-conversion to both PAL and NTSC, so no transfer from NTSC to PAL would be necessary. BFI matched this image and the recent Italian restored soundtrack. The opticals were produced by Lee Kline from Criterion with Giussepe Rutonno, and set within the new 70mm transfer, after which BFI recieved the Pal clone of the finished HD Master.
Regarding aspect ratio, there is a lot of misinformation running around about this. The Leopard was originally shot in 35mm Technirama at 2.35:1, then blown up to 70mm Super-Technirama which has an aspect ratio of 2.21:1. This blowup results in a beautiful 70mm element but has the adverse effect of shaving off the sides by a slim margin. Since this picture was slated to be blown up to Super-Technirama, one can assume that Visconti and Rutonno framed their compositions with this in mind. So... what this means is, both the Criterion and the BFI DVD display the 70mm elements, in all the beautiful colour that gauge was capable of. If you're watching another (ex. Italian Medusa DVD) that displays a little more image on the right and left, then it's pretty clear this was made from the "restored 35mm print", containing a little more left and right, but faring far worse in overall colour, contrast, detail, grain, condition, etc...
We can dismiss the Medusa right away for its 35mm image that is faded and hazy.
The Criterion looks to have gone through a filtering of some sort and is slightly sharper than the BFI. The BFI commentary is wonderful and is a strong reason to choose this version or both this and the Criterion. I was less impressed by Peter Cowie commentary on the Criterion, but is also full of marvelous insight. Colors are accurate in both. Unless you are projecting on a large surface I think you would be happy (or even ecstatic) with either. It may be a case of personal preference and where you can get it most reasonably. The Criterion does offer the shorter release as well, if you are interested in that. |
DVD Menus
(BFI - Region 2- PAL LEFT vs. Criterion
- Region 1 - NTSC - MIDDLE vs. Medusa - Region 2 - PAL - RIGHT)
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BFI (re-issue) - Region 'B' - Blu-ray
Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray
Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray Second Disc
CLICK EACH BLU-RAY CAPTURE TO SEE ALL IMAGES IN FULL 1920X1080 RESOLUTION
Subtitle Sample
1) BFI - Region 2 - PAL TOP 2) Criterion - Region 1 - NTSC - SECOND3) Medusa - Region 2 - PAL - THIRD4) BFI (re-issue) - Region 'B' - Blu-ray FOURTH5) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray BOTTOM |
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Screen Captures
1) BFI - Region 2 - PAL TOP 2) Criterion - Region 1 - NTSC - SECOND3) Medusa - Region 2 - PAL - THIRD4) BFI (re-issue) - Region 'B' - Blu-ray FOURTH5) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray BOTTOM
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1) BFI - Region 2 - PAL TOP 2) Criterion - Region 1 - NTSC - SECOND3) Medusa - Region 2 - PAL - THIRD4) BFI (re-issue) - Region 'B' - Blu-ray FOURTH5) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray BOTTOM
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Criterion's English Language HD Version on the second Blu-ray disc
1) BFI - Region 2 - PAL TOP 2) Criterion - Region 1 - NTSC - SECOND3) Medusa - Region 2 - PAL - THIRD4) BFI (re-issue) - Region 'B' - Blu-ray FOURTH5) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray BOTTOM |
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1) BFI - Region 2 - PAL TOP 2) Criterion - Region 1 - NTSC - SECOND3) Medusa - Region 2 - PAL - THIRD4) BFI (roriginal) - Region 'B' - Blu-ray FOURTH5) BFI (re-issue) - Region 'B' - Blu-ray FIFTH6) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray BOTTOM |
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More Blu-ray Captures
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2) Criterion - Region 'A' -
Report Card:
Image: |
Blu-rays |
Sound: |
Blu-rays |
Extras: |
BFI (prefer commentary, but Criterion is stacked) |
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