ADDITION: Sony - Region FREE Blu-ray - June 09': Firstly, this transfer is in a consistent 1.66:1 aspect ratio - to quote the Digital Bits HERE - "The original theatrical presentation varied between 1.33 and 1.66. In recent years however, we're told that Kubrick's associates (who manage his estate) have become more comfortable with the 16x9/1.78:1 aspect ratio of HD displays, and they believe that Kubrick himself - if he'd really had the chance to look into it - would have preferred his full frame films to be presented on home video (in HD) at a steady 1.66 to take better advantage of the 1.78:1 frame. So that's the reasoning for the decision."

Contrast is far superior and the image is brighter without being blown-out (see the 'air field' captures). Details in the background are far more visible now and the image is not as dark as the 40th Anniversary DVD. Good films grain is apparent to varying degrees although not overly gritty but I think the contrast is the major beneficiary on the move to HD. It looks quite remarkable at times - I've never seen it look this good although it, obviously, doesn't displays the depth of modern films to 1080P. I've quite happy with the way it looked on my system. It's from a 4K restoration and there is no damage marks marring the presentation. A definite thumbs-up for the visual. I'm satisfied it looks about as good as it can, at this time, for display in your home theater.

Although meager at 1300 kpbs the 5.1 TrueHD audio seems to do the job well without succumbing to an artificial aural representation. For purists the mono track is an option. There are some unusual subtitle options - Arabic, Dutch and French - as well as English. My Momitsu identifies this as being region FREE - playable on Blu-ray machines world wide.

Supplements duplicate the previous Region 1 DVD's documentaries (No Fighting in the War Room, Inside Dr. Strangelove, Best Sellers and The Art of Stanley Kubrick) plus the interviews; Robert S. McNamara and split-Screen Interview with Sellers and Scott but the Blu-ray package exclude Ebert's essay and the art gallery. However, it includes a 32 page booklet as part of the case with photos and film essays by Richard Tanne and Travis Baker, an untested BD-LIVE and a picture-in-picture The Cold War  with onscreen interviews and a trivia challenge.

Essential Blu-ray - great price - don't hesitate.  

 - Gary Tooze

***

ADDITION: Japanese SUPERBIT - Dec - 04 - Wow, the Japanese SUPERBIT release is gorgeous -tight, sharp, bright , filled with grain. As Kubrick appeared to vacillate on his preferred ratio, many may still want the 1.33-1.66 edition - and if so, then the Japanese Superbit is the one to choose. It has original audio as well as DTS and both English or Japanese subtitles. As with other SB titles - no extras.

*****


 

ON THE DVDs: The first three releases shown in this comparison have all had contrast boosting (or came from a print of like). It becomes most noticeable when looking at the new 40th anniversary release that the others are much brighter. According to Robert Harris this new 40th anniversary issue is a new "restoration" as it's the first time it's been transferred from a master element rather than a print. Columbia's DVD mastering policy indicates that this is a high-def transfer from those elements and then down-converted to DVD resolution. Print damage, though apparent, is less in the new edition in comparison to the other 3 (see large capture  # 3). This 'darkness' is far more in tune with the original presentation and the contrast and black levels are near perfect.

The new edition has the anamorphic molding that we see occasionally when doing screen captures and reducing the image. They tend to look soft, even in their native resolution, but the big question is has it been cropped to 1.66 from its original multi-aspect ratios and 1.8t theatrical? Criterion's stellar laserdisc from 12 years ago bounced between 1:37 and 1:66 depending on what scene was up. This is how all three initial releases are. Dr. Strangelove was projected in 1:85 in the United States and 1:66 in Europe. Kubrick preferred flat transfers and has stated so on many occasions, but I thought this was after 2001: A Space Odyssey was cropped for BBC television, not before. I was sure he did not prefer the 1.85 theatrical in his later years, but suspect this was an afterthought after it was already released. Perhaps someone can correct me. 

The Region 1 (Special Edition) shows some good grain and is minutely sharper than the PAL Collector's edition.

I am reserving judgment on image until I can be satisfied about the ratio.

By the way, Columbia's menus in the first release are a hoot. They are as bad as any I have ever seen from a major studio, bordering on basement conversions from 'Joe the VHS dubber'. I know it was 1999.

 - Gary Tooze

Dr. Strangelove or How I Learned To Stop Worry and Love the Bomb

Lolita

Spartacus

Paths of Glory

The Killing

Killer's Kiss