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S E A R C H D V D B e a v e r |
The Eric Rohmer Collection
USA 1972 -
1987
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This Arrow Films collection bring together 8 of Eric Rohmer's most influential films, including all 6 films from his Comedies and Proverbs series. 'Love In The Afternoon' 'The Marquise Of O' 'The Aviator's Wife' 'A Good Marriage' 'Pauline At The Beach' 'Full Moon In Paris' 'The Green Ray' 'My Girlfriend's Boyfriend' Big Thanks to Per-Alof Strandberg for the comparison caps! |
DVD Review: Arrow Films - Region 0 - PAL
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Box and order logo: |
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| Distribution | Arrow Films - Region 0 - PAL |
| Audio | French (Dolby Digital original mono) |
| Subtitles | English, None |
| Features |
Release Information: Studio: Arrow Films Aspect
Ratio: Edition Details: |
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Comments: |
Eric Rohmer may have been my first real endeavor and concert effort to delve into foreign cinema (see my old in-need-of-update website on him HERE). I would watch his film early on Sunday morning, often eating re-heated Chinese food from the night before. His style captured me with its simplicity of production and intensity of the human emotional expressions of love, jealousy, selfishness, sexual dalliance, desire, morality, humor and impropriety. Rohmer's ability to capture the female essence on film may be unmatched.
All of these Arrow DVDs have been released prior to this new Boxset, but the overwhelmingly appeal is the unbeatable price (about $50 US for 8 films/DVDs). Individually they go for as much as $30 US/ 15 GBP each. Now I wasn't too bad at mathematics - we're talking about a potential savings of $190 US by purchasing the package as opposed to buying individually. (NOTE: It is possible that the price is in error - and may be increased later )
It seems that most of the transfers were ported from the Gaumont/ CTSHV French DVDs in some form of licensing agreement, BUT of course the big appeal is that the Arrow editions have English subtitles were the Gaumont do not. All of the Arrow DVDs have many similar attributes - solid but not pristine transfers in the original aspect ratio (all 1.33 for these Rohmer films except Pauline at the Beach in 1.66) - original mono audio, optional English subtitles and all are region 0 PAL. Many have some form of extra feature (which we will identify on an individual basis below).
There may be a good reason why Criterion never embarked on transferring these to their label - Rohmer's technical production techniques would be considered quite archaic by today's standards. Many shot using 16mm with very basic monaural audio tracks. It would be very hard to improve upon the existing weak source material.
In many instances below we tried to compare the Arrow DVDs to the atrocious Region 1 transfers from Fox/Lorber produced many years ago. These are often analog with burned in subtitles, improper PAL->NTSC conversions and hence poor ghosting and the associated artifact problems of that sloppy production method.
Good job Arrow Films !
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(aka "Love in the Afternoon" or "Chloe in the Afternoon")
France 1972
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The last of Rohmer's Six Moral Tales. Frederic leads a bourgeois life; he is a partner in a small Paris office and is happily married to Helene, a teacher expecting her second child. In the afternoons, Frederic daydreams about other women, but has no intention of taking any action. One day, Chloe, who had been a mistress of an old friend, begins dropping by his office. They meet as friends, irregularly in the afternoons, till eventually Chloe decides to seduce Frederic, causing him a moral dilemma. |
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Theatrical Release: September 29th, 1972
Reviews More Reviews DVD Reviews
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Cover and Individual purchase link: |
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or order the Entire Arrow Films Boxset including 'The
Aviator's Wife', 'A Good Marriage', 'Pauline At The Beach', 'Full Moon
In Paris', 'The Green Ray', 'My Girlfriend's Boyfriend', 'Love In The
Afternoon' and 'The Marquise Of O'.
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| Runtime | 1:33:21 (4% PAL speedup) |
| Video |
1.33:1
Aspect Ratio Chapters : 12 |
| Bitrate:
NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes. |
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Release
Information: Studio: Arrow Films Aspect Ratio: Edition
Details:
DVD
Release Date: October 27th, 2003 Chapters
12 |
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Well, I think the
producers of the Fox-Lorber edition should be held accountable for
this absolute mess they released. It is one of the worst DVDs I own
(see image below). Although the Arrow Films is a
definite improvement - it is not without its flaws too. It has a
greenish tinge to it that permeates the entire production. RE: the
aspect ratio, the director of photography, Nestor Almendros, states
that (1.33:1) is correct. The Arrow Films DVD is obviously the one to
get. It has Veronique et son cancre and a trailer as an Extra
and removable English subtitles as well as a much improved image.
NOTE: Compared fully to the Fox-Lorber edition HERE. |
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Screen Captures
(Fox Lorber - Region 0 - NTSC - TOP vs. Arrow Films - Region 0 - PAL - BOTTOM)
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(aka "La Marquise d'O" or The Marquise of O" )
West Germany / France 1976
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Set in 1799 whilst the Russian General Souvarof is invading Italy, this story center\ around the beautiful, young widow the Marquise of O. Left alone as her father commands a zone in the thick of battle against the Russians, she is captured by a band of soldiers only to be rescued by a young Russian Count. Unconscious at the time of her attack, she has no recollection of events and only when she begins to experience strange feelings and sensations, does she realize that she could be carrying his child. |
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Theatrical Release: May 19th, 1976 - France
Reviews More Reviews DVD Reviews
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Cover and Individual purchase link: |
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or order the Entire Arrow Films Boxset including 'The
Aviator's Wife', 'A Good Marriage', 'Pauline At The Beach', 'Full Moon
In Paris', 'The Green Ray', 'My Girlfriend's Boyfriend', 'Love In The
Afternoon' and 'The Marquise Of O'.
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| Runtime | 1:38:18 (4% PAL speedup) |
| Video |
1.33:1
Aspect Ratio Chapters : 12 |
| Features |
Release Information: Edition Details:
• Trailer (in 1:1.66) 3:59 |
| Bitrate:
NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes. |
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It's nice to see the Arrow Films has again come up to speed with these Rohmer films for English speaking audiences. Colors are vibrant, defined and rich... bordering on saturation. Regardless, they look great if not of the same soft pallet. Of course the big bonus are the removable subtitles and superior image to the Fox Lorber (ABOUT TIME!). As the Arrow are done properly there is no ghosting. It is dark and skin tones have some excessive red in them. The extras pale in comparison to the two disc Gaumont. Still, I am happy with the Arrow Films edition as it eclipses my very old (and poorly done) Fox Lorber DVD ! NOTE Compared fully to the Fox-Lorber and Gaumont editions HERE. |
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(aka "La Femme de l'aviateur ou 'on ne saurait penser à rien")
| La Femme de l'aviateur was the first in Eric Rohmer's celebrated Comedies and Proverbs series. Francois (Philippe Marlaud) loves Anne (Marie Rivière). However, his nightshift job at the post office means they rarely get to spend much time together. One day, he sees her leaving home with her ex, Christian (Mathieu Carrière), who had come to break up with her for good. Reeling from the news, Anne lets Francois fall prey to his jealous imagination. Obsessed with the idea that she may have cheated on him, Francois decides to stay up all night. As he wanders, desolate, through the streets of Paris, he comes across his rival sitting in a cafe with a blonde-haired woman. Intrigued, he follows them. A young woman catches on to what he's up to and accosts him in an alley off the Buttes-Chaumont... |
Poster
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Theatrical Release: March 4th, 1981 - France
Reviews More Reviews DVD Reviews
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Cover and Individual purchase link: |
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or order the Entire Arrow Films Boxset including 'The
Aviator's Wife', 'A Good Marriage', 'Pauline At The Beach', 'Full Moon
In Paris', 'The Green Ray', 'My Girlfriend's Boyfriend', 'Love In The
Afternoon' and 'The Marquise Of O'.
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| Runtime | 1:41:46 (4% PAL speedup) |
| Video |
1.33:1
Aspect Ratio Chapters : 12 |
| Features |
Release Information: Studio: Arrow Film Distributors Aspect Ratio:
Edition Details:
DVD
Release Date: April 12th, 2004 Chapters 12 |
| Bitrate:
NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes. |
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Everything about the Arrow Films version is better than the compared Fox edition (see below). The Fox is cropped slightly on all 4 sides, the subtitles are burned in and it was taken directly from a PAL source so will include associated artifacts and ghosting in motion sequences. Lots of film grain and smooth contrast on the Region 0 - PAL DVD. The Arrow films has a nice 10 minute Rohmer feature as well. This is a great Eric Rohmer work and I am glad to see it available with some dignity (and English subs). Don't hesitate - buy the Arrow Films today. NOTE: Compared fully to the Fox-Lorber edition HERE. |
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(Fox Lorber - Region 0 - NTSC - TOP vs. Arrow Film Distributors - Region 0 - PAL - BOTTOM)
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(aka "A Good Marriage" or "The Well-Made Marriage")
France 1982
| Headstrong Sabine (Beatrice Romand), who is working on her thesis in Art History, has tired of affairs with married men, such as Simon (Feodor Atkine). Playing cupid, her best friend Clarisse (Arielle Dombasle) introduces her lawyer cousin Edmond (Andre Dusollier) to Sabine. Encouraged by Clarisse, Sabine impetuously decides that she will marry Edmond and tells her mother (Thamila Megrah) and sister Lise (Sophie Renoir). When confronted by Sabine, Edmond is forced to explain why he is not ready for matrimony! |
Posters (CLICK to enlarge)
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Theatrical Release: May 19th, 1982 - France
Reviews More Reviews DVD Reviews
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Cover and Individual purchase link: |
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or order the Entire Arrow Films Boxset including 'The
Aviator's Wife', 'A Good Marriage', 'Pauline At The Beach', 'Full Moon
In Paris', 'The Green Ray', 'My Girlfriend's Boyfriend', 'Love In The
Afternoon' and 'The Marquise Of O'.
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| Runtime | 1:34:18 (4% PAL speedup) |
| Video |
1.33:1
Aspect Ratio Chapters : 12 |
| Features |
Release Information: Studio: Arrow Films Aspect Ratio: Edition Details:
• Eric Rohmer on LE BEAU MARIAGE (7:55)
• Trailer (1:50)
DVD
Release Date: February 9th, 2004 Chapters 12 |
| Bitrate:
NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes. |
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The Arrow Films is far superior in every category in comparison to the NTSC Fox/Lorber, with better contrast and sharpness. The Fox has non-removable subs and pitiful Extras. The Arrow Films has a short of Rohmer discussing the film and a trailer. Go with the new Arrow Films ! NOTE: Compared fully to the Fox-Lorber and Gaumont editions HERE. |
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Fox Lorber - Region 0 - NTSC - TOP vs. Arrow Films - Region 0 - PAL - BOTTOM)
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( aka "Pauline at the Beach" )
France 1983
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" Pauline at the Beach is a witty, unassuming, and acutely observant film on the inconstancy of human relationships and the dilemma of adolescent sexuality. The film is the third installment in Eric Rohmer's Comedies and Proverbs, a series of six films that wryly, but compassionately, examine the moral ambiguity and conflicted guidance of young people in contemporary society. By exposing the hypocrisy and duplicity of the adults in Pauline's life, Rohmer exposes the pervasive narcissism and selfishness of the older generation that invariably reflect in the young heroine's uncertainty over the direction of her own emotional maturity. As Pauline finds herself abandoned by the capricious Marion alone on the beach, she is literally pulled into the conflicting moral attitudes of Pierre and Henri, as her entrusted care becomes a source of animosity between the two men. Inevitably, neither ideology can reconcile Pauline's awkward and uncertain transition into the social interactions of the adult world." |
Poster
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Cover and Individual purchase link: |
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or order the Entire Arrow Films Boxset including 'The
Aviator's Wife', 'A Good Marriage', 'Pauline At The Beach', 'Full Moon
In Paris', 'The Green Ray', 'My Girlfriend's Boyfriend', 'Love In The
Afternoon' and 'The Marquise Of O'.
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| Runtime | 1:30:30 |
| Video |
1.33:1
Aspect Ratio Chapters : 12 |
| Features |
Release Information: Studio: Arrow Films Aspect Ratio:
Edition Details:
• Interview
with Eric Rohmer (12:54) - subtitled in English
• Trailer (1:41) • Radio 'chat' with Rohmer (audio only) English subtitles (6:31) DVD Release Date: July 12th, 2004Transparent Keep Case Chapters 12 |
| Bitrate:
NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes. |
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NOTE: This is the only widescreen ratio film of Eric Rohmers in the Arrow Boxset. It was shot at 1.66.
This may be an example where the Region 1 (MGM) is
slightly sharper than the Arrow films DVD. It also appears that the Arrow is
slightly cropped on the left edge. I see neither color balance as accurate and of course, the
Arrow is 16X9 enhanced and the MGM is not.
NOTE: the MGM is reviewed HERE |
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(Arrow Films - Region 0 - TOP vs. MGM - Region 1- NTSC BOTTOM)
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(aka "Full Moon In Paris")
France - 1984
| Louise lives with Rémi in Marne-la-Vallée. He is an architect, she is an interior decorator. Their lives would be perfect if Rémi were less of a homebody, and if Louise were not such a night owl. Conscious of preserving her independence, Louise rents a pied-à-terre in Paris. Octave, her friend and confidant, is always ready to accompany her during her night prowls. One evening, beneath a full moon, and Octave's jealous, loving gaze, she succumbs to the charms of a sensual dancer. As day breaks she realizes, however, that she would much rather be with Rémi. |
Posters (CLICK to enlarge)
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Theatrical Release: 29 August 1984 - France
Reviews More Reviews DVD Reviews
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Cover and Individual purchase link: |
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or order the Entire Arrow Films Boxset including 'The
Aviator's Wife', 'A Good Marriage', 'Pauline At The Beach', 'Full Moon
In Paris', 'The Green Ray', 'My Girlfriend's Boyfriend', 'Love In The
Afternoon' and 'The Marquise Of O'.
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| Runtime | 1:37:06 (4% PAL speedup) |
| Video |
1.33:1
Aspect Ratio Chapters : 12 |
| Features |
Release Information: Studio: Arrow Film Distributors Aspect Ratio:
Edition Details:
DVD
Release Date: March 22nd, 2004 Chapters 12 |
| Bitrate:
NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes. |
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Looks like both the Fox and Arrow Films come from the same print, so they have similar sharpness. The Fox has been artificially brightened (distorting colors - see lifejacket on wall) and was taken from a PAL source and of course has burned in subtitles. The Fox is cropped a little on the right edge and on the bottom. The Arrow Films has good film grain and superior Extras and is the one to own. NOTE: Fully compared to the Fox/Lorber edition HERE |
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Screen Captures
(Fox Lorber - Region 0 - NTSC - TOP vs. Arrow Film Distributors - Region 0 - PAL - BOTTOM)
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(aka "The Green Ray" or "Summer")
France 1986
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Rohmer has set this up similar to other films of his in the
diary sense where the highlights of each day are chaptered and displayed to us.
Often nothing happens on
certain days, much like "real life". After many walks alone she
finds examples that she may be cursed. Finding a playing card on the street, the
color of self-help signs and horoscopes all give us (and her) pause for thought.
She rebukes obvious advances from men rejecting their proposals, relating later
she would rather be alone than have the empty feeling of a one-night stand.
Being particular about what sort of company she's in and feeling down, she
eavesdrops on a conversation of elderly people who discuss Jules Verne’s book,
“Le Rayon Vert” (The Green Ray). The short answer to your question, “What
is the Green Ray?”, well, it is a rare optical effect (a green beam) exhibited
by the sun at precisely the moment it is completing setting. For those who view,
it is said to help them truly understand their own inner feelings. Already
giving evidence of being bohemian/spartan in her lifestyle, she's at loose ends and
add to that an emotionally weak state, and this overheard conversation has an
effect on her. Perhaps all she needs is a sign?
Excerpt Taken from Gary W. Tooze's review HERE |
Posters
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Release Date: August 31st, 1986 - Venice Film Festival
Reviews More Reviews DVD Reviews
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Cover and Individual purchase link: |
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or order the Entire Arrow Films Boxset including 'The
Aviator's Wife', 'A Good Marriage', 'Pauline At The Beach', 'Full Moon
In Paris', 'The Green Ray', 'My Girlfriend's Boyfriend', 'Love In The
Afternoon' and 'The Marquise Of O'.
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| Runtime | 1:34:18 (4% PAL speedup) |
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1.33 Original Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 4.5 mb/s PAL 720x576 25.00 f/s |
| Features |
Release Information:
Edition Details: DVD
Release Date: January 26th, 2004 Chapters 12 |
| Bitrate:
NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes. |
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My favorite Rohmer film has benefited from a recent
restoration, of which, the Arrow films is the only DVD (with English
subtitles) available. Remembering this was shot with 16mm, the new Arrow
DVD looks remarkable. Another Rohmer discussion on the film is included.
Excellent!
NOTE: Fully compared to the Fox/Lorber and Manga editions HERE. |
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ubtitle Sample(Arrow Films (UK) Region 0- PAL TOP vs. Fox / Lorber - Region 0 - NTSC - CENTER vs. Manga Films - Region 2 - PAL - BOTTOM)
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(aka "My Girlfriend's Boyfriend" or "Boyfriends and Girlfriends")
France 1987
| Blanche has recently moved to Cergy-Pontoise to work at the town hall. During a lunch break she meets the vivacious and immediately likable Léa. Although she is not fond of sports, Léa agrees to go swimming with Blanche at the local pool. There they meet Alexandre, one of Léa's acquaintances, along with Adrienne, his current girlfriend. Blanche finds herself under the spell of the young engineer. The holidays arrive, Léa leaves while Blanche stays on. By chance, Blanche bumps into Alexandre in the street. She clumsily tries to make a pass at him. Soon she’s also bumping into Fabien, Léa’s boyfriend. |
Posters
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Theatrical Release: August 26th, 1987 - France
Reviews More Reviews DVD Reviews
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Cover and Individual purchase link: |
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or order the Entire Arrow Films Boxset including 'The
Aviator's Wife', 'A Good Marriage', 'Pauline At The Beach', 'Full Moon
In Paris', 'The Green Ray', 'My Girlfriend's Boyfriend', 'Love In The
Afternoon' and 'The Marquise Of O'.
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| Runtime | 1:38:51 (4% PAL speedup) |
| Video |
1.33:1
Aspect Ratio Chapters : 12 |
| Features |
Release Information: Studio: Arrow Film Distributors Aspect Ratio:
Edition Details:
DVD
Release Date: October 20th, 2003 Chapters 12 |
| Bitrate:
NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes. |
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| Comments:
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Like the Fox Region 1 edition, this is weak and
there is 'combing' noticeable indicating an analog transfer. The removable
subtitles are excellent and a short feature film is included.
NOTE: Full comparison to the Fox/Lorber HERE |
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Recommended Reading in French Cinema (CLICK COVERS or TITLES for more information)
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French Cinema: A Student's Guide by Philip Powrie, Keith Reader |
Agnes Varda by Alison Smith | Godard on Godard : Critical Writings by Jean-Luc Godard | Notes on the Cinematographer by Robert Bresson |
Robert Bresson (Cinematheque Ontario Monographs, No.
2) by James Quandt |
The Art of Cinema by Jean Cocteau |
French New Wave
by Jean Douchet, Robert Bonnono, Cedric Anger, Robert Bononno |
French Cinema: From Its Beginnings to the Present by Remi Fournier Lanzoni |
Check out more in "The Library"
Mail cheques, money orders, cash to: or CLICK PayPal logo to donate!
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Gary Tooze
Mississauga, Ontario, CANADA |
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Many Thanks...
