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

 

ADDITION: MGM - Region FREE - Blu-ray (January 12'): This is a pretty sweet upgrade. As detail is a factor of contrast - this immensely improves the visuals via the 1080P transfer. Blacks levels remain at the heightened state as seen on the 2008 Special Edition DVD. It borders on, but doesn't achieve, moiring and there is some pleasing depth to the image quality. It's like everything comes into focus. Predictably, there is more information in the frame. There is a shade of gloss - but overall this is impressive in-motion. I felt, in this more film-like state, that I was seeing the film for the first time. It's spotless, sharp with pristine black levels. Big thumbs up.

 

The audio comes via a DTS-HD Master 5.1 at 2633 kbps. The lossless sounds crisp including the original music by Adolph Deutsch. There aren't an abundance of effects to reach the rear speakers - just some party noises etc.

 

Supplements duplicate the last DVD edition with the commentary and two featurettes (both still in 480i). There are optional subtitles on the region FREE MGM Blu-ray disc.

 

Classic Wilder - supremely enjoyable performances - holding up substantially well over time - The Apartment is over 50-years old now. Absolutely recommend to those who can appreciate this classic in an amazing presentation.

 

***

ADDITION: Collector's Edition - January 08': Funny the things you don't initially notice - both 2001 releases now look vertically compressed to me - especially the shot of Lemmon on the couch. Anyway, the new Collector's Edition has far superior contrast (the old looked somewhat muddy) and with the black levels increased it has brought up the sharpness to a small degree. Grayscale is vastly improved - as is the bitrate. There is definite movement in the frame with the new having shifted somewhat to the left. Bottom line is the Collector's Edition image is significantly improved - I am quite surprised.

Audio offers a useless 5.1 upgrade but the mono is still included and it sounded fine to me. Unlike the old NTSC this new includes optional English subtitles.

What else? Well you get even more for your $14 - a new commentary from historian Bruce Block - he discusses a lot about Wilder and his demands for detail including a brief reading of the script and its meticulous mention of the actions of Lemmon's character. The commentary is full of good information and although not at Criterion level of proficiency - it is still well worth listening to.  Also we have two featurettes - 'Inside The Apartment' has input from Chris Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine, Walter Mirisch, Drew Casper and others. It has much to share in its 30 minutes. Finally we have 'Magic Time: The Art of Jack Lemmon' - a 12 minute spotlight on the actors craft and skills with input from colleagues.

I am almost shocked that MGM have done such a good job. This is a fabulous film and it never looked better the digital medium. Tack onto that the supplements and you have the best film-to-DVD value of the year at less than $15. Strongly recommended!

ON THE ORIGINAL NTSC VS. THE PAL: The Region 1 MGM DVD is much sharper than the Region 2 PAL. The Region 2 offers more choices for sound and subtitle options and perhaps this is why the bitrate is so much higher but the image quality lower. I don't know.  Both discs are anamorphic and the Region 1 is very slightly cropped along the right vertical edge. Unless you require the Foreign language dubs or sub-titles buy the Region 1. The Region 2 PAL is hazy by comparison.

NOTE: The 1st screen capture is NOT from the exact corresponding frame, but I believe the rest are.

Gary W. Tooze