Michael Nyman's original score is one of the more memorable from the 90's and it sounds beautiful via the DTS-HD Master stereo track at 1808 kbps. It may be marginally less robust than I was anticipating but is such a huge part of the film that the uncompressed audio is extremely desirable. Sounds of the film like the rain and crashing waves sound essentially flawless although without surround separations (that I think would have benefitted the viewing experience.) There are optional subtitles and the disc is determined to be Region 'A'-locked.

NOTE: Greg tells us in email: "The blu ray failed to include subtitles for a key scene of Ada's sign language and for the Maori dialogue. These subtitles are essential to major plot points and were included in the theatrical run of the film as well as the previous vhs, laserdisc, and dvd editions."

The only extra is a trailer but the bare-bones Blu-ray package is reflected in the reasonableness of the price. I'm a big fan of The Piano and, while hoping for a grand dual-layered release with a possible commentary, interviews etc. I have some degree of contentment that I own the film in HD and the price was not exorbitant. From that standpoint - we recommended but discerning fans may wish to inspect the large screen captures.

NOTE: The opening credits - where a couple of the large screen grabs were obtained - are pictureboxed.  

ON THE DVDs: ADDITION: Optimum - Region 2 PAL - January 07': It is very hard to say with absolute confidence which DVD image is most accurate to the theatrical showing of this film. One thing we can do is dismiss certain images based on deficiencies - artifacts, haze and manipulation. Without reiterating the points made previously I believe the Optimum appears to have the least flaws. It is tight to the screen edges and maintains the 1.85 aspect ratio. It is anamorphic and progressive. It has the least artifacts of all 4 compared. Colors appear true and not overly bright. It is sharp. It looks very good. Both 2.0 Stereo and 5.1 (not original) tracks are available on the Optimum. Both were tested and sounded clean and strong.

NOTE: I am usually not overly sensitive to PAL speedup but did notice Hunter, Neill and Keitel voices sounding a tad higher in pitch than usual.

Fittingly the extras offered on the 2-disc Optimum Special Edition are equally as good. On disc one we are given a full commentary with director Campion and producer Chapman sharing many technical details of the film. They are generous with compliments to cast and crew. It is a fairly extensive and revealing commentary.

Disc 2 has two interviews - first Campion and Chapman - actually individual interviews with Campion's running an hour - Chapman's about 15 minutes. There is some crossover from the commentary. It is quite good relating many more factoids of production/creation. This is actually a supplement licensed from the French TF1 Vidéo DVD package. Next there is a 48-minute interview with Michael Nyman who composed the incredible score for the film. He discusses details like his research into Scottish folk songs for The Piano and admiration for actress Holly Hunters pianist abilities. There is also a relatively short "Making of.." segment with Campion again (about 15 minutes) and a theatrical trailer.

Overall a great release from Optimum- the best DVD release of this wonderful film that I have seen to date.    

NOTE: There is a French DVD (with a strong image) but it has non-removable French subtitles.

***

This is a good example of the lengths that DVD production companies can affect change in film presentation when they adjust color. The three versions, none of which I can recommend, each have a major flaw - "Greenish tinge and artefacts" (Artisan), "Washed out and hazy" (Entertainment in Video) and "Over contrasted and edge enhancement" (Best Film). Although the Artisan Region 0 NTSC is the only one that is not anamorphic (and it is the oldest) it still has the sharpest image quality. the colors of the Region 0 Artisan are the most vibrant. NOTE: the Region 2 PAL DVDs are both slightly horizontally cropped to accommodate the 16X9 enhancement.

NOTE: I have been informed that the UK version of The Piano (EiV) has also an technical problem. The picture "pumps" all the time. Approx. there are 4-5 frames sharp, and after that 1 frame out of focus, and then again 4-5 frames sharp and 1 out of focus. You see it very clearly if you focus on the picture on a wall or when the movement are stopped.

 - Gary W. Tooze