Firstly, a massive thank you to our Patreon supporters. Your generosity touches me deeply. These supporters have become the single biggest contributing factor to the survival of DVDBeaver. Your assistance has become essential.
What do Patrons receive, that you don't?
1)
Our
weekly
Newsletter
sent to your Inbox every
Monday morning!
Please consider keeping us in existence with a couple of dollars or more each month (your pocket change!) so we can continue to do our best in giving you timely, thorough reviews, calendar updates and detailed comparisons. Thank you very much. |
Search DVDBeaver |
S E A R C H D V D B e a v e r |
Directed by Peter Weir
Australia 1975
On Saturday 14th February 1900 a party of schoolgirls from Appleyard College picnicked at Hanging Rock near Mt. Macedon in the state of Victoria. During the afternoon several members of the party disappeared without trace… *** Twenty years after it swept Australia into the international film spotlight, Peter Weir's stunning 1975 masterpiece remains as ineffable as the unanswerable mystery at its core. A Valentine's Day picnic at an ancient volcanic outcropping turns to disaster for the residents of Mrs. Appleyard's school when a few young girls inexplicably vanish on Hanging Rock. A lyrical, meditative film charged with suppressed longings. |
Posters
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Theatrical Release: August 8th, 1975 - Australia
Reviews More Reviews DVD Reviews
Review: Second Sight - Region FREE - 4K UHD
Box Cover |
|
CLICK to order from: Limited Edition 4K UHD Also available in a standard 4K UHD Bonus Captures: |
Distribution | Second Sight - Region FREE - 4K UHD | |
Runtime |
Director’s Cut: 1:47:57.470 Theatrical Cut: 2:00:13.206 |
|
Video |
Director’s Cut: 1.66:1 2160P 4K Ultra HD Disc Size: 65,566,151,251 bytesFeature: 59,116,561,920 bytes Video Bitrate: 65.37 MbpsCodec: HEVC Video |
Theatrical Cut: 1.66:1 2160P 4K Ultra HD Disc Size: 65,653,355,325 bytesFeature: 55,325,208,768 bytes Video Bitrate: 56.17 MbpsCodec: HEVC Video |
NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes. |
||
Bitrate 4K Ultra HD: |
|
|
Bitrate Theatrical Cut: 4K Ultra HD: |
|
|
Audio |
Director’s Cut: DTS-HD Master
Audio English 3574 kbps 5.1 / 48 kHz / 3574 kbps / 24-bit (DTS Core: 5.1 /
48 kHz / 1509 kbps / 24-bit) Dolby Digital Audio English 640 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 640 kbps / DN -31dB Theatrical Cut: DTS-HD Master
Audio English 850 kbps 1.0 / 48 kHz / 850 kbps / 24-bit (DTS Core: 1.0 / 48
kHz / 448 kbps / 24-bit) |
|
Subtitles | English (SDH), None | |
Features |
Release Information: Studio: Second Sight
Edition Details: 4K Ultra HD disc Director’s Cut:
• Audio commentary by film academics Alexandra
Heller-Nicholas and Josh Nelson
4K Ultra HD disc
Theatrical Cut
Black 4K Ultra HD Case Chapters 16 / 16 |
![]() |
Comments: |
NOTE:
The below
Blu-ray
and
4K UHD
captures were taken directly from the respective
discs.
"The original camera negative of Picnic at Hanging Rock
deposited at the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia was scanned at
4K resolution using an Arriscan XT by The Grainery, Australia. The 2160P image has instances of digitization processing. Grain is not apparent and there is an unusual waxy softness (and flatness) to the visuals (see examples HERE and HERE.) On my system I wouldn't say these were easily discernable nor impinging on the presentation. Others, more sensitive to this, may not appreciate it. I didn't find the DNR was blanketed across the entire film. Both Director and Theatrical Cuts look similar (sample below.) Overall the image is mostly brighter, richer black levels and deeper colors. It has a glossiness less-present on the previous digital editions. We've compared some examples below. I had such a high levels of anticipation to see this in 4K UHD.
NOTE: We compared eight
digital editions of the film (DVD and Blu-rays)
HERE.
It is likely that the monitor
you are seeing this review is not an
HDR-compatible
display (High Dynamic Range) or Dolby Vision, where each pixel can be assigned with a wider
and notably granular range of color and light. Our
capture software if simulating the HDR (in a uniform manner) for standard
monitors. This should make it easier for us to review more
4K UHD titles in the
future and give you a decent idea of its attributes on your system. So our
captures may not support the exact same colors (coolness of
skin tones, brighter or darker hues etc.) as the
4K system at your home. But the
framing, detail, grain texture support etc. are, generally, not effected by
this simulation representation.
NOTE:
We have reviewed the following 4K
UHD packages to date:
Two Orphan Vampires,
The Shiver of the Vampires,
Drowning By Number
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
Serpico
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
Cool Hand Luke
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
The Seventh Seal
(software uniformly simulated HDR), The Maltese Falcon
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
Mildred Pierce
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
Tár
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
Marathon Man
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
Dazed and Confused
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
Three Colors: Blue
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
Invaders From Mars
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
Death Wish
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
The Taking of Pelham One Two Three,
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari
(no HDR),
High Plains Drifter
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
Mystery Men
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
Silent Running
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
Dressed to Kill
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
The Power of the Dog
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
Escape From Alcatraz
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
I, the Jury
(no HDR),
Casablanca
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
In the Mood For Love
(NO HDR applied to disc),
The Werewolf vs. the Vampire Woman
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
Blow Out
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
Night of the Living Dead
(NO HDR applied to disc),
Lost Highway
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
Videodrome
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
The Last Picture Show
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
It Happened One Night
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
The Mummy
(1932)(software uniformly simulated HDR),
Creature From the Black Lagoon
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
Bride of Frankenstein
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
The Amityville Horror
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
The War of the Worlds
(1953)
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
The Incredible Melting Man
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
Event Horizon
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
Get Carter
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
The Killing
(software uniformly simulated HDR),
Killer's Kiss
(software uniformly simulated HDR.)
On their
4K UHD,
Second Sight use a DTS-HD Master 5.1 surround track (24-bit) for the
Director's Cut and the choice of DTS-HD Master mono or stereo for the
Theatrical Cut. I found the surround equally as robust as the 2014
Criterion
Blu-ray
lossless 5.1. There are a few subtle, but impactful, separations.
Synonymous with
Peter Weir's "Picnic at
Hanging Rock" is the, much-discussed, haunting Gheorghe Zamfir's pan flute (beautiful
and an unforgettable facet of the film). It many be the best marriage of
visuals and music in film. It exports pleasing depth and richness
augmented by the piano and various classical offerings from Mozart,
Beethoven, Bach and Tchaikovsky. Second Sight include
offers optional English (SDH) subtitles - and is, like all
4K UHD, region FREE,
playable worldwide. I don't have the
Blu-rays
but presume they are Region 'B'-locked.
On the Director's Cut
4K UHD disc there is
an audio commentary by Australian film academic Alexandra Heller-Nicholas
and writer, broadcaster and academic Josh Nelson. They
discuss the 'Fact or Fiction' aspect of the story, an extensive amount on
First Nation peoples - white privilege and guilt - how Hanging Rock is a
significant site for aboriginal people - how the 2018 mini-series of
Picnic at
Hanging Rock addressed this further than the 1975
film. There are quotes from Jason Tamiru and others reading plenty on this
topic, the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung peoples, the use of the
traditional name of Hanging Rock; "Ngannelong", colonialism, comparisons of
Picnic at
Hanging Rock to oil paintings - ex. Renoir - its
textural quality - Russell Boyd's cinematography, executive producer
Patricia Lovell, 'identity' and Peter Weir's other films with similar
themes... and much more. Also on the first
4K UHD disc is Mark Hartley's, almost 2-hour
documentary, the 2004 A Dream Within a Dream: The Making of 'Picnic at
Hanging Rock' featuring exclusive interviews with Peter Weir, Patricia
Lovell, Hal and Jim Mcelroy, Cliff Green, Russell Boyd, Bruce Smeaton, Jose
Perez, Helen Morse, John Jarratt, Christine Schuler and Anne Louise Lambert.
It has been a supplement on a few digital editions and is worth indulging in
for fans of the film.
The Theatrical Cut
4K UHD has
more extras. A Lovely Day for a Picnic is a new dozen-minute
interview with actor Karen Robson (Irma in Picnic at Hanging Rock)
sharing her thoughts and recollections. Finding the Light is a new
10-minute interview with Director of Photography Russell Boyd (A
Soldier's Story,
The Last Wave.) Crashing Through Boundaries is a new 7-minute
interview with Camera Operator John Seale. Something Beyond Explanation:
Thomas Caldwell on Picnic at Hanging Rock runs 23-minutes discussing one
of Australia's most distinctive startling, unusual, and perfect films
approaching its 50th anniversary. There is a 1/4 hour archival interview
with source-novel author Joan Lindsay - previously found on a Umbrella DVD
and the behind-the-scenes documentary Recollection: Hanging Rock 1900
from 1975 produced and presented by Patricia Lovell which includes
interviews with author Joan Lindsay, director Peter Weir, and key cast
members including Rachel Roberts. It runs shy of 1/2 hour. There are curious
Outtakes for over 12-minutes and the original long (5-minute) trailer. |
Menus / Extras
4K UHD 1 (Director's Cut)
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
4K UHD 2 (Theatrical)
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
CLICK EACH BLU-RAY and 4K UHD CAPTURE TO SEE IN FULL RESOLUTION
1) Second Sight (Director’s Cut) - Region FREE - 4K UHD - TOP 2) Second Sight (Theatrical Cut) - Region FREE - 4K UHD BOTTOM
|
![]() |
![]() |
1) Criterion - Region 0 - NTSC - TOP 2) Second Sight (Director’s Cut) - Region FREE - 4K UHD - MIDDLE 3) Second Sight (Theatrical Cut) - Region FREE - 4K UHD BOTTOM
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
1) Shock - Region FREE - Blu-ray - TOP2) Second Sight (Director’s Cut) - Region FREE - 4K UHD - MIDDLE 3) Second Sight (Theatrical Cut) - Region FREE - 4K UHD BOTTOM
|
![]() |
1) Kinowelt (German) - Region 2 - PAL - TOP 2) Second Sight - Region FREE - 4K UHD BOTTOM
|
![]() |
![]() |
1) Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray - TOP2) Second Sight - Region FREE - 4K UHD BOTTOM
|
![]() |
![]() |
More full resolution (3840 X 2160) 4K Ultra HD Captures for Patreon Supporters HERE
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Box Cover |
|
CLICK to order from: Limited Edition 4K UHD Also available in a standard 4K UHD Bonus Captures: |
Distribution | Second Sight - Region FREE - 4K UHD |
Search DVDBeaver |
S E A R C H D V D B e a v e r |