1) MGM - Region 1 - NTSC LEFT
2) Optimum (UK) - Region FREE - Blu-ray MIDDLE

3) MGM - Region 'A' - Blu-ray RIGHT

ADDITION: MGM (US) -Region 'A' - Blu-ray August 2010: Hmmmm... I was pleased to see that this is a dual-layered transfer with a high bitrate and colors do look more in-line with what I would expect (flesh-tones etc.) but... detail is relatively poor. We've been told that the UK Blu-ray (certainly looking boosted and overly green beside the MGM) was from an SD bump but perhaps this haze and darker image quality is closer to the theatrical. DNR could be a factor but plenty of noise still exists. I'm unsure but I can say I was expecting a lot more from the visuals. This may very well be a different print as there were at least 2 captures that I could not match 'exactly'. The specified frame did not appear to exist on the MGM 1080P transfer.

Audio may be the best part of this transfer. It sounds like it has some decent depth as well as a bit of surprising range. This area there is a notable difference and there are optional English, French and Spanish subtitles choices offered. My Momitsu has identified the US Blu-ray as being a region 'A'-locked.

There are no extras at all - except for inclusion of the flipper DVD (from 2000?).

I really hope a superior edition surfaces somewhere. If in-fact, this is the best then I can only say that I was anticipating more for the price.

***

Firstly, I don't own the MGM (Special Edition) found HERE - for, by the way, almost double the price of the Blu-ray. I wanted to clear up some statements on the Net about the Blu-ray transfer simply being an upconvert of the SD Master. While it appears to be true it still compares well to the atrocious single-layered DVD transfer (like looking through Vaseline on the lens), I would say that the 1080P is rather modest in its own right.

It's apparent that the original production had limitations - made for under 7 million. I'm guessing the film stock used wasn't premium and you, essentially, can't make a silk pure etc. But remaining positive - it looks significantly improved in all areas beyond the compared DVD. Colors shift - skin tones get a little warm - but detail advances dramatically. It's only single-layered and one of the earlier films to come out in the Blu-ray format. There is no depth and noise exists in smaller quantities - blacks are frequently crushed. No real grain is visible. It is what it is - this isn't Citizen Kane.

Audio as well takes the leap with a dependable lossless track - it never separates as crispy as more modern fare but it has a few impressive bumps and grinds in all the effect noises. Neither edition offers English subtitles but the DVD has French or Spanish as choices. My Momitsu has identified the UK Blu-ray as being a region FREE disc playable on Blu-ray machines worldwide.

Supplements easily go the way of the newer format rendering with a decent audio commentary by director Carpenter and actor Russell, a retrospective documentary, an initial scene deleted sequence and a brief interview with Carpenter. There is also a trailer.

1) MGM - Region 1 - NTSC TOP
2) Optimum (UK) - Region FREE - Blu-ray MIDDLE

3) MGM - Region 'A' - Blu-ray BOTTOM