ADDITION: Universal - Region FREE- Blu-ray (February 12'): Firstly, I had an issue with getting the exact frame on all screen grab matches - a few are off - because of the timeline bar was not removable on 'pause'.

I don't, at all, discount digitization utilized in the restoration - but this looks like an improvement. The DNR has removed too much grain. What a shame. We do get significantly more information in the 1.37:1 frame on the left edge. There is a touch of gloss and we seem to lose some of the texture (which I would expect to be more prominent) but the image quality is an advancement taking into consideration the age of All Quiet on the Western Front. It is quite a bit darker but sharpness improves even more than in the remarkable 2007 DVD. Damage is extensively lessened and it looks very smooth (too waxy and soft for some). There are few of sequences of depth that is also hindered by the digitization making it unnaturally soft. But the presentation, in-motion,  has value, in comparison to SD, for this incredibly universal film that seems to defy age.

The DTS-HD Master 2.0 channel at 1828 kbps is a step-up as well.  The film suffers most from its production roots (an early talkie with sound production pioneering its way in the field) but I don't doubt that this is the best we are, presently, able to hear it. There is even some surprising depth in the many battle sequences. There are optional subtitles and I determine it to be region FREE playable on Blu-ray machines worldwide.

Extras include the previous 3-minute video used as Robert Osborne's introduction with appropriate glowing praise. Universal have also included the, over 2-hour, 'Silent Version'. This is transferred in 480i and not up to visual impressiveness with the talkie version - but it is a formidable curiosity piece to add to the supplements. There is a Trailer and two featurette pieces - one on 100 Years of Restoring Classics with mention of All Quiet on the Western Front - also in 100 Years of Academy Award Winners. Both these pieces last about 9-minutes each and are in HD. The disc has D-Box Motion Controls and 'My Scenes' capability and the handsome 40-Page Digi-Book package with rare movie memorabilia reproductions also contains an updated-transferred DVD of Feature.

Without pulling out the magnifying glass - this has some impressive visual qualities and remains a masterpiece film. The screen captures should make up most people's minds - I was mesmerized through my viewing, despite the weaknesses. This film will always be strongly recommended!

***

ON THE DVDs: Wow - this is quite an incredible difference. It is a marvelous triumph - a wonderful surprise. The Cinema Classics edition is vastly improved over the original Universal release. Extensively sharper, better contrast etc. The image is like night and day. I can't add much that simply viewing the screen captures below. I also suspect that audio sounds clearer to my crusty ears - it is better than I remember hearing ever before.

I can't speculate on why the newer release is 2 minutes longer, but it is obviously a better/restored print (restored version: Library of Congress). The old starts with the British censors certification (see below) where the new does not. The old single-layered DVD gave us a trailer and some production notes and bio text screens - where the new has a 2 minute Robert Osborne intro and a trailer.

This film, a bit heavy-handed, is a must-own and a totally unforgettable film experience. The new Cinema Classics DVD is ridiculously reasonable at the price it is being offered. STRONGLY recommended!