ADDITION: Koch Media - Region FREE - Blu-ray May 17': Firstly, I will be getting and comparing the new Universal Blu-ray but I have strong suspicions that it will be the same (or at least very similar) to this German Blu-ray transfer from 2013. Koch's 2016 Blu-ray has issues - as does the DVDs. It's noise that is inconsistent but mars the overall presentation with an unnatural softness. The image can look frail, exporting edge-enhancement and, while improving upon the SDs, is disappointing. It does start with the Universal logo. Now, to be fair, the visuals look fine through most of the presentation, but when the digitization occurs - it's fairly obvious (even on my, smaller, 40" system). Saying that the 1080P image is superior showing more detail, tighter and richer colors etc. but I have my doubts that the 50th Anniversary Universal Blu-ray will correct these deficiencies - that seem, strangely, inherent. The image is clean, no blemishes but underwhelms to those with a discerning expectation for the HD video.

Koch go DTS-HD Master 2.0 channel (only 16-bit) - not very robust and this is an rea that Universal could more easily advance upon. Effects only show a modicum of depth (sirens etc.). The great Bernard Herrmann's (Cape Fear, The Magnificent Ambersons, Taxi Driver, The Wrong Man, Dressed to Kill, etc. etc.) score can seem occasionally awkward at times but certainly impacts upon the viewing in brilliant, surprising ways, - obviously, more so in the lossless. Koch add a German DUB and optional German and English subtitles (see sample below). Despite the back cover - this Blu-ray is region FREE! (as the, upcoming, Universal will be.)

All the extras of the DVDs are here including the commentary with Julie Christie with additions by editor Thom Noble, producer Lewis M. Allen and film scholar Annette Insdorf etc. (each new speaker announced). There is the lengthy Making Of, piece with Bradbury, another on the music, trailers etc. Plus there is a short video with Julie Christie and 1/4 hour with Truffaut. Lastly, is a gallery of image - lots of posters and stills.

For serious home theatre aficionados, especially those who may project, this doesn't bode well for the upcoming Universal Blu-ray. I could be wrong and we will compare - but, actually, the very low price  ($8 USD) is another telltale of a lack of new effort put into the package. Stay tuned!

ADDITION: (Universal Region 2,4 - July - 04 ) - The Region 1 DVD still has the edge in image. The region 2,4 (Universal) looks brightened... so much so that detail has been removed from some of the shots (specifically from the first large capture below). When you mess with the brightness level - you destroy any tight contrast (blacks no longer appear deep and pitch) and this is evident in comparing the Region 1 vs. the PAL editions. MK2 is still the winner in Extras. Colors appear more vibrant on the Universal region 2, but I suspect it is manipulated and therefore possibly changing it from its original intent. Saying that though it looks remarkably clean and not terribly off hue from the Universal region 1. I say get the Universal Region 1 for the image and MK2 for the extras (for real keeners).