UHD New Releases, Reissues and Upgrades

[FlickeringWindow]

I realized that Columbia Classics vol 3 is missing from the list, are they all reference too? Also do we have verdict on vol 5 yet?

In my eyes, they are all reference, but I'm not sure how The Last Picture Show's CC UHD compares to Criterion's UHD. The CC release only uses two BD-66s for both cuts of the film, while Criterion's release uses one BD-100 just for the Theatrical Cut. I would imagine that the CC version has weaker encoding as a result, I just don't know how much worse it is (or if it's even worse at all).

Slight correction. Criterion's edition is the "Director's Definitive Cut" while Sony/Columbia Classics also includes the theatrical cut on UHD (the included Blu-ray is the DDC only).

[Fus1on]

My bad, I based my original comment on the runtime listed on the Blu-ray.com page, which lists the runtime for the Theatrical Cut, and assumed it was that version. I stand corrected.

[nicolas]

Red category: The Faculty (Shout)
The Searchers (WB)
Kickboxer (Lionsgate)
The Keep (VS)
Looking for Mr. Goodbar (VS)
Werckmeister Harmonies (Curzon, better PQ and audio)

@fus1on
Red category: The Holdovers (Shout) Love Lies Bleeding (Plaion Germany)
The Zone of Interest (Elevation Pictures Canada)

Blue category:
The Holdovers (Dazzler UK)

disappointing:
Zone of Interest,
Civil War,
The Iron Claw (Leonine GER)

[rberrios15]

I realized that Columbia Classics vol 3 is missing from the list, are they all reference too? Also do we have verdict on vol 5 yet?

In my eyes, they are all reference, but I'm not sure how The Last Picture Show's CC UHD compares to Criterion's UHD. The CC release only uses two BD-66s for both cuts of the film, while Criterion's release uses one BD-100 just for the Theatrical Cut. I would imagine that the CC version has weaker encoding as a result, I just don't know how much worse it is (or if it's even worse at all).

I agree they are all reference but can't speak to the CC UHD release of The Last Picture Show.

[5meohd]

Dang. Sad to see the marks against Zone of Interest. I've been supporting a24 buying every release and so far I hadn't noticed many issues. I watched ZoI and I was so swept away I certainly wasn't looking for issues.

I wonder if I'll notice next time I play it.

[therewillbeblus]

I thought it was established that the A24 was good except people took issues with unremovable subs

[swo17]

And maybe the Canadian UHD (which is difficult to come by) has a slightly better encode?

[therewillbeblus]

I can’t quote posts from the past thread, but Nicolas said, “The Zone of Interest reference PQ/AQ but with caveat about burnt-in English subtitles which affects the display of the Spanish subs.” Curious what changed from reference to disappointing

[nicolas]

I can’t quote posts from the past thread, but Nicolas said, “The Zone of Interest reference PQ/AQ but with caveat about burnt-in English subtitles which affects the display of the Spanish subs.” Curious what changed from reference to disappointing

Sorry about the misunderstanding. The three disappointing contemporary releases are all from Leonine. I had to type this incredibly fast due to the server issues with this forum since roughly a week. The Elevation Canada release of Zone of Interest is better encoded than the A24, having 23 GB more for the feature, which a BDInfo scan and review at the other forum has shown, and optional subs. The A24 is more compressed but still a solid / blue tier disc compared to the German Leonine which has compression issues alongside boosted colors. Here is a lengthy review and screenshots by cinemaniac.

[nicolas]

I realized that Columbia Classics vol 3 is missing from the list, are they all reference too? Also do we have verdict on vol 5 yet?

In my eyes, they are all reference, but I'm not sure how The Last Picture Show's CC UHD compares to Criterion's UHD. The CC release only uses two BD-66s for both cuts of the film, while Criterion's release uses one BD-100 just for the Theatrical Cut. I would imagine that the CC version has weaker encoding as a result, I just don't know how much worse it is (or if it's even worse at all).

I agree they are all reference but can't speak to the CC UHD release of The Last Picture Show.

The Criterion Last Picture Show is reference all the way. It’s got a better encode than Sony’s. Usually it’s the other way around but Criterion/NexSpec did very well here. I had no plans to get their UHD but definitely haven’t regretted it. It’s a gorgeous disc. Screenshots.

[vanshady]

That’s awesome and a rare win for Criterion, thans!

In my eyes, they are all reference, but I'm not sure how The Last Picture Show's CC UHD compares to Criterion's UHD. The CC release only uses two BD-66s for both cuts of the film, while Criterion's release uses one BD-100 just for the Theatrical Cut. I would imagine that the CC version has weaker encoding as a result, I just don't know how much worse it is (or if it's even worse at all).

I agree they are all reference but can't speak to the CC UHD release of The Last Picture Show.

The Criterion Last Picture Show is reference all the way. It’s got a better encode than Sony’s. Usually it’s the other way around but Criterion/NexSpec did very well here. I had no plans to get their UHD but definitely haven’t regretted it. It’s a gorgeous disc. Screenshots.

[Mire]

Disappointing category:
- Bloodsport (Germany / UK) - bad compression, moderate DNR in select shots, 1.78 AR instead of 1.85

Disappointing UHDs:
Red Dragon (Kino) (mediocre encode)

Does anyone have recommendation on which way is the best to watch these two films (Bloodsport and Red Dragon)? What is currently the best release for these?

[nicolas]

Disappointing category:
- Bloodsport (Germany / UK) - bad compression, moderate DNR in select shots, 1.78 AR instead of 1.85

Disappointing UHDs:
Red Dragon (Kino) (mediocre encode)

Does anyone have recommendation on which way is the best to watch these two films (Bloodsport and Red Dragon)? What is currently the best release for these?

I’m not aware of any other Red Dragon 4K but for Bloodsport there is a French release, although I’ve heard from someone at the other forum that it’s become rare now, which is better encoded than the Capelight Germany & UK release. I have the French one and sold the Capelight afterwards as the jump in quality was readily apparent. However the French one doesn’t have any of the great new interviews Capelight got, such as the JCVD one. You’d be getting the French for superior PQ alone.

[Mire]

I’m not aware of any other Red Dragon 4K [...]

Thanks for the insight regarding Bloodsport. Is this the French edition you are talking about?

Concerning Red Dragon, would you say the 4K release from Kino still is (significantly) better than Universal's previous BD release?

[nicolas]

I’m not aware of any other Red Dragon 4K [...]

Thanks for the insight regarding Bloodsport. Is this the French edition you are talking about?

Concerning Red Dragon, would you say the 4K release from Kino still is (significantly) better than Universal's previous BD release?

Yes, this is the edition I mentioned and it should be the cheapest one. There are more lavish editions with more stuff but I didn’t bother with these.

I can’t tell you anything about Red Dragon. I’ve never picked up the film on any format and after having heard that the KL encode isn’t that great I lost interest. Since this is Universal, I have hopes that their titles eventually find their way to European labels, although things are surprisingly quiet so far. Same as it was with MGM for years and now we’re getting all the goodies from Arrow and co.

[Mire]

[...] things are surprisingly quiet so far. Same as it was with MGM for years and now we’re getting all the goodies from Arrow and co.

I see. One other thing... I see the French release of JSA is considered reference worthy. What about the Australian release of JSA by Umbrella? Do you know anything about that one?

[nicolas]

[...] things are surprisingly quiet so far. Same as it was with MGM for years and now we’re getting all the goodies from Arrow and co.

I see. One other thing... I see the French release of JSA is considered reference worthy. What about the Australian release of JSA by Umbrella? Do you know anything about that one?

Sorry, no idea. I have the French one and probably submitted the info. Umbrella aren’t trustworthy when it comes to Blu-ray’s, so their 4K may also be disappointing but it’s hard to tell since BD and 4K are too different to make general assumptions regarding quality. Unless there’s info on the other forum you’d have to go in blindly.

[Mire]

Umbrella aren’t trustworthy when it comes to Blu-ray’s, so their 4K may also be disappointing but it’s hard to tell since BD and 4K are too different to make general assumptions regarding quality.

That is some interesting and useful information, for sure.

I took a look in the Blu-ray.com forum's thread about the Umbrella release of JSA. It seems that one unfortunately has compression issues. Quote:

Massively improved contrast and color, makes the Arrow look dated.

However, compression is iffy/bad. Often in the high 20s and low 30s, resulting in mushy and artifacty grain at times. Also found a scene 28:55 - 29:15 where there is literally zero grain on the 4K and bitrate down to 18mbps; hard to say given its a new master if there was DNR applied in the master for a scene like this or if its all compressions fault. Note: that scene is shown in the above caps, the one named "Untitled_1.7.1". Also at times it seems like black level is higher than ideal but not knowing this movie well I can't say if this is an issue or not.

On another note... Do you know any details about the German (Capelight) 4K release of A Tale of Two Sisters?

[nicolas]

On another note... Do you know any details about the German (Capelight) 4K release of A Tale of Two Sisters?

No. (Neither about the French one).

[Mire]

No. (Neither about the French one).

OK... So, I will really have to jump in blind on this one, I guess.

[cinemaniac]

I'd like to suggest that the 'poorer audio' entry for The Great Escape be amended to note that the new Arrow UHD includes a restored mono track, which is superior to the MGM Laserdisc. The original entry still applies to the Kino release, of course.

I did a comparison between the Kino, MGM LD and new Arrow release.

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showpost.php? ... tcount=297

[eerik]

I realized that Columbia Classics vol 3 is missing from the list, are they all reference too? Also do we have verdict on vol 5 yet?

For anybody already interested in the content of these sets, they are a very safe recommendation. High quality presentation is the one constant across all five volumes. Vol. 3 also has a handful of sequels/remakes related to the main titles as special features, albeit in 1080p, and vol. 5 has a bonus disc with some of the earliest Columbia silent features, some even in 4K.

I have all five and finished the last one with Little Women just earlier this week, and I don't have a single complaint about quality.

[vanshady]

Hello everyone, I've ported over Finch's main list to my website at https://www.bestblurays.com/uhd/best-uhd I will work on importing the other lists soon. Please check it out and let me know what you think on discord (linked in below post), don't want to derail this post's discussion.

More details in https://criterionforum.org/forum/viewto ... 4&t=183071

[Finch]

Update on Delicatessen and Antiviral from Severin

SEVERIN FILMS Facebook Post:

Due to an error by our replicator, the first batch of Discs 2 & 3 for both DELICATESSEN and ANTIVIRAL were manufactured with the same Disc 3 content. The mistake was fortunately caught early, corrections have been made, and we’ve been assured — with acknowledgment of their holiday schedule — that new discs will be shipped to our warehouse for arrival by 1/15. If you’ve received one of the affected DELICATESSEN collections, you’ve already been contacted by email and your new disc will be shipped automatically, as will all orders containing the correct DELICATESSEN and/or ANTIVIRAL discs. Thanks for your patience and understanding, and Happy New Year from all of us at Severin!

[Yakushima]

Update on Delicatessen and Antiviral from Severin

SEVERIN FILMS Facebook Post

Thank you, Finch!

Has anyone who received their copy had a chance to watch the film? How does the Severin version compare to Studio Canal's? Are they identical?