Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by Audiophilander (A) on April 22, 2006 at 09:54:38

In Reply to: Re: Interesting, because I've read just the opposite about the quality of Criterion's release in this instance. posted by rico on April 22, 2006 at 08:06:53:

Based on my memories of that showing of TDaDW, the presentation appeared to be from a freshly struck fine grain print, as opposed to the earlier Criterion LD. You've apparently seen the LD, but I haven't, for comparisons sake. BTW, I meant no sarcasm or criticism of your appraisal; I was merely surprised to see a positive review based on what I'd read before.

I seriously considered purchasing this title, but was discouraged by the criticsms of this particular Criterion release published on-line and, as I recall, one or more testimonial reviews here about a year ago. Note: I have a high resolution DLP projection system, so I tend to be a bit critical of the quality of film transfers onto DVD, especially from Criterion, which hold itself to such high standards.

At the high prices charged for Criterion titles I expect the VERY best film elements and extras, but I've discovered that this isn't always the case, even with European films, which are rapidly becoming their speacialty.

One example which comes to mind is Criterion's "M" (Fritz Lang). This isn't even close to the Eureka version (PAL, Region 2), which is struck from restored elements that were, as I recall, provided by the Murnau Foundation. The (restored?) Criterion version of M, which I sold some time ago on ebay, may have been produced from the best elements available at that time, but it was soft, appearing to have been struck from a higher generational print source, and suffered some artifact problems.

AuPh