NaturalMystic79

Okay, I did the CH thing and Lawrence Of Arabia: LE looked to be a fantastic deal. It's the 2 disc limited edition. Granted I haven't seen the movie in probably 15 years but from what I remember about it, seeing it in theaters (I think it was re-released for the screen) was that it was a great movie. I've not seen it for a LONG time and have forgotten most all of the movie, since I was a young kid at the time.

What are your guys impressions of this movie, and more specifically the 2-disc limited edition version? I know it's an old movie (1962 I believe) but it's been said to be one of the best movies of all times.

Johnny Zhivago

I'd personally place it in or near the top 10 films ever made... The LE is a nice set - the print used for the transfer still has issues (Robert Harris has said as much and he did the restoration) that are easier to see on a larger 16X9 display - but all in all it's probably as good as we'll see until HD-DVD comes along... Great film, great DVD release, enjoy!

sfsdfd

I saw this one for the first time a few years ago, when the LE was first released. It's a very strange film by today's standards, but the depth and curiosity are refreshing. I have friends who love it and friends who hate it, so ymmv.

- David Stein

Josh Z

He did the restoration for the theatrical re-release in the early 90s and helped on the transfer for the Criterion laserdisc, but he had no involvement with the transfer on the DVD. Most of what he objects to are color timing errors that are perfectly visible no matter what your screen size.

greatjedi

This is an amazing set. As far as the restoration goes, I didn't notice anything out of the ordinary really, but I had nothing to compare it too. In fact, when I heard that Robert Harris had issues with the trasfer I was shocked. At the time it came out on DVD, I had no idea that a 40 year old film could look so fantastic.
You'll be happy with the 2 disc set. It's an incredible film, and the extras are way above average.

NaturalMystic79

COOL! Now I'm really excited to get my LOA: LE DVD. I've seen some screen shots of the Limited Edition DVD from reviews on the net and the resolution and clarity of the picture is amazing for a movie made in 1962. As for the movie itself, I remember it was long and memorable. I'm so excited to get the DVD full of goodies, sit back and rewatch a classic film I haven't seen in ages. I hope CH delivers my fullfillments discs soon!

Josh Z

You should have seen the recent 70mm theatrical run. Wowsers!

Johnny Zhivago

Yeah, I knew about his main objections being with the color timing but I didn't know that he was not involved in the DVD release... Good to know. Well then, my main objections are that the print shows some damage in a few scenes. They may be the best that can be done with the material on hand but it's certainly no reference quality transfer.

Also, just because it was released in 1962 means nothing really - other than the film stock used issues. Citizen Kane and Singin' in the Rain look miles better than Lawrence and both were released years before LOA. THOSE are reference quality transfers... Of course, it all goes back to the film stock, perhaps this is as good as LOA will ever look... After reading about RH's restoration and seeing the condition of the material that he had to work with I tend to believe that this is the case.

At any rate, it does look nice, the film is outstanding and it's a nice DVD. Highly recommended!

Oh, and Josh, rub it in... 70mm theatrical run... Must have been nice...

Josh Z

It was great! Except for my wife's comment at the end that it was too much of a "boy's movie" for her.

Heresy! Divorce!!

Geoff H

Realizing that the included features are a lot different, how does the film-quality compare between the L.E. and this 'regular' version:
http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASI...334534-4588005
?

Thanks!

garmonbozia

AFAIK, there is none whatsoever.

Geoff H

Heh, sorry... do you mean there is "no difference" or do you mean "no comparison"?
:-)

Josh Z

It's the same transfer, but they've compressed it onto one disc.

garmonbozia

lol, sorry about that (I guess I meant no difference) but yes, as Josh Z said, it is forced onto one disc in the non-LE instead of spread over 2....so for some there is "no difference". I like special features so think the LE is the way to go. I have not seen the single disc version myself so cannot comment if fitting it onto one disc makes a visible notice in sound/image quality.

MrBob

As far as cinematography goes this movie ranks up there with the best. There are some beautiful shots of the desert. Also the Soundtrack is a personal favorite of mine. I think its a great movie.

DiscoD

Personally I love this movie. I vividly remember seeing it when it first came out on the big screen. Unlike so many "older" movies, to me this one retains its marvelous look and story like few others. Unfortunately wife thought it was just to much sand and camels. Great story, marvelous acting, beautiful images and a 16x9 must see. Cinematography--few equals. Agree--still one of the best ever. It is also true that this is probably a guy type flick but WHAT a guy type flick. Enjoy!

Geoff H

Thanks!

jough

Just for the record, I borrowed the single disc version from friend and noticed that the bitrate was *much* lower.

Granted, no noticable degradation of picture quality, but the bitrate was about *half* that of the 2-disc set.

Glad I got my 2-disc-er on release day...

-- Jough

jrsl76

This is off topic, but a David Lean question? LoA is anamorphic, but is Bridge on the River Kwai? I have that 2 disc and plan to get a 16x9 television in the near future, so I was wondering. Thanks

Johnny Zhivago

Yes, BOTRK is anamorphic.

NaturalMystic79

Hmm, I'll have to check out BOTRK, I haven't seen it before. If it's as good as LOA I reckon I may buy that one too!

jough

FWIW, the BOTRK 2-disc Limited Edition's extras are even more compelling, I think, than those of LoA, even though I think Larry the Arab is a better movie.

-- Jough

Geofferson

One of my favorite movies and a great disc.

I highly recommend it.

shanester

This movie is the perfect example why everybody should own a widescreen tv

Rypro 525

Tonight at 8pm et on tcm