1/only It's a Wonderful Life thread (merge of the three current threads)
09-18-06 | 04:22 AM
#51
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From: The Pacific Northwest
Geez, that's a major letdown. What a wasted opportunity. At least now I can stop holding off on buying it. I'll just grab whichever if the two versions I can find cheapest come X-Mas time, I guess.
09-23-06 | 12:21 PM
#55
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by honestjohn
According to Robert Harris who is usually "in the know", this IS going to be a new restored version. Of course some new Bonus Material would have been nice. Looks like it's time to get out the old double-dipper again, attaboy Paramount.
See link, post #17
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htf/...d.php?t=240489
See link, post #17
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htf/...d.php?t=240489
It just says they have been doing work...doesn't state at all that it was for this dvd.
09-23-06 | 04:16 PM
#56
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I'm sure he thought so as well...his post is from back in August, while the specs came out mid september. I would hope that it does carry over to the dvd, but i wouldn't expect it either. Seems that paramount is just doing a port.
09-24-06 | 10:51 AM
#57
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With all due respect, Mr. Harris is also just wrong sometimes....
(E.g., claims he made that Criterion's CANTERBURY TALE wasn't pictureboxed and that VCI has never issued a progressive transfer, etc.)
(E.g., claims he made that Criterion's CANTERBURY TALE wasn't pictureboxed and that VCI has never issued a progressive transfer, etc.)
10-09-06 | 08:13 PM
#60
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From: The Pacific Northwest
Originally Posted by grim_tales
Wasn't IAWL originally shot in 1.33/1? 
It was made in 1945 and not many (not any?) films were made in Scope back then.
It was made in 1945 and not many (not any?) films were made in Scope back then.
10-10-06 | 03:59 AM
#61
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From: St. Albans, England (UK)
I see your point 
However wasn't the "old" R1 transfer made from the original film negatives? The UK R2 looked even worse (it was taken from a video master AFAIK). Given the choice I'd go R1.
However wasn't the "old" R1 transfer made from the original film negatives? The UK R2 looked even worse (it was taken from a video master AFAIK). Given the choice I'd go R1.
10-10-06 | 03:09 PM
#62
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From: The Pacific Northwest
Yeah the old transfer isn't bad, but considering this is a new release, and a "60th Anniversary Edition" at that, you'd think they'd prepare a brand new transfer down-converted from HD (and a full HD one for HD-DVD/Blu-Ray) to go with it. As it looks now, this is shaping up to be a pretty worthless "upgrade" which is a real shame considering that IaWL is one of the most beloved films in American cinematic history. Paramount is so lackluster when it comes to their classic catalog and their production of Special Edition DVD's. They're not the absolute worst studio out there, but put it this way: You know Warner Bros. would have had a field day with this title - a packed Two-Disc SE at the very least.
10-26-06 | 06:24 AM
#63
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dvdbeaver says new transfer, that is also noticeably better in screenshots :
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDCom...derfullife.htm
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDCom...derfullife.htm
10-26-06 | 08:40 AM
#64
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Originally Posted by nitin77
dvdbeaver says new transfer, that is also noticeably better in screenshots :
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDCom...derfullife.htm
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDCom...derfullife.htm
10-26-06 | 08:45 AM
#65
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From: New Hampshire
^ Good find!
The transfer is new after all, but still no new extras.
At least they did something for this release, I'm not sure I'm going to get this right away though. Good to know anyway, thanks.
The transfer is new after all, but still no new extras.
At least they did something for this release, I'm not sure I'm going to get this right away though. Good to know anyway, thanks.
10-26-06 | 10:19 AM
#66
DVD Talk Legend
I'd be curious to see if the audio has been improved at all. There are several moments (one obvious one about 12-13 mins into the film) where there is muffled sound in the Republic release. That could definitely use a good scrubbing, assuming the source is in adequate condition.
10-26-06 | 11:17 AM
#67
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From: Woodbridge Va.
Originally Posted by JuryDuty
Hmmm...well, the stats show it has improved, but I have to say, I think I prefer the screenshots from the Republic version.
The Republic version is much better, I'm glad i got that one. Will not be upgrading to this new 60th anniversary.
10-26-06 | 01:27 PM
#68
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Originally Posted by roger_d
The Republic version is much better, I'm glad i got that one. Will not be upgrading to this new 60th anniversary.
10-26-06 | 08:01 PM
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From: Los Angeles, CA
Because they want an excuse not to upgrade. The Paramount version is obviously better, just look at the newspaper text in the fifth series of screen captures. Not only is the Paramount version sharper, but the text is actually black as opposed to the gray of the Republic version. The reviewer also mentioned that the differences are more apparent while actually watching the movie.
10-27-06 | 08:00 AM
#73
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Originally Posted by scrimshaw
Because they want an excuse not to upgrade. The Paramount version is obviously better, just look at the newspaper text in the fifth series of screen captures. Not only is the Paramount version sharper, but the text is actually black as opposed to the gray of the Republic version. The reviewer also mentioned that the differences are more apparent while actually watching the movie.
"...Good news is the transfer is superior - although these screen captures may not give it the credit it deserves.....the Paramount looks cleaner (less speckles), less digital noise, smoother and blacks are significantly more piercing. The boosted blacks bring up the detail to a small degree as well.....the 60th Anniversary shows more information - most notably on the side edges (in most sequences). Overall a better release in regards to image."
10-27-06 | 08:28 AM
#74
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The new Paramount version is definitley better, no question. If you love the film as I do you will want to upgrade. Also notice a little more to see on the sides which is also mentioned.