New DVD version of Fantastic Planet
 

Has anyone seen this new version out by "Accent Cinema" studios?

I own the long out-of-print "Anchor Bay" edition and was wondering how this new version compares to it.

The "Anchor Bay" version used to fetch prices of 100 dollars and up on Amazon and Ebay but I noticed prices are rapidly falling.

Here is the link to the new version:

http://www.amazon.com/Fantastic-Planet- ... 913&sr=8-1

I haven't seen the new Facets release under the Accent Cinema label, but I generally avoid Facets when there's a viable alternative. In this case, that alternative is the R2 Eureka release under the Masters of Cinema label. No doubt though the Facets release will be an improvement over the Anchor Bay version.

What are your thoughts on the Anchor Bay version?

I've wanted this DVD for a long time, but just couldn't justify the prices. This will be joining my collection!!

Phil

Crappy non-anamorphic 4:3 image with burnt in subs.

Your link is broken. You can find the DVD here .

Might have to pick up the Accent release used. The new anamorphic transfer might be enough justification, although I hear that it still has dirt and scratches visible. Altogether, it really seems like this new release does little to improve upon the Anchor Bay version--giving us few extras, no commentary, and an adequate (but not great) transfer.

I would highly suggest importing the UK DVD release, and giving both Anchor Bay and Accent amiss...the disc is R0 NTSC; not R2 as Yakuza states, so it'll play on American players, has an anamorphic 1.66:1 transfer, two short films (one of them not on the Anchor Bay disc; and what a magnificient short film it is!), and a 40 page booklet with an expansive essay on the director and the film. It can be obtained rather cheaply; often 50% off at Amazon UK. Unless you're a completist, and want the short film which is only on the Anchor Bay, there's no reason not to buy the UK disc, since it plays on all American sets and players.

Though the Accent disc does seem strong in itself. I wonder how the transfer is...and if the Laloux interview is interesting.

I'll chime in and vouch for the 'Masters of Cinema Series' edition of Fantastic Planet.

I bought it months ago from Amazon UK and it's a very nice anamorphic version, which can be viewed a number of different ways, including English audio with no subtitles (unlike the Anchor Bay version).

I was never really happy with the Anchor Bay edition, but some people want it - Got big bucks for it over on eBay.

I received the Accent version earlier in the week. The subtitles are removable. The interview with Laloux is 26 minutes long. Here are a few screenshots:

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g2...n/PDVD_006.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g2...PDVD_007-1.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g2...n/PDVD_003.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g2...n/PDVD_006.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g2...PDVD_010-1.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g2...n/PDVD_012.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g2...n/PDVD_013.jpg

The Beaver compares the Accent and Eureka editions.