Which region is best for picture quality? I'd heard that the Region 2 has
better extras but is this at the expense of picture or sound quality?

I'm not absolutely sure, but I don't think the picture quality is any inferior. In general, PAL image quality is superior to NTSC.

R2 and R4 both have an additional documentary and an excellent transfer. A review can be found at www.michaeldvd.com.au

Here is the comparison from http://www.dvdcompare.org.uk

I've seen the region 2 but not the region 1. I remember it as quite good.


Ronin

R1 - MGM
Audio Commentary
Alternate Ending
Additional Footage
8 page booklet
2.35:1 anamorphic NTSC
Dolby Digital 5.1 format
Amaray Case
Note - Also has a 4:3 option


R2 - MGM
Commentary by director John Frankenheimer
Alternative Ending
"Filming In The Fast Lane" making-of featurette
Original Theatrical trailer
8 page booklet
2.35:1 anamorphic PAL
Dolby Digital 5.1 format
Amaray Case


OVERALL : R2

Cuts
R1 - No cuts
R2 - No cuts