Let's say as an example that I want to buy a French film on DVD, but the best versions for me (e.g. subbed extras, best sound, etc.) are the US R1 and the UK R2 versions. Should I go for the UK R2 since it is PAL and French films are in PAL?

If yes, what exactly is the reason for this anyway? I've heard of PAL speedup and a loss in quality when you go from PAL-to-NTSC or vice-versa. Is there anything else?


Here's the real-life example. I am thinking of buying City of God and I want either the US R1 and the UK R2. The US version is $20+ while I can get the UK release for half that. Plus it's PAL! Is there any reason why I should go for the US version, aside from the better-looking cover?

Film itself isn't in PAL or NTSC, it's just film, with a speed of 24 frames per second. A PAL video transfer speeds it up to 25 fps regardless of the country of origin of the film. The main issue of NTSC vs PAL is usually if you are sensitive to the speedup (I am sensitive to it with English language films, or films with music I am familiar with, so I avoid any PAL DVDs of such films). Anyway, I wouldn't choose a PAL or NTSC release based only on the country of origin of the film itself, that would be meaningless. But in your example, I would have no problem buying a PAL release of CITY OF GOD because it is in Portuguese, which I do not understand, and has soundtrack music that I am not familiar with. So I probably wouldn't notice the PAL speedup. As long as it has English subs, I'd be happy.

It depends on what you're looking for, something faithful to the film, the best transfer quality, the best content or packaging. To get rid of the PAL speedup, the best solution is a HTPC using the reclock filter.
Link to Reclock Site

Usually the films are preformated for one format (PAL or NTSC) but it means nothing, it depends on the quality transfer. Try to find a comparison test between both releases or discussions on forums to know which edition is the best for your taste.

DVD Basen has a listing for CITY OF GOD which will show you reviews of the various editions around the world. I normally just pick the version with the best picture quality and extras, regardless of PAL or NTSC.

Here is the link:

http://www.dvd-basen.dk/uk/home.php3...land=%25&ok=go

If you have a projector as I do, PAL discs offer better native resolution if projected as a PAL feed. Granted it's not a lot, but PAL does offer a better resolution.

In regards to COG, I started with the R3 as it was the first to come out. I then went to the R2, and it blew away the R3 in terms of picture quality IMO. I've watched them both on an 8 foot x 4.5 foot screen and it was noticable. The R1 is ok, but why get that when you can get the r4 2 disc for an NTSC version?

The R4 2-disc box with the 40 deleted Scenes and all the bonus features is a good consideration at $24. I didn't see it on DVD-BASEN.DK. It's NTSC, but has way more to offer than the R1 at close to the same cost.

http://www.dvdbrazil.com/comersus/st...?idproduct=574

The Dutch would also be a consideration as it also has the 40 minute short film "Palace 2" on it, which is from the same book. Unfortunatly there are no sub's for the Dutch. I own this anyhow, and the dutch is a VERY nice transfer IMO if you don't need sub's.

The R4 disc is non-anamorphic letterbox, as I recall.