I'm exploring importing this, since it was a childhood favorite.
Which import version is best?
I know they all have an english track, but are there any anamophic with 5.1?
I looked into the Chinese (4:3) and the German (mono sound!)

It's one of my all-time favorite films too...I did a lengthy search on this...and the one I have is the UK Special Edition letterboxed non-anamorphic one. It's got a good Dolby Surround. The video quality is very good when I fill my HDTV screen, no pixilation:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bugsy-Malone...8398354&sr=8-2

I'm currently researching what the hell is this new UK PAL version "Sing Along Version"
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bugsy-Malone...8398354&sr=8-2

Both Amazon sites list the dvds as anamorphic. All I can say is that the Special Edition that I have is not anamorphic, so I wouldn't be surprised if this Sing Along Version has incorrect Amazon specs as well...

From what I can make out from the picture, it looks like this UK PAL Sing Along Edition is the one to get now. From the blurry photo, it looks like it says "Anamorphic and DD 5.1". It may be time to upgrade! Either way, the "Playing Just the Songs" option sounds great. That's what I do when I show this film to my toddler son - just fast forward to the songs (eventhough the movie is awesome)



According to dvdspot http://www.dvdspot.com/dvd.php?membe...1&d=1800159530 , the specs say anamorphic and DD 5.1

And here's a DVD review...The video/audio quality doesn't sound so hot. I wish the reviewer compared it to the non-anamorphic version. http://www.therewindforums.co.uk/for...ic.php?t=19672

I would like to get this film in a package that included the soundtrack - I actually have had the soundtrack to this since I was little - on vinyl. I listen to it still from time to time.

I have the CD soundtrack. The quality is pretty good. I don't remember where I got it from though. I think MediaPlay -years ago.
I just ordered the Sing-a-long version.

mmconhea, when you get the dvd, can you come back in here and do a quick review on the video/audio quality? I'll wait for your word on this new DVD, before I order one as well.

certainly.

I received the Sing-A-Long version today from Amazon UK. It comes in a nice package with a slip cover and insert.
I’m running it on an Oppo DV- 980H to a Sammy DLP.
The audio is mixed. The voice and sound effects obviously come from the mono source. Some sounds have reverb or are positioned around the sound field. The music seems to come right off of the CD, because the difference in quality form the speech is obvious. The bass seems a little high. This is a 5.1 mix. I’m satisfied with it.
The pictures is soft almost looking airbrushed at times- but I think the soft blur in the source. There’s a lot of noise – I’m not sure if this is grain that they tried to reduce during mastering. It seems to pop up and dance around in the highlights. Bright scenes, including the daytimes ones suffer from a lot of noise. Detail is present and some scenes look great, especially close-ups. This is an anamorphic transfer. I’m satisfied with it.
There are several features. The Sing-a-Long menu jumps you to the song of choice and puts subtitles at the bottom (they turn yellow with the singing).
There are bios, storyboards, commentary, trivia and trailers.
Worth the purchase if you are a fan.

iirc, in the original film there was a big difference between the audio quality of the dialog and the music.

Does the pal speedup change the pitch noticeably? I'm used to hearing the songs a certain way...

I didn't notice speedup with the songs.