Japanese Ambersons?

[Jaime N. Christley]

Just caught wind of a Japanese DVD for THE MAGNIFICENT AMBERSONS - and sure enough, Jeff has it listed.

Any word on the quality? The Japanese F FOR FAKE is generally outstanding (although I'm still confused re: aspect ratio issues), so if it's the same company (that's another question) I'm all for a little optimism.

[Jeff Wilson]

Actually, you alerted me to the fact that I hadn't updated the Ambersons video page, as the Japanese DVD pictured there is a previous release. Here is the comparison page for the French and newer Japanese DVD releases. The conclusion is pretty obvious...

[Jaime N. Christley]

Oh wow, no contest. Thanks Jeff!

[Jaime N. Christley]

One thing I noticed when watching the French disc and doing a few shot-by-shot comparisons with the Criterion laserdisc - and this is confirmed by all five of the screen caps - is that the French DVD trims off a tiny but (to me) unforgivable sliver from the right side of the picture.

I thought it was just me and my crappy television/DVD player overscan, but I just had a close look at the screen caps, and sure enough. There they are(n't).

Guess neither disc is worth owning. Ah, Criterion laserdisc.