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I just found a reasonable priced copy of the Dual format edition ($42.99 CAD on Amazon) and it came in the mai” today.
Lucky me.

I popped it in and it looks great, but does anyone know about the reason for the aspect ratio change?

The original criterion DVD release that I have is 1.66:1, but this new transfer is 1.78:1.
A small difference, I know, but a curious one.

Though the film was originally shot and theatrically presented in 1.66, 1.78 is Peter Weir’s preferred aspect ratio for the film. I’m not sure why Criterion released their original 1998 DVD, which is the director’s cut, in 1.66. It was one of their early DVD releases (long before they were doing anamorphic transfers), but it was their next-to-last laserdisc release.

The Second Sight (UK) DVD edition of the film had both the theatrical version in 1.66 and the director’s version in 1.78.

Will this be the same restoration as issued by Second Sight? Same colors etc.?

Yeah I’m pretty sure it will be

A shame that Criterion have declined to release the full-length original cut, also available in 4K on Second Sight's UK release. Despite Weir's subsequent misgivings, I think it's a richer, more emotionally complex film in its complete version.

Same, not sure if I'll ever voluntarily return to the DC

Tuppence wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 5:40 pm A shame that Criterion have declined to release the full-length original cut, also available in 4K on Second Sight's UK release. Despite Weir's subsequent misgivings, I think it's a richer, more emotionally complex film in its complete version.

Yep. I just don’t understand why he wants to erase it. His instincts at the time were bang-on