The African Queen

[Matango]

Picked this up here in Hong Kong yesterday. I'm no expert either, but the upgrade in picture quality to me is similarly as impressive as the Zulu Blu-ray was over earlier DVDs.

[skuhn8]

Beaver.

It looks great to my eyes, but what do the Forum's experts say? Has Cardiff's work been done justice?

wow. Looks fabulous. I have the Carlton and thought that was pretty satisfactory, but this is certainly a leap ahead. I already have a hardcover of the book so will probably pick up this blu...if there's a significant price drop.

[cdnchris]

I've only seen the film on my dad's SelctaVision disc, so VHS would be a serious upgrade for me. Those grabs completely blow me away.

[Darren]

I've had the UK Carlton editionm for years, and IMO the PQ is very good.

Sadly the US release omits the cinematographers (Jack Cardiff) commentary that is on the UK disk.

Which is funny because they are using his private home movies in the BD doco.

[Matango]

The only downside of the Blu-ray's high PQ is that the model African Queen (with model Bogart and Hepburn figures on board) used in some downriver scenes looks especially un-lifelike now. Reminded me of Paddle to the Sea in places.

[triodelover]

An 8-minute video on the restoration for BD.

[perkizitore]

It seems the upcoming UK ITV blu-ray will feature the old Jack Cardiff commentary, which is missing from the US release. Also, it will be a 2-discer so let's hope for a bigger bitrate too!

[manicsounds]

September 6th. I guess I've waited this long... why not another few more months.

[tojoed]

The African Queen on Blu-Ray in June, with Jack Cardiff commentary.

[perkizitore]

The blu-ray still has a September release date on most retailers

[videozor]

The African Queen on Blu-Ray in June, with Jack Cardiff commentary.

Looks like this is better edition than the R1 Paramount (the same docu, plus commentary from the old UK DVD), or I'm wrong?

[perkizitore]

It seems that HMV got this 3 months earlier

[tojoed]

It seems that HMV got this 3 months earlier

Yes, it's in their B&M stores too, but at £16.99.

[perkizitore]

They got me confused, when they announced that they will have it in June, they were still listing it for a September release.

[Darren]

My UK edition is on the way soon! Can't wait! Yes, in addition to the US disks documentary it also has the Cardiff commentary and seems to also have the excellent photo galllery that was on the UK Carlton edition.

[Jarpie]

Has anyone listened commentary from UK-edition? I haven't been able to decide should I order Commemorative boxset or UK-BD which has extra commentary track.

[tojoed]

I'd get the UK-BD, it's always great to listen to Jack Cardiff talking.

[PfR73]

Once someone has this disc, could they confirm A) if it's Region-B locked & B) is there a lossless audio option?

[manicsounds]

Seriously, no one, nowhere? I can't find a single review or official specs anywhere, or even a picture of the back of the case!

[Rowan]

Sorry, I've only just seen this - ITV UK disc is Region B and has Dolby Digital 2.0 mono like the Paramount. Going on Beaver, image is identical too.

The commentary is a nice listen.

[manicsounds]

And I assume the extras are all on disc 2? (DVD or BD?)

[Rowan]

No, it's all on the one disc (BD).

[manicsounds]

whats on disc 2?

[The Fanciful Norwegian]

That's some sort of early mockup -- for one thing the Blu has a PG certificate, not a U. Maybe they were planning a two-disc set but cut it down to one?

[The Fanciful Norwegian]

UK/U.S. comparison

Have to say ITV doesn't come out of this one too well, even with PCM and the commentary...