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A Day in the Country (1946)
A Day in the Country (1946) poster
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A Day in the Country (1946)

Partie de campagne

Drama, Romance, Comedy • 41m

Overview

The family of a Parisian shop-owner spends a day in the country. The daughter falls in love with a man at the inn, where they spend the day.

Director: Jean Renoir

Best English-Friendly Release

Best Video Release

Best Audio Release

Additional Info

The 2023 BFI Blu-ray and Criterion Blu-ray are similar, from the same restoration.

The audio on the 2005 StudioCanal DVD is still the best version of the audio.

Format

1080p Blu-ray

TSPDT

2026: #126
2025: #126
2024: #125
2023: #128
2022: #128

Criterion Forum

Review

Picture: 8, Audio: 6, Extras: 9

Length

41 mins

Type

Movie

Last Updated

a month ago

Contributors

Best English-Friendly Release
Best Video Release
Best Audio Release
Additional Info

The 2023 BFI Blu-ray and Criterion Blu-ray are similar, from the same restoration.

The audio on the 2005 StudioCanal DVD is still the best version of the audio.

Format
1080p Blu-ray
Featured Lists
TSPDT
2026: #126
2025: #126
2024: #125
2023: #128
2022: #128
Criterion Forum
Review

Picture: 8, Audio: 6, Extras: 9

Length
41 mins
Type
Movie
Last Updated
a month ago
Contributors

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The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

2022 Paramount Presents Blu-ray disc included in 4K Blu-ray set

Best Video:

2022 Paramount Presents Blu-ray disc included in 4K Blu-ray set, same master, but less bitrate starved.

Best Audio:

1980s Paramount VHS

Additional Info:

The encode on the BD is preferable to the UHD. Same master, but less bitrate starved: https://x.com/SadHillDevan/status/1530057783885721607?s=20 and see caps

Best English-Friendly:

2022 Paramount Presents Blu-ray disc included in 4K Blu-ray set

Best Video:

2022 Paramount Presents Blu-ray disc included in 4K Blu-ray set, same master, but less bitrate starved.

Best Audio:

1980s Paramount VHS

Additional Info:

The encode on the BD is preferable to the UHD. Same master, but less bitrate starved: https://x.com/SadHillDevan/status/1530057783885721607?s=20 and see caps

The Godfather Part II poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Paramount 2008 Blu-ray Coppola Restoration

Best Video:

Paramount 2008 Blu-ray Coppola Restoration

Best Audio:

Paramount 2008 Blu-ray Coppola Restoration

Additional Info:

The Paramount 4K "restoration" is a desecration. It has completely revisionist color timing, harsh HDR, treatment of stock footage, bad encoding, selective DNR and grain management so bad that the entire screen frequently freezes up with only characters moving around in grain soup. It is so bad that the film's restorer Robert Harris publicly washed his hands of it saying essentially the 2007 restoration (with Willis and Coppola supervising) is how the film was intended and made. This is Paramount's modern version done their way. The new 1080p SDR Blu-rays in print are the crap 4K desecration master with the same problems still there just harder to spot and with crap encodes. Part II overall fares better than the first film but it has all the same problems. Randomly some shots are the worst in the trilogy looks mushy and manipulated to death.
The mono option is an unnecessarily processed version of the lossy mono from the 2008 Blu-ray. The 2008 Blu-ray of the 2007 Coppola Restoration while an imperfect outdated disc is LIGHT YEARS better than this 4K desecration. The only truly major issue is that it is very slightly redder than the 2007 finished master as seen on DCPs. The lossy mono on the 2008 Blu-ray is the best version of the original mix known to exist as it is better than the late 80's mastering for VHS and LaserDisc.
DFIC review of the hideous crap 4K Blu-rays: https://youtu.be/0uw6-Kcy_UA?si=ob1nDg0wTCvemjH0

Best English-Friendly:

Paramount 2008 Blu-ray Coppola Restoration

Best Video:

Paramount 2008 Blu-ray Coppola Restoration

Best Audio:

Paramount 2008 Blu-ray Coppola Restoration

Additional Info:

The Paramount 4K "restoration" is a desecration. It has completely revisionist color timing, harsh HDR, treatment of stock footage, bad encoding, selective DNR and grain management so bad that the entire screen frequently freezes up with only characters moving around in grain soup. It is so bad that the film's restorer Robert Harris publicly washed his hands of it saying essentially the 2007 restoration (with Willis and Coppola supervising) is how the film was intended and made. This is Paramount's modern version done their way. The new 1080p SDR Blu-rays in print are the crap 4K desecration master with the same problems still there just harder to spot and with crap encodes. Part II overall fares better than the first film but it has all the same problems. Randomly some shots are the worst in the trilogy looks mushy and manipulated to death.
The mono option is an unnecessarily processed version of the lossy mono from the 2008 Blu-ray. The 2008 Blu-ray of the 2007 Coppola Restoration while an imperfect outdated disc is LIGHT YEARS better than this 4K desecration. The only truly major issue is that it is very slightly redder than the 2007 finished master as seen on DCPs. The lossy mono on the 2008 Blu-ray is the best version of the original mix known to exist as it is better than the late 80's mastering for VHS and LaserDisc.
DFIC review of the hideous crap 4K Blu-rays: https://youtu.be/0uw6-Kcy_UA?si=ob1nDg0wTCvemjH0

The Godfather poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Paramount 2008 Blu-ray Coppola Restoration

Best Video:

Paramount 2008 Blu-ray Coppola Restoration

Best Audio:

2008 Blu-ray lossy mono. (Britain release only has 5.1)

Additional Info:

The Paramount 4K "restoration" is a desecration. It has completely revisionist color timing, harsh HDR, treatment of stock footage, bad encoding, selective DNR and grain management so bad that the entire screen frequently freezes up with only characters moving around in grain soup. It is so bad that the film's restorer Robert Harris publicly washed his hands of it saying essentially the 2007 restoration (with Willis and Coppola supervising) is how the film was intended and made. This is Paramount's modern version done their way. The new 1080p SDR Blu-rays in print are the crap 4K desecration master with the same problems still there just harder to spot and with crap encodes.
The mono option is an unnecessarily processed version of the lossy mono from the 2008 Blu-ray. The 2008 Blu-ray of the 2007 Coppola Restoration while an imperfect outdated disc is LIGHT YEARS better than this 4K desecration. The only truly major issue is that it is very slightly redder than the 2007 finished master as seen on DCPs. The lossy mono on the 2008 Blu-ray is the best version of the original mix known to exist as it is better than the late 80's mastering for VHS and LaserDisc.
DFIC review of the hideous crap 4K Blu-rays: https://youtu.be/0uw6-Kcy_UA?si=ob1nDg0wTCvemjH0

Best English-Friendly:

Paramount 2008 Blu-ray Coppola Restoration

Best Video:

Paramount 2008 Blu-ray Coppola Restoration

Best Audio:

2008 Blu-ray lossy mono. (Britain release only has 5.1)

Additional Info:

The Paramount 4K "restoration" is a desecration. It has completely revisionist color timing, harsh HDR, treatment of stock footage, bad encoding, selective DNR and grain management so bad that the entire screen frequently freezes up with only characters moving around in grain soup. It is so bad that the film's restorer Robert Harris publicly washed his hands of it saying essentially the 2007 restoration (with Willis and Coppola supervising) is how the film was intended and made. This is Paramount's modern version done their way. The new 1080p SDR Blu-rays in print are the crap 4K desecration master with the same problems still there just harder to spot and with crap encodes.
The mono option is an unnecessarily processed version of the lossy mono from the 2008 Blu-ray. The 2008 Blu-ray of the 2007 Coppola Restoration while an imperfect outdated disc is LIGHT YEARS better than this 4K desecration. The only truly major issue is that it is very slightly redder than the 2007 finished master as seen on DCPs. The lossy mono on the 2008 Blu-ray is the best version of the original mix known to exist as it is better than the late 80's mastering for VHS and LaserDisc.
DFIC review of the hideous crap 4K Blu-rays: https://youtu.be/0uw6-Kcy_UA?si=ob1nDg0wTCvemjH0

La Dolce Vita poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

2022 Paramount Blu-ray

Best Video:

2022 Paramount Blu-ray

2014 Criterion Blu-ray is from the same master and has only slightly worse compression. JP/DE/FR releases all have incorrect levels. Caps

Best Audio:

2022 Paramount Blu-ray

All Blu-ray releases are from the same mastering, superior to the one on older DVD releases which is sourced from a higher generation source. They all sound about the same, with the exception of Criterion, which sounds worse due to extraneous filtering.

Paramount's disc also includes a contemporary English dub, previously unreleased on home video.

Best English-Friendly:

2022 Paramount Blu-ray

Best Video:

2022 Paramount Blu-ray

2014 Criterion Blu-ray is from the same master and has only slightly worse compression. JP/DE/FR releases all have incorrect levels. Caps

Best Audio:

2022 Paramount Blu-ray

All Blu-ray releases are from the same mastering, superior to the one on older DVD releases which is sourced from a higher generation source. They all sound about the same, with the exception of Criterion, which sounds worse due to extraneous filtering.

Paramount's disc also includes a contemporary English dub, previously unreleased on home video.

Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

2025 BFI Blu-ray

Best Video:

2025 BFI Blu-ray > Criterion Blu-ray, much better encoding (caps)
Criterion seems to have done additional adjustment to the original grading

Both France Capricci and Japan Blu-ray are worse than Criterion and BFI.

Best Audio:

Criterion Blu-ray largely sounds better, but attentuates away some low-frequency ambient noises.
BFI Blu-ray has hum, dropouts, pops, noticable patching and beeping, but has extra low-end detail in a few spots.

Best English-Friendly:

2025 BFI Blu-ray

Best Video:

2025 BFI Blu-ray > Criterion Blu-ray, much better encoding (caps)
Criterion seems to have done additional adjustment to the original grading

Both France Capricci and Japan Blu-ray are worse than Criterion and BFI.

Best Audio:

Criterion Blu-ray largely sounds better, but attentuates away some low-frequency ambient noises.
BFI Blu-ray has hum, dropouts, pops, noticable patching and beeping, but has extra low-end detail in a few spots.

Taxi Driver poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

2024 Sony 4K Blu-ray Steelbook

Best Video:

2024 Sony 4K Blu-ray Steelbook fixes duplicate shot seen on the previous Columbia Classics release and has better encoding

Best Audio:

Original mono mix: 1990 Criterion LaserDisc/1991 Columbia LaserDisc
The 4K Blu-ray mono is only minimally worse (see blah-ray).

5.1 remix: Sony 4K Blu-ray

Best English-Friendly:

2024 Sony 4K Blu-ray Steelbook

Best Video:

2024 Sony 4K Blu-ray Steelbook fixes duplicate shot seen on the previous Columbia Classics release and has better encoding

Best Audio:

Original mono mix: 1990 Criterion LaserDisc/1991 Columbia LaserDisc
The 4K Blu-ray mono is only minimally worse (see blah-ray).

5.1 remix: Sony 4K Blu-ray

The Searchers poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Warner Archive 4K Blu-ray

Best Audio:

1988/1990 WB Hi-Fi VHS, crystal clear, albeit with some distortion in louder areas

The 4K Blu-ray reuses the same poor mastering used on the 2006 WB Blu-ray, only with a completely unnecessary bass cut and extra noise reduction.

Additional Info:

Even putting resolution aside, the Warner Archive 4K Blu-ray has the best video, the old Blu-ray master and earlier DVD both had massive issues with colour.

That said, picture on the 4K Blu-ray isn't perfect, with strange posterized magenta glints and some instances of DNR: https://bsky.app/profile/dagscott.bsky.social/post/3leahavqi7k2l

The Searchers poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Warner Archive 4K Blu-ray

Best Audio:

1988/1990 WB Hi-Fi VHS, crystal clear, albeit with some distortion in louder areas

The 4K Blu-ray reuses the same poor mastering used on the 2006 WB Blu-ray, only with a completely unnecessary bass cut and extra noise reduction.

Additional Info:

Even putting resolution aside, the Warner Archive 4K Blu-ray has the best video, the old Blu-ray master and earlier DVD both had massive issues with colour.

That said, picture on the 4K Blu-ray isn't perfect, with strange posterized magenta glints and some instances of DNR: https://bsky.app/profile/dagscott.bsky.social/post/3leahavqi7k2l

Star Wars poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

OG: "4K77" or "D+77" on high seas.

Special Edition: "4K97_IV" or "D+97_IV" on high seas.

Upcoming Release:

2027 Original Trilogy restoration/50th anniversary rerelease clips leaked plus release confirmed

Best Video:

OG: "4K77" or "D+77" on high seas.

Special Edition: "4K97_IV" or "D+97_IV" on high seas.

Best Audio:

OG: LaserDisc audio is the best option for the Dolby Stereo mixes (and usually included in fan restorations). There are 16mm/TV rips of the mono mixes.

Special Edition: Cinema DTS or 1997 LaserDisc for the Special Edition.

Star Wars poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

OG: "4K77" or "D+77" on high seas.

Special Edition: "4K97_IV" or "D+97_IV" on high seas.

Upcoming Release:

2027 Original Trilogy restoration/50th anniversary rerelease clips leaked plus release confirmed

Best Video:

OG: "4K77" or "D+77" on high seas.

Special Edition: "4K97_IV" or "D+97_IV" on high seas.

Best Audio:

OG: LaserDisc audio is the best option for the Dolby Stereo mixes (and usually included in fan restorations). There are 16mm/TV rips of the mono mixes.

Special Edition: Cinema DTS or 1997 LaserDisc for the Special Edition.

Beau Travail poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Criterion Blu-ray

Best Video:

Criterion Blu-ray

Beau Travail poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Criterion Blu-ray

Best Video:

Criterion Blu-ray

Persona poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

2022 BFI Blu-ray

Best Video:

2022 BFI Blu-ray

Best Audio:

2003 Tartan UK DVD

Persona poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

2022 BFI Blu-ray

Best Video:

2022 BFI Blu-ray

Best Audio:

2003 Tartan UK DVD

More from Jean Renoir

See more →
French Cancan poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

BFI Blu-ray (flawed restoration)

Best Video:

BFI or Gaumont Blu-ray (both from the same flawed restoration)

Best Audio:

BFI or Gaumont Blu-ray

Additional Info:

The BFI and Gaumont Blu-ray releases are both from the same restoration by Éclair. Although this restoration is much superior in detail to the old Criterion DVD, like many Éclair restorations, it has issues with colour. There is a definite yellow cast to the footage, making skin tones appear sickly and dampening the impact of the colour. The image is also murkier than the Criterion

As Renoir scholar Tag Gallagher notes: "I talked a lot toward the end about the light blue walls (Criterion); but when I got the BFI blu I was greatly deflated, because the walls are light gray!"

That said, as visible in the screen caps at DVD Beaver, the Criterion has compromised colour too, and often looks too blue/magenta. There is a regraded edition of the BFI Blu-ray out there on the high seas.

The audio on the Blu-ray releases is slightly compressed, but better than earlier DVD releases and relatively full frequency.

The BFI is most likely the best English-friendly release as it includes English subtitles for the bonus features.

French Cancan poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

BFI Blu-ray (flawed restoration)

Best Video:

BFI or Gaumont Blu-ray (both from the same flawed restoration)

Best Audio:

BFI or Gaumont Blu-ray

Additional Info:

The BFI and Gaumont Blu-ray releases are both from the same restoration by Éclair. Although this restoration is much superior in detail to the old Criterion DVD, like many Éclair restorations, it has issues with colour. There is a definite yellow cast to the footage, making skin tones appear sickly and dampening the impact of the colour. The image is also murkier than the Criterion

As Renoir scholar Tag Gallagher notes: "I talked a lot toward the end about the light blue walls (Criterion); but when I got the BFI blu I was greatly deflated, because the walls are light gray!"

That said, as visible in the screen caps at DVD Beaver, the Criterion has compromised colour too, and often looks too blue/magenta. There is a regraded edition of the BFI Blu-ray out there on the high seas.

The audio on the Blu-ray releases is slightly compressed, but better than earlier DVD releases and relatively full frequency.

The BFI is most likely the best English-friendly release as it includes English subtitles for the bonus features.

The Rules of the Game poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Criterion 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

Criterion 4K Blu-ray

The Criterion 4K Blu-ray has marginally better detail and grain structure than ESC 4K Blu-ray

The ESC France 4K Blu-ray is an SDR grade erroneously presented in HDR, but if your player can force the HDR into SDR it looks very good.

Best Audio:

2011 Criterion Blu-ray has the least tampered with audio of the DVD era, but it's possible the 1993 Criterion LaserDisc or the 1998 Japan LaserDisc are preferable.

Best English-Friendly:

Criterion 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

Criterion 4K Blu-ray

The Criterion 4K Blu-ray has marginally better detail and grain structure than ESC 4K Blu-ray

The ESC France 4K Blu-ray is an SDR grade erroneously presented in HDR, but if your player can force the HDR into SDR it looks very good.

Best Audio:

2011 Criterion Blu-ray has the least tampered with audio of the DVD era, but it's possible the 1993 Criterion LaserDisc or the 1998 Japan LaserDisc are preferable.

La Chienne poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Criterion

Best Video:

Criterion 4k transfer

Best Audio:

France M6 Video Blu-ray

La Chienne poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Criterion

Best Video:

Criterion 4k transfer

Best Audio:

France M6 Video Blu-ray

Whirlpool of Fate poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Kino Lorber Blu-ray

Best Video:

Kino Lorber Blu-ray

Best English-Friendly:

Kino Lorber Blu-ray

Best Video:

Kino Lorber Blu-ray

Grand Illusion poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

2021 StudioCanal Blu-ray

Best Video:

2021 StudioCanal Blu-ray has better encode and gamma levels compared to older StudioCanal Blu-ray caps

Grand Illusion poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

2021 StudioCanal Blu-ray

Best Video:

2021 StudioCanal Blu-ray has better encode and gamma levels compared to older StudioCanal Blu-ray caps

The Crime of Monsieur Lange poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

StudioCanal Blu-ray

Best Video:

StudioCanal 4k transfer

Best English-Friendly:

StudioCanal Blu-ray

Best Video:

StudioCanal 4k transfer

The Golden Coach poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Kino Lorber/Raro Blu-ray

Best Video:

Raro (Kino Lorber) and France TF1 Blu-ray are very similar. Unsure on Japan Blu-ray

The Golden Coach poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Kino Lorber/Raro Blu-ray

Best Video:

Raro (Kino Lorber) and France TF1 Blu-ray are very similar. Unsure on Japan Blu-ray

La Bête Humaine poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Criterion DVD

Best Video:

StudioCanal France and Spain have BDs

La Bête Humaine poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Criterion DVD

Best Video:

StudioCanal France and Spain have BDs

Boudu Saved from Drowning poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

UK has Blu-ray

Best Video:

UK has Blu-ray

Best English-Friendly:

UK has Blu-ray

Best Video:

UK has Blu-ray

More from Criterion

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WALL·E poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Criterion 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

Criterion 4K Blu-ray > Disney 4K Blu-ray: HDR10 same as the Disney disc, but Criterion's new Dolby Vision layer improves presentation in some aspects, and has very good extras

Best Audio:

Original DTS-ES 6.1 mix: Both are equal. ES rear centre channel maintained on both releases, but is unflagged on the Criterion 4K Blu-ray.

Dolby Atmos remix: Criterion 4K Blu-ray > Disney 4K Blu-ray.

WALL·E poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Criterion 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

Criterion 4K Blu-ray > Disney 4K Blu-ray: HDR10 same as the Disney disc, but Criterion's new Dolby Vision layer improves presentation in some aspects, and has very good extras

Best Audio:

Original DTS-ES 6.1 mix: Both are equal. ES rear centre channel maintained on both releases, but is unflagged on the Criterion 4K Blu-ray.

Dolby Atmos remix: Criterion 4K Blu-ray > Disney 4K Blu-ray.

Young Mr. Lincoln poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Criterion Blu-ray

Best Video:

Criterion Blu-ray, 4K restoration

Young Mr. Lincoln poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Criterion Blu-ray

Best Video:

Criterion Blu-ray, 4K restoration

Blow-Up poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Criterion Blu-ray

Best Video:

Criterion Blu-ray

Best English-Friendly:

Criterion Blu-ray

Best Video:

Criterion Blu-ray

Frankenstein poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Currently streaming on Netflix

Upcoming Release:

Criterion 4K Blu-ray scheduled for October 2026 release

Best Video:

Currently streaming on Netflix

Best English-Friendly:

Currently streaming on Netflix

Upcoming Release:

Criterion 4K Blu-ray scheduled for October 2026 release

Best Video:

Currently streaming on Netflix

The Silence of the Lambs poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Arrow 4K Blu-ray

Upcoming Release:

Criterion 4K Blu-ray scheduled for October 2026 release

Best Audio:

1991 Orion LaserDisc vs 2024 Arrow 4K Blu-ray

Additional Info:

Criterion Blu-ray has exclusive extras

Best English-Friendly:

Arrow 4K Blu-ray

Upcoming Release:

Criterion 4K Blu-ray scheduled for October 2026 release

Best Audio:

1991 Orion LaserDisc vs 2024 Arrow 4K Blu-ray

Additional Info:

Criterion Blu-ray has exclusive extras

The Crucified Lovers poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Criterion Blu-ray

Best Video:

Criterion Blu-ray (caps)

Kadokawa JP Blu-ray has incorrect levels and looks slightly washed out. Criterion has slightly worse encoding, but both are solid in that regard.

Best Audio:

Eureka MoC DVD

Additional Info:

MoC has a different translation from Criterion.

Best English-Friendly:

Criterion Blu-ray

Best Video:

Criterion Blu-ray (caps)

Kadokawa JP Blu-ray has incorrect levels and looks slightly washed out. Criterion has slightly worse encoding, but both are solid in that regard.

Best Audio:

Eureka MoC DVD

Additional Info:

MoC has a different translation from Criterion.

Blue Is the Warmest Color poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Criterion Blu-ray

Best Video:

Criterion Blu-ray> Artificial Eye Blu-ray, Korea Nova Media 4K Blu-ray release is AI upscaled

Best English-Friendly:

Criterion Blu-ray

Best Video:

Criterion Blu-ray> Artificial Eye Blu-ray, Korea Nova Media 4K Blu-ray release is AI upscaled

Fear and Desire poster
1080p Blu-ray
Upcoming Release:

Criterion Box Set

Best Video:

Kino Lorber 4K Blu-ray worse than Blu-ray with poor encoding (review)

Upcoming Release:

Criterion Box Set

Best Video:

Kino Lorber 4K Blu-ray worse than Blu-ray with poor encoding (review)

Local Hero poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

UK Spirit Entertainment Blu-ray

Best Video:

UK Spirit Blu-ray better encode than Criterion Blu-ray

Best Audio:

Criterion Blu-ray (mono mix)

Additional Info:

The UK Blu-ray is a marginally better encode than the Criterion, with better preseveration of detail: https://caps-a-holic.com/c_list.php?c=5302

The Criterion Blu-ray presents the original mono mix. Most other Blu-rays and DVDs are remixed either to stereo or 5.1 surround, with loss of detail and very little actual separation.

Local Hero poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

UK Spirit Entertainment Blu-ray

Best Video:

UK Spirit Blu-ray better encode than Criterion Blu-ray

Best Audio:

Criterion Blu-ray (mono mix)

Additional Info:

The UK Blu-ray is a marginally better encode than the Criterion, with better preseveration of detail: https://caps-a-holic.com/c_list.php?c=5302

The Criterion Blu-ray presents the original mono mix. Most other Blu-rays and DVDs are remixed either to stereo or 5.1 surround, with loss of detail and very little actual separation.

Akira poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Japan 4K Blu-ray beats the other 4Ks and includes English subtitles

Best Video:

Dynit IT Blu-ray

All 4K releases are upscales of the same master with a substantial amount of DNR.

Best Audio:

1988 Pioneer JP LaserDisc for the original 1988 home video audio
2001 Dynit IT Blu-ray for the 2001 remix
2009 Bandai Visual JP Blu-ray / 2011 MHE UK Blu-ray for the Hypersonic remix

1992 Criterion US LaserDisc for the 1988 Streamline English dub

2013 FUNimation US Blu-ray the 2001 Animaze English dub

Due to budgetary constraints, the original theatrical mix was mono. It was replaced with Dolby Surround for all subsequent releases and was never re-released.

LaserDisc is the best souning version of the original home video mix, as all later releases attentuate bass significantly and lower dynamic range. Comparison

The Japanese audio was remixed in 5.1 twice, first time in 2001 for the DVD release, and second time in 2009 for the BD release ("Hypersonic" remix). While the 2001 remix remains mostly faithful to the 1988 mix, the 2009 Hypersonic remix is highly revisionistic. However, its fidelity is outstanding, and despite many changes made, it's a worthwhile alternative experience for fans of the film. The 4K release includes the Hypersonic mix, but with a tonne of unnecessary noise reduction and unbalanced levels.

Comparison between mixes, list of changes between mixes

Akira poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Japan 4K Blu-ray beats the other 4Ks and includes English subtitles

Best Video:

Dynit IT Blu-ray

All 4K releases are upscales of the same master with a substantial amount of DNR.

Best Audio:

1988 Pioneer JP LaserDisc for the original 1988 home video audio
2001 Dynit IT Blu-ray for the 2001 remix
2009 Bandai Visual JP Blu-ray / 2011 MHE UK Blu-ray for the Hypersonic remix

1992 Criterion US LaserDisc for the 1988 Streamline English dub

2013 FUNimation US Blu-ray the 2001 Animaze English dub

Due to budgetary constraints, the original theatrical mix was mono. It was replaced with Dolby Surround for all subsequent releases and was never re-released.

LaserDisc is the best souning version of the original home video mix, as all later releases attentuate bass significantly and lower dynamic range. Comparison

The Japanese audio was remixed in 5.1 twice, first time in 2001 for the DVD release, and second time in 2009 for the BD release ("Hypersonic" remix). While the 2001 remix remains mostly faithful to the 1988 mix, the 2009 Hypersonic remix is highly revisionistic. However, its fidelity is outstanding, and despite many changes made, it's a worthwhile alternative experience for fans of the film. The 4K release includes the Hypersonic mix, but with a tonne of unnecessary noise reduction and unbalanced levels.

Comparison between mixes, list of changes between mixes

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A Day in the Country (1946) backdrop

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