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A Close Shave (1996)
A Close Shave (1996) poster
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4.2

A Close Shave (1996)

Family, Animation, Comedy • 30m

Overview

Wallace's whirlwind romance with the proprietor of the local wool shop puts his head in a spin, and Gromit is framed for sheep-rustling in a fiendish criminal plot.

Director: Nick Park

Best English-Friendly Release

2009 Lionsgate US or UK 2 Entertain OOP Blu-ray

Best Video Release

Best Audio Release

4Ks have low-pitched music and sound effects (and that includes Shaun's baas) correct-pitch voices: https://forum.blu-ray.com/showpost.php?p=21536116&postcount=109

Format

UHD Blu-ray

UHD Tiers

Worse Than BD
BBC:

Lazy upscales with no HDR grading

Featured Lists

AI Restorations Name and Shame

The BBC 4K collection and Shout 4K collection all use the same source, and are all unfortunately using AI upscaling and DNR'ed They are worse than the blurays and the 2023 US Shout Factory collections are even prone to disc-rot.

External Links

Length

30 mins

Type

Movie

Alternative Titles

Wallace & Gromit - A Close Shave, Wallace & Gromit in A Close Shave, Wallace & Gromit in Three Amazing Adventures, Wallace and Gromit: A Close Shave

Last Updated

7 months ago

Contributors

Best English-Friendly Release

2009 Lionsgate US or UK 2 Entertain OOP Blu-ray

Best Video Release
Best Audio Release

4Ks have low-pitched music and sound effects (and that includes Shaun's baas) correct-pitch voices: https://forum.blu-ray.com/showpost.php?p=21536116&postcount=109

Format
UHD Blu-ray
UHD Tiers
Worse Than BD
BBC:

Lazy upscales with no HDR grading

Featured Lists
AI Restorations Name and Shame

The BBC 4K collection and Shout 4K collection all use the same source, and are all unfortunately using AI upscaling and DNR'ed They are worse than the blurays and the 2023 US Shout Factory collections are even prone to disc-rot.

Length
30 mins
Type
Movie
Alternative Titles
Wallace & Gromit - A Close Shave, Wallace & Gromit in A Close Shave, Wallace & Gromit in Three Amazing Adventures, Wallace and Gromit: A Close Shave
Last Updated
7 months ago
Contributors

Featured in AI Restorations Name and Shame

See more →
The Abyss poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best Video:

Disney 4K Blu-ray's artificial smoothening of facial textures making actors look unnatural, grain reduction and other changes to make the film look less like a product of its time

Old WEB-DL or HDTV rip for non AI version

Best Audio:

LaserDisc

The Abyss poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best Video:

Disney 4K Blu-ray's artificial smoothening of facial textures making actors look unnatural, grain reduction and other changes to make the film look less like a product of its time

Old WEB-DL or HDTV rip for non AI version

Best Audio:

LaserDisc

Dust Devil poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Umbrella 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

AU Umbrella 4K Blu-ray > US Kino Lorber 4K Blu-ray 

The US/Theatrical Cut on the Kino Lorber 4K Blu-ray is AI upscaled and has DNR, along with Kino Lorber's usual poor compression.

Director's Cut uses a proper transfer but suffers from terrible compression, even by Kino standards.

The Umbrella with its FiM encode looks blurrier due to a slight low-pass filter, but is still far better than Kino.

Best Audio:

AU Umbrella 4K Blu-ray and US Kino Lorber 4K Blu-ray are the same.

The 5.1 track is a direct port of the lossy NTSC DVD track.

Best English-Friendly:

Umbrella 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

AU Umbrella 4K Blu-ray > US Kino Lorber 4K Blu-ray 

The US/Theatrical Cut on the Kino Lorber 4K Blu-ray is AI upscaled and has DNR, along with Kino Lorber's usual poor compression.

Director's Cut uses a proper transfer but suffers from terrible compression, even by Kino standards.

The Umbrella with its FiM encode looks blurrier due to a slight low-pass filter, but is still far better than Kino.

Best Audio:

AU Umbrella 4K Blu-ray and US Kino Lorber 4K Blu-ray are the same.

The 5.1 track is a direct port of the lossy NTSC DVD track.

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

2013 MGM Blu-ray, or 4K Blu-ray if you MUST have the mono mix, 2001 MGM DVD for a purist version with original colors and the international mono mix

Upcoming Release:

Capelight 4K Steelbook and Mediabook announced for 2026

Best Video:

2013 MGM Blu-ray for non AI transfer, 2001 MGM DVD for a purist version with original colors and the international mono mix

Best Audio:

1991 Image Entertainment LaserDisc for the US mono mix, 2001 MGM DVD for the International mono mix

Additional Info:

The 4K Blu-Ray and the 2001 MGM DVD have exclusive extras.

Best English-Friendly:

2013 MGM Blu-ray, or 4K Blu-ray if you MUST have the mono mix, 2001 MGM DVD for a purist version with original colors and the international mono mix

Upcoming Release:

Capelight 4K Steelbook and Mediabook announced for 2026

Best Video:

2013 MGM Blu-ray for non AI transfer, 2001 MGM DVD for a purist version with original colors and the international mono mix

Best Audio:

1991 Image Entertainment LaserDisc for the US mono mix, 2001 MGM DVD for the International mono mix

Additional Info:

The 4K Blu-Ray and the 2001 MGM DVD have exclusive extras.

True Lies poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Resen 2020 Spain Blu-ray, old WEB-DL (pre 2023/2024 transfer), HDTV rip, or 35mm scan

Best Video:

Resen 2020 Spain Blu-ray, old WEB-DL (pre 2023/2024 transfer), HDTV rip, or 35mm scan better than 4K Blu-ray with terrible "AI" upscale: screenshots

True Lies poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Resen 2020 Spain Blu-ray, old WEB-DL (pre 2023/2024 transfer), HDTV rip, or 35mm scan

Best Video:

Resen 2020 Spain Blu-ray, old WEB-DL (pre 2023/2024 transfer), HDTV rip, or 35mm scan better than 4K Blu-ray with terrible "AI" upscale: screenshots

Titanic poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Paramount/Fox Blu-ray
3D Blu-ray for the IMAX/Open Matte version

35mm scan for original theatrical cut

Best Video:

Paramount/Fox Blu-ray
3D Blu-ray for the IMAX/Open Matte version

35mm scan for original theatrical cut

4K Blu-ray is AI upscaled

Best Audio:

Cinema DTS

Additional Info:

The 4K Blu-ray bonus disc, the 2012 Blu-ray bonus disc, and the 2005 3 disc DVD have exclusive extras.

Titanic poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Paramount/Fox Blu-ray
3D Blu-ray for the IMAX/Open Matte version

35mm scan for original theatrical cut

Best Video:

Paramount/Fox Blu-ray
3D Blu-ray for the IMAX/Open Matte version

35mm scan for original theatrical cut

4K Blu-ray is AI upscaled

Best Audio:

Cinema DTS

Additional Info:

The 4K Blu-ray bonus disc, the 2012 Blu-ray bonus disc, and the 2005 3 disc DVD have exclusive extras.

Renegades poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Germany Explosive Media or France ESC Blu-ray?

Best Video:

Germany Explosive Media or France ESC Blu-ray?

Spain Resen Blu-ray is a bootleg

Germany Hanselab 4K Blu-ray is disappointing with AI upscaling

Renegades poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Germany Explosive Media or France ESC Blu-ray?

Best Video:

Germany Explosive Media or France ESC Blu-ray?

Spain Resen Blu-ray is a bootleg

Germany Hanselab 4K Blu-ray is disappointing with AI upscaling

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

US Shout! Factory Blu-ray

Best Video:

US Shout! Factory Blu-ray

Avoid the Germany Hanselab 4K Blu-ray, as it's riddled with oversaturated colors, poor encoding, AI upscaling, and DNR. The included Blu-ray is also DNRed.

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

US Shout! Factory Blu-ray

Best Video:

US Shout! Factory Blu-ray

Avoid the Germany Hanselab 4K Blu-ray, as it's riddled with oversaturated colors, poor encoding, AI upscaling, and DNR. The included Blu-ray is also DNRed.

The Mothman Prophecies poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Australia Imprint Blu-ray?

Best Video:

Australia Imprint Blu-ray?

Germany Filmjuwelen 4K Blu-ray is disappointing with AI upscaling

Best Audio:

Germany Concorde Blu-ray has lossless DTS-HD 5.1

Best English-Friendly:

Australia Imprint Blu-ray?

Best Video:

Australia Imprint Blu-ray?

Germany Filmjuwelen 4K Blu-ray is disappointing with AI upscaling

Best Audio:

Germany Concorde Blu-ray has lossless DTS-HD 5.1

Diabolique poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

France ESC or Spain Blu-ray?

Best Video:

France ESC or Spain Blu-ray?

Germany Hanselab 4K Blu-ray is disappointing with AI upscaling

Best English-Friendly:

France ESC or Spain Blu-ray?

Best Video:

France ESC or Spain Blu-ray?

Germany Hanselab 4K Blu-ray is disappointing with AI upscaling

Aguirre, the Wrath of God poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray > BFI 4K Blu-ray, see caps https://slow.pics/c/nPcxCNW4

Some find BFI better but with more DNR and AI upscaling like their horrible 1979 Nosferatu 4K Blu-ray, and Shout! Factory has more over-exposed grading https://slow.pics/c/WQKmBTLJ

Best Audio:

2000 R2 Stonevision DVD vs Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray?

Best English-Friendly:

Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray > BFI 4K Blu-ray, see caps https://slow.pics/c/nPcxCNW4

Some find BFI better but with more DNR and AI upscaling like their horrible 1979 Nosferatu 4K Blu-ray, and Shout! Factory has more over-exposed grading https://slow.pics/c/WQKmBTLJ

Best Audio:

2000 R2 Stonevision DVD vs Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray?

More from Nick Park

See more →
The Wrong Trousers poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

2009 Lionsgate US or UK 2 Entertain OOP Blu-ray

Best Video:
Best Audio:

Shout! Factory 4K 5.1 track for The Wrong Trousers is in its correct pitch both in music and voices https://forum.blu-ray.com/showpost.php?p=21535755&postcount=103

Unaltered track with the original music cues is on the LaserDisc.

Best English-Friendly:

2009 Lionsgate US or UK 2 Entertain OOP Blu-ray

Best Video:
Best Audio:

Shout! Factory 4K 5.1 track for The Wrong Trousers is in its correct pitch both in music and voices https://forum.blu-ray.com/showpost.php?p=21535755&postcount=103

Unaltered track with the original music cues is on the LaserDisc.

A Matter of Loaf and Death poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

2009 Lionsgate US or UK 2 Entertain OOP Blu-ray

Best Video:
Best Audio:

4K discs in the correct pitch https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=364711&page=8

Best English-Friendly:

2009 Lionsgate US or UK 2 Entertain OOP Blu-ray

Best Video:
Best Audio:

4K discs in the correct pitch https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=364711&page=8

A Grand Day Out poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

2009 Lionsgate US or UK 2 Entertain OOP Blu-ray

Best Video:
  • The BBC 4K collection and Shout! Factory 4K collection all use the same source, and are all unfortunately using AI upscaling and DNR'ed They are worse than the blurays and the 2023 US Shout! Factory collections are even prone to disc-rot.

  • 2009 Lionsgate US (also prone to disc-rot) or UK 2 Entertain OOP Blu-ray will be the way to go.

  • The 4K collection's Blu-ray seems to be a reprint of previous releases.

Best Audio:

None of the 4K, nor any of the 2009 Blu-ray has the correct pitch see https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=364711&page=8

A Grand Day Out poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

2009 Lionsgate US or UK 2 Entertain OOP Blu-ray

Best Video:
  • The BBC 4K collection and Shout! Factory 4K collection all use the same source, and are all unfortunately using AI upscaling and DNR'ed They are worse than the blurays and the 2023 US Shout! Factory collections are even prone to disc-rot.

  • 2009 Lionsgate US (also prone to disc-rot) or UK 2 Entertain OOP Blu-ray will be the way to go.

  • The 4K collection's Blu-ray seems to be a reprint of previous releases.

Best Audio:

None of the 4K, nor any of the 2009 Blu-ray has the correct pitch see https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=364711&page=8

More from Shout! Factory

See more →
What Dreams May Come poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray

Best Audio:

US end credits song: US Universal Blu-ray

International end credits song: International Universal Blu-ray

Additional Info:

The US uses the end credits score “Beside You” from composer Michael Kamen, while in other markets it is Simply Red “Besides You”.

Best English-Friendly:

Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray

Best Audio:

US end credits song: US Universal Blu-ray

International end credits song: International Universal Blu-ray

Additional Info:

The US uses the end credits score “Beside You” from composer Michael Kamen, while in other markets it is Simply Red “Besides You”.

A Better Tomorrow II poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray

Best English-Friendly:

Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray

Bullet in the Head poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray

Upcoming Release:

UK Arrow 4K Blu-ray

Best English-Friendly:

Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray

Upcoming Release:

UK Arrow 4K Blu-ray

A Better Tomorrow poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray > Disk Kino/WCL China import

review: Disk Kino

Best Audio:

Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray has the original mono

Best English-Friendly:

Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray > Disk Kino/WCL China import

review: Disk Kino

Best Audio:

Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray has the original mono

Species II poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray

Upcoming Release:

Imprint 4K Blu-ray scheduled for August 2026 release

Species II poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray

Upcoming Release:

Imprint 4K Blu-ray scheduled for August 2026 release

Them! poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray see caps

Them! poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray see caps

WarGames poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Germany Capelight 4K Blu-ray

Best Audio:

5.1 mix: Germany Capelight 4K Blu-ray
Original matrixed Dolby Stereo: MGM NTSC DVD

The 5.1 track sounds very good and is said to be sourced from the original 6-track mix used for 70mm blow-up releases, but there is no conclusive proof of that.

WarGames poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Germany Capelight 4K Blu-ray

Best Audio:

5.1 mix: Germany Capelight 4K Blu-ray
Original matrixed Dolby Stereo: MGM NTSC DVD

The 5.1 track sounds very good and is said to be sourced from the original 6-track mix used for 70mm blow-up releases, but there is no conclusive proof of that.

Day of the Dead poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray

Best Audio:

Mono: 35mm scan, old Shout! Factory and Australia Umbrella Blu-ray sounds better than the rest of the discs, but has noise reduction

Stereo: Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray has a transfer of the 1986 Japan LaserDisc Stereo

Best English-Friendly:

Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray

Best Audio:

Mono: 35mm scan, old Shout! Factory and Australia Umbrella Blu-ray sounds better than the rest of the discs, but has noise reduction

Stereo: Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray has a transfer of the 1986 Japan LaserDisc Stereo

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A Close Shave (1996) backdrop

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