Best Blurays IconBest Blurays
Films
/
Invictus (2009)
Invictus (2009) poster
Letterboxd

Invictus (2009)

Drama, History • 2h 14m

Overview

Newly elected President Nelson Mandela knows his nation remains racially and economically divided in the wake of apartheid. Believing he can bring his people together through the universal language of sport, Mandela rallies South Africa's rugby union team as they make their historic run to the 1995 Rugby World Cup Championship match.

Director: Clint Eastwood

Cast: Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon, Tony Kgoroge, Patrick Mofokeng, Matt Stern, Julian Lewis Jones, Adjoa Andoh, Marguerite Wheatley, Leleti Khumalo, Patrick Lyster, Penny Downie, Sibongile Nojila, Bonnie Mbuli, Shakes Myeko, Louis Minnaar, Danny Keogh, Dan Robbertse, Robin Smith, David Dukas, Grant Swanby, Josias Moleele, Langley Kirkwood, Robert Hobbs, Melusi Yeni, Vuyo Dabula, Daniel Hadebe, Jodi Botha, Hennie Bosman, Refiloe Mpakanyane, Jakkie Groenewald, Murray Todd, Japan Mthembu, Albert Maritz, Sello Motloung, Meren Reddy, Lida Botha, Susan Danford, Sylvia Mngxekeza, James Lithgow, Malusi Skenjana, Bart Fouche, Johnny Cicco, Wayne Harrison, Ashley Taylor, Gift Leotlela, Kgosi Mongake, Given Stuurman, Vuyolwethu Stevens, Ayabulela Stevens, Nambitha Mpumlwana, André Jacobs, J.R. Redelinghuys, Grant Roberts, Scott Eastwood, Mark Bowen Davies, Dale Stephen Dunn, Graham Lindemann, Louis Ackerman, Andries Le Grange, Thomas Boyd, Clive Richard Samuel, Richard Abrahamse, Sean Pypers, Herman Botha, Riaan Wolmarans, Louis Pieterse, Ryan Scott, Daniel Deon Wessels, Vaughn Thompson, Charl Engelbrecht, Rolf Ernst Fitschen, Richard Morris, Ryan Olivier, Warren Edwards, Andrew Nel, Rudi Zandberg, Renzo Puccini, Abraham Vlok, Geoff Brown, McNeil Hendricks, John Paul Chapman, Sililo Victor Martens, Epeli Taione, Aukusitino Junior Poluleuligaga, Patrick Bell, Anton Coosner, Simon Peter Blakeley, Salman Sarfodien Davids, Warrick Ireland, Warren Taylor, Karl Bergemann, Jean-Pierre Van Zyl, Mohammed Ridhaa Damon, Mark Snodgrass, Theodore Grovers, Gordon Johnston, Conrad Marais, Pieter Engelbrecht, Bjorn Steinbach, Clinton Prinsloo, Yusuf Abrahams, Jody Burch, Wynand Collins, Abu Bakr Davids, Emile Olivier, Zak Feaunati, Anthony Burns, Marius Erwee, Mfundo Galada, Michael van Schalkwyk, Dan Visser, Jethro Mickleburgh, Ryan Williams, Gareth Rowe, Stuart Calder, Johnathan van der Walt, Shane Vallender, Abbas Hendricks, Karlo Aspeling, Calvin Kotze, Sivuyile Ngesi, Joe Probyn, Eugene Butterworth, Mzikayise Rala, Brendon Shields, Reagan Anderson, Willem Mouton, Devan Gericke, Richard Williams, Ashley Down, Clint van Rensburg, Patrick Holman, Sarel du Plessis, Len Berter, Shawn du Plooy, Joel Serman, Elrico Blaauw, Warren Butler, Jamie Holtzhausen, Shaun Harding, Callan Artus, Juan Coetzer, Jake Levin, Keith Daly, Shaffiq Nordien, Richard Smith, Edward O'Sullivan, Jaco Pieterse, Michael Ledwidge, Hendrik Franken, William Festers, Henry Temple, Dane Gallery, David John Fourie, Jadeon du Tait, Riaan van der Vyver, Gerhard Gerber, Ross Peacock, Troy Futter, Michael la Grange, Morne Vletter, Andrew Rose, Brandon Hendricks, Bradley Contereal, Zuhair Achmat, Pedro Noronha, Tahir Achmat, Faseegh Mallick, Mario Jacobs, Kurt Kuhn, Mark Katzen, Adenaan Bazier, Brendell Brandt, Stewart Palmer, Ryan Roman, Hyron Thyse, Abu-Bakr Hendricks, Gerard Pedersen, Nezaan Bewee, Niklaas Soutman, Don Eiman, Taariq Davids, Mark Rickard, Jessica Rotter

Best English-Friendly Release

Best Video Release

Format

1080p Blu-ray

External Links

Length

134 mins

Type

Movie

Last Updated

2 months ago

Contributors

Best English-Friendly Release
Best Video Release
Format
1080p Blu-ray
Length
134 mins
Type
Movie
Last Updated
2 months ago
Contributors

More from Clint Eastwood

See more →
Flags of Our Fathers poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

US Paramount/International Warner Bros Blu-ray

Best Video:

US Paramount > International Warner Bros Blu-ray

Best Audio:

International Warner Bros Blu-ray has a lossless PCM 5.1 track

Best English-Friendly:

US Paramount/International Warner Bros Blu-ray

Best Video:

US Paramount > International Warner Bros Blu-ray

Best Audio:

International Warner Bros Blu-ray has a lossless PCM 5.1 track

Letters from Iwo Jima poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Warner Bros Blu-ray with TrueHD audio

Best Video:

Warner Bros Blu-ray with TrueHD audio

Best English-Friendly:

Warner Bros Blu-ray with TrueHD audio

Best Video:

Warner Bros Blu-ray with TrueHD audio

Pale Rider poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

WB 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

WB 4K Blu-ray

Best Audio:

WB 4K Blu-ray - Dolby Stereo mix

Additional Info:

According to one source: "Best audio is the original dolby stereo that is included on the UHD Blu-ray. It sounds miles better than anything released on DVD, Blu-ray (they sound much more muffled), and when compared to the atmos...However, it's not without its faults, as WB had to spoil and boost it causing clipping, still it's the best audio available for the time being."

Pale Rider poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

WB 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

WB 4K Blu-ray

Best Audio:

WB 4K Blu-ray - Dolby Stereo mix

Additional Info:

According to one source: "Best audio is the original dolby stereo that is included on the UHD Blu-ray. It sounds miles better than anything released on DVD, Blu-ray (they sound much more muffled), and when compared to the atmos...However, it's not without its faults, as WB had to spoil and boost it causing clipping, still it's the best audio available for the time being."

Bronco Billy poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Warner Archive Blu-ray

Bronco Billy poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Warner Archive Blu-ray

Million Dollar Baby poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

WB 2014 Blu-ray

Best Video:

WB Blu-ray (2014 and 2006 should be the same transfer) and Germany Blu-ray looks the same, Spain release has forced subtitles.

Best Audio:

WB 2014 10th Anniversary Edition upgraded audio to loseless.

Best English-Friendly:

WB 2014 Blu-ray

Best Video:

WB Blu-ray (2014 and 2006 should be the same transfer) and Germany Blu-ray looks the same, Spain release has forced subtitles.

Best Audio:

WB 2014 10th Anniversary Edition upgraded audio to loseless.

The Outlaw Josey Wales poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

WB 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

WB 4K Blu-ray

Best English-Friendly:

WB 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

WB 4K Blu-ray

American Sniper poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

WB 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

WB 4K Blu-ray

Best English-Friendly:

WB 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

WB 4K Blu-ray

High Plains Drifter poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Kino Lorber 4K Blu-ray

Best Audio:

Mono: Streaming

Best English-Friendly:

Kino Lorber 4K Blu-ray

Best Audio:

Mono: Streaming

The Bridges of Madison County poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

WB Blu-ray

Best Video:

WB Blu-ray

Best English-Friendly:

WB Blu-ray

Best Video:

WB Blu-ray

More from Warner Bros

See more →
National Lampoon's Vacation poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Warner Bros 4K Blu-ray

Best Audio:

Original theatrical release featured the song "I'm So Excited", which was later replaced with "Little Boy Sweet". The former is included on 1983 VHS/LaserDisc releases, and was at one point available on Amazon and Vudu Streaming streams.

Best English-Friendly:

Warner Bros 4K Blu-ray

Best Audio:

Original theatrical release featured the song "I'm So Excited", which was later replaced with "Little Boy Sweet". The former is included on 1983 VHS/LaserDisc releases, and was at one point available on Amazon and Vudu Streaming streams.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

WB 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

WB 4K Blu-ray

Best Audio:

WB Blu-ray sounds superior to 4K Blu-ray and DVD which have additional filtering.

Best English-Friendly:

WB 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

WB 4K Blu-ray

Best Audio:

WB Blu-ray sounds superior to 4K Blu-ray and DVD which have additional filtering.

King Kong poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

WB Blu-ray

Best Video:

WB Blu-ray

Best English-Friendly:

WB Blu-ray

Best Video:

WB Blu-ray

Once Upon a Time in America poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

251 min cut (Extended): Fox Blu-ray. Eagle Pictures has forced Italian subs in some parts

229 min cut (Theatrical): WB Blu-ray

139 min cut (US theatrical): VHS

Best Video:

Eagle Pictures 4K Blu-ray, caps

The 4K includes both theatrical and extended cuts. It's overall a solid upgrade over previous discs, but some will strongly dislike the color grading.
There are some issues with encoding and grain management.


Nic's review:

Some definitely messed with it as there’s grain management going on that resulted in magnetic, squishy grain movement. Both cuts (4K discs) are affected and it doesn’t look like an encoding issue to me as the bitrates don’t drop down to single digits á la Paramount or StudioCanal. During opticals, the lowest I’ve noted on the Extended 4K was around 30 MB/s vs. ~5 MB/s more for the theatrical cut.

Darker scenes are mostly (but not always) better but when it gets brighter, particularly in exteriors or scenes like the Jennifer Connelly dance scene at minute 38, I can’t unsee the digital tinkering as it does some damage texturally.

I compared it with the Eagle Pictures and Warner Bros Fox Blu-ray of the extended cut and they all look fine without grain management like that. Eagle Pictures’s Blu-ray is an older one if anyone’s curious and credited to another authoring house than 64Biz, which did the 4K.

Other than that, except for some encoding-related chroma noise that peeks through in the DV layer, Eagle Pictures did everything right. They corrected the framing to 1.85, kept the original English titles, the English restoration note, subtitles, HDR/DV is gentle and respectful of the source black levels are better than on the Warner Bros/Fox Blu-ray. Without that grain management, this would’ve been the all-timer release we all longed for.

Best Audio:

251 min cut: Fox Blu-ray (24-bit, Eagle Pictures is 16-bit, not audible)
229 min cut: Warner Bros LaserDisc (missing 2 minutes, but original mono mix was never released on DVD/Blu-ray)

Additional Info:

Extended edition adds scenes cut from the theatrical, but from a much lower quality source. It's intended to approximate the original cut, but to what extent that is true is debatable.
US theatrical cut is infamously bad, was panned at release and never re-released on home video.

Best English-Friendly:

251 min cut (Extended): Fox Blu-ray. Eagle Pictures has forced Italian subs in some parts

229 min cut (Theatrical): WB Blu-ray

139 min cut (US theatrical): VHS

Best Video:

Eagle Pictures 4K Blu-ray, caps

The 4K includes both theatrical and extended cuts. It's overall a solid upgrade over previous discs, but some will strongly dislike the color grading.
There are some issues with encoding and grain management.


Nic's review:

Some definitely messed with it as there’s grain management going on that resulted in magnetic, squishy grain movement. Both cuts (4K discs) are affected and it doesn’t look like an encoding issue to me as the bitrates don’t drop down to single digits á la Paramount or StudioCanal. During opticals, the lowest I’ve noted on the Extended 4K was around 30 MB/s vs. ~5 MB/s more for the theatrical cut.

Darker scenes are mostly (but not always) better but when it gets brighter, particularly in exteriors or scenes like the Jennifer Connelly dance scene at minute 38, I can’t unsee the digital tinkering as it does some damage texturally.

I compared it with the Eagle Pictures and Warner Bros Fox Blu-ray of the extended cut and they all look fine without grain management like that. Eagle Pictures’s Blu-ray is an older one if anyone’s curious and credited to another authoring house than 64Biz, which did the 4K.

Other than that, except for some encoding-related chroma noise that peeks through in the DV layer, Eagle Pictures did everything right. They corrected the framing to 1.85, kept the original English titles, the English restoration note, subtitles, HDR/DV is gentle and respectful of the source black levels are better than on the Warner Bros/Fox Blu-ray. Without that grain management, this would’ve been the all-timer release we all longed for.

Best Audio:

251 min cut: Fox Blu-ray (24-bit, Eagle Pictures is 16-bit, not audible)
229 min cut: Warner Bros LaserDisc (missing 2 minutes, but original mono mix was never released on DVD/Blu-ray)

Additional Info:

Extended edition adds scenes cut from the theatrical, but from a much lower quality source. It's intended to approximate the original cut, but to what extent that is true is debatable.
US theatrical cut is infamously bad, was panned at release and never re-released on home video.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Warner Bros 4K Blu-ray (includes Extended Cut on regular Blu-ray)

Best Video:

Warner Bros 4K Blu-ray (includes Extended Cut on regular Blu-ray)

Best Audio:

Original theatrical 6.1 mix: 2009 Warner Bros Blu-ray Ultimate Edition (Theatrical Cut only) 

Extended Cut 5.1 mix: Warner Bros Blu-ray

DTS remix: Warner Bros 4K Blu-ray

Additional Info:

The film is titled Sorcerer's Stone in the US, India, and the Philippines.

Wizard's/Hogwarts Collection has all the bonus features for all the 8 films. 

The lossless version of the original 6.1 mix is only available on the ultimate edition blu-ray not to be confused with the ultimate collectors edition blu-ray.

Best English-Friendly:

Warner Bros 4K Blu-ray (includes Extended Cut on regular Blu-ray)

Best Video:

Warner Bros 4K Blu-ray (includes Extended Cut on regular Blu-ray)

Best Audio:

Original theatrical 6.1 mix: 2009 Warner Bros Blu-ray Ultimate Edition (Theatrical Cut only) 

Extended Cut 5.1 mix: Warner Bros Blu-ray

DTS remix: Warner Bros 4K Blu-ray

Additional Info:

The film is titled Sorcerer's Stone in the US, India, and the Philippines.

Wizard's/Hogwarts Collection has all the bonus features for all the 8 films. 

The lossless version of the original 6.1 mix is only available on the ultimate edition blu-ray not to be confused with the ultimate collectors edition blu-ray.

Pleasantville poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray, but a shot was cut from the film

Warner Bros Blu-ray for the uncut version, but it's a older master.

Best Video:

Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray, but a shot was cut from the film

Warner Bros Blu-ray for the uncut version, but it's a older master.

Pleasantville poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray, but a shot was cut from the film

Warner Bros Blu-ray for the uncut version, but it's a older master.

Best Video:

Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray, but a shot was cut from the film

Warner Bros Blu-ray for the uncut version, but it's a older master.

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 DNRhttps://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 DNRhttps://bsky.app/profile/dagscott.bsky.social/post/3leahavqi7k2l

Bait poster
HD Streaming
Best English-Friendly:

Netflix is streaming in HD with OAR

Or Warner Bros DVD

Best Video:

Netflix is streaming in HD with OAR

Or Warner Bros DVD

Best Audio:

Warner Bros DVD

Bait poster
HD Streaming
Best English-Friendly:

Netflix is streaming in HD with OAR

Or Warner Bros DVD

Best Video:

Netflix is streaming in HD with OAR

Or Warner Bros DVD

Best Audio:

Warner Bros DVD

The Number 23 poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Warner Bros/New Line Blu-ray

Best Video:

Warner Bros/New Line Blu-ray

Best English-Friendly:

Warner Bros/New Line Blu-ray

Best Video:

Warner Bros/New Line Blu-ray

Corpse Bride poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

WB 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

Warner Bros 4K Blu-ray caps. Original 1.85 framing restored, much better colors, image detail and a film stock-like tone curve was restored.

Best Audio:

Warner Bros HD-DVD has the original 6.1 mix in a better format than the Blu-ray (Dolby Digital Plus instead of standard Dolby Digital), but is still lossy and a disc prone to disc rot. The Blu-ray is a good alternative.

Best English-Friendly:

WB 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

Warner Bros 4K Blu-ray caps. Original 1.85 framing restored, much better colors, image detail and a film stock-like tone curve was restored.

Best Audio:

Warner Bros HD-DVD has the original 6.1 mix in a better format than the Blu-ray (Dolby Digital Plus instead of standard Dolby Digital), but is still lossy and a disc prone to disc rot. The Blu-ray is a good alternative.

More Drama on Blu-ray

Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Wicked Vision 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

Wicked Vision 4K Blu-ray see caps

Additional Info:

2019 BFI Blu-ray is the older master but better encode + extra footage than Criterion Blu-ray

Italy CG Entertainment Blu-ray is 4K resto, but horrible colours.

Best English-Friendly:

Wicked Vision 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

Wicked Vision 4K Blu-ray see caps

Additional Info:

2019 BFI Blu-ray is the older master but better encode + extra footage than Criterion Blu-ray

Italy CG Entertainment Blu-ray is 4K resto, but horrible colours.

Suzhou River poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

UK Radiance Blu-ray

Best Video:

UK Radiance Blu-ray: caps and more caps. In addition, note that the US Strand Blu-ray is erroneously presented at 30 fps.

Best Audio:

(Maybe) Taiwan Welcome Music Blu-ray: OG mono mix. All other Blu-rays feature the 5.1 remix only, although, per the restoration note (found on pages 21-22 here), director Lou Ye was closely involved in this remix and made sure it stayed faithful to the original mix (no new sound or atmosphere and retaining original mistakes).

Suzhou River poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

UK Radiance Blu-ray

Best Video:

UK Radiance Blu-ray: caps and more caps. In addition, note that the US Strand Blu-ray is erroneously presented at 30 fps.

Best Audio:

(Maybe) Taiwan Welcome Music Blu-ray: OG mono mix. All other Blu-rays feature the 5.1 remix only, although, per the restoration note (found on pages 21-22 here), director Lou Ye was closely involved in this remix and made sure it stayed faithful to the original mix (no new sound or atmosphere and retaining original mistakes).

Keoma poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

UK Cult Films Blu-ray

Best Video:

German Plaion 4K Blu-ray see caps but doesn't have EN subtitles

Keoma poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

UK Cult Films Blu-ray

Best Video:

German Plaion 4K Blu-ray see caps but doesn't have EN subtitles

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

Eureka MoC Blu-ray

Best Video:

1984 Giorgio Moroder restoration: MoC Blu-ray or Kino Lorber Blu-ray

2001 Murnau restoration: MoC 2-disc DVD set > Kino Lorber 1-disc Restored Authorized Edition DVD

2010 Murnau complete restoration: MoC Blu-ray > Kino Lorber Blu-ray

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

Eureka MoC Blu-ray

Best Video:

1984 Giorgio Moroder restoration: MoC Blu-ray or Kino Lorber Blu-ray

2001 Murnau restoration: MoC 2-disc DVD set > Kino Lorber 1-disc Restored Authorized Edition DVD

2010 Murnau complete restoration: MoC Blu-ray > Kino Lorber Blu-ray

100 METERS poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Netflix Streaming

Best Audio:

Japan Pony Canyon Blu-ray for original Dolby Atmos mix

Netflix Streaming for English dub

100 METERS poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Netflix Streaming

Best Audio:

Japan Pony Canyon Blu-ray for original Dolby Atmos mix

Netflix Streaming for English dub

The Hurt Locker poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Lionsgate 4K Blu-ray

Best English-Friendly:

Lionsgate 4K Blu-ray

Suzume poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Hong Kong Neofilms 4K Blu-ray

US/UK Crunchyroll Blu-ray for English dub

Upcoming Release:

US/UK Crunchyroll 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

Hong Kong Neofilms 4K Blu-ray

Best Audio:

Hong Kong Neofilms 4K Blu-ray/Japan Toho 4K Blu-ray

US/UK Crunchyroll Blu-ray for English dub

Additional Info:

Hong Kong Neofilms 4K Blu-ray has better bitrate and detail than Japan Toho 4K Blu-ray, both releases have English subtitles.

The original theatrical Atmos mix has not been given a home release.

Suzume poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Hong Kong Neofilms 4K Blu-ray

US/UK Crunchyroll Blu-ray for English dub

Upcoming Release:

US/UK Crunchyroll 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

Hong Kong Neofilms 4K Blu-ray

Best Audio:

Hong Kong Neofilms 4K Blu-ray/Japan Toho 4K Blu-ray

US/UK Crunchyroll Blu-ray for English dub

Additional Info:

Hong Kong Neofilms 4K Blu-ray has better bitrate and detail than Japan Toho 4K Blu-ray, both releases have English subtitles.

The original theatrical Atmos mix has not been given a home release.

Maurice poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Cohen 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

Cohen 4K Blu-ray caps. Same 4K master that Cohen released on BD but grain resolves much better and the gamma levels are now correctly set.

Maurice poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Cohen 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

Cohen 4K Blu-ray caps. Same 4K master that Cohen released on BD but grain resolves much better and the gamma levels are now correctly set.

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

Imprint AU Blu-ray

Best Video:

Amazon Streaming

The master on streaming is sourced from a new restoration with much better detail and no blown whites, but unfortunately cropped in and not in proper sepia tones. Caps

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

Imprint AU Blu-ray

Best Video:

Amazon Streaming

The master on streaming is sourced from a new restoration with much better detail and no blown whites, but unfortunately cropped in and not in proper sepia tones. Caps

The Elephant Man poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Criterion or StudioCanal 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

Criterion 4K Blu-ray is SDR
StudioCanal 4K Blu-ray is HDR

The DV/HDR grade is tasteful and not overdone. SC has better compression, though not flawless; encoded by FiM, but Criterion also holds up quite well. Both releases claim to be approved by Lynch.

SC has a missing fade that Criterion reinstated.

Best Audio:

Original matrixed Dolby Stereo mix: 2001 R1 Paramount US NTSC DVD/2008 R2 Optimum UK PAL or 1999 Pioneer JP LaserDisc

Restored stereo mix: Criterion / StudioCanal 4K Blu-ray

The film was originally mixed in Dolby Stereo (matrixed LCRS). For the 4K restoration, this mix has been transferred from the original magnetic elements and remastered with Lynch's supervision. Unfortunately, the fidelity suffered in the process, with many sections ending up significantly less detailed due to a noise reduction pass. This track has been altered compared to the original, with reverb added to some dialogue, different ambient sound effects, changed panning, and extended bass.

For the unrestored mix, there are two major options, each with its own merits and flaws. The 2001 Paramount DVD, which I would say is the best well-rounded mastering, and the 1999 Japanese LaserDisc, which has noticeably better clarity and high-end detail, as well as better dynamics, but suffers from occasional distortion and has less bass than the DVD.

The LD also has some ambiance buried too low in the mix, and some dialogue panned more to the centre than the DVD. There are no content changes I was able to find. Unfortunately, I don't know what accounts for those differences.

The other available tracks all have more significant flaws. The Italian and Japanese BDs use the same base mastering as the DVD, but with some patching in a few shots. HD-DVD is sourced from an inferior transfer, the same as the Momentum DVD.

The 5.1 remix, originally introduced on the 2002 DVD, and carried over without changes to the 2009 BD is a light and mostly faithful remix, with fairly minimal LFE and surround use, but still potentially worthwhile as the only discrete track.

Best English-Friendly:

Criterion or StudioCanal 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

Criterion 4K Blu-ray is SDR
StudioCanal 4K Blu-ray is HDR

The DV/HDR grade is tasteful and not overdone. SC has better compression, though not flawless; encoded by FiM, but Criterion also holds up quite well. Both releases claim to be approved by Lynch.

SC has a missing fade that Criterion reinstated.

Best Audio:

Original matrixed Dolby Stereo mix: 2001 R1 Paramount US NTSC DVD/2008 R2 Optimum UK PAL or 1999 Pioneer JP LaserDisc

Restored stereo mix: Criterion / StudioCanal 4K Blu-ray

The film was originally mixed in Dolby Stereo (matrixed LCRS). For the 4K restoration, this mix has been transferred from the original magnetic elements and remastered with Lynch's supervision. Unfortunately, the fidelity suffered in the process, with many sections ending up significantly less detailed due to a noise reduction pass. This track has been altered compared to the original, with reverb added to some dialogue, different ambient sound effects, changed panning, and extended bass.

For the unrestored mix, there are two major options, each with its own merits and flaws. The 2001 Paramount DVD, which I would say is the best well-rounded mastering, and the 1999 Japanese LaserDisc, which has noticeably better clarity and high-end detail, as well as better dynamics, but suffers from occasional distortion and has less bass than the DVD.

The LD also has some ambiance buried too low in the mix, and some dialogue panned more to the centre than the DVD. There are no content changes I was able to find. Unfortunately, I don't know what accounts for those differences.

The other available tracks all have more significant flaws. The Italian and Japanese BDs use the same base mastering as the DVD, but with some patching in a few shots. HD-DVD is sourced from an inferior transfer, the same as the Momentum DVD.

The 5.1 remix, originally introduced on the 2002 DVD, and carried over without changes to the 2009 BD is a light and mostly faithful remix, with fairly minimal LFE and surround use, but still potentially worthwhile as the only discrete track.

Edit History

1 edit
Invictus (2009) backdrop

Made with ❤️ 📀 by vanshady