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The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1988)
The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1988) poster
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The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1988)

Drama, Romance • 2h 51m

Overview

Successful surgeon Tomas leaves Prague for an operation, meets a young photographer named Tereza, and brings her back with him. Tereza is surprised to learn that Tomas is already having an affair with the bohemian Sabina, but when the Soviet invasion occurs, all three flee to Switzerland. Sabina begins an affair, Tom continues womanizing, and Tereza, disgusted, returns to Czechoslovakia. Realizing his mistake, Tomas decides to chase after her.

Director: Philip Kaufman

Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Juliette Binoche, Lena Olin, Derek de Lint, Stellan Skarsgård, Erland Josephson, Pavel Landovský, Donald Moffat, Daniel Olbrychski, Tomasz Borkowy, Bruce Myers, Pavel Slabý, Pascale Kalensky, Jacques Ciron, Anne Lonnberg, László Szabó, Vladimír Valenta, Clovis Cornillac, Consuelo De Haviland, Leon Lissek, Jacqueline Abraham-Vernier, Judith Atwell, Claudine Berg, Jean-Claude Bouillon, Miroslaw Beuer, Niven Busch, Margot Capelier, Victor Chelkoff, Monica Constandache, Jean-Claude Dauphin, Dominique De Moncutt, Bernard Lepinaux, Josiane Lévêque, Peter Majer, Charles Millot, Gérard Moulévrier, Jan Němec, Charly Oleg, Sylvie Plantard, Olga Baïdar-Poliakoff, Christine Potter, Hana Maria Pravda, Romano, André Sanfratello, Jiří Stanislav, Milos Szoboda, Helenka Vernier, Marrian Walters, Serge Delanoue, Philip Kaufman, Isabelle Noérie

Best English-Friendly Release

HD Streaming on iTunes or WB DVD

Best Video Release

HD Streaming on iTunes or WB DVD

Additional Info

MGM DVD has a 5.1 remix

Format

HD Streaming

Criterion Forum

Review

Picture: 5, Audio: 7, Extras: 4

Length

171 mins

Type

Movie

Last Updated

13 hours ago

Contributors

Best English-Friendly Release

HD Streaming on iTunes or WB DVD

Best Video Release

HD Streaming on iTunes or WB DVD

Additional Info

MGM DVD has a 5.1 remix

Format
HD Streaming
Featured Lists
Criterion Forum
Review

Picture: 5, Audio: 7, Extras: 4

Length
171 mins
Type
Movie
Last Updated
13 hours ago
Contributors

Featured in Unofficial Releases Over Studio Releases

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The Terminator poster
1080p 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

Comparison between the US and International mixes: https://vimeo.com/246332731

Additional Info:

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

The Terminator poster
1080p 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

Comparison between the US and International mixes: https://vimeo.com/246332731

Additional Info:

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

Scream poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Theatrical: Paramount 4K Blu-ray
Uncut Director's Cut: Either the Germany Kinowelt DVD, the Japan DVD, the Scandinavian DVD, or the US LaserDisc. Fan preservation is likely better quality.

Best Video:

Theatrical: Paramount 4K Blu-ray
Uncut Director's Cut: Either the Germany Kinowelt DVD, the Japan DVD, the Scandinavian DVD, or the US LaserDisc. Fan preservation is likely better quality.

Best Audio:

2011 Blu-ray/2021 4K Blu-ray

Additional Info:

The 2011 Lionsgate Blu-ray is incredibly poor for every Original Trilogy film; older processed older DVD-era masters with heavy use of DNR, sharpening and edge enhancement with a really dull color grade. The 4K Blu-ray is miles better. The DTS-HD 5.1 across all three films appears to be the same on both the Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray, and they appear to be the untouched theatrical 5.1 mixes. 

The Uncut version has more violence: https://www.movie-censorship.com/report.php?ID=256325

Scream poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Theatrical: Paramount 4K Blu-ray
Uncut Director's Cut: Either the Germany Kinowelt DVD, the Japan DVD, the Scandinavian DVD, or the US LaserDisc. Fan preservation is likely better quality.

Best Video:

Theatrical: Paramount 4K Blu-ray
Uncut Director's Cut: Either the Germany Kinowelt DVD, the Japan DVD, the Scandinavian DVD, or the US LaserDisc. Fan preservation is likely better quality.

Best Audio:

2011 Blu-ray/2021 4K Blu-ray

Additional Info:

The 2011 Lionsgate Blu-ray is incredibly poor for every Original Trilogy film; older processed older DVD-era masters with heavy use of DNR, sharpening and edge enhancement with a really dull color grade. The 4K Blu-ray is miles better. The DTS-HD 5.1 across all three films appears to be the same on both the Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray, and they appear to be the untouched theatrical 5.1 mixes. 

The Uncut version has more violence: https://www.movie-censorship.com/report.php?ID=256325

Toy Story poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Original theatrical render: 35mm scans or 1996 Disney Deluxe Edition CAV LaserDisc boxset

Digital render: 2010 3D Blu-ray

Best Video:

Original theatrical render: 35mm scans or 1996 Disney Deluxe Edition CAV LaserDisc boxset

Digital render: 2010 3D Blu-ray (every version since the 2000 DVD release including the 2D 2010 Blu-ray has animation errors. The majority of those were corrected for the 3D rerelease.) The 4K Blu-ray is merely upscaled from the 2K render.

Best Audio:

Stereo Mix: 1996 Disney Deluxe Edition CAV LaserDisc boxset

5.1 AC3 Mix: 1996 Disney Deluxe Edition CAV LaserDisc boxset

5.1 DTS Mix: 1997 Disney DTS LaserDisc level corrected

Additional Info:

The 1997 DTS LaserDisc is a virtually untouched transfer of the theatrical 5.1 mix and should theoretically sound the best being that DTS has higher bitrates than AC3. However, the original pressing of the DTS LaserDisc has an error where the right channel is 8.5db lower than the rest. This is an easy fix in a program like Audacity, and if you can find a corrected transfer, like the ones on various fan projects online, it should be the best sounding version of the film.

The AC3 audio on Side 2 of the CLV LaserDisc has the LFE channel muted. This was left intact for the CAV release.

The 2000 and 2005 UK DVD has an error where one of the shots is brightened up way too high (when the rest of the toys hold onto Slinky as he clings onto Woody during the moving truck rescue). Plus the end credits are interlaced (the PSP UMD video is the only way to get that version of the credits without interlacing).

The 4K Blu-ray has a further remixed Atmos track.

Toy Story poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Original theatrical render: 35mm scans or 1996 Disney Deluxe Edition CAV LaserDisc boxset

Digital render: 2010 3D Blu-ray

Best Video:

Original theatrical render: 35mm scans or 1996 Disney Deluxe Edition CAV LaserDisc boxset

Digital render: 2010 3D Blu-ray (every version since the 2000 DVD release including the 2D 2010 Blu-ray has animation errors. The majority of those were corrected for the 3D rerelease.) The 4K Blu-ray is merely upscaled from the 2K render.

Best Audio:

Stereo Mix: 1996 Disney Deluxe Edition CAV LaserDisc boxset

5.1 AC3 Mix: 1996 Disney Deluxe Edition CAV LaserDisc boxset

5.1 DTS Mix: 1997 Disney DTS LaserDisc level corrected

Additional Info:

The 1997 DTS LaserDisc is a virtually untouched transfer of the theatrical 5.1 mix and should theoretically sound the best being that DTS has higher bitrates than AC3. However, the original pressing of the DTS LaserDisc has an error where the right channel is 8.5db lower than the rest. This is an easy fix in a program like Audacity, and if you can find a corrected transfer, like the ones on various fan projects online, it should be the best sounding version of the film.

The AC3 audio on Side 2 of the CLV LaserDisc has the LFE channel muted. This was left intact for the CAV release.

The 2000 and 2005 UK DVD has an error where one of the shots is brightened up way too high (when the rest of the toys hold onto Slinky as he clings onto Woody during the moving truck rescue). Plus the end credits are interlaced (the PSP UMD video is the only way to get that version of the credits without interlacing).

The 4K Blu-ray has a further remixed Atmos track.

The Rock poster
HD Streaming
Best English-Friendly:

Disney Blu-ray

Disney+ has new master better than Blu-ray

Upcoming Release:

4K possibly teased?

Best Video:

Disney Blu-ray

Disney+ has new master better than Blu-ray

Best Audio:

Criterion DVD/Disney Blu-ray is missing a line:

Hummel: (line missing)
 
Lou Lindstrom: "Hello Frank. Lou Lindstrom"

Disney+:

Hummel: Hummel.

Lou Lindstrom: "Hello Frank. Lou Lindstrom"

The Rock poster
HD Streaming
Best English-Friendly:

Disney Blu-ray

Disney+ has new master better than Blu-ray

Upcoming Release:

4K possibly teased?

Best Video:

Disney Blu-ray

Disney+ has new master better than Blu-ray

Best Audio:

Criterion DVD/Disney Blu-ray is missing a line:

Hummel: (line missing)
 
Lou Lindstrom: "Hello Frank. Lou Lindstrom"

Disney+:

Hummel: Hummel.

Lou Lindstrom: "Hello Frank. Lou Lindstrom"

The Empire Strikes Back poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

OG: "4K80" or "D+80" on the high seas. If not, Disney 4K Blu-ray

Special Edition: "4K97_V" or "D+97_V" on high seas.

Upcoming Release:

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

Best Video:

OG: "4K80" or "D+80" on the high seas

Special Edition: "4K97_V" or "D_97_VI" on the high seas. If not, the 4K Blu-rays are generally considered an improvement over the 2011 Blu-rays. (although both restorations are DNR'ed and have issues).

Best Audio:

OG: LaserDisc audio is the best option for the Dolby Stereo mixes. 70mm six-track mix is included in 4K80 (taken from an actual 70mm print). There are 16mm rips of the mono mix.

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

Best English-Friendly:

OG: "4K80" or "D+80" on the high seas. If not, Disney 4K Blu-ray

Special Edition: "4K97_V" or "D+97_V" on high seas.

Upcoming Release:

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

Best Video:

OG: "4K80" or "D+80" on the high seas

Special Edition: "4K97_V" or "D_97_VI" on the high seas. If not, the 4K Blu-rays are generally considered an improvement over the 2011 Blu-rays. (although both restorations are DNR'ed and have issues).

Best Audio:

OG: LaserDisc audio is the best option for the Dolby Stereo mixes. 70mm six-track mix is included in 4K80 (taken from an actual 70mm print). There are 16mm rips of the mono mix.

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

Terminator 2: Judgment Day poster
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

2015 Lionsgate Blu-ray 

Best Video:
  • 2015 Lionsgate Blu-ray (but it's missing the extra scenes in the Ultimate Edition)

  • 2017 StudioCanal 4K Blu-ray and subsequent 4K Blu-rays are notorius for being heavily denoised and smoothened. Alternatively, 35mm scans for the theatrical cut is also available.

  • For the Ultimate Edition with the T-1000 searching John's room and the happy future ending, the 2009 Skynet Blu-ray, which is the older pre-2017 transfer, but has DNR.

Best Audio:
  • Original Kodak/ORC CDS mix:  Japan Pioneer DVD in DTS/ac3 5.1

  • Original Dolby Stereo SR: USA Widescreen LaserDisc and others.

differences of mixes on various releases: see thread and more info here.

Additional Info:

2017 Blu-ray (which has the DNRed transfer), the 2009 Skynet Edition Blu-ray, and the 2000 Ultimate Edition DVD have exclusive extras. The 2003 Extreme Edition DVD has some exclusive easter eggs.

Best English-Friendly:

2015 Lionsgate Blu-ray 

Best Video:
  • 2015 Lionsgate Blu-ray (but it's missing the extra scenes in the Ultimate Edition)

  • 2017 StudioCanal 4K Blu-ray and subsequent 4K Blu-rays are notorius for being heavily denoised and smoothened. Alternatively, 35mm scans for the theatrical cut is also available.

  • For the Ultimate Edition with the T-1000 searching John's room and the happy future ending, the 2009 Skynet Blu-ray, which is the older pre-2017 transfer, but has DNR.

Best Audio:
  • Original Kodak/ORC CDS mix:  Japan Pioneer DVD in DTS/ac3 5.1

  • Original Dolby Stereo SR: USA Widescreen LaserDisc and others.

differences of mixes on various releases: see thread and more info here.

Additional Info:

2017 Blu-ray (which has the DNRed transfer), the 2009 Skynet Edition Blu-ray, and the 2000 Ultimate Edition DVD have exclusive extras. The 2003 Extreme Edition DVD has some exclusive easter eggs.

Mulan poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

2020 Disney 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

Digital re-render: 2020 Disney 4K Blu-ray, caveat: no Dolby Vision metadata from 4K Streaming

Original theatrical 35mm render: WOWOW HDTV broadcast

Best Audio:

1999 Disney DVD for original theatrical mix

Mulan poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

2020 Disney 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

Digital re-render: 2020 Disney 4K Blu-ray, caveat: no Dolby Vision metadata from 4K Streaming

Original theatrical 35mm render: WOWOW HDTV broadcast

Best Audio:

1999 Disney DVD for original theatrical mix

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

High seas for the recreated Theatrical Cut

Best Video:

High seas for the recreated Theatrical Cut, Disney 4K Blu-ray is disappointing

Best Audio:

Cinema DTS

2000 Japan LaserDisc AC3 audio

Best English-Friendly:

High seas for the recreated Theatrical Cut

Best Video:

High seas for the recreated Theatrical Cut, Disney 4K Blu-ray is disappointing

Best Audio:

Cinema DTS

2000 Japan LaserDisc AC3 audio

Return of the Jedi poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

OG: "4K83" or "OTD83" on the high seas

Special Edition: "4K97_VI" or "D+97_VI" on the high seas

Upcoming Release:

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

Best Video:

OG: "4K83" or "OTD83" on the high seas

Special Edition: "4K97_VI" or "D+97_VI" on the 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.

Best English-Friendly:

OG: "4K83" or "OTD83" on the high seas

Special Edition: "4K97_VI" or "D+97_VI" on the high seas

Upcoming Release:

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

Best Video:

OG: "4K83" or "OTD83" on the high seas

Special Edition: "4K97_VI" or "D+97_VI" on the 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.

Beloved poster
HD Streaming
Best English-Friendly:

Disney+ is streaming in HD with OAR

Best Video:

Disney+ is streaming in HD with OAR

Beloved poster
HD Streaming
Best English-Friendly:

Disney+ is streaming in HD with OAR

Best Video:

Disney+ is streaming in HD with OAR

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Upcoming Release:

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Best Video:

WB Blu-ray

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Arrow 4K Blu-ray

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Arrow 4K Blu-ray

Best Audio:

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WB 4K Blu-ray

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WB Blu-ray

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WB Blu-ray

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WB Blu-ray

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WB Blu-ray

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WB Blu-ray

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WB Blu-ray

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WB Blu-ray

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WB Blu-ray

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WB Blu-ray

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WB Blu-ray

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WB Blu-ray

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WB Blu-ray

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Best English-Friendly:

Warner Bros DVD

Best Video:

Warner Bros DVD

Additional Info:

New restoration is completed

Best English-Friendly:

Warner Bros DVD

Best Video:

Warner Bros DVD

Additional Info:

New restoration is completed

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WB 4K Blu-ray

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WB 4K Blu-ray

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WB 4K Blu-ray

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WB 4K Blu-ray

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1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Original miniseries cut: WB LaserDisc
Movie re-edit: WB Blu-ray

Best Video:

Original miniseries cut: WB LaserDisc
Movie re-edit: WB Blu-ray

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

Original miniseries cut: WB LaserDisc
Movie re-edit: WB Blu-ray

Best Video:

Original miniseries cut: WB LaserDisc
Movie re-edit: WB Blu-ray

Singin' in the Rain poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

WB 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

WB 4K Blu-ray

Best Audio:

1991 MGM LaserDisc

Best English-Friendly:

WB 4K Blu-ray

Best Video:

WB 4K Blu-ray

Best Audio:

1991 MGM LaserDisc

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

US Cut: WB 4K Blu-ray

International Cut: Old 2007 Europe Blu-ray

Upcoming Release:

Criterion Box Set

Best Video:

US Cut: WB 4K Blu-ray

International Cut: Old 2007 Europe Blu-ray

Best Audio:

1999 WB DVD

Additional Info:

No Blu-ray or DVD release has presented the movie in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 for the US cut or 1.66:1 for the International cut.

The packaging on the back of the 4K Blu-ray incorrectly states it as 1.85:1 when the movie is actually 1.78:1 as is the original Blu-ray

Best English-Friendly:

US Cut: WB 4K Blu-ray

International Cut: Old 2007 Europe Blu-ray

Upcoming Release:

Criterion Box Set

Best Video:

US Cut: WB 4K Blu-ray

International Cut: Old 2007 Europe Blu-ray

Best Audio:

1999 WB DVD

Additional Info:

No Blu-ray or DVD release has presented the movie in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 for the US cut or 1.66:1 for the International cut.

The packaging on the back of the 4K Blu-ray incorrectly states it as 1.85:1 when the movie is actually 1.78:1 as is the original Blu-ray

Blade Runner poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Final Cut: WB 4K Blu-ray (Caveat: No Dolby Vision from Streaming)

Other Cuts: WB Blu-ray

Workprint: WB 30th Anniversary Blu-ray Set for a better AVC encode

Best Video:

Final Cut: WB 4K Blu-ray (Caveat: No Dolby Vision from Streaming)

Other Cuts: WB Blu-ray

Workprint: WB 30th Anniversary Blu-ray Set for a better AVC encode

Best Audio:

1982 Theatrical Mix: Embassy Video releases, HD-DVD for the 70mm 6-track mix

International Cut Dolby Stereo: Criterion Collection LaserDisc, HD-DVD for the 70mm 6-track mix

1992 Director's Cut Dolby Stereo: WB CAV LaserDisc 2.0 PCM-best fidelity of any mix, HD-DVD for the 70mm 6-track mix

Workprint: WB 30th Anniversary Blu-ray Set DTS-HD MA 5.1

2007 Final Cut remix: Blu-ray Dolby TrueHD 5.1

Additional Info:

WB 4K Blu-ray only has Final Cut and contains a bad Atmos remix with new sound effects. Original Final Cut mix was removed.

Blade Runner poster
UHD Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly:

Final Cut: WB 4K Blu-ray (Caveat: No Dolby Vision from Streaming)

Other Cuts: WB Blu-ray

Workprint: WB 30th Anniversary Blu-ray Set for a better AVC encode

Best Video:

Final Cut: WB 4K Blu-ray (Caveat: No Dolby Vision from Streaming)

Other Cuts: WB Blu-ray

Workprint: WB 30th Anniversary Blu-ray Set for a better AVC encode

Best Audio:

1982 Theatrical Mix: Embassy Video releases, HD-DVD for the 70mm 6-track mix

International Cut Dolby Stereo: Criterion Collection LaserDisc, HD-DVD for the 70mm 6-track mix

1992 Director's Cut Dolby Stereo: WB CAV LaserDisc 2.0 PCM-best fidelity of any mix, HD-DVD for the 70mm 6-track mix

Workprint: WB 30th Anniversary Blu-ray Set DTS-HD MA 5.1

2007 Final Cut remix: Blu-ray Dolby TrueHD 5.1

Additional Info:

WB 4K Blu-ray only has Final Cut and contains a bad Atmos remix with new sound effects. Original Final Cut mix was removed.

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The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1988) backdrop