UK R2 release of “Sanjuro” from BFI, is it anamorphic?

[erlryd]

Has anyone bought the recent UK R2 release of Kurosawa’s “Sanjuro”?

I would like to know how the transfer is like, most importantly is it anamorphic?

Thanks.
:)

[Michael Brooke]

I haven't seen it myself, but the <A HREF="http://www.bfi.org.uk/videocat/more/sanjuro/">BFI website</A> claims that it's anamorphic.

[Rohail]

BFI's (http://www.bfi.org.uk/videocat/more/sanjuro/) website says it's anamorphic.

Might wait for a review before purchasing it.

*Michael beat me by 5

[erlryd]

OK, thanks, no reviews yet then?

I’ll just have to wait then. I shall post here if I find any more info.

[angel_eyes]

Any ideas on how this would compare to the criterion version?

[Michael Brooke]

Theoretically, it's probably better - the Criterion one is distinctly below par by their usual standards, and the transfer was made several years earlier than the BFI one.

The BFI transfer has a built-in advantage in that it's anamorphic PAL, so has a significantly higher resolution than Criterion's non-anamorphic NTSC disc.

Obviously, I'm well aware that this isn't the whole story, so one would clearly have to actually look at the DVDs to be sure, but the omens look pretty good - especially as the BFI's transfers have improved by leaps and bounds over the last couple of years.

(Usual disclaimer: I work for the BFI - though not for BFI Video - so anything I say should be taken with a pinch of salt!)

[angel_eyes]

Thanks Michael - I think I'll hold off buying the criterion now until I've seen reviews of this new release