Seven Samurai BFI R2 release - any good?

[Henry]

What's the transfer like? How does it compare to the Criterion version? I'm sure this has come up before but I can't find it.

[Cornelius]

I asked the same question before I bought this. I was considering the Criterion disk as well. Basically I was told picture wise there's no difference between the two but that the extras were better on the Criterion Disc.

I opted for the Criterion disc and the picture is great. As for the extras, the commentary is worth the difference in price between the two alone. If you can play R1 I'd advise you get the Criterion disc.

[sanejo]

I couldn't advise against getting the Criterion version 'cos I ain't seen it, but I do have the BFI version and I think it's very acceptable in terms of picture and sound quality.
My only, and I admit minor, gripe is that the subtitles are permanent. I can't speak Japanese but I think it would be nice to watch the film "pure".
Maybe I'm being silly.:D

[Henry]

Thanks guys. I think I'll go for the Criterion.

[charlie angel]

Think I'll just chip in here as well - the BFI version is not bad at all & to be quite honest I can't see much of a difference between that & the Criterion version.

So it's just the extras really.

[TODGE]

I have the BFI version as well, and i find it quite acceptable in terms of sound and picture quality
can't comment on the other version allthough a commentary track would have been nice:)

[Henry]

Now I'm not sure any more. Thanks a lot. :)

[DavidMcGowan]

Originally posted by TODGE
I have the BFI version as well, and i find it quite acceptable in terms of sound and picture quality
can't comment on the other version allthough a commentary track would have been nice:)

I was under the impression that the BFI version did have an audio commentary from film historian Philip Kemp. Apparently this track is a bit dry, and is only present on certain scenes, whereas the Criterion edition has a different audio commentary, which is apparently much more interesting and spans the entire length of the film.

[Ghost Dog]

The commentary on the BFI disc has to be watched seperately from the film. It consists of Philip Kemp (film historian) talking over 20 minutes of key scenes from the film. Its interesting but short and as mentioned above a little dry.

[TODGE]

Originally posted by DavidMcGowan


I was under the impression that the BFI version did have an audio commentary from film historian Philip Kemp. Apparently this track is a bit dry, and is only present on certain scenes, whereas the Criterion edition has a different audio commentary, which is apparently much more interesting and spans the entire length of the film.

Yes you are correct......i meant to say a full commentary as on the criterion disk...oops!

[DavidMcGowan]

Personally I'm waiting to see if the R2 turns up in any sales or anything soon - if the BFI version was significantly cheaper than the Criterion then I'd certainly opt for the former. (I made a similar decision with the R2 The Lady Vanishes, as I'd prefer to pay £7.99 for this featureless version than pay £25 at ********* for the Criterion version, with the only additional extra being an audio commentary, despite its quality). If there aren't any significant reductions in price, then I'll probably opt for the Criterion, as I'd certainly pay a bit more for the commentary, although the film itself is the most important thing.

[TinTin]

Originally posted by Henry
Now I'm not sure any more. Thanks a lot. :)


If it's just the film your interested in then go for the bfi version if you want to know just why Kurosawa is regarded in such high esteem go for the Criterion disc because the commentary explains why. I watched the film and the next day thought I'd try the commentary out not intending to listen to all of it and ended up watching the film again, lets not forget the films over 3hrs long. The commentary adds to the enjoyment of the film and it's the only one I've listened to from beginning to end. I think it's worth the additional cost of a Criterion version.