Region 4 - whats the deal???

[avid fan]

I just had a general query about Region 4 discs.

Up until now, I have usually bought region 1 discs from Play247, but after being pointed in the right direction I ordered one or two discs from DeVoteD.com (Aus) - Region 4.

These seem to be miles cheaper still, but there is a distinct shortage of new titles. Are R4 discs usually later than R1 and R2? For example, Planet of the Apes, JPIII, etc.

Also, are they usually on a par with R1 when it comes to spec?

Cheers for any help

Apologies if this has been posted before, but with the search down it makes things a bit difficult to find.

[cervaro]

It can be hit and miss with R4 when it comes to new titles. The likes of Buffy and Angel, X-Files, etc. tend to come out with a week or two of their UK counterparts, whereas other titles take much longer to appear. Paramount are prime suspects when it comes to delayed releases, but then I'd rate them as the worst DVD producers when it comes to a commitment to the format, even though some of their recent output has improved markedly.

Spec wise R4 discs are pretty much on par with R1. If anything goes it's usually the DTS soundtrack and/or the odd feature. On the other hand, the R4 Pulp Fiction, Matrix, and a few others are better than R1. Best of all Warner don't use snapper cases in R4 any more. Take note Warner US and Europe!

[Uridium]

They're usually a month or two later than R1. They generally have similar specs to R1 (but as with everything it depends on individual discs). But you get them in PAL and at terrific prices. I always use www.ezydvd.com.au myself and have been really chuffed with their service....just got the brilliant 2 disc version of Moulin Rouge this morning for about £14 delivered!!

[utero]

they are pretty much on par with R2 with release schedules. windows for theatrical-dvd release in the US are much shorter so they get their titles first overall. R4 has some of the same rental windows etc as the UK which means the likes of Jurassic Park 3, POTA haven't been released yet. As for specs well again it's pretty much on par with R2 although there are exceptions. A lot of recent Village Roadshow releases are better. For example Swordfish has a 24 minute interview with Jackman/Travolta, 13 Days & Driven will have DTS s/tracks.

Where R4 falls is the lack of DTS support (universal, fox) although the likes of Moulin Rouge show the tide is turning. Rumour has it that JP3 will have DTS as well and is due in feb/march

[Bolch]

In my past experiance it all swings in roundabouts. Each region has films that get released first and each region has films that have a better selection of features.

It's best to go on a film-by-film basis rather than trying to sum up each region.

[JohnMac]

Try here (http://www.michaeldvd.com.au/R4vsR1/R4vsR1.asp) for some very in depth Region 4 reviews.