Watership Down

[Stuart N]

I've read some really terrible reviews about the Watership Down DVD in R2 and have decided not to waste my money buying it. Now I read that Warners Brothers will be releasing this film in R1 26/3/02 as anamorphic. I urge that the R2 copies be withdrawn and a far superior anamorphic version matching R1's should be issued for R2. Anyone know if this is likely? :clap:

[feverpitch96]

I bought the R2 and was so bitterly disappointed with the quality of the print they used and how very little work seemed to have been put into any restoration etc that it went straight back. :( Numerous examples of picture jiggle, badly scratched segments and an audio track that, while understandably a little tinny given its vintage and so on, still seemed to have been handled in a very slapdash manner (I can just see those responsible saying "aw, it's just an old kid's film, anything'll do").

This news of a new anamorphic R1 effort is very promising. Can't see the R2 being withdrawn, but hopefully they'll eventually issue the new version in R2 as well. R4 haven't touched this title yet in any way and show not the slightest signs of doing so.
:rolleyes:

[jroadley]

Keep a eye on Amazons (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005UF84/thedvdforums-20) link. Should be had for about £11-£12 shipped.

Link affiliated

[robbiejm]

I hope the best animated movie of all time finally gets the disc it deserves. Surely they could get John Hurt or something to do a commentary? they won't though. :(

Just found this:

'Buena Vista have announced that they will release the animated movie Watership Down on 26th March 2002.

The film was made in 1978 by directior Martin Rosen and features John Hurt, Richard Briers, Michael Graham Cox, John Bennett, Ralph Richardson, Simon Cadell, Roy Kinnear, Denholm Elliott and Hannah Gordon

Based upon Richard Adam's novel of the same title, this animated feature delves into the surprisingly violent world of a warren of rabbits as they seek to establish a new colony free of tyranny and human intervention.

The video will be presented in anamorphic widescreen and the disc will carry a Dolby Digital Mono soundtrack. Extras features will include Art Garfunkel's "Bright Eyes" and the trailer. The suggested retail price will be $19.98.'

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/c.mawson/watership_down.jpg

[Napoleon]

It was more than likely filmed in 1:66:1.I read enough about the R2 disc to know not to bother;i pity the poor souls who haven't heard of R1/4etc.

[feverpitch96]

Originally posted by robbiejm
Anamorphic? but isn't the OAR 4:3 :confused:

Good point. When the R2 came out I seem to remember the consensus here was that, at 4:3, we were getting the full "open matte" shot which had been matted down for cinema release. Maybe they'll matte the R1 down to the cinema ratio and then...?

I hope the best animated movie of all time finally gets the disc it deserves. Surely they could get John Hurt or something to do a commentary? they won't though. :(

'Twould be nice. I'm thinking he's one of the interviewees on the new R1 Elephant Man, so perhaps he's more available for these things (and the companies are more willing to use him) than we think.
:)

[Brian F]

R1 has a Dolby digital MONO track, what the hell has happened to the Dobly Stereo track the film was released with? Even the Super8mm 30minute cutdown had a stereo track.

[jroadley]

Gone for the R1 disc from CD-Wow, £10.99 will post comments when disc received. ;)

Edit: 1000th Post!! :clap:

[Osiris]

Originally posted by jroadley
R1 disc from CD-Wow, £10.99
Thats a tempting offer for a very good film, my kids love it (and I do :) )

[OtNife]

It's a shame that the original artwork was overlooked on both the R1 and the R2 DVD. It really complimented an already dark, haunting film.

http://www.gocollect.com/images/MoviePosters/300/mp01370.jpg

[jroadley]

It comes in a snapper case so I'll keep a eye on www.dvdcoverart.com for a Amaray replacement sleeve (Perhaps original artwork will be used) ;)

[amsdmj]

Has anyone got the R1 yet?

I'm very tempted to get it but am waiting to make sure its good. Haven't seen any online reviews either. Anyones views would be very helpful.

[amsdmj]

Anyone?

[jroadley]

Originally posted by amsdmj
Anyone?

Waiting for mine from CD-WOW, will post when received.

[RoboCop4]

According to DVD Empire, it's anamorphic widescreen 1.66:1, and has some decent-looking extras. Just ordered mine from Future Entertainment for £10.99. :)

I wish they'd release a DVD (or even a video!) of The Plague Dogs. Excellent dark animation. Check out this person's tribute site (http://www.plaguedogs.homestead.com)

[Narshty]

The only other cartoon that came close to showing the true darkness of the animal kingdom was the BBC children's series The Animals of Farthing Wood which was pretty nasty in places, I seem to remember.

I've never seen this right the way through, but there's a first time for everything.

[amsdmj]

Just found a review just here. Looks like the picture and sound are very good.

http://www.dvdtalk.com/dvdsavant/s446down.html

[jroadley]

Originally posted by amsdmj
Just found a review just here. Looks like the picture and sound are very good.

http://www.dvdtalk.com/dvdsavant/s446down.html

Anyone see anything strange?

Watership Down
Warner Home Video
1978 / Color / 1:37 / 101 min.
Starring John Hurt, Richard Briers, Michael Graham Cox, Ralph Richardson, Terence Rigby, Roy Kinnear, Denholm Elliott, Zero Mostel, Harry Andrews, Nigel Hawthorne, Michael Hordern, Joss Ackland
Film EditorTerry Rawlings
Original Music Angela Morley, Marcus Dods, Mike Batt
Written by Martin Rosen from the novel by Richard Adams
Produced by Martin Rosen
Directed by Martin Rosen

[robbiejm]

Originally posted by amsdmj
Just found a review just here. Looks like the picture and sound are very good.

http://www.dvdtalk.com/dvdsavant/s446down.html

I've just had a brief look at the disc and his definition of 'very good' is very different to mine! While it's better than the R2 disc, the image quality is pretty awful, the sound is a lot better though as it's virtually un-listenable on R2 on account of really intrusive hissing/interference.

The print the BBC used last time it was broadcast (a few months back) was vastly superior, and about as good I'd expect it this film to look. I really don't see what the problem is with mastering this film properly.

It doesn't look like Watership Down will ever get the proper release it deserves. :(

[RoboCop4]

I've just finished watching this - and thought that the image quality was excellent for a film of this age. The audio leaves something to be desired though IMHO (sound levels fluctuating in volume during scenes).

Oh yeah, and it's anamorphic 1.85:1 print - although I'd guess that this has been matted from the 1.33:1 ratio used for the VHS edition.

[robbiejm]

Originally posted by RoboCop4
I've just finished watching this - and thought that the image quality was excellent for a film of this age.

The thing is, compared to the BBC 1 (Sky Digital) broadcast from a few months back it's pretty awful. I couldn't believe how much better it was than my R2 copy which I'd watched just a couple of days earlier.

The audio leaves something to be desired though IMHO (sound levels fluctuating in volume during scenes).

You should hear the R2 soundtrack, it sounds like it was mastered from a dictaphone with a broken mic. :D

At the end of the day though it's the film that counts and I guess this new copy is about as good as it's going to get.

[feverpitch96]

Originally posted by robbiejm

At the end of the day though it's the film that counts and I guess this new copy is about as good as it's going to get.

"You make me sad. So be it."

:(