MovieChat Forums > The Tales of Hoffmann (1952) Discussion > The Criterion version vs. The R2 version

The Criterion version vs. The R2 version


I have the R2 version and was wondering whether it was worth upgrading or if I should just wait, in faint hope, that this will ever come out on Blu-Ray.


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There are some that think that Blu-Ray and other HD formats are a bit of a con (but I couldn't possibly comment ). It's all right for films that are made in that format but trying to use it for older films often just shows the joins and flaws more.

The Criterion DVDs always cost a bit more - but you get more for your money.
This one includes:
+ New, restored high-definition digital transfer
+ Audio commentary by director Martin Scorsese and film music historian Bruce Eder
+ New video interview with director George A. Romero
+ The Sorcerer's Apprentice (1956), a short musical film directed by Michael Powell, based on the Goethe story
+ Rare collection of production designer Hein Heckroth's design sketches and paintings
+ Gallery of archival production and publicity photographs
+ Original theatrical trailer
+ Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
+ Plus: a new essay by film historian Ian Christie

It's nice that they included The Sorcerer's Apprentice which is one of the films Powell did for German TV. But this is just the very short version of that ballet. A longer version was filmed, but I've never seen it (yet).

The interview with George A. Romero is very good and he confirms that it was The Tales of Hoffmann that inspired him to become a director. Because many of the special effects in ToH are done in a quite basic, but effective manner, it made him realise that he didn't need big studio facilities to start making his zombie films. There's a nice story about how George & Marty would both be taking the print of ToH out of the film library. If it wasn't available then the other one had it. That's how they got to know each other.

DVD Beaver has done an analysis of the Criterion DVD, but he hasn't done a comparison with the R2 DVDs. (http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDReviews19/tales_of_hoffmann_dvd_revie w.htm)

As to whether it's worth the extra money - I'll have to leave that up to you

Steve

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