MovieChat Forums > The Leather Boys (1964) Discussion > New DVD Issue - UK Region 2

New DVD Issue - UK Region 2

posted 17 years ago by Rod_Z
4 replies | jump to latest

Well, I was so hyped up when I knew this was about to be released On DVD for the first time in the UK (Officially).. I duly bought my copy on the day of issue and sat back at home expecting to be impressed by a careful digital transfer and possibly a few extras thrown in...Well what a let-down...
Orbit Media (whoever they are) the lucky people chosen to release this must have taken ages to find the worst possible print they could find, then transfer it without a care or even an attempt to tidy up the faults,jumps,and sound sync.. its a mess, and the copy i have (and I'm assuming they are all the same and i don't just have some rogue) is WORSE than the VHS I have been hoping to replace for years... Lets hope eventually someone takes the time and effort needed to release this film with the appropriate care and attention..This isn't it....

[–] lesleyanne-hay1 17 years ago

I have just got my copy, and i quite agree. I have seen better copies taken off old videos.

[–] Wolf_Solent 17 years ago

Yes, I was absolutely horrified at the state of the DVD release. The old VHS was bad enough with its bizarre pan-and-scan (I particularly remember a brutal jump cut during a pan around the Butlin's camp) but this is even worse. I don't know if any others find this annoying, but it's been presented in widescreen ratio, but crammed into a 4:3 frame, so if you've a widescreen TV you have the choice of watching the whole film as a tiny 1/3-size image floating in the middle of a black screen, or blowing it up to full screen, which makes it basically unwatchable, as the image is so heavily pixellated you might as well be watching it on a mobile phone. Luckily it's just been on TV in the UK so all being well I now have a watchable copy - I just wish I hadn't spent nearly 20 quid on what turned out to be such a disappointing release.

[–] simoncatweazle 17 years ago

Can I urge everyone to contact NetworkDVD a fabulous label dedicated to re-releasing lost British Classics. Their work on restoring a whole host of releases confirms their premier status. Do visit their website and urge them to investigate a proper release of this fantastic film.

networkdvd.co.uk

best
Si

[–] Falconeer 16 years ago

For "The Leather Boys" there is a good dvd edition, from 'Kino' dvd. It is Region 1 however, and quite expensive, as it is out of print. The print is from a laser disc version, so the 2;35 picture is very sharp, although i dont believe it is anamorphic. If you really want to have this great and unique film, this version is the one to go for.