MovieChat Forums > Le passager de la pluie (1970) Discussion > Update on the Optimum UK DVD

Update on the Optimum UK DVD

posted 15 years ago by rentadick
7 replies | jump to latest

Studio Canal in France own the film and released it on DVD in France in 2003, a fantastic transfer but only in French audio. They must have the resource to make the dvd master in English as well as French. So far, Optimum Releasing in London have got the UK rights from Canal, their parent company, but Optimum still can't say whether their DVD release on May the 25th 2009 will be in English or French. They are trying to obtain the English dub and are aware that is what the general public want.

[–] JordaceBakery 15 years ago

This dvd simply must be in English! We've all had years of saying "This studio canal dvd is lovely but it's a damn shame it's in French without Bronson's voice", etc. I asked Optimum about this the other day and they're determined to get the English language print even if it means delaying the release date. Then so be it.

[–] Supermousse76 15 years ago

It still says May 25th for the UK DVD on amazon but will Optimum meet that date?

[–] Paladin62 15 years ago

I have just received the new DVD and it is everything that we had hoped for!
Two versions of the film - English and French - on the one DVD. Both versions are superb widescreen picture quality. Thanks Optimum.

[–] elsa4077 15 years ago

Yes, agreed. Optimum have done a great job to get the English language print. This is not the French version (which is also included) with English soundtrack, but the true International version with Bronson's own voice on the soundtrack and the scene with Marlene Jobert writing 'I'm flat broke' in English on the mirror. Anyone familiar with the old UK Embassy Home Video release will be pleased that this is the same version as on that tape, complete with the Avco Embassy logo intro, but all in widescreen and much better picture quality. This is it - the ultimate DVD for fans of this great movie.

I'm hungry - you buy lunch!

[–] loulou1992 15 years ago

Great init. I've been after this since i was 20. Glad its finally come out on proper DVD. But the running times are different, whats the difference, 109 min English version and 113 french. on Imdb ints supposedly on 120 mins. I just dont want to miss any scenes from the great charlie film

[–] elsa4077 15 years ago

No 120 minute version exists or existed as far as I'm aware. The English (international release) version on this new DVD is the same as the English version on the old UK Embassy VHS release. You're not missing anything from any English version you will have seen. The French version is longer only because of some longer scenes with explanatory dialogue and some longer credits sequences.

In any case, both versions are on the Optimum DVD so you won't miss anything. Nothing from the longer French version was ever included in the English International version.

For me the only way to watch it is the English version which has Charles Bronson's own voice which is essential to the delivery of some of his lines - which I'm sure he partly made up as they are typically his style.

For example, this exchange when he is playing bowling in the bowling alley and Mellie enters:

Dobbs: I bet I can beat you!
Mellie: I'm not very good at bowling.
Dobbs: Who's talking about bowling?

Also there's the great line I used as my sig below.

I'm hungry - you buy lunch!

[–] loulou1992 15 years ago

thanks for that.