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That's a shame, I probably would have imported if it had gotten a better review, but from what you're saying it doesn't seem worth the effort. Guess I'll just wait for a UK release.

Do you know whether Paramount have UK distribution rights? I know Braveheart was released by 20th Century Fox.

(Posted on Thursday, October 7, 2010 at 5:02 AM)

I would say if you like the movie it's worth getting hold of a copy (though maybe when it's on sale for $10 at amazon). We probably won't get a better transfer. I get the impression that the DoP Conrad Hall's movies are a bitch to get right on home video (anyone seen his Day of the Locust ?), - he liked soft images so sharpening them probably wasn't the greatest of ideas, but then people would complain about the focus. I agree with Michael that AB now comes across as arch and Annette Bening's character always did get shafted in more ways than one. But there are still enough scenes in this movie to make it well worth watching (the light in Thora Birch's eyes during the paper bag sequence; in fact many of Conrad Hall's lighting sequences are almost too good to believe).

(Posted on Thursday, October 7, 2010 at 11:18 AM)

Ok well this is what i wrote about this release at High Definition Digest forums.

Ok consider this statement from Paramount below.

"We are implementing a limited exchange program. This program is only for those consumers that may have preferential issues with some of the technical DVNR (digital video noise reduction) and EE (edge enhancement) choices made in the original source transfer, and so would prefer to exchange it for one that addresses those preferences in a different manner.

While the version that we originally distributed was of the highest quality, some enthusiasts may prefer to view it without the Edge Enhancement and DVNR implemented as standard process in bringing the film to hi-def. This new master resolves those issues."

The above statement was for the re-release of Gladiator, now consider the Sapphire series supposed to represent Oscar winning films at their very best on blu ray, then consider this release of American Beauty.

Can i now fully expect Paramount to implement an exchange program for those of us who do not want sharpening to be applied to this blu ray release and since they have now did it for one release shouldn't they be consistent and do it for this one and have an exchange program set up for those of us who detest the use of tools which make these films look processed and less than they could be if done right by the studio.

My point was that a precedent had been set and the statement by Paramount was clear, they were willing to swap out a film which had been given treatment which they described as "standard process" now since they set that precedent surely we can expect them to follow up with future releases which do not meet the highest standards.

Actually to me this just shows that it was not the film fans who got Gladiator fixed, it was Ridley Scott who got involved and made a fuss although perhaps the outcry from some came to Ridley's attention and he then made it clear to the studio/studio's he was not at all happy.

(Posted on Thursday, October 7, 2010 at 2:21 PM)

SIX FEET UNDER and the little-seen TOWELHEAD are probably more "mature" works from Alan Ball. The jury is still out on Mendes. He was certainly in the famous group of "1999 directors" but hasn't quite lived up to it.

Wes Bentley is now down to cameos in dreadful flicks like JONAH HEX. Ouch.

(Posted on Thursday, October 7, 2010 at 5:23 PM)

Doesn't look too horrible for a 6 rating. There's grain, fine detail, nice colors. Just too much EE.

(Posted on Thursday, October 7, 2010 at 6:10 PM)