Rejoice Austen movie fans! April 14th was a monumental day heralding the release of the digitally restored Blu-ray edition of Pride and Prejudice (1995) and Lost in Austen (2008) Region 1 release in North America.Pride and Prejudice (1995) is one of the most popular and financially successful miniseries ever produced by the BBC and A&E, and one of our favorite movie adaptations of Jane Austen’s classic novel. In 2005 we were treated to the deluxe 10th anniversary edition that was touted as an improved edition from previously issued DVD releases. We were not impressed. The color and clarity had been distorted to a muddy mess in comparison to our old VHS tapes. We have waited patiently for this day and are happy to report that the technical restoration is a vast improvement to the previous editions and well worth the extra money.
New restored Blu-ray quality
Old muddy DVD quality
The trick is; do you have a Blu-ray player? They are not cheap and you must have an HD capable television to enjoy the benefits. I am not a techie, so you can get the lowdown on an industry review and the geeky stuff here. You can see by the before and after pictures what a remarkable job that they did restoring the original film negatives. It is not as fabulous as new movies on Blu-ray, but it is probably the best we will see for a while, or maybe ever! In addition to the two disc set of all five episodes, brand new bonus materials including a fascinating short film about the technical restoration process. Have fun, and enjoy!Cheers, Laurel Ann
I have the "special edition" DVD set of Pride and Prejudice from 2001, and while I'm no technical expert I would say the picture is several ticks better than what they released in the 10th anniversary set (which seems very strange). Blu-Ray is not happening for me any time in the near future, unless I come into a TON of money. ;-) But the screen capture you share looks great.
ReplyDeleteBlu-ray isn't as expensive as people make it seem. $25 for 300 minutes of Pride and Prejudice in 1080p is a bargain.
ReplyDeleteAlso, sorry to be a stickler, but it IS Blu-ray, or BD (Blu-ray Disc). There's no such thing as Blue-ray.
This Geek has the HD TV, but not the Blu-ray player...yet! P&P on BD has my JA/geeky heart all a flutter!!
ReplyDeleteMust calm down. Must save pennies and not make emotional purchase of Blu-ray player by putting it on the CC.Deeeeeep cleansing breaths! :D
Thanks for the heads up Laurel Ann.
ReplyDeleteAgain, another reason why Janeites ought to check your blog everyday for up-to-date news on everything Austen.
A well-deserving AWARD is waiting for you and Vic to claim at Ripple Effects for the wonderful work you've done on this site!
I very happy with my old VHS copy although this newest version would be great when the VHS bites the dust...Lost in Austen ? I'd rather take a dose of cod liver oil than spend money on it, let alone watch it again !
ReplyDeleteOk - I stand corrected. It is Blu-ray. I am such a non techie that I can not even get the name right! *cowers in corner* And if you have not noticed, I can't spell either! ;-)
ReplyDeleteFor once I have to agree Colin Firth looks good in remastered Blue Ray.
ReplyDeleteWill Colin Firth look younger and less doughy and jowly in the Blu-ray edition?
ReplyDelete;-)
(ducking and running from the room now...)
Nigel,
ReplyDeleteAt last, a nice comment about Colin Firth...Bravo !
The first time I saw one source in Colin that beautiful miniseries Pride and Prejudice.de BBC London What struck me were his eyes and his gaze over time surfing the internet looking at reviews of other people said the same thing has a look of another state with their eyes that let all demuetra
ReplyDeleteMy lord Andrew Darcy, Colin Firth .. will be always in my heart who tanbien interptreto Darcy and stayed in the heart of many of the other players do not want to say
each interprets what he feels his manera.ademas Colin is the largest of the three, and each generation has its favorite actor
Darcy is your stay in my heart skip and a time to remember his 35 years when he Darcy
saludos desde Argentina