Region 4 Winners and Losers

    This is an interesting situation. The Region 1 disc has almost identical features - all the same extras, and the film is presented in the same aspect ratio. The Region 1 disc is 16x9 enhanced, the Region 4 is not, so you'd think that it would be a lay-down win to the Region 1. However, I have compared the two carefully, and I have to recommend the Region 4. Why? Because the Region 1 version is quite dark, with lousy shadow detail through the vast majority of the film. The Region 4 video presentation is flawed, but the Region 1 is quite a bit worse. To make things worse, there's noticeable hiss in the soundtrack of the R1.

    Ideally, someone will make a better transfer at some point, with higher brightness, better shadow detail, and 16x9 enhancement; they might even remix the sound. Until then, I suggest you get the R4 disc.