Region 4 Winners and Losers

    R1 is blessed with a double-disc set loaded to the brim with extras. As we have only a rental version at this time, I cannot comment on extras. However, critical video and audio transfer comparisons between the two versions reveal some not altogether subtle differences. Whilst the R4 PAL video is inarguably sharper, with greater vertical resolution, the R1 version does not suffer any MPEG compression faults which plague the R4 disc. This results in an often smoother image on the NTSC cousin, and those with large progressive displays will surely benefit. Sonically, the DTS 5.1 ES Matrix soundtrack present on the R1 version is substantially better than the Dolby Digital track. An example is the plane crash. Being quite familiar with the R1 DTS track, I was immediately surprised to hear a very speaker-centric sound during times of stress on the R4 Dolby Digital track, with sounds appearing to come from the speakers in the four corners of the room, which had a disengaging effect. The R1 DTS soundtrack presents a far more homogenous, seamless and realistic environment, with far less obvious surround usage. I found the crash scene in particular lacked the raw emotion which the superb DTS track generated. The DTS soundtrack also made more intense use of the subwoofer. To round it off, there were no audio sync problems with the R1 disc.

    The Region 4 version of this disc misses out on;

• DTS 5.1 ES Matrix soundtrack
• Commentary by Robert Zemeckis & Crew
• "The Charlie Rose Show" Interview with Tom Hanks
• "Wilson: The Life & Death Of A Hollywood Extra" Featurette
• "The Island" Featurette
• Special Effects Vignettes
• "S.T.O.P.: Surviving As As Castaway" Survivalists Documentary
• HBO "First Look" Documentary
• Storyboard-To-Film Comparison
• Concept Art Gallery
• Theatrical Trailers
• TV Spots

    As this is rental only disc, the Region 1 sell-through release is the clear winner for the time being.