Region 4 Winners and Losers

    In critically comparing the NTSC R1 against the PAL R4 transfers, I was not too surprised to find that both versions have the same stunning detail and sharpness, and that there is little difference between them. However, the R1 version does not suffer from the subtle aliasing present on the R4 and as such has a more solid look. It also has slightly deeper blacks and as a result slightly more depth to it, not to mention that Jack Nicholson’s voice is a notch lower. The bottom line is that in absolute terms, the R1 presents a superior transfer – but only just.

    Of far more importance than the transfer comparison is the actual film comparison – and the R1 cut is half an hour longer than the R4 (and other international cuts). The differences consist of many lengthier scenes, some different takes of familiar scenes, and a lot of entirely new ones. Jack Torrance is revealed as being a recently retired alcoholic, and references are made to this throughout the movie, which explains the bar scenes with Lloyd more clearly. Danny’s character is much more fully developed, as is his relationship with Tony who takes on a more sinister role. There are some spooky shots of corpses in the foyer of the hotel, and Dick Hollorann’s trip to the hotel near the end now makes much more sense. The list goes on, but suffice it to say the film feels more rounded and complete.

    In overview, the R1 presents the film in a manner which I find more satisfying in all ways – visually, sonically and story-wise.