Title | Best |
Brotherhood of the Wolf (Pacte des Loups, Le) | R1C |
Never before have I made so many references to other versions of a disc as I have in the course of this review. This was for a reason, as I feel that this disc more so than most others presents the sometimes true battle between regions, this time between our Region 4 and the Region 1 Canadian 3 disc set. For all intents and purposes, there are three versions of this film available. They are the Region 1 US disc, the Region 2 HMV Exclusive 2 disc version (as we now have here in Region 4) and the Region 1 Canadian 3 disc Director's Cut disc that mirrors the Region 2 French 3 disc set, although the Region 1 Canadian version features (thankfully) English subtitles. There are various other single disc versions available worldwide, but these three versions would be the most common. So much was my anticipation of this title that I even seriously considered purchasing the Region 2 French 3 disc version of the film even though it featured no English subtitles in any part of the film. Eventually, saner heads prevailed but it was a real temptation. For this disc, I think it would be better if we detailed the contents and merits of each version on their own rather than the traditional Region vs Region format. What you see here and what you yourself find important will determine what version you might choose to take advantage of. Region 1 US single disc version
Region 2 UK HMV Exclusive 2 Disc Set and Region 4 2 Disc Set (as we have here)
Region 1 Canada 3 Disc Collectors' Edition (Director's Cut)
For those whom are interested in what's the latest, this is what's on the 4th disc. As is the case with the original Region 2 French 3 disc version, there are no English language or subtitle options.
So - my verdict? At the end of the day I would have to select the Region 1 Canadian 3 disc set as the clear winner. Yes, the Region 1 Canadian version does suffer from increased MPEG pixelization and more pronounced edge enhancement, but I believe this is countered by the inclusion of a spectacular French dts track that is a revelation. Some may feel that it is too loud and over the top, but it perfectly complements the goings-on on screen. The extras are comprehensive with almost every featurette that could be made about the film available. Also featured is an interesting booklet with more details about the making of the film. Our version is commendable in regards to its attention to detail in regards to the video compression job. Although the print used to commit the film to disc doesn't seem quite as clean as that used on the Region 1 Canadian version, it is still completely watchable. The extras provided, while not as complete as that of the Canadian version, are still commendable with some very interesting background and behind the scenes material available. While the Canadian version is the Director's Cut, our Region 4 version is a 'modified' version of the same with only the removal of the scenes pertaining to the character Bauterne, the King's Hunter. This, in my mind, didn't hamper the overall enjoyment of the film and seemed to speed up a film which is fairly long. The only issue I would have with the omission of all the scenes featuring Bauterne is the removal of Fronsac's dream sequence featuring Sylvia and the knife. This is covered in the making-of featurette (and shown in the Scene Selections Menu) and some viewers may find it strange to see the scene neither in the body of the film nor within the Deleted Scenes section of the extras disc. Also missing is Fronsac's creation of the fake beast as ordered by Bauterne. All other scenes added into the Director's Cut of the film remain intact and serve to enhance the story rather than change it. I found both versions acceptable. I haven't seen the Region 1 US version of the film (but will do so at the earliest possibe opportunity) so I cannot comment as to how its perhaps truncated form conveys the story. The major (and it is very major) downfall of the Region 4 2 disc set is the complete lack of a 5.1 mix of ANY description in the film's original language. This is a most disappointing omission as even a basic French Dolby Digital 5.1 mix would have sufficed. Or better yet, sacrifice the English 5.1 dub and present that in Dolby Digital 2.0. A disastrous choice on the part of the distributors that sadly leads me to wholeheartedly recommend the Region 1 Canada 3 disc version as the clear winner. Rent the Region 4 disc to see if you like the film and, should you find it to your liking (as I have), track down the 3 disc set. You will not be disappointed. |