This Region 4 release is absolutely identical to the Region 2 UK version. Even the navigation and menus are the same. The Region 4 version of this DVD misses out on: - Original theatrical aspect ratio.
- English Dolby Surround encoded audio track.
- Dolby Digital 5.1 menu audio.
- Cards - Poster reproductions.
The Region 1 version of this DVD misses out on: - Cast and Crew audio commentary.
- Easter Egg (Commentary video).
- Animated scene selection menus.
A number of other minor differences exist between the Region 1 and 4 transfers that are worth mentioning, some of which I have detailed below. - Although the Region 1 video bitrate is slightly lower, the transfer contains considerably less film artefacting, and is certainly sourced from a much cleaner print. The Region 1 transfer is presented in the film's intended aspect ratio of 1.85:1.
- Where our release refers to disc two as the Director's Cut, the Region 1 calls it the Extended Version. Although these are named differently, both cuts are identical.
- Although there are no visible differences in image quality, I was surprised to find that the Region 1 Director's Cut video bitrate is 1Mb/s higher than Regions 2 and 4. The Region 4 transfer of the extended cut is slightly windowboxed, presumably to compensate for overscan. This windowboxing is not present on the Region 1 release.
- Note that the Region 1 Easter Egg appears as an ordinary extra on the Region 4 and 2 releases.
- I cannot comment on the Region 4 packaging - reviewers often don't receive the full retail presentation - however, the Region 1 Limited Edition box is a doozy. The discs are contained in a CD jewel case inside a pine box with The Wicker Man logo burned into the front and spine - a great collector's item.
Update: August 2006. Optimum in Region 2 have acquired the rights to this title and are releasing a three disc version. The third disc is a soundtrack CD (of which I spoke highly in this review!) and an additional documentary is included by Mark Kermode, who also hosted a great docco for the Shawshank Redemption SE. If you're yet to make a purchase, this new Region 2 version seems the way to go.
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