6.8 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
On April 14, 1912 the R.M.S. Titanic struck an iceberg on her maiden voyage. Over 1500 people were lost. This docudrama follows the personal stories of some of the passengers and crew aboard on that fateful night. John Jacob Astor and his new bride Madeline, Laurence Beesley, Molly Brown, a group of Irish emigrants, the wireless operators and the stewards are among the characters.
Starring: Harry Andrews, David Battley, Ed Bishop, Tony Caunter, Nicholas DaviesDrama | Insignificant |
History | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.67:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.33:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (48kHz, 16-bit)
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (2 BDs)
Region A (locked)
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 5.0 | |
Extras | 3.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Billy Hale's "S.O.S. Titanic" (1979) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber. The supplemental features on the disc include archival content and exclusive new audio commentary by critic Evgueni Mlodik. In English, with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. Region-A "locked".
Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.67:1, encoded with MPEG-4 and granted a 1080p transfer, S.O.S. Titanic arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber.
There are two versions of the film on this release: Theatrical Version and TV Version. The former was restored in 4K, while the latter was remastered.
The captures that are included with our review appear in the following order:
Screencaptures #1-14: Theatrical Version.
Screencaptures #17-32: TV Version.
The Theatrical Version is unquestionably the better looking one. It boasts superior delineation, clarity, and depth. I also think that it has the superior color scheme. However, because of various stylistic choices there are some quite interesting native fluctuations -- usually these affect highlights and shadow definition -- so keep this in mind while viewing it. There are no traces of problematic digital corrections. Grain is nicely exposed and resolved, but there are a few areas where it could appear a tad loose. (I think that this becomes somewhat obvious only on a larger screen). Image stability is excellent. My score is 4.5/5.00.
The TV Version looks healthy but at the same time it has a somewhat dated appearance. Additionally, its density levels are not as good as the ones on the Theatrical Version. This is why there are more obvious fluctuations in terms of delineation and depth on it as well. The color scheme is different, with the most notable discrepancies popping up in darker areas where the primaries are colder and darker nuances are not as nicely balanced as the ones seen on the Theatrical Version, but still quite good. A very light but permanent magenta hue interferes with some of the gentler nuances as well. There are no traces of problematic digital work. Image stability is very good, but some blemishes and tiny marks remain. My score is 3.5/5.00. (Note: This is a Region-A "locked" Blu-ray release. Therefore, you must have a native Region-A or Region-Free player in order to access its content).
Both versions of the film arrives with English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 tracks. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided.
I give the lossless track on the Theatrical Version a slight edge because from time to time it seems marginally clearer and perhaps even sharper. however, the difference is so small that I would describe it as academic. Balance and dynamic intensity are very good. There are no encoding anomalies to report in our review.
DISC ONE - TV VERSION
It is great to have both versions of S.O.S Titanic on this two-disc set, but I don't think that the Theatrical Version works particularly well. The longer TV Version has the right pacing and proper atmosphere, plus a superior narrative construction. (I don't like the editing choices that were done on the Theatrical Version. On top of altering and removing a lot of great material, they make the entire film look rushed). If you decide to pick up the release for your collection see the TV Version first, and then consider spending some time with the new 4K restoration of the Theatrical Version. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
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