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Warner Home Video Director's Series: Stanley Kubrick Collection (R1) in October

20-08-2007 18:35 | 34376 views  |  Dave Foster  |  Show Backlinks
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Warner Home Video have announced the Region 1 DVD release of Warner Home Video Director’s Series: Stanley Kubrick on 23rd October 2007. The first in their new series featuring influential films from some of history’s greatest directors, Warner Home Video Director’s Series: Stanley Kubrick is a new six-film, 10-disc widescreen and newly-remastered collection that includes Special Editions of 2001: A Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange, Eyes Wide Shut, The Shining and Full Metal Jacket Deluxe Edition, along with the full-length documentary, A Life in Pictures.

2001: A Space Odyssey has been newly remastered; A Clockwork Orange, Eyes Wide Shut, The Shining and Full Metal Jacket, also remastered, debut in their original widescreen theatrical aspect ratios. All releases have been created in collaboration with, and approved by, the estate of Stanley Kubrick. The collection sells for $79.92 SRP on DVD. Single discs will be available at various prices (see below for details). The films are also available on both HD formats (details here).

The films in the Warner Home Video Director’s Series: Stanley Kubrick also represented landmarks for such stars as Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Jack Nicholson, Malcolm McDowell, Vincent D’Onofrio, Matthew Modine and others. Enhanced with hours of insightful and in-depth special features these Special Editions include commentaries, documentaries, rare interviews with Stanley Kubrick and special new featurettes that offer a rare look into the mind of the master filmmaker. The 10 Disc set also includes the bonus documentary A Life in Pictures, narrated by Tom Cruise, which details Kubrick’s early life, at work and at home, with candid commentary from collaborators, colleagues and family.

The Eyes Wide Shut Special Edition includes both the Rated and Unrated versions, along with the all-new featurette “Lost Kubrick: The Films That Never Were.” Separate from this Collection, other Kubrick titles available from WHV include Barry Lyndon and Lolita (these will be repackaged version of the old remastered editions).

About the Films


2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) - $26.99 SRP
Stanley Kubrick’s dazzling, Academy Award-winning achievement (Special Visual Effects) is an allegorical puzzle on the evolution of man and a compelling drama of man vs. machine. Featuring a stunning meld of music and motion, the film was also Oscar® nominated for Best Director and Best Screenplay. Kubrick (who co-wrote the screenplay with Arthur C. Clarke) first visits the prehistoric age-ancestry past, then leaps millennia (via one of the most mind-blowing jump cuts ever) into colonized space, and ultimately whisks astronaut Bowman (Keir Dullea) into uncharted space, perhaps even into immortality.

DVD Special Features:

Disc One
  • English and French DD5.1 Surround
  • Commentary by Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood
  • Theatrical trailer

Disc Two
  • Channel 4 documentary: 2001: The Making of a Myth
  • Standing on the Shoulders of Kubrick: The Legacy of 2001
  • Vision of a Future Passed: The Prophecy of 2001
  • 2001: A Space Odyssey - A Look Behind the Future
  • 2001: FX and Early Conceptual Artwork
  • Look: Stanley Kubrick!
  • Audio-only interview with Stanley Kubrick
  • Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

A Clockwork Orange (1971) - $26.99 SRP
Stomping, whopping, stealing, singing, tap-dancing, violating. Derby-topped hooligan Alex (Malcolm McDowell) has a good time – at the tragic expense of others. His journey from amoral punk to brainwashed proper citizen and back again forms the dynamic arc of Kubrick’s future-shock vision of Anthony Burgess’ novel. Controversial when first released, the film garnered three Academy Award nominations – Best Picture, Best Director and Best Screenplay. Its power still entices, shocks and mesmerizes today.

DVD Special Features:

Disc One
  • Commentary by Malcolm McDowell and historian Nick Redman
  • Theatrical trailer

Disc Two
  • Channel 4 documentary: Still Tickin’: The Return of Clockwork Orange
  • New featurette: Great Bolshy Yarblockos! Making A Clockwork Orange
  • Career profile: O Lucky Malcolm!
  • Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

Eyes Wide Shut (1999) - $26.99 SRP
Kubrick’s daring and controversial last film is a bracing psychosexual journey through a haunting dreamscape, a riveting suspense tale and a career milestone for stars Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. Cruise plays a doctor who plunges into an erotic foray that threatens his marriage – and may ensnare him in a murder mystery – after his wife’s (Kidman) admission of sexual longings. As the story sweeps from doubt and fear to self-discovery and reconciliation, Kubrick orchestrates it with masterful flourishes. His graceful tracking shots, rich colors and startling images are some of the bravura traits that show Kubrick as a filmmaker for the ages.

DVD Special Features:

Disc One
  • Rated and Unrated versions of the Main Feature
  • English and French DD5.1 Surround
  • Scene specific commentary by Sydney Pollack and historian Peter Loewenberg
  • Theatrical trailer and TV spots

Disc Two
  • Channel 4 documentary: The Last Movie: Stanley Kubrick and Eyes Wide Shut
  • Lost Kubrick: The Unfinished Films of Stanley Kubrick
  • Kubrick’s 1998 DGA D.W Griffith Award acceptance speech
  • Interview gallery featuring Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, and Steven Spielberg
  • Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

Full Metal Jacket (1987) - Not available separately.
A superb ensemble falls in for Stanley Kubrick’s brilliant saga about the Vietnam War and the dehumanizing process that turns people into trained killers. The scathing indictment of a film was nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Screenplay. Joker (Matthew Modine), Animal Mother (Adam Baldwin), Gomer (Vincent D’Onofrio), Eightball (Dorian Harewood) and Cowboy (Arliss Howard) are some of the Marine recruits experiencing boot-camp hell under the punishing command of the foul-mouthed Sergeant Hartman (R. Lee Ermy). The action is savage, the story unsparing, and the dialogue is spiked with scathing humor.

DVD Special Features:
  • English, French and Spanish DD5.1 Surround
  • Commentary by Adam Baldwin, Vincent D’Onofrio, R. Lee Ermey and Jay Cocks
  • New Featurette: Full Metal Jacket: Between Good and Evil
  • Theatrical trailer
  • Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

The Shining (1980) - $20.97 SRP
From a script he co-adapted from the Stephen King novel, Kubrick melds vivid performances, menacing settings, dreamlike tracking shots and shock after shock into a milestone of the macabre. The Shining is the director’s epic tale of a man in a snowbound hotel descending into murderous delusions. In a signature role, Jack Nicholson (“Heeeere’s Johnny!”) stars as Jack Torrance, who’s come to the elegant, isolated Overlook Hotel as off-season caretaker with his wife (Shelley Duvall) and son (Danny Lloyd).

DVD Special Features:

Disc One
  • Commentary by Garrett Brown and John Baxter
  • Theatrical trailer

Disc Two
  • Documentary The Making of the Shining, with optional commentary by Vivian Kubrick
  • Three new featurettes:
    • View from The Overlook: Crafting the Shining
    • The Visions of Stanley Kubrick
    • Wendy Carlos, Composer
  • Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

Stanley Kubrick – A Life in Pictures - $19.97 SRP
Produced and directed by longtime Kubrick associate Jan Harlan, this full-length documentary includes footage and personal photographs made available by Christiane Kubrick, the director’s wife of more than 42 years. The film paints a surprisingly accessible portrait of Kubrick, giving a strikingly different view of the man and what influenced him as a filmmaker. Among the long list of actors, friends and colleagues paying tribute are Woody Allen, Sir Arthur C. Clarke, Shelley Duvall, Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Christiane Kubrick, Paul Mazursky, Malcolm McDowell, Matthew Modine, Jack Nicholson, Alan Parker, Sydney Pollack, Richard Schickel, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Douglas Trumbull and Sir Peter Ustinov.

The following titles are not part of the Director’s Series box-set, and are only available separately priced at $19.97 SRP each.

Barry Lyndon (1975)
Redmond Barry is a young, roguish Irishman who's determined, in any way, to make a life for himself as a wealthy nobleman. Enlisting in the British Army, fighting in the Seven Years War in Europe, Barry deserts from the British army, joins the Prussian army, gets promoted to the rank of a spy, then becomes pupil to a Chevalier and con artist/gambler. Barry then lies, dupes, duels and seduces his way up the social ladder and enters into a lustful but loveless marriage to a wealthy countess named Lady Lyndon, takes the name of Barry Lyndon, settles in England with wealth and power beyond his wildest dreams, then slowly falls

Lolita (1962)
Humbert Humbert, a divorced British professor of French literature, travels to small-town America for a teaching position. He allows himself to be swept into a relationship with Charlotte Haze, his widowed and sexually famished landlady, whom he marries in order that he might pursue the woman's 14-year-old flirtatious daughter, Lolita, with whom he has fallen hopelessly in love, but whose affections shall be thwarted by a devious trickster named Clare Quilty.









<< HD DVD News: Stanley Kubrick Special Editions in October - Art update
News: Burt Lancaster Signature Collection (R1) in October >>

Comments

#1 Posted: 25-07-2007 21:03
James Lee
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Hoping Warners will include the original mono tracks. Good to see The Shining in widescreen - that open matte version isn't very good.

It'd be great if The Shining could be restored to its premiere length - ditto 2001
Quote this post
Hoping Warners will include the original mono tracks. Good to see The Shining in widescreen - that open matte version isn't very good.It'd be great if The Shining could be restored to its premiere length - ditto 2001
James Lee
#2 Posted: 25-07-2007 22:03
derrida
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I'm drooling right now...
Quote this post
I'm drooling right now...
derrida
#3 Posted: 25-07-2007 22:41
mrgroo
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I think I just had a petit mort in my pants.... Really excited about these releases and I just hope they have done the best possible job. We should know if they have because then they will all be available on HD/Blue Ray too - it would almost be enough to get me to upgrade to an HD player!
Quote this post
I think I just had a petit mort in my pants.... Really excited about these releases and I just hope they have done the best possible job. We should know if they have because then they will all be available on HD/Blue Ray too - it would almost be enough to get me to upgrade to an HD player!
mrgroo
#4 Posted: 25-07-2007 23:58
WJB
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mrgroo:
I think I just had a petit mort in my pants....



I think I did too after reading that! I agree though; these look stunning. Well worth upgrading to BD (or HDDVD) for! Can't wait to see the cover art for Eyes....
Quote this post
Quote: Originally Posted by mrgroo:I think I just had a petit mort in my pants....I think I did too after reading that! I agree though; these look stunning. Well worth upgrading to BD (or HDDVD) for! Can't wait to see the cover art for Eyes....
WJB
#5 Posted: 26-07-2007 07:44
ghekkomanic
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Posts: 25

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Quote:
Originally Posted by James Lee:
Hoping Warners will include the original mono tracks. Good to see The Shining in widescreen - that open matte version isn't very good.

It'd be great if The Shining could be restored to its premiere length - ditto 2001


I always thought Kubrick insisted on the DVD transfers being open matte. While I prefer widescreen wherever possible, I wonder why Waners are releasing them widescreen now.
Quote this post
Quote: Originally Posted by James Lee:Hoping Warners will include the original mono tracks. Good to see The Shining in widescreen - that open matte version isn't very good. It'd be great if The Shining could be restored to its premiere length - ditto 2001I always thought Kubrick insisted on the DVD transfers being open matte. While I prefer widescreen wherever possible, I wonder why Waners are releasing them widescreen now.
ghekkomanic
#6 Posted: 26-07-2007 08:24
Wilson Bros
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Quote:
I wonder why Warners are releasing them widescreen now.


Because Kubrick's dead.

The Wilson Bros
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Quote: I wonder why Warners are releasing them widescreen now.Because Kubrick's dead.The Wilson Bros
Wilson Bros
#7 Posted: 26-07-2007 09:35
Primus
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Can't wait for that 2001 2-disc set - there must surely be some special features on it?
Quote this post
Can't wait for that 2001 2-disc set - there must surely be some special features on it?
Primus
#8 Posted: 26-07-2007 09:52
James Lee
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Posts: 519

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Quote:
Originally Posted by ghekkomanic:
Quote:
Originally Posted by James Lee:
Hoping Warners will include the original mono tracks. Good to see The Shining in widescreen - that open matte version isn't very good.

It'd be great if The Shining could be restored to its premiere length - ditto 2001


I always thought Kubrick insisted on the DVD transfers being open matte. While I prefer widescreen wherever possible, I wonder why Waners are releasing them widescreen now.


Kubrick's insistence on open matte was back in the early 90's and was to do with resolution, not accuracy to the cinematography. That;s why Dr. Strangelove was multi-aspect on its early DVDs. It doesn't help that Kubrick representatives like Leon Vitali aren't up to date on technology - Vitali denied anamorphic enhancement for some films on the grounds they wern't shot with anamorphic lenses. Sigh...
Quote this post
Quote: Originally Posted by ghekkomanic: Quote: Originally Posted by James Lee:Hoping Warners will include the original mono tracks. Good to see The Shining in widescreen - that open matte version isn't very good. It'd be great if The Shining could be restored to its premiere length - ditto 2001 I always thought Kubrick insisted on the DVD transfers being open matte. While I prefer widescreen wherever possible, I wonder why Waners are releasing them widescreen now.Kubrick's insistence on open matte was back in the early 90's and was to do with resolution, not accuracy to the cinematography. That;s why Dr. Strangelove was multi-aspect on its early DVDs. It doesn't help that Kubrick representatives like Leon Vitali aren't up to date on technology - Vitali denied anamorphic enhancement for some films on the grounds they wern't shot with anamorphic lenses. Sigh...
James Lee
#9 Posted: 26-07-2007 12:05
Ghost_Dog
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With this and the Blade Runner DVD(s), Warners are going to get a load of my money.
Quote this post
With this and the Blade Runner DVD(s), Warners are going to get a load of my money.
Ghost_Dog
#10 Posted: 26-07-2007 13:24
AL89
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Posts: 133

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I'd imagine 2001 will include Piers Bizony's documentary,plus some of the featurettes shot in the 60s. The Holy Grail would be the unseen interviews shot as a prologue.

Have heard nothing about a commentary from Arthur C. Clarke, sadly.
Quote this post
I'd imagine 2001 will include Piers Bizony's documentary,plus some of the featurettes shot in the 60s. The Holy Grail would be the unseen interviews shot as a prologue. Have heard nothing about a commentary from Arthur C. Clarke, sadly.
AL89
#11 Posted: 26-07-2007 15:34
tokendvd
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I'll definately get this set along with the Blade Runner and Kill Bill DVDs (which the latter is going to be out in November 6th apparently). :D
Quote this post
I'll definately get this set along with the Blade Runner and Kill Bill DVDs (which the latter is going to be out in November 6th apparently). :D
tokendvd
#12 Posted: 26-07-2007 17:32
JimdiGriz
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Posts: 363

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Id like to see reviews etc of the Shining - Im very tempted but Im quite happy with my R1....this new one better be the longer cut! (Im sure it will be)
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Id like to see reviews etc of the Shining - Im very tempted but Im quite happy with my R1....this new one better be the longer cut! (Im sure it will be)
JimdiGriz
#13 Posted: 26-07-2007 17:36
Gary Couzens
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AL89:
Have heard nothing about a commentary from Arthur C. Clarke, sadly.


You'd have to go to Sri Lanka for that, so I suspect it's unlikely. Clarke is 90 this year, in a wheelchair and has said he is not intending to leave his adopted country.
Quote this post
Quote: Originally Posted by AL89:Have heard nothing about a commentary from Arthur C. Clarke, sadly.You'd have to go to Sri Lanka for that, so I suspect it's unlikely. Clarke is 90 this year, in a wheelchair and has said he is not intending to leave his adopted country.
Gary Couzens
#14 Posted: 26-07-2007 18:26
AL89
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Well I wasn't thinking they'd make Clarke sit in the local Odeon with a cassette recorder. He's well connected, so to speak, in Sri Lanka, but I simply doubt he'd do it, and if he had, it would be public knowledge by now.
Quote this post
Well I wasn't thinking they'd make Clarke sit in the local Odeon with a cassette recorder. He's well connected, so to speak, in Sri Lanka, but I simply doubt he'd do it, and if he had, it would be public knowledge by now.
AL89
#15 Posted: 26-07-2007 19:52
DeadKenny
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Quote:
Originally Posted by James Lee:
Hoping Warners will include the original mono tracks. Good to see The Shining in widescreen - that open matte version isn't very good.

It'd be great if The Shining could be restored to its premiere length - ditto 2001

Personally I feel the corridors in The Shining are all the more eerie for having the extra height and the stedicam shots work beautifully in full screen (or academy) format.

As for the premiere length I assume you mean as on the R1 DVD. For some reason I never understood Stanley "preferred" the shorter length but it seems only for Europe as he was happy for the longer length to be released in R1. Prefer the longer cut myself, but some don't. Best thing is to just feature both.

Quote:
Originally Posted by James Lee:
Kubrick's insistence on open matte was back in the early 90's and was to do with resolution, not accuracy to the cinematography. That;s why Dr. Strangelove was multi-aspect on its early DVDs. It doesn't help that Kubrick representatives like Leon Vitali aren't up to date on technology

Wasn't anything to do with resolution, it was that Stanley was a photographer and didn't want to be restricted by ratios that cinemas preferred. He wanted to show what he saw with his photographer's eye (and through the lens). Vitali himself confirms how Stanley was very frustrated at having to release theatrically in so called "widescreen". Stanley toyed with widescreen in 2001 and distanced himself from it after that following frustrations over theatrical presentations (same reason for picking mono for audio).

Quote:
Vitali denied anamorphic enhancement for some films on the grounds they wern't shot with anamorphic lenses. Sigh...

Anamorphic DVDs have nothing at all to do with anamorphic lenses and it was definitely not the reason why Vitali "denied" anamorphic enhancements on DVD. He didn't deny anything, he followed Stanley's instructions for open matte presentation. Those that don't benefit from being anamorphic were released non-anamorphic. In fact releasing 1.33:1 films anamorphic would have been harmful if anything.


Anyway, the argument is moot now as Warner have decided to savagely crop The Shining, Full Metal Jacket and Eyes Wide Shut. Just hope they don't do a Sony and destroy all the shadow detail as well like in Dr. Strangelove's most recent DVD release.

Quite why we can't just have both academy and widescreen versions on the same release though I don't know.

Frankly though I'd be most annoyed at cropping Clockwork Orange and Barry Lyndon as these were not shot with any mind for video/TV. Whilst shot in about 1.66:1 and cropping to 1.85:1 seems not much of a crop it will serious harm the composition.
Quote this post
Quote: Originally Posted by James Lee:Hoping Warners will include the original mono tracks. Good to see The Shining in widescreen - that open matte version isn't very good. It'd be great if The Shining could be restored to its premiere length - ditto 2001Personally I feel the corridors in The Shining are all the more eerie for having the extra height and the stedicam shots work beautifully in full screen (or academy) format.As for the premiere length I assume you mean as on the R1 DVD. For some reason I never understood Stanley "preferred" the shorter length but it seems only for Europe as he was happy for the longer length to be released in R1. Prefer the longer cut myself, but some don't. Best thing is to just feature both. Quote: Originally Posted by James Lee:Kubrick's insistence on open matte was back in the early 90's and was to do with resolution, not accuracy to the cinematography. That;s why Dr. Strangelove was multi-aspect on its early DVDs. It doesn't help that Kubrick representatives like Leon Vitali aren't up to date on technologyWasn't anything to do with resolution, it was that Stanley was a photographer and didn't want to be restricted by ratios that cinemas preferred. He wanted to show what he saw with his photographer's eye (and through the lens). Vitali himself confirms how Stanley was very frustrated at having to release theatrically in so called "widescreen". Stanley toyed with widescreen in 2001 and distanced himself from it after that following frustrations over theatrical presentations (same reason for picking mono for audio). Quote: Vitali denied anamorphic enhancement for some films on the grounds they wern't shot with anamorphic lenses. Sigh...Anamorphic DVDs have nothing at all to do with anamorphic lenses and it was definitely not the reason why Vitali "denied" anamorphic enhancements on DVD. He didn't deny anything, he followed Stanley's instructions for open matte presentation. Those that don't benefit from being anamorphic were released non-anamorphic. In fact releasing 1.33:1 films anamorphic would have been harmful if anything.Anyway, the argument is moot now as Warner have decided to savagely crop The Shining, Full Metal Jacket and Eyes Wide Shut. Just hope they don't do a Sony and destroy all the shadow detail as well like in Dr. Strangelove's most recent DVD release.Quite why we can't just have both academy and widescreen versions on the same release though I don't know.Frankly though I'd be most annoyed at cropping Clockwork Orange and Barry Lyndon as these were not shot with any mind for video/TV. Whilst shot in about 1.66:1 and cropping to 1.85:1 seems not much of a crop it will serious harm the composition.
DeadKenny
#16 Posted: 26-07-2007 20:44
hiram.k.hackenbacker
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Happy Birthday Stanley, wherever you are.

Thanks for the lovely presents.
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Happy Birthday Stanley, wherever you are.Thanks for the lovely presents.
hiram.k.hackenbacker
#17 Posted: 26-07-2007 22:24
James Lee
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The Kubrick films were not composed for full frame. They were meant to be seen in widescreen. A whole lot of confusion has sprung about over the years becuase of mis-communication. If Kubrick wanted to have The Shining shown in the Academy ratio, he could have filmed it that way and had it presented windowboxed - I'm told that was a possibility even in 1980. There is evidence from behind the scenes footage, plus eyewitnesses, that he was shooting for wide. He may not have liked the ratio but he still used it. His retconning of the ratios for video was done after the films were made.

I must stress I am not a person who insits on my TV screen being filled at the expense of the intended aspect ratio. Arrow's Martin is an example where the theatrical aspect ratio was always incorrect - the film was shot full frame in 16mm and not protected for theatrical matting. Therefore, Arrow's DVD is wrong.

"Anamorphic DVDs have nothing at all to do with anamorphic lenses and it was definitely not the reason why Vitali "denied" anamorphic enhancements on DVD. He didn't deny anything, he followed Stanley's instructions for open matte presentation. Those that don't benefit from being anamorphic were released non-anamorphic. In fact releasing 1.33:1 films anamorphic would have been harmful if anything."

In that particular case, I was referring to A Clockwork Orange, which has always been in its OAR, 1.66:1, on DVD but never anamorphic.

The Shining premiere cut was even longer than the current DVD, with an additional sequence following the climax. It doesn't sound terribly exciting but I'm a big beliver of having films presented as close to their original public reception as possible - even if the director decides he didn't like it the next day. Sadly, Kubrick may well have had the footage destroyed
Quote this post
The Kubrick films were not composed for full frame. They were meant to be seen in widescreen. A whole lot of confusion has sprung about over the years becuase of mis-communication. If Kubrick wanted to have The Shining shown in the Academy ratio, he could have filmed it that way and had it presented windowboxed - I'm told that was a possibility even in 1980. There is evidence from behind the scenes footage, plus eyewitnesses, that he was shooting for wide. He may not have liked the ratio but he still used it. His retconning of the ratios for video was done after the films were made.I must stress I am not a person who insits on my TV screen being filled at the expense of the intended aspect ratio. Arrow's Martin is an example where the theatrical aspect ratio was always incorrect - the film was shot full frame in 16mm and not protected for theatrical matting. Therefore, Arrow's DVD is wrong. "Anamorphic DVDs have nothing at all to do with anamorphic lenses and it was definitely not the reason why Vitali "denied" anamorphic enhancements on DVD. He didn't deny anything, he followed Stanley's instructions for open matte presentation. Those that don't benefit from being anamorphic were released non-anamorphic. In fact releasing 1.33:1 films anamorphic would have been harmful if anything."In that particular case, I was referring to A Clockwork Orange, which has always been in its OAR, 1.66:1, on DVD but never anamorphic.The Shining premiere cut was even longer than the current DVD, with an additional sequence following the climax. It doesn't sound terribly exciting but I'm a big beliver of having films presented as close to their original public reception as possible - even if the director decides he didn't like it the next day. Sadly, Kubrick may well have had the footage destroyed
James Lee
#18 Posted: 26-07-2007 22:36
James Lee
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This thread here has some more details on the aspect ratios - http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htf/showthread.php?t=230803&page=3

As you can see, it's caused a lot of controversy

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This thread here has some more details on the aspect ratios - http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htf/showthread.php?t=230803&page=3As you can see, it's caused a lot of controversy
James Lee
#19 Posted: 27-07-2007 08:47
bestdirector
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is this another cash-in from Warner ? The previous transfers were quite stunning, dont know how improved those on will be.

by the way, the 2001 dvd coer looks ugly, uhhh. I seriously prefer the original white one.

as for the aspect ratio, the fact of using the term open-matte implies that the original aspect ratio was widescren... just use 1.33 ratio :D
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is this another cash-in from Warner ? The previous transfers were quite stunning, dont know how improved those on will be.by the way, the 2001 dvd coer looks ugly, uhhh. I seriously prefer the original white one.as for the aspect ratio, the fact of using the term open-matte implies that the original aspect ratio was widescren... just use 1.33 ratio :D
bestdirector
#20 Posted: 27-07-2007 08:52
Robert Sharp
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James Lee, as you probably know, 2001 also opened a lot longer than the length we're all familiar with. Kubrick had been completely unable to see the film in a single sitting prior to the premiere, and after the screening, he removed a large chunk of footage which was slowing the pace (if you can imagine such a thing).

The point here is that what's important is not what was first shown to the public, but what the director was happy with. I can't imagine that anyone would have the nerve to interfere with the running times of his films.

DeadKenny, "savagely crop" indeed. I can't speak for The Shining, but I saw both Full Metal Jacket and Eyes Wide Shut at the cinema. Guess what the aspect ratio was? That's right. 1.85:1. That's the original cinema aspect ratio of those two films. And if you're not happy with that, well, the 2001 Kubrick Collection boxset has the titles at 1.33:1. Honestly. You can have academy and widescreen ratios on the same disc (I own a few from New Line in the States), but it is going to eat rather heavily into the bit budget for both versions of the film.

All Warner are doing are re-releasing the 2001 boxset in widescreen plus extras with a mind to future HiDef presentation. Who could moan about that? Posters to this site, that's who.
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James Lee, as you probably know, 2001 also opened a lot longer than the length we're all familiar with. Kubrick had been completely unable to see the film in a single sitting prior to the premiere, and after the screening, he removed a large chunk of footage which was slowing the pace (if you can imagine such a thing).The point here is that what's important is not what was first shown to the public, but what the director was happy with. I can't imagine that anyone would have the nerve to interfere with the running times of his films.DeadKenny, "savagely crop" indeed. I can't speak for The Shining, but I saw both Full Metal Jacket and Eyes Wide Shut at the cinema. Guess what the aspect ratio was? That's right. 1.85:1. That's the original cinema aspect ratio of those two films. And if you're not happy with that, well, the 2001 Kubrick Collection boxset has the titles at 1.33:1. Honestly. You can have academy and widescreen ratios on the same disc (I own a few from New Line in the States), but it is going to eat rather heavily into the bit budget for both versions of the film.All Warner are doing are re-releasing the 2001 boxset in widescreen plus extras with a mind to future HiDef presentation. Who could moan about that? Posters to this site, that's who.
Robert Sharp
#21 Posted: 27-07-2007 09:33
Takeshi357
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Originally Posted by Wilson Bros:
Quote:
I wonder why Warners are releasing them widescreen now.


Because Kubrick's dead.

The Wilson Bros

Well 2001 was in widescreen anyway, but I hope Clockwork Orange will be curtained opposed to cropped.

I hope The Shining will feature both cuts of the film?
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Quote: Originally Posted by Wilson Bros: Quote: I wonder why Warners are releasing them widescreen now.Because Kubrick's dead.The Wilson BrosWell 2001 was in widescreen anyway, but I hope Clockwork Orange will be curtained opposed to cropped.I hope The Shining will feature both cuts of the film?
Takeshi357
#22 Posted: 27-07-2007 11:36
James Lee
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"James Lee, as you probably know, 2001 also opened a lot longer than the length we're all familiar with. Kubrick had been completely unable to see the film in a single sitting prior to the premiere, and after the screening, he removed a large chunk of footage which was slowing the pace (if you can imagine such a thing)."

A pity both versions can't be seen on DVD. It's like Picnic at hanging Rock - which the footage definetly still exists for.
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"James Lee, as you probably know, 2001 also opened a lot longer than the length we're all familiar with. Kubrick had been completely unable to see the film in a single sitting prior to the premiere, and after the screening, he removed a large chunk of footage which was slowing the pace (if you can imagine such a thing)."A pity both versions can't be seen on DVD. It's like Picnic at hanging Rock - which the footage definetly still exists for.
James Lee
#23 Posted: 27-07-2007 15:13
DeadKenny
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Originally Posted by James Lee:
The Kubrick films were not composed for full frame. They were meant to be seen in widescreen. A whole lot of confusion has sprung about over the years becuase of mis-communication. If Kubrick wanted to have The Shining shown in the Academy ratio, he could have filmed it that way and had it presented windowboxed - I'm told that was a possibility even in 1980. There is evidence from behind the scenes footage, plus eyewitnesses, that he was shooting for wide. He may not have liked the ratio but he still used it.

I think the last part there is the crux of the matter. Vitali is perhaps the best witness other than the estate, being his PA and friend(?), and many times he's been on record as saying how frustrated Stanley was. Yes he shot for theatrical presentation (yes as evident from the storyboard from The Kubrick Archives) and those that want to be pure to the theatrical presentation can be pleased at a widescreen version now, but he also shot for full frame at the same time. It really comes down to "what he really wanted" for me. Personally I prefer to see what the director intended and not what he was forced to do. I realise not everyone is interested in that and prefer to have "the original", i.e. what was shown theatrically (though I argue they should therefore have a scratched up print and shoddy soundtrack to be authentic ;) ).

Key interview that highlights this matter in particular: http://www.dvdtalk.com/leonvitaliinterview.html

Now that reflects in lengths of the films as well. Stanley chopped bits out of 2001 and The Shining as we know and he apparently preferred the shorter versions, though his preference was based on test audience reaction. In the case of The Shining this highlights a conflict between what the director wanted and sticking to what was shown in the cinema as some regions had longer versions on theatrical release. I suppose there the old DVDs do reflect the theatrical releases though (US got the longer cut).

Anyway, I still maintain the simple answer is to provide the short and the long versions together with both full frame and widescreen and we're all happy then. Making a decision that effectively cuts off previous intent changes the film, and whilst you can argue that there are the existing DVDs, these will go out of print and you are then looking at keeping these DVDs in pristine condition, hoping they don't rot away as they're the only versions you'll have, plus of course remain in standard definition only.
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Quote: Originally Posted by James Lee:The Kubrick films were not composed for full frame. They were meant to be seen in widescreen. A whole lot of confusion has sprung about over the years becuase of mis-communication. If Kubrick wanted to have The Shining shown in the Academy ratio, he could have filmed it that way and had it presented windowboxed - I'm told that was a possibility even in 1980. There is evidence from behind the scenes footage, plus eyewitnesses, that he was shooting for wide. He may not have liked the ratio but he still used it.I think the last part there is the crux of the matter. Vitali is perhaps the best witness other than the estate, being his PA and friend(?), and many times he's been on record as saying how frustrated Stanley was. Yes he shot for theatrical presentation (yes as evident from the storyboard from The Kubrick Archives) and those that want to be pure to the theatrical presentation can be pleased at a widescreen version now, but he also shot for full frame at the same time. It really comes down to "what he really wanted" for me. Personally I prefer to see what the director intended and not what he was forced to do. I realise not everyone is interested in that and prefer to have "the original", i.e. what was shown theatrically (though I argue they should therefore have a scratched up print and shoddy soundtrack to be authentic ;) ).Key interview that highlights this matter in particular: http://www.dvdtalk.com/leonvitaliinterview.htmlNow that reflects in lengths of the films as well. Stanley chopped bits out of 2001 and The Shining as we know and he apparently preferred the shorter versions, though his preference was based on test audience reaction. In the case of The Shining this highlights a conflict between what the director wanted and sticking to what was shown in the cinema as some regions had longer versions on theatrical release. I suppose there the old DVDs do reflect the theatrical releases though (US got the longer cut).Anyway, I still maintain the simple answer is to provide the short and the long versions together with both full frame and widescreen and we're all happy then. Making a decision that effectively cuts off previous intent changes the film, and whilst you can argue that there are the existing DVDs, these will go out of print and you are then looking at keeping these DVDs in pristine condition, hoping they don't rot away as they're the only versions you'll have, plus of course remain in standard definition only.
DeadKenny
#24 Posted: 27-07-2007 18:56
James Lee
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"It really comes down to "what he really wanted" for me. Personally I prefer to see what the director intended and not what he was forced to do. "

True. But is the open matte Shining what he really wanted? If he'd been allowed to release the film in Academy ratio, would he have filmed it differently?

And as I said, Vitali isn't that reliable. He's honest and sincere but a bit mis-informed
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"It really comes down to "what he really wanted" for me. Personally I prefer to see what the director intended and not what he was forced to do. "True. But is the open matte Shining what he really wanted? If he'd been allowed to release the film in Academy ratio, would he have filmed it differently? And as I said, Vitali isn't that reliable. He's honest and sincere but a bit mis-informed
James Lee
#25 Posted: 28-07-2007 16:18
Takeshi357
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I'd say The Shining was definitely meant to be widescreen. I mean, you can see the helicopter shadow in the opening titles of the movie! Knowing Kubrick's perfectionism that shouldn't be there, unless he was planning to have the film shown matted.
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I'd say The Shining was definitely meant to be widescreen. I mean, you can see the helicopter shadow in the opening titles of the movie! Knowing Kubrick's perfectionism that shouldn't be there, unless he was planning to have the film shown matted.
Takeshi357

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