The Pianist (UK Import) - High-Def Digest review

[jed]

In his latest import review, Peter says this UK-released HD DVD edition of 'The Pianist' delivers exquisite quality with a very fine-looking and great sounding high-def presentation.

Full review here:
http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/1057/pianist_uk.html

[SGITim]

Hey jed, got a question for ya. Do most import HD-DVD's not have extra features. Because i got through this forum, the Mr. and Mrs. Smith Import HD-DVD and the video and audio are great, but there is NO extra features. Is this because third party companies are putting out these imports instead of the actual studios? Thanks for your holy hd-dvd knowledge!

[AndyMT]

(shakes head).

had a feeling this would get good marks. don't ask me how.

it's hardly top tier stuff. lots of edge enhancement. some parts can look good (close ups, some wide/medium shots). details can drop off quite badly into backgrounds in places.

and no mention of the PAL speed up. what's going on here ? it's VERY noticeable. lead character ... hardly recognised him to begin with. reviewers should really pick up on this. it's important to some people.

hoping universal will do a better job when released for US.

[joeymac]

The lack of extras is a shame.. I rented this a couple of months back and thought it looked really good. I would say the rating was about right. Perhaps a 4 not a 4.5 though.

[Sporadic]

Originally Posted by SGITim

Do most import HD-DVD's not have extra features.

Yeah, only import I have that has extras is the Warner Bros' UK released The Prestige.

Originally Posted by AndyMT

and no mention of the PAL speed up. what's going on here ? it's VERY noticeable. lead character ... hardly recognised him to begin with. reviewers should really pick up on this. it's important to some people.

There is no pitch issue on this title.

Originally Posted by AVS

Pitch Issue
I have been asked by several posters to include information on the 'pitch issue' which seems to be limited to French Studio Canal releases. This issue is noticed by some more than others, but there is no doubt that there is a difference and this is most noticable when comparing the HD DVD to their Blu-ray or DVD counter-parts.

Titles which the issue have been noticed on include:
Basic Instinct
Elephant Man, The
Graduate, The
Mulholland Drive
Rambo: First Blood
Rambo: First Blood Part 2
Rambo III
Total Recall

[1080p]

Jed Is "Silent Hill" and "Underword" slated for an Import review soon?

[Swearengen]

I got this and whole heartedly agree with this review. Both in terms of content and visuals. There is a constant small amount of grain, which enhance the filmlike experience and details are really good. Watching the Szpilman family in the beginning, clothes, texture, hair and furniture stand out, like you can almost feel it.

In very dark scenes, the shadow detail could be better, but I can't complain at all. Colors and contrast are very natural like. I would donate a ½ point more for audio, since the sound design was really satisfying, both in action sequences and more quiet scenes.

Schindlers List is a great movie, but Polanskis epic, just takes it to a whole other level. Fantastic, harrowing.

[jed]

Originally Posted by 1080p

Jed Is "Silent Hill" and "Underword" slated for an Import review soon?

Not that I'm aware of, no... but hopefully at some point down the line.