Lonesome Dove
2-Disc Collector's Edition
Features: A brand new HD transfer, providing never before seen footage in some scenes. Over an hour of extras.
Codec / Resolution: VC-1 / 1080p
Movie File Size: 71 GB (2 discs)
Average Bitrate: 20 Mbps
Distributor: Genius Entertainment / RHI
Region: Region-Free
Movie Release: February 5, 1989
This Release: August 5, 2008
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 6 hrs 13 mins
MSRP: $39.99
Current Price: Check Price / Purchase (Blu-ray) |
Pros
- Looks significantly better than the DVD
- More detail
- Much better colors
- Audio sounds better
- Brightness has been increased which resembles more of the original transfer
Cons / Disadvantages
Noteworthy Observations
- This Blu-ray version is taken from an Open Matte original, which means some of the familiar edges on the left and right, and top and bottom of the 4:3 version you're used to, may or may not be present in this version.
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RECOMMENDED PLUS
Audio
Lonesome Dove has a much better audio soundtrack. After watching the fullscreen version again for kicks, I couldn't believe how bad it was when listening to the Dolby Digital 5.1 track (640 Kbps). What was even more amazing, was the rather low bitrate of the audio, but it sounded pretty good.
Video
This is certainly going to be subjective for some viewers, but Lonesome Dove looked great to me. Compared to what I've had in my video collection for several years, this Blu-ray version is like watching Lonesome Dove for the first time. So much more detail in so many scenes, I'll be watching it again and again.
Of course, I have to mention the Open Matte issue. It really isn't an issue for me, but for some it will be. Yes, there are scenes where the left and right sides are slightly clipped, and even the top and bottom, and sometimes a tad on the top, and more on the bottom. But this is only an issue if you are comparing it to the highly inferior 4:3 version.
Content
You just can't go wrong with Lonesome Dove. Watch it in its entirety on a Sunday afternoon on your favorite couch or chair, and 6 hours of misery, pain, anguish, betrayal, love, adventure, integrity, hope, and commitment will fill your mind. The final scene with Call walking at dusk, is one of the most emotional moments I've ever encountered, and I always get choked up. In fact, Lonesome Dove's Part IV chapter is a time when I try to find something to blow my nose on, because the story is so heart-wrenching.
The Extras
The extras on Lonesome Dove are nothing amazing, but not entirely without merit. The The Making Of An Epic feature is worth a view, and so is On Location With Simon Wincer. It's unfortunate none of the extras are in HD.
Conclusion
Lonesome Dove will be worth the upgrade from your DVD. It won't be as promising as other HD transfers, but at the same time you cannot afford avoiding this transfer, either. Thus, I give Lonesome Dove a solid RECOMMEND PLUS. |
