Chimes DVD

[Michael O'Hara]

If you see the thread "Does anybody have this version of Chimes" there is a link to the one that I bought at Amazon.com. However, the sound is pretty bad--and much of the time it is difficult to understand the dialogue.

That sounds like the same print my VHS copy is derived from, so maybe it's not worth the effort....


I'll keep requesting it at the TCM website.

[Jeff Wilson]

If you want to get it, get a DVD player that converts PAL (available at any number of mainstream stores for less than $50 in most cases - check around the DVD forums for models and such) and then get the Spanish disc. The Spanish disc isn't mind-blowing, but it has clear sound and picture. At this point, if you want a good copy of the film, you need a region-free, PAL capable player.

The ridiculous, ongoing rights battle could drag on who knows how many more years, so if you want it, get it while you can. The Studio Canal version is anamorphic, so if you have a 16:9 monitor, you're set (assuming you can find the box set or get a DVD-R from someone). The Spanish disc is letterboxed but not anamorphic.

[IvyMike]

Does anyone have screenshot comparisons for the Studio Canal Chimes DVD? The link to the old Criterion Forum thread no longer has the screenshots active. Or maybe someone can comment further on the quality of the transfer, which I hear is much better than the Spanish one (but is the Canal one impressive in its own right).

I found a place to get it from, but it would cost me 90 bucks for the boxset (incl Trial and 3rd Man, already own 3rd Man tho), which is pretty hefty price to pay...Much appreciated.

[Jeff Wilson]

I really should add some screen caps of the Studio Canal disc to the CHIMES DVD page on the site, but my initial impression was that it wasn't a drastic improvement over the Spanish disc, but an improvement nonetheless. You get an anamorphic version of the film, albeit with forced French subtitles. You can rip the disc and burn it without the subs, if you have the capability and know-how (it's not really that hard).

[Christopher Good]

From the screenshots I've seen, the Canal version of Chimes is excellent, as is the Canal version of The Trial (in case you haven't seen that, it's most gorgeous print (and transfer) of the film I've ever seen.

I'm still trying to track down a copy of the Studio Canal Falstaff. Have you found an on-line shop that has copies?

Christopher

[IvyMike]

http://oas2000.proxis.be/gate/jabba.cor ... i=81525042

Trying to decide if The Trial and Chimes are worth the ~92USD it would cost to import from there, especially since I've never seen Chimes...

[C.P. Czarnecki]

Hi,

I'm a new member of this forum. I think it's a good way to start off by providing you with some screenshots from the Studio Canal release of Chimes at Midnight, which obviously looks superior to the Suevia disc.

[IvyMike]

Wow, great - still waiting on my order from Proxis, but looks like I won't be disappointed. Thanks for posting those.

[tonyw]

C.P. Welcome to this group and thanks for supplying such a great first post.

[Skylark]

Nice screen grabs - there's a very similar shot to the 6th picture in Alexander Nevsky, by the way.

[IvyMike]

This scene was posted on youtube - I am assuming it is from the Studio Canal DVD because the quality seems pretty good.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=oogFGsW1s7c

Youtube obviously does not have the greatest quality video (the clip of course is heavily compressed), but this scene seems to suggest a pretty good source.

[IvyMike]

Hmm, well Proxis said they couldn't get anymore from their supplier, and the supplier had no definite date on when/if they could get any more. Anyone know of another place/how to get the collection (well, only interested in Chimes and The Trial)?

[Ste]

You're a bit late, IvyMike. I bought the boxed set from Proxis two years ago, when it was already practically impossible to find. Your only chance now is the second-hand market. Or pray they resolve the rights issue on Chimes.

The Studio Canal two-disc edition of The Trial should still be relatively easy to find, if you shop around. Good luck.

[NoFake]

Just got an offer from Nostalgia Video for this:

Chimes at Midnight (1965-French)

Director: Orson Welles
Cast: Orson Welles, Jeanne Moreau, Margaret Rutherford, John Gielgud.
Description: The legendary Shakespearean character Sir John Falstaff, the notoriously drunken, obese, and yet charming companion of the young Henry V, steps up from supporting character in several plays to the central focus of Orson Welles' Chimes at Midnight, considered by many critics the best of the director's acclaimed Shakespeare films.
Color/B&W: B&W. Running Time: 115 mins. Item #5742
Format: & vbcrlf VHS for $14.99 DVD for $19.99 also on DVD

[Jeff Wilson]

It is in all likelihood a bootleg. And until the squabbling rights holders pull their heads out and settle this, pirate outfits like this will continue to take their money. Which probably serves them right, in some way.