Chimes DVD

[NoFake]

So... not worth a look-see?

[tonyw]

I've run a VHS copy in my class last Thursday. It is watchable (not "fair" - as in my DVD version with Japanese subtitles - but it is no match for the beautiful images that have been posted on this site.

[NoFake]

Thanks, tonyw. And I'm guessing the DVD version wouldn't be appreciably better. As for the Studio Canal version: I second you there. The beauty of some of those screen shots takes your breath away.

[kipling71]

The beauty of some of those screen shots takes your breath away.

WOW! And the DVD really REALLY looks like that?!?! I recently broke down and ordered the Brazilian DVD which suffers seriously by comparison. Still, what I just got is leagues ahead of the VHS I acquired back in the early '90s. That thing looked and sounded like you were watching the film through a waterfall.

In case they read this message board, any time the parties concerned wanna get their act together, settle their differences, and put out a lovely Criterionesque version of "Chimes at Midnight" it'd be just fine with me.

[TheCharlatan]

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

I ordered it yesterday. If you sign up for e-mail updates on the homepage www.hollywoodsattic.com they will send you an e-mail containing a log on word (preferred) and password (customer) to get a discount. Chimes normally sells for $19.95 and the discount price is $12.00.
Here is what a person who bought it through Amazon said:
"Hey! What's happened here? I purchased this modestly priced DVD to tide me over, having become increasingly frustrated at waiting for a restored version of this masterpiece to appear. Certainly, this print presents the movie at the best I have ever seen it. The print is of excellent quality, the sound clear and devoid of hiss. The notorious post synch problems have been almost eliminated. What's going on? Whatever, I am most grateful for the work done. Can anyone supply me with more information about who has undertaken this work. Bravo!"

Seems like it's worth a shot. I'll submit a review after I recieve it.

[Michael O'Hara]

Please do. I had seen that review on Amazon and have been quietly curious. My current DVD with the non-removable Asian subtitles is not entirely a letdown, but I'm still certainly on the prowl for an upgrade.

[RayKelly]

I received my copy today from Nostalgia Family Video. The first thing I noticed was it isn't a "silver" factory-pressed DVD, but a DVD-R. Packaging is professional and the disc has a full color label. There is a menu with scene access.

I gave it a quick look over. Let me make it clear, I am NOT a video-phile. To my 46-year-old eyes, the quality was slightly brighter/washed out compared to my Spanish PAL version. Yet, not enough of a difference that I couldn't adjust the picture on my TV. The Nostalgia print was in very good condition. It was as good a print as that used for the Spanish PAL disc. (I did a split screen on a 40 inch Sony TV using PAL and NTSC players to compare several scenes). The audio was very clear and in sync.

I tried to do screen captures on my computer using Windows Media Player, but failed miserably I'm afraid.

I used the log in & password supplied by TheCharlatan (much thanks) to get the discount price. The DVD cost $12 and shipping was $6. It arrived in just a few days.

For that price, you can't go wrong.

[the scotsman]

This new issue from Cornerstone Media International / Palladium Entertainment is not reccomended - DO NOT BUY IT:
It is not even as good as the spanish issue. It seems to be from the spanish issue however. They have degraded the picture quality with too much noise reduction - giving it the look of an old VHS transfer with the picture sharpner turned down;Thus removing all the natural grain of the original. The sound is OK. I can´t tell you all how disappointed I am that the first english language DVD issue of this movie is such a dud.There are no extras on the disc whatsoever. I don´t suppose one can expect much for the price - 7 pounds 87 pence,but I had expected more than this.
So fellow suffering Wellsians - keep the faith - get the spanish version or steal the french one - if you can find anyone with it - and let´s hope that the 3 DVD issue of OTHELLO will see the light of day - Ha! "Pigs might fly" as they say.

[atcolomb]

That's too bad...and how about a region 1 release? At DVDBEAVER Gary's video segment he talks about a possible French release of Chimes which holds some promise..we shall see. I guess i will keep my Spanish version for now.

[atcolomb]

..by the way someone on Ebay is selling a laserdisc copy of Chimes for.. $499. I have a copy of that that was burned on to a dvd for me for $20. The print used was ok but not as good as the Spanish version.

[the scotsman]

The new issue from SINISTER Films (Italy ) is available through Amazon.It. Price 11 euros 99 cents. This is the best that I have seen.
It is Significently Better than the Spanish edition and the recent UK issue is junk when viewed A and B.
The video is clean with great shadow and depth and excellent clarity. The sound is fine.The Italian company has had access to a fine quality print to work from.
I can reccomend this issue to anyone. Now I can just relax and enjoy it.

[I=Eye]

Great news, although it's region 2 only.

http://www.amazon.it/Falstaff-SE-Jeanne ... 120&sr=8-1

[atcolomb]

I do have all region dvd player that will play it...have to figure out how to order Amazon.com in Italian...

[the scotsman]

Just try going to http://www.amazon.it or click on the link above in the other post and then sign in as an existing amazon customer and pay for it your normal way(if credit card).
It may be written in Italian but the boxes that one fills and/or ticks are the same. I signed in with my Amazon UK email and password then searched for
DVD in left box - Orson Welles Falstaff in right box.Click on it and buy with the one click ordering.Try it anyway.

[atcolomb]

Just try going to http://www.amazon.it or click on the link above in the other post and then sign in as an existing amazon customer and pay for it your normal way(if credit card).
It may be written in Italian but the boxes that one fills and/or ticks are the same. I signed in with my Amazon UK email and password then searched for
DVD in left box - Orson Welles Falstaff in right box.Click on it and buy with the one click ordering.Try it anyway.

Thanks Scotsman..i will try it