Is this the same print that will be used for the upcoming BluRay release? I'm asking, because the Vivendi release from a few years back doesn't look very good. It has no contrast whatsoever. And I know better prints exist, because the version Universal issued in Europe looks superior.
Yes! I actually bought the UK Universal Region 2 PAL DVD for that very reason, despite the fact that 4% PAL Speedup drives me nuts! Randy Skretvedt has confirmed that everything wrong with previous SOTD releases has been fixed for the upcoming release, and this iconic feature now looks and sounds fantastic, and everything is there that is supposed to be! I'm so looking forward to retiring the Region 2 disc with the upcoming "Laurel & Hardy: The Definitive Restorations" Region Free Blu-ray set, and don't even get me started on the godawful looking "Essential Collection" transfer! Huge thank yous to Scott McQueen and the UCLAFilmTVArchive for all that you do in preserving and restoring these film treasures to their former glory! CHEERS!!
@@franknewman1194 Unfortunately, this particular clip is blocked from viewing in my country. The feedback I've seen for the version of SOTD on the new "Definitive Restorations" DVD release has generally been quite positive. It's a real bummer that the Blu-ray release has been [unavoidably] delayed by two weeks, though. CHEERS!
Having just given the Definitive Restorations Blu-ray version of SONS OF THE DESERT (1933) a fresh viewing, here are my observations: - The opening titles and closing end card are presented as nicely as can be, given the freeze frame nature. While I'm still 50/50 regarding the decision to go this route, kudos for at least choosing the appropriate fade out transition mode, and keeping the timing of the opening titles/credits changes in line! - Generally speaking, I don't have a major issue with the lighting or timing for the night time scenes, as the night scenes still look enough like night to my eyes. The overall Definitive Restorations presentation is a lot better than the muddy mess that appears on the Essential Collection DVD set. That said, I do also see that the visual quality of some of the reels differ somewhat, particularly the second reel, which is especially hard to watch on the aforementioned EC set! A general range of average to very good PQ is probably as apt a description as any for this iconic feature when presented at its best, given the existing film elements. In my opinion, the Chicago Convention montage and "Honolulu Baby" sequences benefit the most from this UCLA Restoration! - At the beginning of the Chicago Parade montage, I noticed clapping that went on for quite a few seconds, which is something that I never previously took notice of. Is there more clarity in this edition's soundtrack, perhaps? I find the Definitive Restorations Blu-ray edition of SONS OF THE DESERT (1933) a real treat to watch! CHEERS!
After a lifetime of enjoying Laurel & Hardy, thank you. It is comforting to see their work preserved.
Amazing work, thanks for preservation on classic piece of history.
Keep up the good work! Stan & Ollie approve!
Great work. I hope it is the longer European version.
You would think the commentary could be heard better. Sorry.
Does the work print have any alternate scenes? Are they any missing scenes restored from the work print?
Looks more like a Mighty Wurlitzer.
Once this is restored by UCLA, will it be made available to the public?
I believe it's the version used on the new Laurel and hardy Blu Ray
Is this the same print that will be used for the upcoming BluRay release? I'm asking, because the Vivendi release from a few years back doesn't look very good. It has no contrast whatsoever. And I know better prints exist, because the version Universal issued in Europe looks superior.
Yes! I actually bought the UK Universal Region 2 PAL DVD for that very reason, despite the fact that 4% PAL Speedup drives me nuts! Randy Skretvedt has confirmed that everything wrong with previous SOTD releases has been fixed for the upcoming release, and this iconic feature now looks and sounds fantastic, and everything is there that is supposed to be! I'm so looking forward to retiring the Region 2 disc with the upcoming "Laurel & Hardy: The Definitive Restorations" Region Free Blu-ray set, and don't even get me started on the godawful looking "Essential Collection" transfer! Huge thank yous to Scott McQueen and the UCLAFilmTVArchive for all that you do in preserving and restoring these film treasures to their former glory! CHEERS!!
@@tonybensley6246 I hope you're right, cause when I look at this press clip (ua-cam.com/video/7K2VqWjj-P8/v-deo.html) it still looks pretty washed out
@@franknewman1194 Unfortunately, this particular clip is blocked from viewing in my country. The feedback I've seen for the version of SOTD on the new "Definitive Restorations" DVD release has generally been quite positive. It's a real bummer that the Blu-ray release has been [unavoidably] delayed by two weeks, though. CHEERS!
Having just given the Definitive Restorations Blu-ray version of SONS OF THE DESERT (1933) a fresh viewing, here are my observations:
- The opening titles and closing end card are presented as nicely as can be, given the freeze frame nature. While I'm still 50/50 regarding the decision to go this route, kudos for at least choosing the appropriate fade out transition mode, and keeping the timing of the opening titles/credits changes in line!
- Generally speaking, I don't have a major issue with the lighting or timing for the night time scenes, as the night scenes still look enough like night to my eyes. The overall Definitive Restorations presentation is a lot better than the muddy mess that appears on the Essential Collection DVD set. That said, I do also see that the visual quality of some of the reels differ somewhat, particularly the second reel, which is especially hard to watch on the aforementioned EC set! A general range of average to very good PQ is probably as apt a description as any for this iconic feature when presented at its best, given the existing film elements. In my opinion, the Chicago Convention montage and "Honolulu Baby" sequences benefit the most from this UCLA Restoration!
- At the beginning of the Chicago Parade montage, I noticed clapping that went on for quite a few seconds, which is something that I never previously took notice of. Is there more clarity in this edition's soundtrack, perhaps?
I find the Definitive Restorations Blu-ray edition of SONS OF THE DESERT (1933) a real treat to watch! CHEERS!