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JawsTDS said:
Greetings,
I hate to admit, but I do not own any copies of GOUT in Widescreen, and I would like to change that.
But, I need help. I was considering the Definitive Edition or the Faces editions. I've heard the Definitive edition has been known for rotting but it has better quality than the Faces edition since it's CAV.
I guess it depends on what you prefer...
The Japanese Special Collection features a shrinking aspect ratio (ANH only), but seems to be 'smear-free' (no Digital Video Noise Reduction). These are the earliest widescreen releases of the trilogy from 1986/87 and have English audio with Japanese subtitles under the widescreen frame in the black letterboxed section of the picture. This release is CAV.
The Special Widescreen Edition has the same shrinking aspect ratio as the JSC (ANH only), but is generally more common and cheaper to get. These releases aren't plagued with the smearing found on later releases. Also not that there are three different pressings. The Pioneer/Mitsubishi pressings use the same master, and the later Technidisc pressing uses a newer master with a fixed ratio and more vibrant colour, but is subject to disc mastering issues usually presented in the form of picture cross-talk. These releases are CLV.
The Definitive Collection and 'Faces' are both THX mastered, which also brings DVNR applied fairly generously, meaning there can be smearing on mid/high-motion shots. They both use the same master from 1993, with DC being CAV and 'Faces' CLV. This same master is what was used to produce the 2006 'theatrical bonus' DVD's, which are known as GOUT due to the poor quality. I understand that the smearing is more apparent on the DVD than the Laserdiscs due to the extra resolution, but cannot confirm as I never watch these versions. Some consider these the definitive Laserdisc releases.
I also want to see the 1997 Special Edition version of ANH to see the pre-2004 "bad-CGI" Jabba scene, if it IS on the edition. Which is the best disc?
AFAIK, in the US, the Special Editions were only released in a box set together (in a black box, with the discs in black paper sleeves and all films squashed together, eg: ANH side 3 and TESB side 1 on the same disc). This set is pretty common and inexpensive, and features AC3 5.1 audio if you have the capability.
I understand the Japanese releases are the same, but with added subtitles underneath the frame, although I think the films are individually divided within the set. These sets seem to cost more, and be aware that the earlier Japanese sets look almost identical to the UK PAL set when lacking the OBI.
As you can see, each release has its issues, but it should give you a clearer idea of what to look for. More information is around this forum and other sites if do a little digging.
EDIT: there is some information I've seen somewhere that lists all FOX video-branded releases of the ANH SWE as the Technidisc pressing, but this is simply not true. Technidisc pressings can only be identified by mint-markings on the discs.
