The Bird with the Crystal Plumage – Technically Speaking

[MacBlayne]

Seems to be the case. Sorry Arrow (if it makes it any better, I just bought Tenebrae on BD).

[keirarts]

VCI is the way to go. Its actually slightly better quality than the Blue underground disc and relatively cheap. I picked Arrows up for the extras as getting both was a far cheaper option than BU's release.

I believe it may be difficult in Europe to get a correctly framed release of Bird, I'm no expert but apparently that's the only one on offer. Unless someone has a bag of cash to go and get access to the masters then the only one up for sale is the storaro effort.

I believe America deals with different licensor's so can get the correctly framed print though BU went oop as that deal expired.

[The Reaper Man@Cult Labs]

Originally Posted by JAMIOUSE

From what I've read the VCI disc is the way to go, correct ratio and a brighter print and it's not too expensive on Amazon.co.uk

It is the way to go.

If Arrow had to re-release it with a proper aspect ratio,then I'd rebuy it,as unfortunately the VCI artwork is shite.

[sjconstable]

I don't really buy that the VCI is better quality than the BU, I think all they did was slightly increase the colour saturation to give the illusion of better quality and everyone fell for it lol.

[The Reaper Man@Cult Labs]

The only way I'd say the VCI disc is better than the BU disc,is the price.

[MacBlayne]

I can live with colour / brightness issues - framing is the dealbreaker for me.

But it would be nice if perhaps Argento could be persuaded to oversee a remaster. Failing that, they could ask Christophe Gans - he's a huge fan of Argento and would probably be interested in a faithful restoration.

[sjconstable]

Originally Posted by MacBlayne

Failing that, they could ask Christophe Gans - he's a huge fan of Argento and would probably be interested in a faithful restoration.

That is such a bizarre idea lol, and the BU looks fine anyway.

[MacBlayne]

Originally Posted by sjconstable

That is such a bizarre idea lol, and the BU looks fine anyway.

It is bizarre but I'm willing to entertain any lunatic idea to get a full restoration.

[Antropophagus]

The VCI disc is just mpeg-2 while the BU is AVC. Don't think VCI can be better.

[keirarts]

It does actually look SLIGHTLY better, though admittedly my set up is a ps3 32" Samsung HDTV so not the best representation.. In my review I did advise not to upgrade if you own the BU release as its not enough to warrant an otherwise better disc. HOWEVER, if you didn't pick up the BU release, the choice between paying £80+ for it, or the £10 the VCI release is going to set you back is a no-brainer. Especially considering the last time I saw the Arrow release of Bird it was about £7.99.