Writings > DVD Image Comparisons > The Nightmare Before Christmas

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Region 2/4 special edition (UK) - Buena Vista
vs. Region 2 (Denmark) - Buena Vista

Details

Bit Rate

R2 UK

R2 Denmark

Screen Captures

Example 1

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UK | Denmark

Example 2

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UK | Denmark

Example 3

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UK | Denmark

Example 4

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UK | Denmark

Example 5

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UK | Denmark

Comments

Quite interesting, really. The framing differs markedly, with the UK release over-matted to 1.85:1 and the Danish release in its correct ratio of 1.66:1. Generally, too much seems to have been cropped from the bottom of the UK version, but this is not always the case, as in some instances both the top and the bottom seem to have equal amounts of information missing. The UK version's matting problems are especially noticeable in Example 1.

Notice also that the Danish release is quite a bit sharper. Both versions are edge enhanced, but the Danish release's halos are thinner, making it preferable. Two completely different prints have been used, as both exhibit different instances of damage. The UK version is more filtered than the Danish release, and as a result the Danish version is more film-like, although the extra grain coupled with a lower bit rate makes compression artifacts a bit more noticeable. Finally, the Danish version is darker than the UK one but has richer colors, especially in the Christmas Town sequences.

Overall, I most definitely favor the Danish release for image quality. It's not a difficult choice to make, really.

In terms of audio, both releases include the same Dolby Digital 5.1 384 Kbps English track. The UK version includes Italian and Spanish dubs, but for our purposes that is a non-issue.

Both releases include identical extras and menu design (barring different choices for audio and subtitle languages, of course).

The Danish release also has superior packaging, in that it shows the entire picture whereas the UK release is somewhat cropped. Neither have particularly well-designed back covers, but the Danish release still manages to trounce the UK one.

So, overall, I favor the Danish version. It presents the film in its correct aspect ratio, is better quality, and has nicer packaging. It is also quite a bit cheaper than the UK version, so this is not a hard call to make.

Summary