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Writings > DVD Image Comparisons > The Rock


The Rock

Region 1 (USA) - The Criterion Collection
vs. Region 2 (UK) - Collector's Edition

 

Details

 

 

DVD

R1 USA
 

 

DVD

R2 UK
 

Disc(s)

 

1x single-sided dual layer (DVD9)
1x single-sided single layer (DVD5)

 

1x single-sided dual layer (DVD9)
1x single-sided single layer (DVD5)

Running Time

 

Approx. 137 mins (NTSC)

 

Approx. 131 mins (PAL)

Video

 

2.39:1 anamorphic
Average bit rate: 7 Mbps
NTSC 720x480 at 24 fps

 

2.39:1 anamorphic
Average bit rate: 8.15 Mbps
PAL 720x576 at 25 fps

Audio

 

English:
Dolby Digital 2.0, 224 Kbps
Dolby Digital 5.1, 384 Kbps
DTS 5.1, 768 Kbps

 

English:
DTS 5.1, 768 Kbps
Dolby Digital 5.1, 384 Kbps

Subtitles

 

English

 

English, English HoH, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Finnish

Extras

 

Disc 1:
- Audio commentary

Disc 2:
- Michael Bay introduction
- Production secrets
-- On the range with the Navy Seals
-- Dos and don'ts of Hollywood gunplay
-- Movie Magic featurette
-- Special effects: the dive sequence
- Publicity and promotion
-- Theatrical trailer
-- TV spots
-- Alcatraz premiere
- Stills archive
- Outtakes
- Secrets of Alcatraz documentary
- Jerry Bruckheimer interview

Booklet with review by Roger Ebert

 

Disc 1:
- Audio commentary

Disc 2:
- Production secrets
-- On the range with the Navy Seals
-- Dos and don'ts of Hollywood gunplay
-- Movie Magic featurette
-- Special effects: the dive sequence
- Publicity and promotion
-- Theatrical trailer
-- TV spots
-- Alcatraz premiere
- Stills archive
- Outtakes
- Secrets of Alcatraz documentary
- Jerry Bruckheimer interview

 

Screen Captures

Example 1

Mouse over to switch between versions:
USA | UK

DVD Image Comparison

 

Example 2

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USA | UK

DVD Image Comparison

 

Example 3

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USA | UK

DVD Image Comparison

 

Example 4

Mouse over to switch between versions:
USA | UK

DVD Image Comparison

 

Example 5

Mouse over to switch between versions:
USA | UK

DVD Image Comparison

 

Comments

The Criterion is darker but shows slightly more detail and has better encoding. The UK disc, by comparison, suffers from noticeable macro-blocking whenever text is displayed on the screen (either during the opening credits or during the "location tickers" that appear throughout the film). The UK version has also been subjected to a wholly unneccessary digital clean-up process that removes some of the film damage and crushes the grain. Overall the Criterion is superior since it is more film-like and shows more detail. Both discs have a light sheen of edge enhancement, but this only really becomes noticeable in Shot 5.

The Criterion has an additional stereo audio track, but given that the film was mixed in 5.1 I don't suppose this matters. The UK version does have a wider range of subtitles, however. Finally, the Criterion has a brief (10-second) introduction by Michael Bay that plays when you insert the second disc and a booklet with a review by Roger Ebert; once again, though, I don't believe that this is enough to tip the balance in its favour.

 

Summary

 

 

USA

 

Italy

Video

 

10/10

 

9/10

Audio

 

9/10

 

9/10

Extras

 

8/10

 

8/10

 
 

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