Writings > DVD Image Comparisons > The Stendhal Syndrome/La Sindrome di Stendhal

The Stendhal Syndrome/La Sindrome di Stendhal

Region 2 (Netherlands) - Dutch Film Works
vs. Region 2 (Italy) - Medusa

Details

Bit Rate

R2 Netherlands

R2 Italy

Screen Captures

Example 1

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R2 Netherlands | R2 Italy

Example 2

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R2 Netherlands | R2 Italy

Example 3

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R2 Netherlands | R2 Italy

Example 4

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R2 Netherlands | R2 Italy

Example 5

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R2 Netherlands | R2 Italy

Example 6

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R2 Netherlands | R2 Italy

Comments

Note: I'm aware that some of the images don't match up properly. They were taken back before I had a proper system for ensuring that each version showed exactly the same frame.

It is worth pointing out up front that the Medusa release features two cuts of the film, one on each disc. Disc 1 is the uncut Italian version, which runs for 114 minutes. Disc 2 is the English cut, which is 74 seconds shorter (it omits two dialogue/character scenes). Italian audio is only available on the uncut version, and English audio is only available on the cut version. The English language dub is quite poor (it was post-synced although the actors are in fact speaking English), so the Italian cut is the winner all the way through. Ignore the 5.1 remix, which has a bizarre echo to it, and go for the original stereo mix.

The difference in image quality is phenomenal and there really is little need for a commentary, but I'll provide one anyway. The Dutch version is sourced from a VHS tape (noise, lack of resolution and analog distortion make this obvious). It is also very dark and desaturated, and has not been matted properly. The correct aspect ratio is 1.66:1, but the ratio of the Dutch DVD is only around 1.45:1, which suggests that we are seeing more vertical information than we are meant to. The Medusa disc, by contrast, is matted too much, to a ratio of 1.78:1, but this is much less noticeable.

Although side by side the DFW DVD makes the Medusa DVD look phenomenal, this is not the case. The Medusa disc has been filtered very heavily and then edge-enhanced, which means that Medusa have squandered an opportunity to create knock-out image quality -- a real shame.

In only one aspect is the DFW DVD superior, and that is the special features. It includes the Michele Soavi documentary "Dario Argento's World of Horror". Don't let this put you off buying the Italian version though, as Medusa have created an altogether superior package, and the documentary is available elsewhere anyway.

Summary