But with the release of Hannibal Rising, there’s a nice fervor that’s led to not one, but two new versions of Silence. And they’re both widescreen. I am quite happy. I actually had a choice. I could get the bells-and-whistles Two Disc Collectors Edition or the three-movie Hannibal Lecter Collection for more or less the same price. Having heard good things on the board about Brian Cox’s portrayal of Lecktor in Manhunter, and having nothing against Hannibal, it was an easy choice.
I have no idea why it took so long for a new printing of a widescreen version when there were copies upon copies of fullscreen on the shelves, two different versions, but I am quite happy that my wait is finally over.
I don’t know if I was in the mood to watch Silence tonight, but since there’s a slight whorl scratch on the disc, I’m going to have to, just to check that it will not skip. Drats!
Huh, I didn’t know the Widescreen Special Edition wasn’t available anymore. I bought it about three years ago at a local HMV. I just asked them to order me one, they didn’t have any in stock. I also had to pay about $20 for it as opposed to the Fullscreen version that was ALWAYS in the 3 for $20 bin. Now that I type that, I guess it was a bit of a problem to get, I wonder why that is?
Anyhow, now I have a dilemma. Do I ignore the fact that I already own it and buy the new edition? Decisions, decisions…the new one does look pretty sweet. It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve bought two of the same DVD…so there is precedent.
Huh. I had no idea the widescreen versions weren’t available, either. I bought the Criterion DVD almost as soon as it was released but I’ve always been vaguely annoyed that it wasn’t an anamorphic transfer. Maybe it’s time for an upgrade.
I’m really tempted by the Hannibal collection but I’m a little hesitant about the quality of the releases. Previous DVD releases of Manhunter have had pretty craptacular transfers and I wonder if there’s any special content on the SotL DVD or if that’s limited to the collector’s edition. I’m not overly concerned about Hannibal, although I do think it’s better than a lot of people give it credit for.
No special content on Silence. The transfer for Silence seems pretty good, decent (though not the best) contrast on the blacks (and there is plenty of black in this movie), no graininess. I’ll have to get back to you on Manhunter’s quality.
They’ve run SotL on HDNET Movies, so there’s a HD transfer out there, too. Seems like the kind of movie they’d try to get right. Great sound in that movie, too.
