Withnail & I - Any good?

EvaUnit02 · Post by **EvaUnit02** » 24 Aug 2006, 13:08

I saw this:-
http://www.dvdactive.com/news/releases/ ... ition.html

I've never heard of it prior, apparently some cult Brit-com film. Can you guys tell me if it's any good? Cheers.

Kurgan · Post by **Kurgan** » 24 Aug 2006, 13:43

Withnail & I is most definitely a cult classic. And very funny to boot: Richard E. Grant is fantastic in this. But credit where it's due Paul McGann plays the 'I' role very well, to complement Grant's 'Withnail'.

"I demand to have some booze!"

BiscLimpkit · Post by **BiscLimpkit** » 24 Aug 2006, 17:56

I thought it was great personally.

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 07 Sep 2006, 01:51

The general consensus seems to be it's great and at least it's going to be anamorphic.

Most people say the script is razor sharp wit all over it.

I already own the previous DVD (with commentary over the Criterion but otherwise the same, non-anamorphic) which I'm happy with, it's not amazing IMO but yes decent.

EvaUnit02 · Post by **EvaUnit02** » 14 Oct 2006, 13:30

Comprehensive review + image comparison.

"This edition of Withnail and I arrives with a 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. That’s right, I said anamorphic! Owners of Anchor Bay’s previous attempt (or even the Criterion edition) will no doubt be gnashing their teeth now, but I guess it was inevitable that an anamorphic version would show up some day. Not only has the image been enhanced for widescreen displays, it’s also been digitally remastered to remove a lot of the grain that was so prevalent on the previous release. The result is a much cleaner and significantly more detailed image. The image is also progressively encoded this time around, which is good news for those of you with the necessary hardware. Just look at the second set of captures for an example of the differences between an interlaced and a progressive image."

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 16 Oct 2006, 19:29

I watched my UK R2 Original DVD last night and boy I was wrong this film is excellent. The script really is razor sharp. Richard E. Grant especially has some fantastic dialogue. Eva you'd love it.

As for the DVD well the PQ is ropey but now fixed of course and the DD5.1 is AWFUL. As you guys know I love my remixes but Anchor Bay have really fucked this one up. It's just like the old school HK DD5.1 remixes where the speech comes from all speakers, so basically the WORST type of remix.

It's also incredibly over the top with the music making your ears bleed. I can't understand why a studio would go to the expense of DD5.1 and then think this is acceptable let alone good. It's worse than the DD5.1 remix on the "Long Good Friday" DVD (which is really bad) as at least that has the speech from just the centre channel.

Thankfully the Stereo is much better. I hear the new DTS is no better btw.

As for places to get this we have a few choices:

I couldn't get ANY of the £1 CD WOW Links to work on this title (although some were working otherwise) so:

£10.75 @ CD WOW with £1 Voucher Code
£9.75 @ CD WOW with £2 ING Voucher Code
£9.99 @ Choices UK with no messing around with Codes: http://www.choicesuk.com/Product.aspx/!683119

Of course if you live outside of the UK but in Europe "Choices UK" charge £3 postage but a whopping £6 if you live outside of Europe. So for you Eva you'll want one of the CD WOW prices.

Choices UK Postage costs: http://www.choicesuk.com/content.aspx/delivery

I bought it from BlahDVD.com myself as I had a £2 voucher (they sent me a use once, one person voucher a while ago) and it's In Stock (24 Hours) at BlahDVD whereas it's 3-8 Days at Choices UK.

The BlahDVD.com price with £2 off was also £9.99.

p.s - The film is excellent and very easy to see why it's got a cult status.