Ikiru - R1 vs. R2UK
Posted: 15 Nov 2007, 15:09
Both discs are progressive.
R1 Top, R2UK Bottom
R1 Top, R2UK Bottom
BFI audio is ever so slightly less clear than the Criterions but there's much less noise so I prefer it. Both have translations that differ quite considerably and I couldn't really call it either way. I prefer the BFI sub presentation however, clear and white - the Criterion ones are grey which isn't great for a B&W film.
The Criterion has a commentary and the BFI has the Alex Cox intro that is always the same except for the few minutes specific to the title in question. The BFI image is sharper because the Criterion has been processed a bit too much.
I'd be happy with either but I'll be buying the BFI.