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Encoded with extended color resolution via the Faroudja Super NTSC system, this release also has greatly reduced dot-crawl and cross-color artifacts thanks to Super NTSC's optimized encoding. The AC-3 mix used is the same mix used for the theatrical prints, unlike the DVD's which used a mix 'optimized' for the home. Thankfully, the theatrical mix is now also available on the Blu-ray release of GWTW.
The source used for this LaserDisc transfer was the 1989 internegative, which was also used for the earlier CAV box set. The theatrical prints for the 1998 reissue were in true IB Technicolor had numerous digital repairs applied and many original 'mistakes' from 1939, such as matte lines, were corrected. For whatever reason, Warner chose not to use the theatrical version for the video transfer and used the 10 year old Internegative instead. However, thanks to the SuperNTSC encoding and Kuraray's superb pressing, this AC-3 LaserDisc looks fantastic - better than any prior release and much better than the DVD that was released at the same time. Plus, until the Blu-ray was released, it was the only way to hear the original stereo surround mix that Chase had so carefully created for the theatrical showings.
Due to the DVD being released concurrently with the LaserDisc, and at a lower price, the LaserDisc didn't sell well and less than 600 copies were released, making this the rarest version of GWTW on disc. |
