|
Starts off with the ‘These films are for home use only’ and ‘FBI Warning’ screens before the ‘LaserVision’ logo; the latter appears silent.
The ‘Columbia Pictures’ logo used on this release is a different version of the 1936 logo-which is the 1942 variant. Its main difference from the 1943 logo (that appears on most releases) is the cloud backdrop of the latter’s logo is missing, and is clearly formatted for 1.33, as there’s barely any space around it! Although the opening credits and film itself appear to be presented in open-matte with more footage shown on the top-and-bottom of the screen, only a small amount of footage on the right side is cut off. The film itself was meant to be ‘matted’ to 1.85:1 and 1.66:1 for theatrical exhibitions. Both the ‘Columbia’ logo and opening credits are window-boxed slightly, however it is less noticeable on the latter.
Surprisingly, the audio on this release sounds much better than the 2012 Criterion Blu-ray, which has noticeable noise reduction that affects the dynamic range of its soundtrack-even though this, an analog-encoded disc, has no CX modulation; although the VHS release from around the same time would sound a bit better, since it was recorded with Hi-Fi sound. But I bet repressings would sound a bit better, as they were manufactured later on and have a lower chance of rot compared to original copies. Only a second of audio at the beginning of the opening credits is missing, unfortunately.
Original pressings have the 'PROGRAMMED MATERIAL HAS BEEN RECORDED ONLY ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS VIDEODISC.' text on side four in black, while later pressings (not exactly sure about ones from the late 80's, since those don't have barcodes-but I’d assume they’d be the same as the original release) have the text printed in red. Judging from the mint-marks of my copy, it was manufactured in April 1992.
The Japanese version [PILF-7007] is seven minutes shorter than this release, and is less easier to find than this edition.
This release was priced-down to $34.95 and reissued on 1992-12-10. | 
)
)
