Interesting Comparison

[Graham Ritchie]

A couple of night ago I got around to watching The Neverending Story blu-ray on the Epson VP and at the time I took a couple of screen shots, last night I ran the Super 8 600 footer of the same title, also taking a couple of screen shots. It was not a deliberate attempt to compare them, but strangely enough a couple of photos were almost of the same scene.

What surprised me was how well this Derann Super 8 release I bought from the second hand list many moons ago, I guess in the early 1990s, still looks really good. Without doubt in my mind the Super 8 Scope print along with the stereo soundtrack was edited really well. As for the blu-ray, the soundtrack being 5:1 and although this might sound strange, but I thought the stereo track on the Super 8 film to my ears was better. I do wish the blu-ray had included the original Dolby Stereo track.

In saying all that, it was interesting doing this comparison, what do you think?

Considering this Super 8 print is I guess close to around 30 years old, I think its held up well over the years. Its a pity the full Scope feature never came out, I am sure it would have been a big seller back then.

First screen shot below is from the Super 8 scope print taken last night

The next screen shot taken from the blu-ray two night ago

Super 8 below

And lastly the blu-ray

[Mark Silvester]

Hi, Graham

great screen shots.

Apart from a big difference in sharpness...colour saturation and overall brightness...there's not a lot of difference.

Keep those screenshot comparison coming they are excellent.

[Brian Fretwell]

I think the Blu Ray seems to be suffering from the modern "teal" colour timing when they graded it.

[Osi Osgood]

I agree with Brian, as I noticed that as well some time back. Graham, you might be delighted to know that a scope feature of this film was released on Super 8! It wasn't a Derann feature, but is low fade, with excellent image quality.

[Ed Gordon]

Graham, you need a smaller screen or a brighter bulb for Super 8! As for the Bluray, the reviews of the versions available (Dutch, US (2010) and US (2014) indicate that fans are still waiting for a definitive restored version.

UPDATE: After speaking extensively with one of our readers about the differences between the Dutch Blu-ray release and the US edition, I decided to compare the two. The results were interesting to say the least. The main differences? Contrast leveling, color timing and image brightness. Warner's transfer is darker and more foreboding, with sometimes oppressive blacks that occasionally veil Petersen's backgrounds in heavy shadow. The Dutch transfer is brighter, revealing more of the director's production design, albeit at the cost of slightly washed out hues...

Petersen inadvertently stirred up a small storm when he revealed Warner hadn't consulted him on the US Blu-ray release. However, because he didn't elaborate on the intended look of the film, fans have been left to wonder whether he would favor the dark domestic transfer or the brighter Dutch presentation. While I doubt Petersen would want his production design blotted away by overzealous shadows, I also doubt he would want his tone sacrificed to see more tufts of grass. Though he doesn't address The NeverEnding Story directly, ever-insightful Motion Picture Archivist Robert Harris had this to say on the issue of image darkness and the accurate preservation of a filmmaker's actual intent. In it, he explains that just "because something is exposed to a film negative's emulsion does not mean that it is intended to be seen during projection or electronic viewing." Or, more simply, "the fact that information exists on a negative does not mean that the viewer is intended to see it." His full analysis is invaluable to this debate, and I would strongly encourage everyone to read it. Still, if Petersen expressed specific dissatisfaction with Warner's transfer and its contrast leveling, rather than their treatment of him as a filmmaker, this would suddenly become a very different review. Director's intent is paramount.

So Until Warner decides to release a newly mastered, director-approved definitive edition, or until Petersen reveals exactly how the film should look, consumers will have to rely on their own tastes and preferences. I know my take-away isn't the chastisement of the US edition some feel is deserved, but I hope it brings attention to the differences between the two editions and offers readers a more comprehensive analysis of both NeverEnding Story releases.

Source: https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/The-N...y/8478/#Review (2010 version)

From the review of the 2014 Bluray version:

Though billed as "newly remastered," the 30th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray release of The NeverEnding Story features the same divisive 1080p/VC-1 video presentation as its 2010 Blu-ray predecessor.... After receiving a deluge of complaints this week from disappointed fans, Warner Bros. issued the following statement:

• "Due to an unforeseen error, The NeverEnding Story was incorrectly described as a newly remastered version, whereas the only remastered version is The NeverEnding Story II. We have now corrected the description in our advertising materials and apologize for any confusion this may have caused."

Warner has not yet clarified what that unforeseen error was, or if a new remaster actually exists. If this release was meant to feature the 2012 German restoration of the film's extended cut, good riddance. That presentation is slathered in DNR. If another remastered version is out there somewhere, though, fans can only hope the studio eventually decides to let it out of its cage.

Until then, the choice is a tricky one. The 2010 and 2014 US editions: decidedly decent, impressive in many ways even, but not perfect. (Contrast is boosted and color timing is warmer, resulting in a presentation that's so dark it reduces shadow detail.) The 2008 Dutch edition: decidedly decent, impressive in many ways even, but... you guessed it, not perfect. (It's too bright, and there are other minor problems.) The 2013 extended German edition: flawed all around. (Purists and videophiles will want to avoid it at all costs.) So pick your poison. Many prefer the Dutch release; others the US releases. A blend of the two, combining the strengths of both while eliminating the respective weaknesses, would be ideal. But ideal doesn't look to be in the cards anytime soon.

Source: https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/The-N...105924/#Review

[Graham Ritchie]

Thanks folks

Ed that was a interesting article, for more light from the GS1200, a Xenon lamp GS1200 would be ideal. that really would be the way to go, but to date have never come across one of those machines. The present screen width is 11 feet for the above scope screen shots. this is a screen shot from another film on that reel still at the 11 feet mark. It might have been the screen shot taken with the digital camera was slightly to blame, but overall a Xenon would be the ticket Other screen shots from The Neverending Story that night, also appear in what did you watch on the Super 8 topic..

[Osi Osgood]

That long article was quite interesting and thanks. I'm not sure which two out of all of those releases I have seen, but I saw two, the overly bluish version, and another one that strongly represents the original color spectrum. I personally feel that is is criminal to not include the Directors imput when approaching any definitive version of a film. I would especially love to see an extended cut of that original feature film!

[Ed Gordon]

I'm not sure which two out of all of those releases I have seen

Osi, see Graham's additional screen shots of the Bluray in the What Blu-Ray did you watch last night topic (#742). His disc is from 2010 and is from Roadshow Entertainment, not Warner.

[Burton Sundquist]

The Neverending Story full feature was released in Germany by Harnischmacher, Producer of the Super 8 Indiana Jones prints. Those being The Lost Ark and Temple of Doom. His prints were and still are excellent quality and up to the best of Derann's. Rumor has it that the Temple of Doom negative vanished after his passing and that there are only 20ish Super 8 features out there...