PINOCCHIO - 3 different masters *graphics heavy*

[drsd2kill]

A = PINOCCHIO 1987 CAV Laserdisc [transfer used for 1985 VHS]
B = PINOCCHIO 1993 CAV Laserdisc [transfer used for 1999 DVD]
C = PINOCCHIO 2003 UK DVD [Lowry restoration released overseas but not in the US]

This one is pretty interesting as the original 1985 release (represented here from the CAV 1987 Laserdisc] looked pretty bad, though the color on the first "restoration" in 1993 looked remarkably similar as far as color goes. The 2003 UK DVD is a revelation, but also a reimagining in many respects. You can't tell it from the stills, but there is still some errant cel dust that indicates it wasn't as overhauled as some of the other films.

Oh, and only the 2003 UK DVD (which was also put out in France, Germany, Australia, etc.) has the original RKO card. The 1993 Laserdisc and 1999 DVD put a Buena Vista card there. The original video release is missing a bit of the music and a card altogether.

I got the frames as close as I could manage using the finicky program I use. Many I believe are exact, though a few are a frame or two off.

Too bad the 2003 DVD is out-of-print and PAL. Still, I'm glad I found one as I'll bet this is the master that will finally be released over here someday...

1993
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2003
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1987/1993/2003
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Chuck

[Disneykid]

HOLY FRICK...That 2003 restoration is absolutely stunning! I believe this was the first film Lowry restored for Disney (it's unclear if they did Snow White and Sleeping Beauty). I can't wait to see this transfer on the Platinum release. With the restoration already done, this should allow Disney to spend a healthy budget on new supplements. I'm hoping and praying for an October 2008 release.

[drsd2kill]

I made an excellent NTSC conversion of the PAL transfer on my computer so I can loan it to friends and there not be a playback issue. The PAL disc cost me almost $60 because it is now out-of-print! I'm gonna be selling my PAL factory original on Ebay soon with a free copy of the NTSC conversion.

[Simba3]

Wow, the third clips look pretty great already, imagine how well they will look when they are digitally remastered for next year's (very probable) Platinum Edition release.

[drsd2kill]

Um, I think the 2003 master IS what will be used for its next DVD release in the US. The rest of the world got it in 2003 for some reason, and we didn't. That is the new Lowry digital restoration, though how accurate it is seems debatable... The 1993 edition was a traditional film restoration with video (over-)enhancement. This version looks drastically overhauled, though not as much as BAMBI, PETER PAN, or the king mamma of reimagining, CINDERELLA.

[Marce82]

True, the 2003 version looks the best when it comes to definition. But when it comes to the color...I like the middle version the best. Colors seem warmer. There is a mild blue tint to the 2003 release. Same thing with the Peter Pan post....though we'll have to wait and see what happens with the Platinum releases of both films...

[drsd2kill]

Don't get me wrong - I think the 2003 color is WONDERFUL! But is it true to the film? I just don't think so. That's the problem most of the time with these DVD restorations - that and the way they are so filtered they look like they were made for video and don't resemble films at all.

Maybe someday we'll get nice, clean film transfers without all the processing. Dirt removal is all I would ask for.

[Big Disney Fan]

True, the 2003 version looks the best when it comes to definition. But when it comes to the color...I like the middle version the best. Colors seem warmer. There is a mild blue tint to the 2003 release. Same thing with the Peter Pan post....though we'll have to wait and see what happens with the Platinum releases of both films...

I had recorded the 1985 VHS onto original tape (you know, the blank ones) and then I got the 1993 video and the Limited Edition DVD (which also has the 1993 VHS transfer). I think that version looks the best, but I'll wager that the PE release of Pinocchio will have the 2003 transfer. Or maybe it will be entirely different...

[Kyle]

the third set looks a bit odd to me. as if you can tell at first glace that its just a painted cel.

[Beastboyravenz]

drsd2kill thank you so much for your amazing comparisons. They are extremely interesting. I love the textures on this film, it is by far one of Disney's stronger films, very pleasing to the eyes.

[blackcauldron85]

The Blue Fairy and the candles seem to have lost their glow on the 2003 release. That bothers me.

[Mayhem]

The restoration is absolutely incredible... but as stated does appear to mute some of the colours slightly as a result. The clarity and quality can't be faulted though.

[musicradio77]

I have the 1992 VHS release, but I don't have the DVD. The 2003 version on DVD that I haven't seen it. I remember the first time I've seen this film since I was 3 months old back in 1978. "Pinocchio" was the first movie that I saw in my life, and guess what comes before that? "The Small One". Both of these films were released the same year, except the re-release of "Pinocchio". That brings back some memories. Thanks for these pics.

[drsd2kill]

Remember, the 2003 DVD was released overseas in many countries in the PAL region 2 format, but not here. That transfer is not and has not been available in the US.

Anyone notice that the flame on the candle is now pink in the middle? These Lowry restorations seem to have major problems with lighter shades or replicating lighting changes for effects. Check out all the comparisons - lighter shades suffer and turn grayish.

[QueenRahel]

i think the colors look much more muted in the 2003 edition...cleo doesnt even look gold like a goldfish should!

[akhenaten]

the 2003 dvd seems accurate n close to the art of pinocchio book i saw that shows painted cels.i saw d book prior to buying the SE dvd so i wasnt much surprised and shocked by the transformation.after all the first 2 editions seems to have negative deterioration issue by age where everything became reddish n yellow.

[Beastboyravenz]

Yeah I noticed the flame, how unrealistic. It looks funny.

[Scaramanga]

after all the first 2 editions seems to have negative deterioration issue by age where everything became reddish n yellow.

And after a while we kind off thought that had to be the way it was meant to look, when all we ever saw was a bad copy ... but the 2003 edition is indeed very close to the (surviving) original art colour-wise.

Then again I guess that's always a problem ... there's no way I can be sure whether or not the colours the way I remember them are the way they originally were. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I can only hope they cross-reference with surviving cells and background paintings as much as possible for these restorations.

[Anders M Olsson]

Well, I think the 2003 restoration looks quite awful. It's one of the worst examples of how you can kill a film by overdoing the restoration. I'll admit that the film looks sharper now, but all the magic is gone. Take a look at the gray and unnatural skin tones. And why do painted areas on the cells become lighter close to the edges?

[Anders M Olsson]

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I can only hope they cross-reference with surviving cells and background paintings as much as possible for these restorations.

Yes, but are they doing it correctly?

Since the Technicolor process was known to distort the colors, they compensated for that when painting the cells and backgrounds. The colors, when viewing the original artwork by a naked eye, aren't as they were meant to appear on film, but rather what would produce the correct colors after going through the complete Technicolor photographing and printing process.