Akira Kurosawa - Dersu Uzala

Here are some screenshots from Dersu Uzala. The Kino release which is non-anamorphic and the recent Artificial Eye release which is an anamorphic transfer. I have made these images the same height so you can see the difference in width. The Artifical Eye appears to be cropped on the sides - more so on the right side.. The Kino has less on the top and bottom.

Those who were hoping that this new release would be a significant improvement will be sadly dissapointed. Maybe Lucas / Coppola / Speilberg could use their money and influence to try and save this film before it is too late! I have also now got the Divisa (Spanish) release which like the Artifical Eye is a repackage of the 2001 Ruscico release. The Spectrum (South Korean) release has 2 DVDs (not 3 as advertised on some sites) also appears to be the should be the 2001 Ruscico release. The French MK2 release is also another version of the Ruscico release.

Here are also some links to various reviews of different releases:

• Artificial Eye Review from DVD Times
• Artificial Eye Review from DVD Maniacs
• Wisdom in the woodland - Artificial Eye review by Slarek
• Kino vs Spectrum comparison
• Kino release
• Another review of Kino release

Kino release - Cut Grass

Artificial Eye release - Cut Grass

Divisa (Spanish) release - Cut Grass - same as Artificial Eye

Kino release - Opening scene

Artificial Eye release - Opening scene