Comparing the new Criterion Bluray of Howard Hawks‘ Red River to the Masters of Cinema Bluray that came out late last year, DVD Beaver’s Gary W. Tooze, a somewhat deranged but highly enthusiastic grain advocate, writes the following: “[The Criterion version] is quite different from the Masters of Cinema Bluray. The UK disc is darker (richer black levels), more visible damage, less information in the frame and, significantly, more textured grain. I appreciate the grain. So the Criterion is ‘lighter’, smoother and likewise gives a very strong video presentation — but a different, crisper one. It would probably come down to personal preference.” Probably?
