Best DVD version: Euroshock or Cinema Deluxe?
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Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — Horror Express
COLE-10 — 19 years ago(November 22, 2006 08:38 AM)
Unfortunately, the "Euroshock" version seems to be out-of-print in North
America. There is a newer version out. the "Cinema Deluxe" version.
Has anyone seen this version, and is it any good?
Cinema Deluxe is supposed to be digitally remastered, but is only Full Screen.
Whereas, I have heard good things about Euroshock, plus it's Wide
Screen.
(I currently own a $2 DVD from Front Row Features which is obviously ripped badly from an old VHS tape!!)
Can anyone shed some light on this? -
carcosa2004 — 19 years ago(January 04, 2007 07:55 PM)
The movie is (apparently) in the public domain so its doubtful we will see another good DVD release of this one. The out-of-print Image "Euroshock" letterboxed version is the best I've seen, although it cetainly is not perfect. There is a good degree of scratches, etc over the opening credits but the film seems to get better after that. It also has a isolated music and effects track, surprisingly. I see the DVD for sale on Amazon between $25.00 and $35.00 typically. I've also have heard of a German PAL limited release that seemed promising but turned out it has its issues.
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tween_us — 18 years ago(April 05, 2007 08:42 PM)
I can't speak to the Cinema Deluxe edition of this film, but the Euroshock version is pretty good.
As noted above, the opening credits of Euroshock are replete with ugly scratches, but the video quality thankfully appreciates for the balance of the film.
Also, the Euroshock version's aspect ratio is 1.66:1 versus the 1.33:1 ratio Cinema Deluxe offers; not a major difference for novices, but significant for aficionados. Now let me adjust my ascot and continue. Ahem
Overall, I thought this film was a bit heavy with the camp/schlock/cheesiness factors, but was still reasonably enjoyable. Decent story, pretty solid acting (with the exception of Telly Savalas) and, for the most part, believable special effects.
As such, I'll give it a high of *** out of **** and a low of ** 1/2 out of ****.
By the way, I bought my DVD via one of Amazon.com's sellers. The copy I paid for listed for about $12.00 and was advertised as "Used - Very Good," which I found to be a very good price and an accurate description of the quality of the DVD.
As usual, your mileage may vary in both regards.
Good luck and good hunting. -
mattslittlebrother — 18 years ago(August 26, 2007 10:54 AM)
I live in Australia and bought a copy of this movie distributed a company called Payless
I cost me a couple of bucks. Its 4:3 and looks beep but I really like the movie and wanna track down a better version. Doesn't sound like there is much out there though. Shame really. -
upsidown — 18 years ago(December 01, 2007 10:51 PM)
the movie seems indeed to be in the public domain - it can be downloaded from here: http://channelguide.libertv.ro/guide/code/front/index.php?id_episode=923
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richwicz — 16 years ago(December 27, 2009 08:52 AM)
I'd recommend The UK Cinema Club/2 Entertain DVD, it should be available very cheaply from Amazon UK.It's an open matte (4:3) release and a very watchable complete print.Definitely one of the best Horror Express DVD's out at the moment.
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jeffyoung1 — 16 years ago(March 16, 2010 10:08 PM)
I have both versions. Euroshock is very good. But Cinema Deluxe is excellent. The video clarity is one of the best I've seen from digital remastering. Still, you won't be disappointed with the Euroshock version. In fact, I was very happy with the Eurshock dvd version until per chance I purchased the Cinema Deluxe dvd version and it was even better.
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sami-18 — 12 years ago(October 22, 2013 03:29 PM)
The Euroshock version is Image and it is the best version available. There is a Bluray from a couple of years ago but I have not seen it. The Image version is definitely better than all of the cheap public domain no-name disks out there but even then it is not perfectly suited to today's standards. It looks like there was hardly any proper digital remastering or cleaning done and the aspect ratio is "widescreen" but not true for current TVs.
Sometimes I don't mind seeing Horror Express (and other similar b-movies of the era) in a poor resolution. It is reminiscent of the crappy TV I first watched all of these films on when I was a kid. I;m sure when they first played in cinemas they were also seen through the worst projections and smallest screens. That inferior washed-out picture quality is actually an aspect of my residual memory of these films. Seeing them cleaned up and over-polished can almost be shocking and somewhat off-putting. These were b-moives and almost never designed to be seen in the best resolution possible. -
Trippetta10 — 11 years ago(January 25, 2015 04:27 PM)
Sometimes I don't mind seeing Horror Express (and other similar b-movies of the era) in a poor resolution. It is reminiscent of the crappy TV I first watched all of these films on when I was a kid. I;m sure when they first played in cinemas they were also seen through the worst projections and smallest screens. That inferior washed-out picture quality is actually an aspect of my residual memory of these films.
Heh, I thought I was the only person who felt this way. I do very much appreciate the nicely restored version of
Horror Express
by Severin films, but the smudged look of cheaper versions of films like this does somehow add to their slightly disreputable appeal, at least when you're young.
Je suis Charlie.