MovieChat Forums > To Be or Not to Be (1942) Discussion > Any sign of a region 2 DVD?

Any sign of a region 2 DVD?

posted 19 years ago by Django44
7 replies | jump to latest

Is there any chance that someone will release this in the immediate future? It's a shame they haven't done so already, bearing in mind what a classic it is.

[–] federicaboldrini1984 19 years ago

The virtual impossibility to find any Lubitsch DVD in Europe is extremely irritating, isn't?! However last week I found (and bought) 3 Lubitsch DVDs (Ninotchka, Shop around the Corner and To be or not to be) by Ermitage cinema. The video quality is rather poor and the audio has only the Italian dubbed version, but that's the only (legal) way for me to watch these delightful films, so it's ok. This happened in Italy, but I think similar editions exist also in the rest of Europe

[–] tunatomatoe 19 years ago

You can buy To Be Or Not To Be (in the English language) on DVD in Europe only in Germany. Ninotchka I bought on VCD on eBay from one of the Asian countries (apparently an official Warner Bros release there, with hologram logo and all) and for Shop Around The Corner I had to rely on Bittorrent recently.

[–] axis12002 19 years ago

This film is available on Region 2 in France (english soundtrack - french subs.) from Amazon.fr , or from eBay.
I got a copy from eBay (double bill with 'That Uncertain Feeling' ). The transfer had a number of scratches from the original negative but was otherwise of good quality. Well worth the effort of tracking it down in the absence of a UK release.

[–] henkberg55 19 years ago

I have ordered a copy of To Be Or Not To Be from www.Amazon.DE
be aware that A) the title is Sein Oder Nicht Sein and B) it is in English and German soundtrack and English and German subtitles.

[–] patrick-braley 19 years ago

The region 2 DVD is available in France from any specialized DVD store. I had no problem finding a copy (new) at an amazingly reasonable price. It comes in English (audio) with French subtitles. The version has been restored by CMC, and is part of the "Ciné-Club" Collection. Bonus material includes filmographies, historical data, and the original trailer. I checked with Amazon.fr and they have what looks to me like another (but similar) edition, and it is more expensive, too.

[–] peterkessler 18 years ago

It's worth adding that the French subtitles on the French dvd are removable, so you can watch it in the original with no annoying embellishments.

[–] rainbird131162 18 years ago

Thanks for the info. Glad to hear the subs are removable. Been waiting for a UK release but I may go for the French version so I can upgrade my old VHS.