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Single disc DVD vs. two disc Collector's Edition


I'm wondering if the two disc Collector's Edition released in 2006 addresses any of the issues that this reviewer on amazon.com had with the single disc DVD, back in 2003?

Don't throw out your VHS copy just yet

By A Customer on May 29, 2003
Format: DVD

The Battle of Britain is one of my favorite films. Great cast, classic flying scenes and a fascinating perspective on historical events.

However, I was disappointed with the DVD version. The image quality is great, but the DVD differs from the VHS version in some important ways.

First, the DVD version has different subtitles. Some are modified and some are added. If you read all of the newly added (and mostly unnecessary) subtitles, you can't keep up with the video in some scenes. I don't speak German, so I can't say whether the modified subtitles are more accurate, but I feel that some of the translations lost their dramatic edge in this release. The DVD producers also chose to overlap subtitles with the picture, when, at 2.35:1, there's plenty of room below the video for the subtitles.

Secondly, on VHS, the movie's final scene is boosted by Ron Goodwin's beautiful soundtrack. The DVD version drops the Ron Goodwin track and replaces it with a lifeless piece that saps the life out of the final scene. This was a major disappointment.

Lastly, just before the end credits, Winston Churchill's famous quote is replaced with a less notable one.

Overall, it's still a great movie, but the VHS version was nearly perfect. After waiting years for the DVD version, I'm now left hoping there will be a Special Edition version with the VHS subtitles and soundtrack restored.

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Yes, the review is correct. The worst offense of all was that the original DVD did not have the Ron Goodwin soundtrack music. Another DVD release not long after restored the Goodwin music and the original subtitles. The Blu Ray release also has the proper Goodwin music and original subtitles.

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