I've been a fan of this film for many years, but have only thought about purchasing the film recently. I had the film on VHS for years, and it has since worn out.
I realize the Criterion edition is out of print, but I've seen a copy or two in some local stores here. The 30th Anniversary Edition is also around here.
Is there any significant difference between these two DVDs in picture/sound quality? I'm not too concerned about the extras.
Read the previous Criterion post on this BB about the various DVD's out there. I'd wait for the new DVD that is coming out soon, unlike the previous versions, the new DVD will be a 2 disk set transferred from the original master. The commercial DVD's currently available are copies of the LaserDisks and were not made from the master.
Here is the info on the remastered version. This is LONG overdue.
http://www.xenonpictures.com/hardertheycome_splash/HTC_restoration.html
Long overdue is right. I love Criterion, but a lot of their early discs don't hold up well on modern high-end equipment.
What's particularly annoying about the Criterion DVD is that they subtitle every single word in the movie, including song lyrics and sound effects. There isn't a subtitle option that would provide the "original" subtitles (i.e., only on the heavy patois sections), which is what the vast majority of non-Jamaican viewers would undoubtedly prefer to see.
Hey, I'm trying to eat my lunch!
I saw this back in the theater when it was released. I'd always hunted for it on VHS..but never was able to score one.
When it came out on DVD in 2006.. I bought it immediately.
Is it just me, or did they drastically change the song list ?
I specifically remember " Johnny Too Bad" . Jimmy Cliff was trying on his new black clothes, and black cowboy hat. Practicing with his guns. It was one of my fav parts of the movie. NOt only did I NOT see this segment.. I noted that the song was just a background snippet. Unless I missed this leaving the room or something.
The original didnt have " Harder they come" so many times as this did. Im sure of that.
The quality of the DVD is nice, but I rather liked the less $$$ 3rd world version that made it more realistic to the conditions the Jamaicans live in, and what it takes to "get out" or even make a movie.
I was lucky enough to see Jimmy Cliff at the Roxy in Hollywood, and also Peter Tosh at the Roxy and with the Rolling Stones on the " Some Girls" tour.
Saw the Wailers with the Eagles, L Ronstandt, Jackson Brown & I saw Bob Marley in the 70's.
This is a must see for all raggae fans. Its not meant to be an award winner..its a movie of struggling to survive and the real Jamaica you dont see on the travel brochures..
The DVD is exactly the same as the theatrical version, except better. The only time "Johnny Too Bad" is played is when it's on the radio and Longa calls Ivan "Johnny Too Bad" with his pretty yellow hat.
I saw this countless times in the theatre, and back in college even snagged a 16mm copy we'd screen in the dorm on weekends, the only difference is that all those parts that were clipped and tossed at the reel splices were all there in the DVD versions.
good to know.
A day without sunshine is like, you know, night.