Che (The Criterion Collection) [DVD]

While I was contemplating buying these films on Blu-ray I was wondering what the PQ would be like considering that they're 2009 films, just a few years after the end of the format wars between Blu-ray and HD-DVD. Well, what I didn't know was that these were the first films filmed with the Digital Red cameras. Which means that their digital image sensors can go up to 5K by even 2009 standards. These films were filmed in digital 4K, and they are so sharp, so detailed, that Soderberg said that they had to soften the image a bit in some places because they were too sharp. And by too sharp I mean, they looked fake. However being on Blu-ray, the transfers had to be down-rezzed to 2K, but when played thru a 4K-upscaling player on a 4K TV, the image is nothing short than spectacular. It's like being there on set. I do not know how other true 4K discs look like, as I don't have a 4K player, but I don't see how image quality could get any better. Even Soderberg said that when Red offered to give him 5K sensor capability, he refused because the human eye can't really distinguish resolutions higher than 4K anyway. So these 8K TVs that were being pushed a couple years ago are essentially a waste of technology. You don't need them.That said, regarding these two films, the first part, the Cuban Revolution story, is filmed in 2.35:1 Panavision. And the second part, the Bolivian Revolution, was filmed in 1.85:1. However, Part 2 was actually filmed first. Not exactly sure why, but I might have had to do with Benicio's facial and scalp hair growth. I'm probably wrong on that, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it. But what is equal across the two parts is the sound mix. My God! I have never heard such loud and realistic sound effects. In Part 1, a couple mortar explosions went off in an orchard and Lord have Mercy, it was like 2000 lb bombs went off instead. Gun fire is also very accurate. I think these were all real time on set sound effects from the Digital Red cameras, but perhaps not. I don't know.Filming with Digital Red cameras can be very problematic apparently, as they tend to run hot and they shut down. However, it was learned that the heat sensor was in the wrong place on the camera and was giving false readings. They were operating nominally. They also go thru a lot of Flash Memory while filming. They used 137 8-GB flash memory cards to film theses films. I honestly don't know why more studios/directors don't use Red cameras. They're relatively compact, and editing can be done on laptops while on the go.

Steven Soderberghs Che is a modern day masterpeice of a complex individual and idealist.While the film may be considered slow going by todays hollywood standards of action packed films it is a throwback to old time filmmaking.The documantary syling is great much of it filmed with hand held cameras.The cast is excellent.It is a surprise this film was even made and probaly wouldnt have if not for Benicio Del Toros backing as Producer and lead actor.While many people are detractors of Che characterizing him as a murderer I never hear them talk about the butcher Batista.The rampant poverty ,corruption,illiteracy,lack of healthcare.poor living standards,no political parties( i could go on and on)under Batista. While today Cuba has the most doctors per Capita in the world,everyone is literate and most of all Cuba is not a pawn of some imperialist giant like the US.It seems to be overlooked by most people the influence of the US and its embargo.The US tryed to assassinate Fidel over 200 times over a 40 year period.Now imagine if American leaders were the subject of Assasintaion attempts by a foreign power over 40 years. How would that influence our election and domestic life?Imagine a foregn power staging attacks on American soil trying to disrupt our food supply.In the 60s and 70s Several CIA officers left the CIA in disgust over the activities carried out by the CIA some in Cuba.People like Phillip Agee and Ralph Mcgee.Phillip Agee ended up living and dying in Cuba.Arguably things were better for the Cuban people under Fidel then ever before and would have been even better if not for the US embargo which has been denounced by most of the countries in the world as illegal and unethical.Which is why everybody else is allowed to visit Cuba but us.Cuba is the most popular Carribean vaction spot for Canadians but we wouldnt know that from the US corporate media system.Which also barrages us with every negativity about Canadian healthcare finding any disgruntled Canadian to mouth off about their system while not telling us in polls that over 90% of Canadians are happy with their national healthcare system.Sure Cuba is not perfect but its the first time poor Cubans got any consideration at all, that never happened under any other leader.And didnt happen under US tutelage.So Viva la Revolucion..And thanks Che for your idealism and attempt at making the world a better , fairer place for the worlds poor.

Divided lots of viewers but all I can say is buy this film ( Criterion if possible) and make up your own mind. It's also a stunning bluray with extras coming out of it's ears and I advise anyone thinking of holidaying to Cuba to go now before the Americans turn it into Disneyland, the rot has already started.....

Excellent Service. Very Quick. The product itself is amazing. Well worth it.

A masterpiece! A fantastic film, beautifully shot with amazing video quality. Definitely one to add to your collection. Originally bought when it was not as expensive though. Highly recommended.

One of my favorite movie(s) of all time by Criterion the best special editions releases. Can't go wrong

A true masterpiece. This is one of those movies that isn't appreciated upon its release, but is later seen for what it is: an amazing piece of filmmaking, featuring an amazing performance by Del Toro.