Zulu - collector's edition

[Geoffers]

I see this R2 2-disc edition is out next month, but I can't find out what extra is included, presumably on the second of the two DVDs. Does anybody know more?

[christoph404]

name='Geoffers']I see this R2 2-disc edition is out next month, but I can't find out what extra is included, presumably on the second of the two DVDs. Does anybody know more?

Yes, another release due in November as you say but very little info available as to what is actually on there, hopefully for starters a better transfer of the image to DVD because the Region 2 special edition that I bought a couple of years ago is watchable but not great so although Zulu is one of my favourite films I will possibly not be buying this new release unless the transfer is an improvement on what I alreaday have, I hope it is! Im hoping there might be an audio track from Sir Michael Caine as well, lets see!

[NappieB]

I bought the VHS version (on NTSC) some years ago from a collector here in the USA. Dunno if it's the "director's cut" or not, but it contains about 10-12 minutes additional footage near the beginning, all showing the Zulu's dancing at the Royal "Kraal".



I thought that the original movie version benefited from the above scene being edited to eliminate the extensive repitition.



My copy also has a few additional scenes with Nigel Green - well worth the price that I paid for the tape!

[Aaryk Noctivagus]

name='Geoffers']I see this R2 2-disc edition is out next month, but I can't find out what extra is included, presumably on the second of the two DVDs. Does anybody know more?

After several days of periodically searching for you, I've come up with all I can find... This quote from filmjournal.net

As previously stated, Paramount is re-releasing Stanley Baker’s epic Zulu as a two disc ‘Special Collectors Edition’ next month. The Virgin Megastores website has a shot of the set’s back cover which reveals not too much difference between this new version and the old when it comes to extras:



Disc 1: Feature commentary with film historian Sheldon Hall and Zulu’s Second Unit Director Robert Porter.



Disc 2: The Music of Zulu / Zulu: Remembering an Epic / Teaser Trailer / The Making of Zulu: Role of Honour / The Making of Zulu: …And Snappeth The Spear in Sunder / Theatrical Trailer.



The BBFC has passed the film for this new release and hopefully it’s a gorgeous new transfer - they’ve also just passed the film for showing theatrically on DVD.

Hope that helps.

[Geoffers]

name='Aaryk Noctivagus']After several days of periodically searching for you, I've come up with all I can find... This quote from filmjournal.net







Hope that helps.

Very much so, thanks. The very thing I was hoping for - "The Music of Zulu" - is mentioned so I'm hoping for a documentary including an interview with John Barry or even an isolated music track. Barry's score did not get a very satisfactory album release back in '64, and when re-issued on CD only mono masters could be located.



Looking forward to this!

[Aaryk Noctivagus]

name='Geoffers']...or even an isolated music track...

Unfortunately the music documentary is on disk 2 so it won't have an isolated music track (The Feature disk only having the Commentary and movie tracks... and being very suspiciously like the existing DVD in content)... and I can't guess how long the documentary will be... Cynically, I wouldn't imagine it'll be very long - but I could easilly be very wrong on that.

[John Hodson]

'Roll of Honour' and 'And Snappeth The Spear in Sunder' were both on the previous R2 DVD and are just over 25 minutes and 20 minutes respectively. 'The Music of Zulu' and 'Remembering an Epic' (also chapter titles in Dr. Sheldon Hall's book 'Zulu: With Some Guts Behind It, The Making of the Epic Movie') haven't been passed yet by the BBFC, so length / content are not yet known.



At least having the film itself on one disc may lead to an increase in video quality; the last transfer wasn't bad but could be improved on. BTW, HMV are offering their own 'exclusive' of this release at only £6.99, which includes a poster. Sadly, it features only Michael Caine, and little sign of Stanley Baker!

[Lerica]

That is sad indeed! I was happy they look like they've removed that white feather that featured on the last DVD release though!

The new added extras (music and behind the scenes footage with commentary) run about 18 mins I've been told.

[John Hodson]

name='Lerica']That is sad indeed! I was happy they look like they've removed that white feather that featured on the last DVD release though!

The new added extras (music and behind the scenes footage with commentary) run about 18 mins I've been told.

Nice Stanley Baker tribute site Lerica

[Lerica]

Ditto John! And many thanks for the compliment on the site. I have to give you a big too,..as I noticed you've so wonderfully put Zulu as 'Stanley Baker's'!

[John Hodson]

My copy has just arrived. It beggars belief when Paramount actually splash the cash on something like this, yet it isn't mentioned in any of their publicity; even on a quick run through it's obvious this is an entirely new transfer of Stanley Baker's Zulu and it is night and day better than the previous R2 - brighter, cleaner, sharper, with colours that are bold and true.



Until I watched it again recently, I used to think the old R2 was reasonable. This absolutely blows it out of the water.



The sound appears to be the same stereo mix taken from a 35mm print. Sheldon Hall put out a call for the whereabouts of a 70mm print and it's six-track mix, but obviously nothing turned up. Hall believes the original magnetic stero masters to be lost. The new extras - over and above what was on the old R2 disc - amount to some 18 minutes, but there looks to be some excellent behind the scenes footage included. BTW, Hall says that Paramount now holds worldwide home video rights to Zulu, and it's likely that the new SE will make it to R1.



What's the betting they turn up a six-track mix for the R1 and I'll have to buy it all over again...

[boznia]

Does anyone know what the new sound mix is? 5.1 or DTS?

[John Hodson]

As said above it's a simple, but effective stereo track; DD 2.0 Surround.

[Tyke]

I'm hoping the reviews on Zulu in Blu-Ray are correct.



Great film, should be spectacular remastered and in HD.

[Tyke]

And yes, it's not a disappointment