Tricky question. I posted a thread (still on page two of these message boards, but with no replies so far) about the aspect ratio debate some time ago.
Basically, the 1.33:1 version is the closest to how 'The Snowman' originally looked. Every frame was designed for the television ratio of 1.33:1.
The anamorphically enhanced widescreen version created in 2002 is now the most common presentation format of 'The Snowman' for DVD and television. On the plus side you get very sharp, digitally enhanced picture quality and a re-mixed 5.1 Surround sound mix. On the downside, the transfer of the original 1.33:1 frame to a wide 1.77:1 frame has resulted in the cropping of the image at the top and bottom! You are actually seeing less of the image than on the original 1982 version. For comparison, look at the moment where the Snowman's head first comes to life. Fully visible within the frame in the original 1.33:1 image. Cropped off at the top of the image in the re-framed widescreen edition!
'The Snowman' is available singly only in its 2002 re-framed version. However, if you purchase the 2005 double bill of 'The Snowman/Father Christmas you get the 1.33:1 original version. It's well worth having in this format because you simply can't get hold of the original version easily any more. When 'The Snowman' is screened on television this Christmas, it will be the cropped, re-framed widescreen version.
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angelfish81
18 years ago
However, if you purchase the 2005 double bill of 'The Snowman/Father Christmas you get the 1.33:1 original version.
Thank you! I really appreciate your help with this, I didn't want to order a copy and look forward to watching it, and then find it had been chopped to bits.
Thank you. :)
(I'm sorry if I missed a previous post from you on this subject, btw - I can only see one page of posts so maybe my settings don't show as far back as they could or something. :\)
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duke-verity
18 years ago
You're welcome. If you're getting the 2005 edition, make sure it is that one exactly that you're getting! This DVD release from last November has now been withdrawn. Amazon.co.uk are saying that an edition will be re-released on Monday November 6th this year. However, I honestly don't know yet whether this will be the same (ie 1.33:1) as before.
My advice would be, wait until Monday 6th. Check the packaging of this re-release and look for the aspect ratio details. If it's 1.33:1, buy it. If it's not then leave it. Instead go to H.M.V Oxford Circus where there are still (last time I looked) a couple of copies of the 2005 edition.
I Hope this helps.
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angelfish81
18 years ago
Yeah, I wondered about that. It does say 1.33:1 in the product specifications on amazon, but it's a re-release so they might use nasty new mutilated copies for it.
If they have messed around with it, and left the old product specs on the web page, that's really bad of them.
I was thinking about pre-ordering it, but with the p&p on top it's probably best to wait til it's in the shops anyway, and save a few quid.
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duke-verity
18 years ago
I've just looked at the re-release. Yes it's the 1.33:1 original television ratio. However, it has the awful David Bowie intro (added for American audiences) where he talks over the opening credits and for a full minute into the film!
Unfortunately if you want to see the film on DVD in its original ratio then this is the only version of it that you can get.
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angelfish81
18 years ago
Hmmm...so it's down to Bowie, or evil widescreen clipping...I suppose Bowie is the lesser of the two evils, if necessary I can always just mute him and hum the theme til he goes away...I can't really live with a cut-down version of the visuals, so I'll opt for the decent TV ratio.
Thank you ever so much for your help with this, duke-verity, I really appreciate you taking the time to reply. :)
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angelfish81
18 years ago
Ok, the new/re-released versions appeared on the shelves today, the joint Father Christmas/Snowman version is detailed as 4:3 full frame and the Snowman only version is detailed as 16:9 anamorphic, so that first one should be ok. :)
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duke-verity
18 years ago
Yes, but beware of David Bowie yacking away over the first minute of the film. Annoyingly the new DVD version released in America apparently has Raymond Briggs' own rare original prologue from the 1982 version! This original prologue version has never been released on DVD in Britain. The Bowie version (prepared especially for American audiences back in the eighties) is the only way you can see 'The Snowman' in Britain in 1.33:1 and DVD quality.
How strange that America gets the rare original British version and we get their David Bowie one!
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angelfish81
18 years ago
I think I have the Raymond Briggs intro version on tape, I'll have to be very careful with that copy then. :\
I can put up with losing 1 minute to Bowie, but losing chunks of the picture all the way through would be too much - so Bowie it shall have to be. Probably muted Bowie, mind you. There should be a facility so you can just listen to the music by itself and switch the intro off really...
I'm kinda ticked off about the shop prices though, some are marked at nearly £20. I'm hunting for the best deal now.
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paul-imdb-16
18 years ago
The 20 year anniversary edition also has (as an extra feature) the Raymond Briggs intro (it's on the documentary part). It also has the new Father Christmas and the Bowie one as well. Unfortunately they chopped it to 16:9.
Personally I don't mind the David Bowie intro as it carries the same sentiment as Raymond Briggs.
Just checked the Snowman Website (http://www.thesnowman.co.uk):-
The Snowman will be celebrating his 30th anniversary on film in the New Year so we shall be launching an extra special competition in 2007, so please come back and check the website in the Spring.
I wonder if they'll do something more on DVD?
Paul
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faithway
18 years ago
I'm here in America. Are most of you from England? I guess this movie would be harder to find here as I have never noticed it in stores before.
I was looking for something new this Christmas and ran across this at a mall. Before buying I wanted to see if it is as good as the cover looks. I'm glad I came here first.
It has 1.33:1 on the back and is around 27 minutes. I thought I read somewhere that it was longer.
Anyway, there's only one left so I'm going back to buy it.
thanks for the info.
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angelfish81
18 years ago
I wanted to see if it is as good as the cover looks
It's brilliant, definately get it if you can!
You must come back and tell us what you thought of it when you've watched it too. :)
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