The soundstage of the original mix is surprisingly wider than that of the 5.1 and there's much more low-end extension. It actually sounds like the bass in the 5.1 has been filtered out. The Clarice-Hannibal scenes in the 2.0 have a deep and menacing ambient tone present, but it's hardly audible in the 5.1. The 5.1 sounds quite limp.
2.0:
1991 Orion LaserDisc [D7434OR]: Very aggressive and detailed, making full use of low and high frequencies.
1994 Criterion LaserDisc [CC1344L]: Some global dynamic range compression, but otherwise fine. The later Criterion editions are definitely sourced from this transfer, so I suspect MGM hasn't been able to supply any distributor with the original Dolby Stereo mix.
1998 Criterion DVD: Like the Criterion LaserDisc.
2018 Criterion Blu-ray: Like the Criterion LaserDisc.
2021 Kino Lorber UHD Blu-ray: A downmix of the 5.1.
2024 Arrow UHD Blu-ray: A new mastering. No dynamic range compression, but more warmly EQed, sounding at times a bit too subdued. I prefer the Orion LaserDisc.
But truly, all of these sound fine save for the Kino Lorber.
8/26/2024: Added the Orion LaserDisc and Arrow UHD.
8/27/2024: Added the Criterion LaserDisc.
Sounds like the Criterion 5.1 mix is the same source as the MGM SE DVD. I remember reviews saying the exact same thing about the bass levels.
ReplyDeleteBut the experts on the Blu forum are saying that the Arrow has the best soundtrack, not just of this film but of all time, and that they can do no wrong!!!11!!!
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