Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

A number of reviews have complained about this disc -- everything from "it's too grainy" to "it isn't wide screen." While this disc isn't eye-candy on the level of The Wizard Of Oz or Gone With The Wind, it is an excellent transfer of the movie, and a worthy upgrade from the DVD if you are a fan of the film. First of all, remember a few things -- the film is over 80 years old, and the original negative is long gone. That being said, the restorers did a fine job. There are no scratches, specks or vertical lines to be seen anywhere -- they've all been removed. Contrast and gray scale are excellent with deep blacks. Some scenes (particularly all those scenes in the jungle) really show a remarkable amount of detail -- it's definitely hi-def! Casual viewers might stick with the DVD, but film buffs and Kong fans will find this blu-ray essential. As far as the complaints are concerned, yes there is grain, but consider it a necessary evil: if they were to scrub it all away, the picture details would go with it. Plus it's not nearly so grainy as some would have you believe. A few scenes -- especially those in the fog on the ship -- are EXTREMELY grainy, but most of the film is far less so, especially considering that the original negative is lost. In any case it's not an issue -- it never interfered with my enjoyment of the film and I'm watching on a 50" plasma from about 10'. And for those don't know, this film wasn't made in wide screen -- the black bars on the side just mean that you're seeing the entire picture as it was filmed. Over-all, this is an excellent -- and accurate! -- representation of the film, and certainly the best it has ever looked on home video. Remember: blu-ray isn't designed to make everything look like a new movie, it's designed to to give you the most perfect recreation possible of the look of the original film elements. Hats off to Warner for a job well-done. NOTE: To those that find the film "unwatchable", check your TV settings. Blu-ray should not have the sharpness turned up -- you're just adding video noise. Also, having your TV set to "vivid" or "sports" will make film look much more harsh and grainy. Having your set calibrated, or setting it to "cinema" will add to your enjoyment of the film.