Thanks for the link above.
Well, I went ahead and "double dipped" and picked up the "Full Frame" DVD. My first impression?
This has got to be one of the best transfers of a Widescreen film onto a Full Screen format that I've ever seen! The Full Frame DVD is indeed an "Open Matte" version of the film as I didn't see one instant of "pan and scan" throughout the entire movie. Yes, there are several instances where I noticed an ever so slight "cropping" at the sides of the picture, but for the most part the side to side ratio is intact without much loss.
As a huge Bonus you get MORE picture above and below the normal "letterbox" lines of the WS DVD. Footage that was filmed then "matted out" in the 1:85:1 widescreen ratio is now "restored" on the Full Frame DVD. More Sky! More Mountain! More Jack! More Ennis!
Yes, the widescreen version is THE definitive version of Ang's vision, but as an alternative viewing experience the Full Frame is a nice bonus for BBM fans.
I'll be honest, watching widescreen films on my 27 inch TV can often leave me feeling "distant" from the story as I'm constantly reminded of the letterbox ratio. The Open Matte version of BBM pulled me into the story, much like my earlier theaterical experiences did!
There is a stunning amount of detail evident in the Full Frame version that I missed or overlooked on my WS DVD. From the overall performances to the subtle facial expressions (oh my, those close ups!) to even the textures of the clothing and the beauty of the landscape...it all seems more "up close and personal" on the Open Matte transfer! I saw details that I've never seen in the theaters or on my earlier WS DVD viewing.
And yes, in case you're wondering the tent scenes are even more "intimate" (you feel like you're in the tent with them!) on the Full Frame DVD.
There were several scenes that seems ever so slightly cropped on the sides (Ennis bathing/Jack cliff jumping), but for the most part every scene on the WS version (and then some) remains intact on the Full Frame DVD. This is not a dreaded "pan and scan" Full Frame DVD.
By the way, even the picture quality appears "better" on the Full Frame...probably because it's a larger image.
This is an excellent "bonus" disc to go along with your Widescreen DVD!