I’m delighted to confirm that the ITI Home Video release of Wajda’s Katyń has English subtitles – or at least the single-disc edition does; I didn’t bother with the double-disc one as there’s every likelihood that the extras aren’t English-friendly.
The bad news, though, is that the image has been cropped to 16:9 from the theatrical 2.35:1 – though on closer examination it makes less difference than one might imagine.
I’ve just uploaded a lengthy review to DVD Times, which includes comparative frame grabs so you can make up your own mind.
My copy of the single DVD won’t play with english subtitles on any DVD player tested. It always switched to polish subs. Not even with the remote control, I could get the english subs to work.
I worked fine on my computer.
I wonder if you heard of that problem before?
I tried it on a Sony, Toshiba, Cyberhome and Philips player. A friend tried it as well on two machines – same problem.
thanks
I have just return from Poland and have had a similar problem to Karsten – KATYN will not play with English subtitles on my DVD player! Very disappointing.
I’ll look into this as soon as I get home – certainly, I had no problems generating English subtitles on either my MacBook or my Toshiba DVD player.
Did you access the subtitles via the menu, or try to change them on the fly when watching the DVD?
I tried both. It would always result just in polish subs.
It worked fine on the computer though (windows XP).
i`ve had the same trouble back in japan – i have bought 3 dvds! and all of them did not work (on my pc it works). has anyone found out how to run it with english subtitles???
Very interested in purchasing this DVD with English subtitle. Can anybody please give me a direction?
THANKS.
I ordered mine from here – but be warned about the subtitle situation (see above). I’ve had no problem playing the subtitles, but a friend of mine that I lent it to couldn’t switch them on. Fortunately, Polish is her native language, but her boyfriend wasn’t best pleased.
Also, I’ve heard unconfirmed rumours that the two-disc set also has English subtitles and is the correct 2.35:1 aspect ratio – does anyone know for certain?
Does anyone know if the DVD with English subtitles works on a Mac? I don’t have a PC!