July 5, 2009

Several months back, we had posted an article with a side-by-side comparison of an early screener of LET THE RIGHT ONE IN along with the recently released DVD/Blu-Ray version from Magnolia Pictures. We were shocked to discover such a discrepancy in the subtitles from version to version.

While we’re sure this kind of loss in translation happens all the time with foreign films, it seemed baffling as to why a film that had been playing for months in limited theatrical release with accurate subtitles (to critical praise) would suddenly sport a completely different translation for the home video release. (Especially considering the screener copies sent out to reviewers all had the original translations) We theorized that possibly someone in Magnolia’s home video department just thought it’d be cheaper to not pay the original translater (credited to Ingrid Eng) and just have someone else redo them. (Just a theory.)

Naturally, the issue caused quite an uproar amongst fellow critics, fans and consumers that were looking forward to seeing this highly praised cult-classic, only to get an inferior version of it. Magnolia never issued an “official” statement addressing the issue, but spoke to Digital Bits and informed them that new copies of the feature will be issues with “Subtitles English (Theatrical)” listed on the back. No word as to when this was going to happen. Nor were there to be any refunds for the original discs.

It’d been months since we’d heard ANY thing. The only thing I heard (and can confirm) is that the version of LET THE RIGHT ONE IN that is currently streaming on Netflix Watch Instantly is in fact the theatrical version with the correct subtitles.

Regardless, I had to follow up with Magnolia on the actual DVD/Blu-Ray release. I was nervous that maybe Magnolia decided to completely ignore this issue, citing it as merely the cries of “a few band-wagon mentality bloggers.” (Thanks for the actual quote, sales exec)

I wrote directly to Magnolia’s video department to see what the status of the new re-issued LET THE RIGHT ONE IN DVD’s was. Here’s the reply I received from Melissa Romley:

“At this time there is nothing new to update you with. The original theatrical subtitles will be made available as an additional English language subtitle option on future manufacturing runs.”

Seemed pretty vague…. and disappointing.

Yet, several fans wrote me to inform me that they HAVE found NEW re-issues of LET THE RIGHT ONE IN at their local TARGET stores. Here’s what to look for in insuring you get the RIGHT subtitles:

The good news is… they are out there. You just have to really look for them. And as of right now, TARGET’s a good bet. I have yet to hear or see of any Blu-Ray versions with the appropriate subtitles, so please, if you find the Blu-Ray or more stores that have them, comment below so that fellow appreciators of this movie can own the version we saw in theaters.

Many thanks to the people that sent the above screengrabs. And for everyone interested in helping with this on-going matter. I’m sure director Tomas Alfredson would appreciate your efforts.