Ethel.and.ernest.2016.1080p.hevc.x265-megusta -

Hand-drawn animation is notoriously difficult to compress. Live-action footage has natural film grain and motion blur that can mask compression artifacts. But 2D animation has:

HEVC/x265 addresses these issues brilliantly. Compared to the older H.264 (commonly found in 720p or 1080p releases), x265 at the same bitrate delivers:

For a 1-hour 34-minute film like Ethel & Ernest, a high-quality x265 encode from a good source (like a Blu-ray remux) can look virtually lossless at under 3 GB. A comparable H.264 encode might balloon to 8-10 GB. Ethel.And.Ernest.2016.1080p.HEVC.x265-MeGusta

In the ecosystem of digital releases, “MeGusta” is a respected name. While we do not endorse piracy, understanding the landscape helps preservationists. MeGusta is known for:

A file labeled MeGusta is generally a better bet than random, anonymous encodes. It signifies care, not just automation. Hand-drawn animation is notoriously difficult to compress

It would be irresponsible to write this without mentioning copyright. Ethel & Ernest was produced by Lupus Films, King Rollo Films, and the BBC. The late Raymond Briggs (who died in 2022) was famously protective of his work’s quality.

The MeGusta release, like all scene releases, is unauthorized. If you appreciate the film’s tender depiction of post-war Britain, its vocal performances (Jim Broadbent as Ernest, Brenda Blethyn as Ethel), and its dedication to Briggs’s art, you should buy or rent the official release. HEVC/x265 addresses these issues brilliantly

Where to get high-quality, legal 1080p HEVC copies:

That official purchase or rental funds future hand-drawn animation. Film preservation and theft are not the same thing.