Having enjoyed a friends Region 1 DVD I thought I'd get this one as it was the same. Wasn't it? No, for some reason the British DVD buying public don't need a remastered version just a VHS version shuffled out onto DVD. It was a huge disappointment.
The picture jumps, pops and fizzes all over the place and has a greenish tinge to it. No extras either. It wasn't like there wasn't a remastered version available, it's been out on Region 1 for some time.
That aside, this is a cracking film, hugely entertaining. Even if it doesn't stick faithfully to Sir Conan Doyle's story. Basil Rathbone in one of his best Holmes film, gives a brilliant performance and is ably supported by Nigel Bruce playing a rather dim-witted Doctor Watson. The film still has a creepyness about it, and there is a lot going on in it that's never fully explained and red herrings aplenty (Dr Mortimer denying he has a dog for instance).
My advice to you is, if you've got a region-free DVD, then get the remastered version as it's even better when cleaned up and adds to the moody atmosphere of the film. If you haven't then wait for the sales before buying this DVD.