The Wong Kar-wai thread!

EvaUnit02 · Post by **EvaUnit02** » 29 Jul 2005, 19:40

Post by Bradavon

Here I'll list the best versions of each of Wong Kar-Wai's films on DVD today, in order of release.

All DVDs are uncut and anamorphic unless otherwise stated. I've mentioned other regions where possible and included some reviews too:

* As Tears Go By (1988) - Region 1 SE, the R4 is only a single layer DVD (the R1 SE is dual layer) and has had bad reviews, the HK DVD does have a DD5.1 remix but the subtitles are awful.

The R1 has considerably better remastered subtitles and it contains the original DD2.0. The PQ on the R1 looks like a port of the HK DVD

The HK SE has a newly created DTS remix but otherwise I don't know much about it (it doesn't contain the original DD2.0). The Tartan UK R2 is also single layer and only contains a Mandarin dub (the newer batches are supposed to have been replaced with the original Cantonese).

Region 4 review - http://www.dvdbits.com/reviews.asp?id=2996
DVD Beaver comparison - http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDCompar ... rsgoby.htm

* Days of Being Wild (1991) - Region 1 SE, the R4 is only a single layer DVD (the R1 SE is dual layer) and has had bad reviews, the HK DVD does have a DD5.1 remix but the subtitles are awful.

The R1 has considerably better remastered subtitles and it contains the original DD2.0. The HK SE has a newly created DTS remix but otherwise I don't know much about it (it doesn't contain the original DD2.0). The Tartan UK R2 is also single layer and only contains a Mandarin dub (the newer batches are supposed to have been replaced with the original Cantonese).

HK SE review - http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=57655
Region 4 review - http://www.dvdbits.com/reviews.asp?id=2997
DVD Beaver comparison - http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDCompar ... ngwild.htm

* Chungking Express (1994) - UK Region 2 SE. I'm talking about the Artificial Eye version I shall be calling it the SE for simplicities sake. Followed closely by the R1. Both contain the original DD2.0.

Region 2, UK review - http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=11949
DVD Beaver comparison - http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDCompar ... xpress.htm

* Ashes of Time (1994) - HK Region 0 OR French R2 - Time to cry! There are only two uncut versions of this available and both are AWFUL. The HK DVD wins purely because it at least it's WS (but non-anamorphic). The R1 has been heavily copped from a 4:3 P&S print, chopping the top and bottom off to create a very fake WS print (this was done to cut off the burnt in subs). The HK DVD also at least contains the original Cantonese DD2.0 soundtrack.

UPDATE: Normally I wouldn't include cut DVDs but considering how bad the Uncut HK DVD is I'm going to make an exception. The French R2 has a vastly superior cleaned up picture and the original audio too, it is CUT by 20 minutes however.

Comparison review (worth reading) - http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=3379
DVD Beaver comparison: http://www.articles.dvdbeaver.com/film/ ... oftime.htm
Info & Cover art for French TF1 DVD - http://www.dvdactive.com/news/releases/ ... -time.html

* Fallen Angels (1995) - Region 4. It has the best PQ out of all the releases, followed closely by the R1. Both contain the original DD2.0.

DVD Beaver comparison - http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDCompar ... angels.htm
Another comparison (includes the German DVD) - http://web12.dvd2web.de/fa/fallenangels.htm

* Happy Together (1997) - Region 1 SE but the Region 4 has an exclusive DD5.1 remix + exclusive commentary.

The Region 4 looks to have the same woeful transfer as the UK R2 and it's for this reason I'm recommending the much nicer remastered R1. The R1 has the original Cantonese DD2.0 + Documentary (also found on the R4) -

Region 4 review - http://www.michaeldvd.com.au/Reviews/Re ... sp?ID=6357
DVD Beaver comparison - http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDCompar ... gether.htm

* In the Mood for Love (2000) - Region 1 Criterion, it's slightly cropped over the R2 French DVD (which has been cloned to make the UK R2, Spanish R2 and numerous other European DVDs) but does have better PQ. The extras are meatier/more in depth too.

The R2 French DVD is also very good though and contains mostly different extras to the Criterion. Both are stacked with extras!

Extras comparison - http://www.dvdcompare.net/comparisons/film.php?fid=1538
DVD Beaver comparison - http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/dvdcompar ... orlove.htm

* The Hire: The Follow (2001) - This is not really a WKW film but for completeness sake I'll include it. The only version was the BMW Region 0 DVD. It runs for 11 minutes

* 2046 (2004) - French Region 2 OR UK Region 2 - The French R2 has gorgeous AV and stacks of extras BUT no English subtitles at all. The second best option is the OOP Region 4 LE which had DTS, a commentary, an hour long WKW interview + More and used the French master (currently the best). Disc 1 of the 2 Disc LE set is still available which just contains DTS + a commentary.

The third and current best for people who need English subtitles is the UK R2, it has DTS, lovely Picture Quality (from the French DVD) and a nice selection of limited extras.

The R1 has much better extras to the UK R2 but has slightly weaker Picture Quality and even more important an non-remastered Cantonese DD5.1 soundtrack (the rears are barely used).

UK Region 2 review - http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=57194
Region 1 review - https://www.bulletsnbabesdvd.com/forums/ ... .php?t=879
DVD Beaver comparison - http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDReview6/2046.htm
HK R3 vs. French R2 screen creen captures, French DVD specification can be found on page 1 of this thread (Thanks to Tom) - https://www.bulletsnbabesdvd.com/forums/ ... 8&start=20
Pro-B's findings on the R1 Non-remastered DD5.1 - http://forum.dvdtalk.com/showthread.php ... ge=2&pp=26

* Eros (2004) - HK Region 3 - WKW directed 1/3 of this 3 part feature. It has much more extras than the R1, although they centred around the WKW short only + it has DTS (also not on the R1).

It has English subtitled extras but the English subtitles for the main feature appear for all dialogue including English. The audio is actually English, Mandarin and a little Italian (on the R1 also).

HK Region 3 review - http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=58251
Region 1 details - http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=58074

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Summary

I've detailed above the best versions and why they are the best. However if I were to buy these films (as I have done) I would make some alternations, as follows:

* Region 1 Wong Kar-wai box set - This will save you some cash and contains the best versions, except for Chungking Express and Fallen Angels. I've not seen the UK Region 2 SE CE or Region 4 FA but tbh the Region 1 versions of these are already very good.

The box set contains:

As Tears Go By
Days of Being Wild
Chungking Express
Fallen Angels
Happy Together

* The rest as stated above, except I'd pay under a £5 for Ashes of Time HK DVD. I believe it's caught in long running legal wranglings and for this reason we won't be seeing a better/acceptable version anytime soon. If you don't mind it being cut the remastered French SE is far superior.

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 29 Jul 2005, 23:24

EvaUnit02 wrote:How are WKW's gangster flicks?

AFAIK he's only made one and I thought it was okay to average but considering it was his first film I'm willing to majorly figure him. He also shows us the signs of what a auteur he would become.

DOBW is light years ahead and of course ITMFL+2046 are light years ahead again.

EvaUnit02 · Post by **EvaUnit02** » 30 Jul 2005, 03:00

How are the subs on the DOBW Megastar remaster? Got any review links?

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 30 Jul 2005, 13:55

EvaUnit02 wrote:How are the subs on the DOBW Megastar remaster? Got any review links?

Only this one but as he doesn't have any other DVD for comparison it's not a particularly good review:

http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=57655

He only briefly mentions the subs.

Personally I'd get the R1 DVDs except for:

2046 - HK LE (or the Korean LE but it's more expensive)
Chunking Express - UK R2
Fallen Angels - R4
Ashes of Time - HK R0 . Both the R1 & HK R0 are utter trash but the HK R0 is better - A decent comparison review: http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=3379

The rest the R1 DVD is the best as far as I can tell. These films sound better in the original DD2.0, although I've not heard the remix on DOBW to say for sure (or As Tears Go By but I wouldn't double dip on that film).

Personally I own:

ITMFL - French LE (but I'd probably get the Criterion now)
2046 - HK LE
Ashes of Time - HK R0
R1 Box set - Which includes the separate Chungking Express R1 thrown in for good measure.

Chungking Express R1 and Fallen Angels R1 aren't vastly inferior to the UK R2 and R4 so I figured I could save some cash and get the box set. I worked out if I bought the others separately on R1 plus Chungking Express UK R2 and Fallen Angels R4 it would cost me about £10 more.

EvaUnit02 · Post by **EvaUnit02** » 30 Jul 2005, 18:04

bradavon wrote: Only this one but as he doesn't have any other DVD for comparison it's not a particularly good review:

http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=57655

He only briefly mentions the subs.

Cheers Brad. Judging by that review and the dvdbeaver comparison featuring the old Megastar release (Which looked better than all the other region releases IMO. Guessing that remaster is superior to the previous release.); I may get the DOBW Megastar remaster somewhere down the line - hopefully the subs are decent. First I'll see if I like Chungking Express and 2046.

Personally I'd get the R1 DVDs except for:

Ashes of Time - HK R0 . Both the R1 & HK R0 are utter trash but the HK R0 is better - A decent comparison review: http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=3379

Yeah, I'll be skipping that flick until there's a decent DVD. Are the rights in legal limbo or something?

The 2046 Tartan release at cd-wow was ~$34NZD after discount and the HK LE was ~$33NZD at yesasia. Opted for HK LE cuz of better/more extras, even though the Tartan PQ sounds like it's slightly superior. Plus I wouldn't be surprised if Tartan did a 2-disc SE with the French extras ported over like they did for ITMFL.

Markgway · Post by **Markgway** » 30 Jul 2005, 18:51

I've seen a comparison between the old and new Megastar DVDs of Days of Being Wild and the old one looked better IIRC. That's the one I have and am keeping...

Markgway · Post by **Markgway** » 30 Jul 2005, 19:00

This comparison link may help?

http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDCompar ... ngwild.htm

grim_tales · Post by **grim_tales** » 30 Jul 2005, 19:13

I'm put off getting the Tartan because its got the wrong language on it.. its' a Cantonese film, not Mandarin

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 31 Jul 2005, 11:22

EvaUnit02 wrote:Which looked better than all the other region releases IMO. Guessing that remaster is superior to the previous release.

I saw that comparison to and thought the MegaStar came out near the end, the R1 looks nicer.

Going by that comparison the R1 definitely looks the sharpest and the subs also definitely look the best. Funnily DVD Beaver say the Tartan has the best PQ but also complain it's only takes up 3.85Gb of a single layer disc.

First I'll see if I like Chungking Express and 2046.

What about ITMFL? You should see it before 2046.

It will also bridge the gap nicely between CE and 2046. CE and 2046 are very different but also both uniquely WKW. IMO (& many others) ITMFL is currently WKW's magnum opus.

EvaUnit02 wrote:Are the rights in legal limbo or something?

I think it's the fact it didn't do very well at all at the HK box office and (for example) is the only WKW film to not be picked up in the UK.

EvaUnit02 wrote:Opted for HK LE cuz of better/more extras, even though the Tartan PQ sounds like it's slightly superior.

I'm not sure they're actually better, don't get your hopes up the HK extras are watch once affairs. Where did you read the Tartan DVD had better PQ?

EvaUnit02 wrote: Plus I wouldn't be surprised if Tartan did a 2-disc SE with the French extras ported over like they did for ITMFL.

I hope so BUT the original ITMFL was dire so a good reason for Tartan to double dip. They only seem to double dip their DVDs which are very popular (i.e - Asian horror or action) and are a mess to start off with.

Markgway wrote:I've seen a comparison between the old and new Megastar DVDs of Days of Being Wild and the old one looked better IIRC. That's the one I have and am keeping...

I own that also but got the R1 too as the subs on both the original Megastar DOBW and ATGB are so awful it barely makes the film watchable.

The R1 subs are miles ahead. I've not done a direct comparison (I should I guess) but I'm just happy the subs are decent.

grim_tales wrote:I'm put off getting the Tartan because its got the wrong language on it.. its' a Cantonese film, not Mandarin

Apparently they've re-released it with Cantonese but I can't actually find the re-release for sale.

Not that it matters as the R1 is cheaper and is dual layer unlike the Tartan's which are single layer. Not conclusive I know but why pay more for less.

grim_tales · Post by **grim_tales** » 31 Jul 2005, 11:26

Thats wierd. I've never heard of that.

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 31 Jul 2005, 11:33

Shame on you for not looking at DVD Times more often

:

http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=56545

grim_tales · Post by **grim_tales** » 31 Jul 2005, 11:59

A Chinese Oddyssey 2002 is a Cantonese film, no?

Or rather, 2 cuts made for different markets. AFAIK the HK DVD has both of these.

Run away, Fulltime Killer (aka Gil) is back

tom2681 · Post by **tom2681** » 31 Jul 2005, 12:10

Chinese Oddyssey 2002 is a Cantonese film, no?

Difficult to say.
The presence of Jeff Lau and Wong Kar-Wai at the helm makes it cantonese, but it's half-cantonese and half-mandarin.

Zhao Wei and Chang Chen speak mandarin.
Faye Wong and Tony Leung speak cantonese.

The cantonese version just sounds better to my ears.

It's the same problem with Fly Me To Polaris.
You've got Cecilia Cheung speaking cantonese and Richie Ren speaking mandarin.

There's no original language for these films.

EDIT: I've just read the comments on the DVDtimes review and found out that I've said the exact same thing 5 months ago.

Markgway · Post by **Markgway** » 31 Jul 2005, 16:10

There's no original language for these films.

The original language would still be Cantonese, just that one or more actors aren't speaking that langauge. It doesn't invalidate the filmmakers' intent. Personally I would have mixed the languages so that every actor could be heard on the one track, but I guess that's not what Jeff Lau wanted. Both films were released in HK in Cantonese.

EvaUnit02 · Post by **EvaUnit02** » 04 Aug 2005, 21:04

bradavon wrote:
First I'll see if I like Chungking Express and 2046.
What about ITMFL? You should see it before 2046.

I'm not made of money.

ITMFL is currently WKW's magnum opus.

Yeah, so I hear. But again, I'm not made of money. When I do buy ITMFL it'll be the Tartan 2-discer.

EvaUnit02 wrote:Opted for HK LE cuz of better/more extras, even though the Tartan PQ sounds like it's slightly superior.
Where did you read the Tartan DVD had better PQ?

I said SOUNDS LIKE it's slightly superior. I reached that conclusion after reading both the DVDtimes reviews of HK LE and the Tartan.

I own that also but got the R1 too as the subs on both the original Megastar DOBW and ATGB are so awful it barely makes the film watchable.

The R1 subs are miles ahead. I've not done a direct comparison (I should I guess) but I'm just happy the subs are decent.

Thanks for the heads-up. I'll skip the Megastar remaster and get the R1 then. If I like CE and 2046 that is.

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 04 Aug 2005, 23:00

What about ITMFL? You should see it before 2046.

I'm not made of money.

Fair enough just make sure you get it. It maybe worth just adding ITMFL to that list as you maybe surprised of the gap between CE and 2046 otherwise.

WKW greatly improved with ITMFL, not that CE is bad (far from it) plus like I said you'll get more out of 2046 if you see ITMFL first.

When I do buy ITMFL it'll be the Tartan 2-discer.

Fair enough but in this case I don't think there is much between it and the Criterion price wise.

I said SOUNDS LIKE it's slightly superior. I reached that conclusion after reading both the DVDtimes reviews of HK LE and the Tartan.

Aren't those written by different people?

Thanks for the heads-up I'll skip the Megastar remaster and get the R1 then. If I like CE and 2046 that is.

Just to clarify I don't own the HK Remaster but the original subs are truly woeful.

EvaUnit02 · Post by **EvaUnit02** » 05 Aug 2005, 00:09

First off, this gotten pretty OT of Tartan. Should've these exchanges be split from this thread and made into a separate "Wong Kar-Wai Thread"?

CE arrived yesterday evening (along with Escape from New York SE and Twin Peaks S1 boxset that I ordered.), Will watch it in the weekend.

bradavon wrote:
EvaUnit02 wrote:When I do buy ITMFL it'll be the Tartan 2-discer.
Fair enough but in this case I don't think there is much between it and the Criterion price wise.

I've been on a David Cronenberg and pre-90's John Carpenter binge recently. 8 Cronenberg and 7 Carpenter DVDs. Pretty much blown my budget until October - that probably'll be blown too with the release of the German AFOD/FAFDM 4-discer and R1 The Fly SE.

Hmm, yeah. I wanted to get the Tartan 2-discer cuz the dvdbeaver comparisonsays the Criterion's picture is artificially boosted and slightly cropped. But after examining the extras of both sets, the Criterion's offerings sounds better. I've never let trivial stuff (well, not really) like "cinematographer's intentions" stop me from getting a certain better sounding DVD release over another, why should I do so here?

I may

I said SOUNDS LIKE it's slightly superior. I reached that conclusion after reading both the DVDtimes reviews of HK LE and the Tartan.
Aren't those written by different people?

Yes. I was making an informed guess. Plus you (Brad) said in the comments of the dvdtimes Tartan review that the HK LE picture was decent.

Just to clarify I don't own the HK Remaster but the original subs are truly woeful.

I found this after a google search:-

another forum wrote:As far as I know there's still no version of the film that has good picture, good Cantonese audio & good English subtitles Those caps were taken from the old Megastar release, which was anamorphic but still v. lacking in detail, and has poor subtitles. A new remaster was just released in HK, which probably has better picture but apparently has even worse English subtitles The R1 probably has better subs, but I believe the picture was about the same as the old Megastar disc.

Eek! Worse subs than the old Megastar. Fuck the remaster then.

Only problem is the R1 Kino releases are damn expensive for me = $42NZD each. The Naked Lunch and Videodrome Criterions I bought recently off cd-wow were only ~$38NZD. Barebones releases that are more expensive than brimming Criterion SEs = total ripoffs IMO. FFS they shouldn't be anymore than £7/8.

On another notes there's flashing ads for 2046 plastered all over IMDB at moment. Apparently Sony hold the US rights, so expect the eventual R1 DVD to be the best PQ wise. Blah, I won't be double-dipping.

EvaUnit02 · Post by **EvaUnit02** » 05 Aug 2005, 00:42

bradavon wrote:What about ITMFL? You should see it before 2046. It maybe worth just adding ITMFL to that list as you maybe surprised of the gap between CE and 2046 otherwise.

WKW greatly improved with ITMFL, not that CE is bad (far from it) plus like I said you'll get more out of 2046 if you see ITMFL first.

What about Fallen Angels? Isn't that like Chungking Express Part 2 or something?

Markgway · Post by **Markgway** » 05 Aug 2005, 02:12

I've seen a cap comparison of the OLD and NEW Mega Star DVDs and the NEW one looked much worse to my eyes. It was on a link to a Chinese forum so I've no way of finding it. Sorry.

EvaUnit02 · Post by **EvaUnit02** » 07 Aug 2005, 12:52

Watched Chungking Express a couple hours ago. I enjoyed it. Reminded me of Lost in Translation.

Something that's universal to all cultures, pop music is awful where ever you go. The Faye Wong song was terrible IMO. At least it wasn't as bad as her god awful "Eyes on Me", the main theme of the craptacular Final Fantasy 8.

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 07 Aug 2005, 14:13

You're right it does remind you of Lost in Translation. Maybe Sophia Coppolla is influenced by Wong Kar-wai. Her first film is also similar in tone.

Markgway wrote:I've seen a cap comparison of the OLD and NEW Mega Star DVDs and the NEW one looked much worse to my eyes. It was on a link to a Chinese forum so I've no way of finding it. Sorry.

I'm sure it's in one of the Bullets threads here somewhere.

I thought the same btw.

EvaUnit02 wrote:What about Fallen Angels? Isn't that like Chungking Express Part 2 or something?

Originally WKW had 3 stories to tell and decided there was to much story to tell in 1 film so cut Fallen Angels out he then shot that as a full length film.

It's not a sequel no but they are connected. This is an easy one for you. The R4 is the best so get that. Like I said I have the R1 from the box set. The R4 doesn't look that much better.

EvaUnit02 wrote:Twin Peaks S1 boxset

Was it from CD WOW? Is there an R4 or did you get the UK R2?

I really need to get this but it pisses me off I can only get Series 1 so am going to be even more confused than I would be otherwise.

EvaUnit02 wrote:Hmm, yeah. I wanted to get the Tartan 2-discer cuz the dvdbeaver comparisonsays the Criterion's picture is artificially boosted and slightly cropped. But after examining the extras of both sets, the Criterion's offerings sounds better. I've never let trivial stuff (well, not really) like "cinematographer's intentions" stop me from getting a certain better sounding DVD release over another, why should I do so here? I may

I wouldn't rely on DVD Beaver to much. They can't make their minds up. It originally said the Criterion wins as it has better colours. Sure the Criterion is slightly cropped but it's marginal and IMO the PQ is definitely better with meatier extras.

I have the main documentary from the Crtierion DVD and it's very good (the FilmFour channel showed it in the UK a while back).

EvaUnit02 wrote:Plus you (Brad) said in the comments of the dvdtimes Tartan review that the HK LE picture was decent.

An educated guess I'd say there will be little between the HK and UK DVDs.

It's crazy that you can't buy more R4 DVDs. I buy very few but then again I can buy R2 DVDs cheap, the same should be the same for R4 for you.

EvaUnit02 wrote:Eek! Worse subs than the old Megastar. Fuck the remaster then.

It says apparently. I doubt they're worse. Unless they're a complete disaster.

EvaUnit02 wrote:Only problem is the R1 Kino releases are damn expensive for me = $42NZD each. FFS they shouldn't be anymore than £7/8.

Ouch that is expensive. You could always trade your Cungking Express and get the R1 Box set it was £38 on CD WOW not long ago. I asked if they could stock it, they may do again (if you ask).

The R1 DVDs seperately are about £10 for me. I'd try and get the box set or plump for the HK DVDs then ($42 is far to expensive).

EvaUnit02 wrote: On another notes there's flashing ads for 2046 plastered all over IMDB at moment. Apparently Sony hold the US rights, so expect the eventual R1 DVD to be the best PQ wise. Blah, I won't be double-dipping.

Really? What's your source?. If the extras or PQ (possibly) are much better then I will probably double dip. I came very close to double dipping with the Tartan.

It will be a while before the DVD comes though. I'm sure it's not long been in US cinemas. The 2046 site is up:

http://www.sonyclassics.com/2046/

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 07 Aug 2005, 14:22

OMG this came from no where. Madman (who own Eastern Eye) have released "Happy Together":

http://www.madman.com.au/actions/catalo ... ethod=view

'Buenos Aires Zero Degree' - making of documentary by Kwan Pun Leung and Amos Lee
Audio Commentary by Stephen Teo
Essay on Wong Kar Wai by Janice Tong (PhD)
Dolby Digital 2.0 or 5.1 Surround
Theatrical trailer

The remix maybe a good or bad thing but an exclusive commentary. The UK R2 (with dreadful PQ) and R1 both have the documentary.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Taken from Wong Kar-wai.net:

"Tony arrived to LA on Tuesday 8/2/05 to attend the 2046 premiere. WKW might make his way to LA."

Source: http://www.wongkarwai.net/

Wong Kar-wai interview with Charlie Rose:

"I saw Wong Kar Wai interviewed on Charlie Rose for Tuesday 11/26 Show. See http://www.charlierose.com/. Wong Kar Wai's first time on Charlie Rose talking about 2046 (opening in August at select theaters in US), his background, family, inspiration. I am sad that I didn't record this show, but transcripts and the show on DVD can be ordered at the site.

WKW also made mention on his new film he's researching and will start filming next year (2006), "The Lady From Shanghai", starring Nicole Kidman. It's about a "dangerous woman in danger."

http://www.wongkarwai.net/stories.php?s ... 29/1004192

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Christopher Doyle interview from the Guardian where he says 2046 will probably be his last film with WKW:

http://film.guardian.co.uk/interview/in ... 30,00.html

Markgway · Post by **Markgway** » 07 Aug 2005, 17:25

"The Lady From Shanghai", starring Nicole Kidman. It's about a "dangerous woman in danger."

A remake of the Orson Welles film?

I thought HAPPY TOGETHER was crap. 8)

EvaUnit02 · Post by **EvaUnit02** » 08 Aug 2005, 04:01

bradavon wrote:
EvaUnit02 wrote:Twin Peaks S1 boxset
Was it from CD WOW? Is there an R4 or did you get the UK R2?

I really need to get this but it pisses me off I can only get Series 1 so am going to be even more confused than I would be otherwise.

Yeah, it's the UK R2 from cd-wow, damn cheap too (for a TV-DVD set) - £14.99 (after discount). I watched it with my mum in the weekend, gripping stuff - I can't wait for the Season 2 set in Spring (so Q1 in other words) 2006 (the current tentative date). (The only problem is S2 will be a deluxe set from Paramount; and if their Star Trek TV-DVD sets are anything to go by, I wouldn't be surprised if it's bloody expensive). There's an identical R4 from Paramount, but I opted for the R2 since it was cheaper.

Brad, I highly recommend you take the plunge and get S1. Utterly cracking series. Don't bother with the R1, since it's missing the 90min pilot (essential viewing since it sets everything, introduces the characters, etc.).

Was my first taste of Lynch, now I just have to see more. I've ordered the R1 Wild at Heart SE from cd-wow and R1 Blue Velvet SE from dvdboxoffice.

Know where I can pick the Dutch 2-discer of Mulholland Dr. for cheap - preferably under 20 euro?

EvaUnit02 wrote:Plus you (Brad) said in the comments of the dvdtimes Tartan review that the HK LE picture was decent.

An educated guess I'd say there will be little between the HK and UK DVDs.

It's crazy that you can't buy more R4 DVDs. I buy very few but then again I can buy R2 DVDs cheap, the same should be the same for R4 for you.

NZ is virtually 3rd world in regards to games/DVDs/etc releases, hell there's heaps of R4 DVDs released in Oz which never make it over here. I rarely ever buy R4's (I think the last one I bought was Carpenter's Starman w/ the superb Carpenter/Jeff Bridges commentary.), especially since there's absolute bargain e-tailers like cd-wow and dvdboxoffice.

EvaUnit02 wrote:Only problem is the R1 Kino releases are damn expensive for me = $42NZD each. FFS they shouldn't be anymore than £7/8.

Ouch that is expensive. You could always trade your Cungking Express and get the R1 Box set it was £38 on CD WOW not long ago. I asked if they could stock it, they may do again (if you ask).[/quote]Actually cd-wow carry the R1 Kino boxset now for £45.99 (after discount). So that's ~$118NZD or ~$24NZD for 5 films... SCHWEEEET.

How is the Kino set packaged - A 5-disc digipack or 5 amarays in a cardboard slipcase? I hope it's the latter, then I can give away/sell the R1 CE and keep my R2 DVD in the free slot.

bradavon wrote:
EvaUnit02 wrote: On another notes there's flashing ads for 2046 plastered all over IMDB at moment. Apparently Sony hold the US rights, so expect the eventual R1 DVD to be the best PQ wise. Blah, I won't be double-dipping.
Really? What's your source?.

Speculation based on past trends. Sony DVDs tend to have nop-notch transfers for independent/international films (unless they're foreign blockbusters eg CTHD) from my past experiences. They aren't big blockbuster films, so they wouldn't purposely give normal releases an inferior transfer just to sell a Superbit double-dip.

EvaUnit02 · Post by **EvaUnit02** » 08 Aug 2005, 08:56

Looks like there's R4's of As Tears Go By and Days of Being Wild up for release on Aug 18th. Specs unknown and the publisher is Roadshow apparently.

bradavon wrote:OMG this came from no where. Madman (who own Eastern Eye) have released "Happy Together":

http://www.madman.com.au/actions/catalo ... ethod=view

Audio Commentary by Stephen Teo

The remix maybe a good or bad thing but an exclusive commentary. The UK R2 (with dreadful PQ) and R1 both have the documentary.

Looks like Madman are trying to be the Criterion/Eureka of R4.

I'm guessing they recorded the commentary themselves, since their under the features for the release of Godard's La Chinoise they have this:-
"Audio commentary by James Hewison, Director of the Melbourne International Film Festival."
A director of an Oz festival doing the commentary.