New Celestial and Fortune Star schedules up at the ADVDG

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 28 Nov 2006, 20:04

Surely the German company can try to sue them? I guess if you're small it too isn't profitable.

Knetan · Post by **Knetan** » 28 Nov 2006, 20:14

hye,

I don't think they've gone that route but yes, they are small.

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 11 Dec 2006, 21:06

Which Chinese Ghost Story do people prefer? - http://web12.dvd2web.de/cgs/cgs.htm

Only part 1 is relevant as they've used Dutch discs or some other such release for Part 2 and 3.

I can't decide which I prefer, one some the IVL wins (she looks better white) but on others it's the HKL (equally it looks sharper and is a bit dark). The last capture is also grainy on the IVL.

If I had to pick I'd probably give it to the IVL but not by much.

I'd probably opt for the IVL simply because Part 3 isn't even out from HKL but they're bound to release it one day so should I/we get the first two HKLs or the IVL box set?

I already own Part 1 from HKL but could get rid of it.

I'm really asking for those who own any of these which is better?

Knetan · Post by **Knetan** » 11 Dec 2006, 21:09

hey,

German box set, with HD master from Atlas wins. Judging by caps from part 1, I'd say HKL next and then IVL.

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 11 Dec 2006, 21:18

No English subs, no sale for me. Why do you prefer the HKL? FS Prints can be really hit and miss. Thanks btw.

Knetan · Post by **Knetan** » 11 Dec 2006, 21:21

hey,

I just remember seeing a comparison with HKL and IVL with the former appearing a lot more colourful and not as high on contrast as IVL. As you said, HD from Fortune Star doesn't automatically mean the best. Even Iron Monkey HKL clearly looks better than IVL.

English subs are easy to add these days with self authoring. Already done.

The German set does feature 5.1 only but aside from some slightly too heavy front channel activity on part 2, these tracks are just perfectly wide spread mono. Nothing wrong with that.

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 11 Dec 2006, 21:41

I know but tbh I can't be bothered I want the DVD to already have them. I also don't like the idea of watching a DVD-Rip if I can help it. Unless the actual DVDs are all an utter mess that is (such as Tai Chi Master and Fist of Legend).

As you said, HD from Fortune Star doesn't automatically mean the best. Even Iron Monkey HKL clearly looks better than IVL.

I thought it would when IVL and Fox started releasing their FS DVDs but it hasn't turned out that way, IM being a perfect example.

They seem to have got worse. The 25 or so Fox R1 (I wonder why they stopped with them??? I guess they weren't making enough money) are all decent but the more recent IVLs have been a mixed bag.

Joy Sales Crime Story looks much better to the HKL though.

p.s - Any chance you could track down that comparison? It's not the one I posted right?

Knetan · Post by **Knetan** » 11 Dec 2006, 21:47

hey,

it is actually that comparison and FYI, the Dutch discs are the Atlas HD masters as well. It appears to me looking at the upper pic compared the IVL below that the latter really doesn't stand a chance, even against HKL But that's my preference. Prefer the colours from Atlas and the grain isn't intrusive at all.

Markgway · Post by **Markgway** » 12 Dec 2006, 01:41

Some news from the ADVDG:

Heart of Dragon is dubtitled as per the HKL.

Dragons Forever is the same cut as the HKL and is missing the two psychiatrist scenes (they appear as extras). However the mono is actually a 5.1 downmix unlike the HKL which is genuine. So go buy the HKL if you haven't already.

Millionaires' Express will be the same cut as the HKL and like that edition NOT contain the additional footage from the alternate edit as a bonus.

The Prodigal Son comes out the same day. Nothing to say about that at the moment.

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 12 Dec 2006, 18:58

Where are you sourcing this info? None of it's on the front page. What day will they be coming out?

(they were released on the 24th of November).

So go buy the HKL if you haven't already.

Wow we agree

. The FS 5.1 is bound to be over the top and with new effects compared to the Stereo like HKL 5.1 (which also as you say has Mono too). The HKL is also from the FS Master too.

As for Heart of Dragon AFAIK that's not from the FS Master so it's worth looking at at least (i.e - from a PQ POV).

Any idea if the others have Downmixed 5.1 into DD2.0?

I ask as there are others including a new Hong Kong 1941 already up at CD WOW and DVD Asian to buy. It has the same spec. as the Fox R1 but DD2.0 and DTS added.

The HKL has the original Cantonese DD2.0 but if the HK JS DVD has a proper DD2.0 I'd prefer to get that instead (to replace my Fox R1). Any ideas?

Prodigal Son specs are up at DVD Asian:

DD 5.1, DTS 5.1
- Original Movie Trailer
- New Edited Movie Trailer
- An Interview With Sammo Hung
- Photo Gallery

Cover art: http://www.dvdasian.com/cgi-bin/dvdasian/23641.html

It looks very similar to me.

My guess these ARE the Fox R1 releases with DD2.0 added (Downmixed maybe) + DTS added (some Fox releases already have DTS).

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 12 Dec 2006, 19:04

There is also an updated list of FS sourced DVDs here: http://www.asiandvdguide.com/fortune_star.html

Interesting to note it implies JS have re-released the OUATIC box set???

Other titles not mentioned are:

Postman Fights Back, The (1981)
Sex And Zen (1992)
Duel To The Death (1982)
The Canton Godfather (1989
All About Ah-Long (1989)

Lastly Dragons Forever and Heart of Dragon Spec. -

Dragons Forever:

Cover art:

http://www.asiandvdguide.com/weekly0392 ... ever_f.jpg
http://www.asiandvdguide.com/weekly0392 ... ever_b.jpg

* Digitally Remastered
* Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
* Audio
o Cantonese (DTS 768 Kbps)
o Cantonese (DD 5.1 448 Kbps)
o Cantonese (DD 2.0)
o Mandarin (DD 5.1 448 Kbps)
* Subtitles
o Chinese (Traditional)
o Chinese (Simplified)
o English
* Extras
o Original Movie Trailer
o New Edited Movie Trailer
o Photo Gallery
o Deleted Scenes
o Outtakes
o An Interview With Yuen Wah
o English Version Of The Ending Theme Song

Heart of Dragon:

Cover art: http://www.asiandvdguide.com/weekly0392 ... dragon.jpg

# Digitally Remastered
# Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
# Audio
* Cantonese (DTS 768 Kbps)
* Cantonese (DD 5.1 448 Kbps)
* Cantonese (DD 2.0)
* Mandarin (DD 2.0)
# Subtitles
* Chinese (Traditional)
* Chinese (Simplified)
* English
# Extras
* Original Movie Trailer
* New Edited Movie Trailer
* Photo Gallery
* Unseen Fight Scenes

HungFist · Post by **HungFist** » 12 Dec 2006, 19:05

Wasn't JS HotD also downmixed?

bradavon wrote: Cover art: http://www.dvdasian.com/cgi-bin/dvdasian/23641.html

Higher quality version at asiandvdguide: http://www.asiandvdguide.com/

EDIT: I assume you found them already

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 12 Dec 2006, 19:59

HungFist wrote:Higher quality version at asiandvdguide:
http://www.asiandvdguide.com/

Probably but seeing as their is naff all index it's impossible to search on that site. EDIT: Oh it's right at the top. I'm not bothered for myself, it's a bore-fest anyway.

Only HK 1941 interests me of the new lot.

p.s - I presume you mean Heart of Dragon?

It seems at least half have worthless down-mixed 5.1. I can't think of any reason except maybe no new foley beyond you you'd pick it.

Markgway · Post by **Markgway** » 13 Dec 2006, 01:34

The Prodigal Son comes out on Thurdsay, apparently.

My expectations are low.

EvaUnit02 · Post by **EvaUnit02** » 13 Dec 2006, 01:36

bradavon wrote: All About Ah-Long (1989)

LD reviewed the JS disc a while ago on his site. Why he doesn't bother to inform us here, I dunno.

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 13 Dec 2006, 19:05

Ah thanks. Aren't they in his LD review thread? But yes in here too please

Markgway wrote:The Prodigal Son comes out on Thurdsay, apparently. My expectations are low.

Please post if it's a downmixed Mono it will give me some idea about HK 1941.

Question: Would a Downmixed Mono from 5.1 be listenable?

I don't mean in the sense it's a remix I mean in the sense of all those new foley affects being designed to be spread out being pumped into the 1 channel.

Wouldn't it be way worse than the Remixed 5.1 or even completely listenable. Yes/No?

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 13 Dec 2006, 19:54

The Big Hit has had a new VCD release from the MegaStar one:

http://www.joysales.com.hk/index.php?ma ... anguage=en

I mention as hopefully it will finally mean a decent DVD.

Knetan · Post by **Knetan** » 13 Dec 2006, 20:03

hey,

The Big HEAT. Hopefully it will have deleted scenes.

http://www.sogoodreviews.com/reviews/thebigheat.htm

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 13 Dec 2006, 20:50

Oops Big Heat. I'm hoping more it will actually get released

Knetan · Post by **Knetan** » 13 Dec 2006, 21:02

hey,

deleted scenes, IF sourced (the cinema trailer has a few noticeable ones that would mean more screentime for otherwise underused Joey Wong), could make that purchase interesting. If not, I'll keep my trustworthy Deltamac dvd.

Markgway · Post by **Markgway** » 13 Dec 2006, 22:19

bradavon wrote:Please post if it's a downmixed Mono it will give me some idea about HK 1941.

When I hear something... because I'm not taking a chance myself. Too risky these days.

Question: Would a Downmixed Mono from 5.1 be listenable?

Nope.

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 13 Dec 2006, 22:20

So I am right it would be a mesh of noises? Seriously, not from a remix point of view but from a technical point of view. If you get what I mean.

Fair enough on Prodigal Son.

Markgway · Post by **Markgway** » 13 Dec 2006, 22:27

To me the foley still stands out. But maybe you wouldn't notice?

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 13 Dec 2006, 23:15

I was thinking anyone would, as surely they'd be bunging foley designed for others speakers all out of the one speaker. At least "technically" the new 5.1 remixes work but I can't see how they can in Mono.

You see what I'm trying to get at?

Plus I don't see the point. Original Mono fine but Mono with new effects well you may as well not bother and stick with the 5.1, that's the whole reason new foley has been added (to give the 5.1 something to work with).

EvaUnit02 · Post by **EvaUnit02** » 14 Dec 2006, 12:00

bradavon wrote:Plus I don't see the point. Original Mono fine but Mono with new effects well you may as well not bother and stick with the 5.1, that's the whole reason new foley has been added (to give the 5.1 something to work with).

Agreed. Hollywood studios do the same thing sometimes. Eg the recent R1 Nightmare on Elm St SE, the supposed "original" mono track is missing all the same sound effects as the 5.1 remix.