Pedicab Driver and Panmedia DVDs in general

[bradavon]

Huh? Then why even bother with European labels such as HKL if people can just wait to import the USA DVD.

I wasn't even talking about the USA market in what you quoted me.

[HungFist]

Huh? Then why even bother with European labels such as HKL if people can just wait to import the USA DVD.

I didn't say it couldn't be profitable. If you're releasing the new Jackie Chan movie, or something like Infernal Affairs, there will be lots of potential customers and a big local market. But the less known the movie is, the less potential customers there are. And if half of those few that know about the film already own a bootleg it it, it means even less sales. Depending on the production costs the company may not be interested in taking the risk.

You do understand that if many people already own a film in some format, then less people will buy the new release. And companies have a habit of releasing products they expect to sell, and avoid releasing products they believe won't sell so well.

I wasn't even talking about the USA market in what you quoted me.

I know, I gave the US market as an example because it's one of the biggest.

[chenlung]

I wouldn't mind a bootlegger than released stuff (rare or whatever) in which he makes little, or no profit and will not harm good companies trying. With Pan Media: They stole Media Blaster's legit '7 Grand Masters' release (PM's menus are actually worsened with 16:9 flagging). They also stole Soulblade's 'Secret Rivals' DVDs too. As soon as hearing on a future remastered legit Hapkido release (with dual soundtracks etc), PM released their vastly inferior copy so that Media Blasters wouldn't make it into the store due to competition.

If Pan Media really cared, they wouldn't release rubbish quality products (out of sync, 'Turn Laserdisc Over', etc) that only last so long as a year (you have to make a DVD-R as the original is poorly produced and as a result: it fails to operate). Just look at how many times they have to re-release something to just get it right...

The Laserdisc of 'Pedicab Driver' is shit quality, the MIHK VHS is far better. Even if it has more lines of resolution, I'd still pick the VHS for clarity. A kick to a henchman as Sammo enters the mansion is missing (1 second).

[Risk]

Is PanMedia the same thing as PanAsia or have I made just made up that name PanAsia? Do the PanMedia DVD's catalogoue numbers start with PAN?

[chenlung]

PanAsia are two different (?) parties: Film company and a DVD distributor .

No relation to PanMedia.

[Killer Meteor]

Panmedia AKA Red Sun - neat name I must say!

[Shingster]

With respect to Ivan and everyone else I've still seen no actual proof they're bootlegs.

If Pan Media really cared, they wouldn't release rubbish quality products (out of sync, 'Turn Laserdisc Over', etc) that only last so long as a year (you have to make a DVD-R as the original is poorly produced and as a result: it fails to operate). Just look at how many times they have to re-release something to just get it right...

Exactly, as usual Brad I assume you have absolutely no experience with Pan Media's product in order to put forth an argument for the distributors as a legit operation, and yet you seem to be confident enough in your viewpoint to ask us to provide you with evidence?

If you'll pardon the crude expression: Why don't you pull your thumb out of your arse and do the research yourself? I mean really, It's not like people like Mark, Ivan, Linn, and Chen log into asianfilm boards and just sit there with their dicks in their hand (ok, so Mark might very well being doing this as I type! ). These guys are more knowledgeable on HK cinema than you'll ever be. They're not a bunch of casual fans, they're the kind of people whose facts you can trust - and they have been discussing and researching the subject of US bootlegging for a long time now! And that's not to mention the screamingly obvious fact that Pan Media have put so much blatantly bootlegged shit out there, I am absolutely stunned anyone would want to actually defend their actions.

Seriously Brad, just read through this AsianDVDGuide thread to see myself, mark, chen, and Linn Hayes discussing exactly why outfits like PanMedia are doing a lot of damage to American HK film fandom right now. Linn even provides first hand account of how distributors are put off from releasing legitimate DVDs into US stores.

As for Pedicab Driver, I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong on this, but isn't it widely believed that Warner Bros have the rights to this film? The chances that Pan Media have bought distribution rights for the title from Warner, and then bought the rights to use the LaserDisc print from whoever distributed that release (can't remember off the top of my head) in order to release some crappy, cheapo, breaks-down-within-a-year R0 DVD, are astronomical at best. This is just plain common sense!

Oh, and finally; just to re-iterate again what chen lung has already stated: The PanMedia/LD print breaks down around the time sammo delivers that awesome kick to the henchmen outside the mansion at the end (thus cutting the move out). MIHK VHS has not only a better quality transfer, but it has this kick in full (and it really is a very ferocious kick! )

[Markgway]

Brad do you mean the Zoke release of Way of the Dragon? They seem official to me. Maybe Zoke licensed FS's prints?

I think they did. The mainland market is awash with bootlegs so any legit release will be cheap and not a lot of effort put in. I think Zoke just ported one of the existing DVDs. If it has Mandarin Mono then they must've used the Fox. If the sync is out you'll know for sure.

Firstly don't single me out I wasn't the only one saying what I said. I suggest you read Yi-Long's comments above too.

I said "like Brad" not ONLY Brad. But if it makes you feel better: I'm talking about Yi-Long too!

Along with OUATIC4-5 there must be some pretty big legal wranglings behind them.

Maybe Warners just aren't interested...?

Sorry Mum

As well you should be...

With respect to Ivan and everyone else I've still seen no actual proof they're bootlegs.

Oh, well in that case everyone else must be wrong, Brad isn't convinced. OK, everybody let's pack up and go home. Brad says we're wrong. That's good enough for me. This Linn fellow clearly has no clue, Brad is da man, and knows more than the rest of us put together when it comes to HK cinema and DVD.

but I'd imagine a laserdisc master is considerably better than a VHS master.

Not necessarily.

I've no idea how much Pedicab Driver is cut but I'd definitely give it ago, if I was a fan.

Yeah, that'll encourage Warners to put it out.

I don't know what other films Panmedia have released to be able to comment.

...and yet you keep commenting on something you obviously know nothing about.

[Markgway]

It's not like people like Mark, Ivan, Linn, and Chen log into asianfilm boards and just sit there with their dicks in their hand (ok, so Mark might very well being doing this as I type! ).

You better believe it! 8)

[saltysam]

i still have the MIHK VHS of Pedicab Driver. i transferred it rather crudely in the early days of dvd recording so i'd like to redo it.unfortunately (for me) the tape is copy protected and my macro buster no longer works.but what a movie! i'd be all over a legit release in a heartbeat. as for PanMedia i thought everyone knew about their dodgy operation. The guy used to go by the names of FarEastPirate or Stiller i think.

[Killer Meteor]

Yeah, that's him. I reported him to the MPAA when he started booting Fearless. AFAIK, they didn't take action, which is ironic when you consider Weinstein was all over legit sellers of Shaolin Soccer and Hero

[bradavon]

I think Zoke just ported one of the existing DVDs. If it has Mandarin Mono then they must've used the Fox. If the sync is out you'll know for sure.

The sync was fine on their WOTD DVD. I didn't watch the entire film though but did sample lots of scenes.

In the end I decided the HKL: PE looked better though so sold it on.

I said "like Brad" not ONLY Brad. But if it makes you feel better: I'm talking about Yi-Long too!

I know but it's my name that again gets the mention

Maybe Warners just aren't interested...?

If so more the reason to pick up the only version you can. It's not like most people have access to the MIHK tape anyway.

Brad is da man.

Well spotted.

...and yet you keep commenting on something you obviously know nothing about.

Pot, Kettle and Black.

Have you watched Lost yet? Nope I didn't think so

If you'll pardon the crude expression: Why don't you pull your thumb out of your arse and do the research yourself?

I have. Am I incorrect and there is a second Pedicab Driver DVD? Nope I didn't think so.

Whether Panmedia are crooks or bootleggers is immaterial to me it doesn't change the fact their DVD is the only choice in this particular example. Does it make it right? No but it's the reality.

Millions of people wouldn't like to kill their dinner but they'll happily let others do it and then chow down on a good steak.

These guys are more knowledgeable on HK cinema than you'll ever be.

I don't recall ever saying the opposite.

Seriously Brad, just read through this AsianDVDGuide thread to see myself, mark, chen, and Linn Hayes discussing exactly why outfits like PanMedia are doing a lot of damage to American HK film fandom right now. Linn even provides first hand account of how distributors are put off from releasing legitimate DVDs into US stores.

I'll take a look thanks.

EDIT: Thanks I've had a read. Fair enough the Pedicab Driver DVD sucks. I still don't buy the argument stores won't also stock a more expensive DVD too. I've often seen two versions of the same obscure film side by side in stores.

All they need to do is slap a big Special Edition label and can charge way more. The fact is in the case of Pedicab Driver at least Warner are shoddy bastards and have no interest in releasing it. The fact Panmedia have illegally (maybe) has no affect on that.

As for Pedicab Driver, I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong on this, but isn't it widely believed that Warner Bros have the rights to this film? The chances that Pan Media have bought distribution rights for the title from Warner, and then bought the rights to use the LaserDisc print from whoever distributed that release (can't remember off the top of my head) in order to release some crappy, cheapo, breaks-down-within-a-year R0 DVD, are astronomical at best. This is just plain common sense!

So let me get this straight as I maybe a little slow here. It's acceptable for Warner to own the USA rights but do absolutely sod all with them but not acceptable to actually release a title illegally or not? Right, O-Kay.

Both are as bad as each other in my book. If you like everyone else here really believes Warner will suddenly release a DVD out of the blue now then I'm lost for words.

MIHK VHS has not only a better quality transfer, but it has this kick in full (and it really is a very ferocious kick! )

Try playing a MIHK VHS on a DVD Player . Seriously not everyone has access to the MIHK VHS or even still a VCR.

It's a 1 second cut, whooppy doo. I bet it really changes the entire plot of the film. Anyway we're going off topic it's not important how long the cut is all I said was for most the Panmedia DVD is the best they can get and will be for some time to come.

Exactly, as usual Brad I assume you have absolutely no experience with Pan Media's product in order to put forth an argument for the distributors as a legit operation, and yet you seem to be confident enough in your viewpoint to ask us to provide you with evidence?

It's a virus that affects many on this forum

Seriously though my point (as I believe Yi's was) was that you may as well pick up the Pedicab Driver DVD when there is no better DVD to get in it's place. I said to assume a better DVD may come when no one has any idea is just stupid.

Next I'm sure we'll have someone say bootleggers help to fund organised crime, paedophiles, people trafficking, drug dealers or some other such bollocks.

I don't work for Media Blasters or any of the other distributors who have been mentioned here as being ripped off. It's their concern to stop bootleggers stealing their property (again I ask why no lawsuits?) not mine.

Oh why am I bothering no one is even clearly reading what I'm typing. All people see is "bootleg so it must be immediately be bad".

[bradavon]

i still have the MIHK VHS of Pedicab Driver. i transferred it rather crudely in the early days of dvd recording so i'd like to redo it.unfortunately (for me) the tape is copy protected and my macro buster no longer works.but what a movie!

You can by the required Scart for about £20.

[Shingster]

So let me get this straight as I maybe a little slow here. It's acceptable for Warner to own the USA rights but do absolutely sod all with them but not acceptable to actually release a title illegally or not? Right, O-Kay.

No, this is not what we are going on about at all. You want Pedicab Driver? Either download it or buy a DVD-R struck from the MIHK VHS from another fan online. WHat we're trying to get through to you is that "companies" like Pan Media are not doing fans a service by putting titles out there. The fans always have and always will make sure these titles get out there!

Pan Media aggressively distribute their illegal products to ensure authentic distributors cannot distribute their authentic product as effectively as they would like. If you cannot see how this ultimately hurts the fans, then there really is no hope for you as far as this topic is concerned.

[Markgway]

I know but it's my name that again gets the mention

It's only coz you're the biggest tool on the board. You attract criticism. You beg us for it. Everytime you post it's like you're saying: I'm posting something ignorant and stupid slag me off please!!

Pot, Kettle and Black.

Huh? I'd love to know what you mean?

Have you watched Lost yet? Nope I didn't think so

Never said I did. Do you need a lie down?

[bradavon]

It's only coz you're the biggest tool on the board. You attract criticism. You beg us for it. Everytime you post it's like you're saying: I'm posting something ignorant and stupid slag me off please!!

Surely not Every time Squire

Huh? I'd love to know what you mean?
Never said I did. Do you need a lie down?

Are you sure? -

https://www.bulletsnbabesdvd.com/forums/ ... php?t=3987

Why it's Mark arguing for the sake of arguing over something he's never seen and has "no knowledge of"

[Markgway]

Why it's Mark arguing for the sake of arguing over something he's never seen and has "no knowledge of"

I never said I had seen LOST. Show me where I said that I had.

I was talking about the ruthless nature of network television in general.

Many of you believe that LOST (and other shows) have multi-year plans right from the beginning whereas I believe that due to the cutthroat scheduling they don't plan out stories for more than one season at a time in case of failure to renew. The makers may have an ideal of what they'd like to cover in a show should there be multiple series but that's not quite the same as planning it to detail. Most shows fail to get passed the pilot stage for a start. For any show to reach five seasons puts it in the minority. You're telling me they knew what was going to happen in Season Five from day one?

Whether or not I've seen LOST is irrelevant because my thoughts can be applied to BUFFY and ANGEL etc (which I have seen).

[saltysam]

how to get from Panmedia boots to Lost multi season arcs in 5 easy steps

[grim_tales]

The Pedicab Driver VHS is expensive - £10 @ Amazon

[chenlung]

Smelly £3 at Ebay, or sommat .

Think the film is a load of rotten tripe. Shitty Chinese chuckle fu - REALLY can't stand it.

[grim_tales]

Chuckle fu - what?

[chenlung]

Oh yeah, it's a trademarked term (by someone on Kung Fu Fandom, name slips me) which refers to annoying comedy and giggling. General yelling doesn't quite come under it, but it's just as good as .

[Markgway]

I always thought Pedicab Driver was a drama.

Been a while since I've seen it mind.

I plan on rewatching my tape very soon.

[Killer Meteor]

My tape no longer works

[chenlung]

A drama yes, but it has lots of junk in it too.