Cine-Asia releasing DD titles in the UK..

[bradavon]

Are you sure? You've had a go at DVDs in the past, when it's faults weren't the fault of the distributors.

[Yi-Long]

Are you sure? You've had a go at DVDs in the past, when it's faults weren't the fault of the distributors.

The distributors do have to do everything in their power to get the very best material to work with, so if that clearly hasn't happened, and we as a consumer are expected to pay full price for a mediocre product, you'll hear me complaining.

I've said it before and I've said it again: I just want a movie uncut, in the original sound (proper quality), and in decent video-quality. Fist of Legend doesn't have to look as good as Up or whatever, but it sure as hell shouldn't be an upscaled DVD with halo-crap going on either.

[Shingster]

Watched the film now and I have to say that the transfer really is quite nice, easily the best the film has looked on Home Video and free of any stuttering. Yes there's some sharp EE at times and there's a fair bit of brightness flickering (making some scenes look like they were lit by candlelight), but mostly the transfer is detailed and stable.

Audio I'll have to look into in-depth tomorrow, but it didn't sound like a downmix to me (although I'll have to compare to the HK video DVD more tomorrow), but there is one annoying glitch to report and I assume this is a problem with the Dimension print, but when Chen Zhen is put on trial the final verdict by the judge has been looped. On the HK Video DVD he dismisses the case saying he has to go and watch the cricket anway, whereas on the CineAsia BD he just mutters about having his time wasted.

Subtitles seem OK as well, with my non-existant Cantonese I noticed a suspect translation here or there (the witness in court saying that the lawyer is holding up 9 then 6 fingers is one) but it seemed close enough to the fansubs for the HKVideo DVD.

Film Edit = Dimension, so you have the horrid English opening titles and the final shot of the film is missing.

https://www.bulletsnbabesdvd.com/forums/ ... FOL-01.jpg
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https://www.bulletsnbabesdvd.com/forums/ ... FOL-06.jpg
https://www.bulletsnbabesdvd.com/forums/ ... FOL-07.jpg
https://www.bulletsnbabesdvd.com/forums/ ... FOL-08.jpg

[chenlung]

Watched the film now and I have to say that the transfer really is quite nice, easily the best the film has looked on Home Video and free of any stuttering. Yes there's some sharp EE at times and there's a fair bit of brightness flickering (making some scenes look like they were lit by candlelight), but mostly the transfer is detailed and stable.

It is awfully noisy, but it does look quite good! Generally speaking, I probably would be happy put up with it. Just curiously, there is a chance it could possibly look better as it seems a bit too red. Can you provide a matching capture for this shot (http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i278/ ... 124929.jpg)? That was taken from saltysam's comparison (https://www.bulletsnbabesdvd.com/forums/ ... =19&t=4819). I want to check the colours.

Thanks!

there is one annoying glitch to report and I assume this is a problem with the Dimension print, but when Chen Zhen is put on trial the final verdict by the judge has been looped. On the HK Video DVD he dismisses the case saying he has to go and watch the cricket anway, whereas on the CineAsia BD he just mutters about having his time wasted.

It was bad dubbing on the Cantonese soundtrack originally?

Subtitles seem OK as well, with my non-existant Cantonese I noticed a suspect translation here or there (the witness in court saying that the lawyer is holding up 9 then 6 fingers is one) but it seemed close enough to the fansubs for the HKVideo DVD.

From what I remember, he says "two", then "four".

What was the transcription for the sign Billy Chow holds up during the finale? Also, what are the sentences when we see them leave in the car?

[Shingster]

It is awfully noisy, but it does look quite good! Generally speaking, I probably would be happy put up with it. Just curiously, there is a chance it could possibly look better as it seems a bit too red.

The grain is fairly sharp and looks surprisingly good on a 109" screen, as I mentioned before in this thread the print used is probably not the original negative but an Nth generation theatrical print so unfortunately a certain excess of grain is to be expected. I can't say the trasfer looks too red on my projector either although fleshtones can be a little inconsistent and become a touch warmer from shot to shot. Here's the grab:

https://www.bulletsnbabesdvd.com/forums/ ... FOL-09.jpg

It was bad dubbing on the Cantonese soundtrack originally?

I don't think so, the British are characterised in the film as being rather spineless and disinterested when it comes to Chinese affairs so the cricket line makes more sense with regards to the social commentary. I'm not sure why Dimension would want to loop that one line of dialogue though, maybe there was some problem with their audio masters at that point in the film or perhaps they just thought an American audience wouldn't understand the line about cricket (but then they distributed the film dubbed into English anyway)

From what I remember, he says "two", then "four".

I think he does, it certainly sounds like he says 4 when he corrects himself, but the subs on the BD say 6.

The sign Gou holds up in the final battle is translated as Weak Men of Asia, which is close enough I guess. As the car is pulling off at the end the subs say:

"Chen Zhen, where are we going now?"
- "Which part of China is fighting with the Japanese?"
"The Eastern three provinces."
- "Well, let's go there."

[bradavon]

Thanks Shing.

EE aside (I've seen worse) it looks good to me. A good improvement over the BD. I always except grain in films of this age and for me it's not too shabby at all. Overall a good effort it seems from DD. I'd prefer Cantonese DTS-HD MA and Mono but I'd prefer Mono only than DTS-HD MA only.

[chenlung]

The grain is fairly sharp and looks surprisingly good on a 109" screen, as I mentioned before in this thread the print used is probably not the original negative but an Nth generation theatrical print so unfortunately a certain excess of grain is to be expected.

See this (http://adg.invisionzone.com/index.php?s ... entry31575).

That would be unfortunate if that's the case. I don't mind grain on films, but it just looks excessive here.

I can't say the trasfer looks too red on my projector either although fleshtones can be a little inconsistent and become a touch warmer from shot to shot. Here's the grab:

Yeah, I would agree about the inconsistency. Some shots seem to look acceptable and really good, whilst others aren't so.

https://www.bulletsnbabesdvd.com/forums/ ... FOL-09.jpg

Thanks!

It looks like the same master used for the DVD. The Dimension DVD is still more colourful (look at her face, which isn't bleached out).

I don't think so, the British are characterised in the film as being rather spineless and disinterested when it comes to Chinese affairs so the cricket line makes more sense with regards to the social commentary. I'm not sure why Dimension would want to loop that one line of dialogue though, maybe there was some problem with their audio masters at that point in the film or perhaps they just thought an American audience wouldn't understand the line about cricket (but then they distributed the film dubbed into English anyway)

Ah, I get it now.

From what I remember at the time, I found something odd about it.

I think he does, it certainly sounds like he says 4 when he corrects himself, but the subs on the BD say 6.

Did the Dimension dub have anything similar? Weird if something like numbers are messed with. I wonder what the DVD's like.

The sign Gou holds up in the final battle is translated as Weak Men of Asia, which is close enough I guess. As the car is pulling off at the end the subs say:

"Chen Zhen, where are we going now?"
- "Which part of China is fighting with the Japanese?"
"The Eastern three provinces."
- "Well, let's go there."

Quite surprised, but they've actually corrected the translation! Could either have Cine-Asia or DD commissioned a few translation in response to the criticism (or of their own accord)? I also wonder if they removed any yelling (if it was part of the original track and not Hard-of-Hearing).

BTW, is the original trailer still called 'Fist Of Fury' at the end ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXiwr_7o ... re=related (DD)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gE9a7sMD5v8 (Original)

"The Eastern three provinces" is called "Tungshan provinces?" (or "Tungshan province") in other versions, but can someone explain if this maybe accurate? It still looks promising. I was told Cine-Asia's hands were tied, but from what I see here, it may not be so iron-clad, which is good and could mean a limited amount of corrections at least. I'm going to try contacting them again.

[RickyTheDragonSteamboat]

I read somewhere that this was an upscale. Doesn't look like an upscale to me.

[saltysam]

Blu-ray looks like a decent enough upgrade for me.thanks Shing.

[RickyTheDragonSteamboat]

I have a question:
I have the Zoke Culture NTSC version of Armour of God and included on the disc is a PAL easter egg featuring Willie talking about Jackie's near-death experience. When I pop the disc into my BD player, it tells me that the disc is not compatible and spits it out. If I buy a Cine Asia bluray, which is region free but has PAL extras, will my BD player read it?

[bradavon]

It sounds like you may have a faulty Armour of God DVD because it should play fine, provided you don't try and access that particular extra. That is weird.

[RickyTheDragonSteamboat]

I've had this disc for over two years and it's played fine on my other dvd players.

[gasteropod]

Some region A players can't hack PAL, so that could be the problem.

[chenlung]

It sounds like you may have a faulty Armour of God DVD because it should play fine, provided you don't try and access that particular extra. That is weird.

Have there been instances of mixed NTSC and PAL content on a DVD? Not at all professional, never mind the DVD probably lacking full legitimacy. I was baffled when I saw an NTSC version of 'Battle Royale' being sold in UK stores.

[saltysam]

Don't know about commercially but my old phillips dvd+r recorder could record NTSC & Pal content on the one dvd.

[Shingster]

That would be unfortunate if that's the case. I don't mind grain on films, but it just looks excessive here.

It's not a problem, I'm not viewing this BD on a 24" LCDTV here and I'm a pretty experienced reviewer of HD content now and I can say with confidence that the FOL transfer looks very filmlike on a big screen, you can't ask for more than that.

Some shots seem to look acceptable and really good, whilst others aren't so.

I'll be making comparison grabs soon and then we can see how much of an improvement the BD is or isn't, but from watching the HKVideo DVD on Monday to watching the BD on Wednesday the improvement in quality was very significant.

It looks like the same master used for the DVD. The Dimension DVD is still more colourful (look at her face, which isn't bleached out).

That's because the Dimension DVD looks over-saturated in a couple of Salty's grabs, the CA BD is quite a colourful transfer so it'll be interesting to see how it compares to the DD DVD.

Did the Dimension dub have anything similar? Weird if something like numbers are messed with. I wonder what the DVD's like.

Not sat through it yet as I won't have the opportunity to sit down properly with it today/tonight, tomorrow is when I'll put the disc through its paces properly and will sit down with my HKVideo and DD DVDs.

BTW, is the original trailer still called 'Fist Of Fury' at the end ?

I'll check that for you later tonight.

"The Eastern three provinces" is called "Tungshan provinces?" (or "Tungshan province") in other versions, but can someone explain if this maybe accurate?

Shandong Province, you can view more info on the various provinces here.

[Markgway]

"The Eastern three provinces" is called "Tungshan provinces?" (or "Tungshan province") in other versions, but can someone explain if this maybe accurate?

Pretty sure Dongshan (or Tung San) translates as Eastern Three.

EDIT: Just noticed Shingster's post.

[Markgway]

So apart from the shot of the Jing Wu men jogging at the end this is uncut?

The image looks good enough for me... and if the cantonese mono is confirmed I might just keep an eye out for this.

Pity about the minor dubbing. That Cricket line always cracked me up. Wouldn't surprise me if Dimension did that on purpose. They do love to treat their audiences like fools. Just be thankful they didn't have the Judge talk about Baseball instead.

I take it the credits are in English? That pisses me off but it's not like any other BD is forthcoming.

[Markgway]

Pre-order for Cine Asia's TAI CHI MASTER DVD

http://www.play.com/DVD/DVD/4-/13867833 ... oduct.html

But no BLU RAY.

[chenlung]

I'll be making comparison grabs soon and then we can see how much of an improvement the BD is or isn't, but from watching the HKVideo DVD on Monday to watching the BD on Wednesday the improvement in quality was very significant.

The HK Video looks worse than DD.

That's because the Dimension DVD looks over-saturated in a couple of Salty's grabs, the CA BD is quite a colourful transfer so it'll be interesting to see how it compares to the DD DVD.

I'm not sure if Dimension looks over-saturated (maybe a little?) - all the colours look natural, where as the HD master seems contrast boosted (Mitsuko's face) and has a purple tone. I doubt the BD will be much different to DD, but I accept your comparison anyway .

Thanks for the translation guys - that's good. I just went to Lovefilm to rent the DVD and also found a clip there (http://www.lovefilm.com/film/Fist-Of-Le ... _trailer=1). The subtitles look different to the theatrical subtitles, but they could do with more work.

Pre-order for Cine Asia's TAI CHI MASTER DVD

Hopefully they can get real mono on there, although there's the reported frame problems with the image (plus it doesn't look as good as Dimension's colours). Another thing would be a re-translation, the original English dub (instead of the hybrid mix of Dimension and export dubs) and the original trailer.

[saltysam]

Pre-order for Cine Asia's TAI CHI MASTER DVD

http://www.play.com/DVD/DVD/4-/13867833 ... oduct.html

But no BLU RAY.

Says here it's coming to blu-ray..fingers crossed..

http://www.avmaniacs.com/blog/2010/dvd- ... a-4262010/

[Markgway]

Says here it's coming to blu-ray..fingers crossed..

Hope so. I wonder why Play don't list the pre-order though?

Hopefully they can get real mono on there, although there's the reported frame problems with the image (plus it doesn't look as good as Dimension's colours). Another thing would be a re-translation, the original English dub (instead of the hybrid mix of Dimension and export dubs) and the original trailer.

Oh, shit! I forgot that the DD is a downmix.

It's important Cine Asia fix that, then the subs. The dub is of miniscule importance.

[Shingster]

I think Tai Chi Master BD has been cancelled (at least the CineAsia release is anyway), our editor recently had to nag our CineAsia PR contacts about getting Kill Zone and FOL BDs sent out and a couple of days later he took the BD release of TCM off the DVDTimes review copies schedule. I asked if it had been postponed and he said it has been dropped full stop.

[bradavon]

Some region A players can't hack PAL, so that could be the problem.

True but I'd presume only the extra is in PAL not the opening logos etc.. I guess it could be literally only the film is NTSC and the loading logos/menus are PAL, so obviously it wouldn't be able to load. Zoke Culture is a Mainland Chinese label and isn't the Mainland PAL territory?

If the film is actually in NTSC, try using the TITLE feature and see if you can navigate right to the movie.

I was baffled when I saw an NTSC version of 'Battle Royale' being sold in UK stores.

There are a few of those. Eureka release pretty much all their films from NTSC territories in NTSC. There's really little need to go to the expense to convert it to PAL and we all know NTSC to PAL is a no go. This is for their Masters of Cinema range.

I doubt a mixture of both on the same disc breaks any DVD rules but obviously is rare.

It's important Cine Asia fix that, then the subs. The dub is of miniscule importance.

I doubt Cine-asia will fix shit. Unless someone know any better?

[chenlung]

It's important Cine Asia fix that, then the subs. The dub is of miniscule importance.

True, but for those listening to the dub, it would help.

The state of the soundtrack seems rather unprofessional.

I doubt a mixture of both on the same disc breaks any DVD rules but obviously is rare.

Yeah. Although if it was being done, it would cause havoc on displays that can only support one or the other.

I doubt Cine-asia will fix shit. Unless someone know any better?

They (or DD) improved the subtitles on 'Fist Of Legend' on this release, so something must be possible at least. DD may have access to better materials, but didn't manage to get it right for their own DVD. I wouldn't rule it out anyway .