New Celestial and Fortune Star schedules up at the ADVDG

dragonhero005 · Post by **dragonhero005** » 04 Aug 2006, 11:07

I´d also want to get the Crime Story disc, even if those 4 mini posters were the only extras.

Well, somehow it´s a hard decision... this one or the HKL I have, or both...

I like the menu design of the new Joy Sales releases!

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 28 Nov 2006, 01:29

Crikey when did Zoke Culture release (A Mainland Chinese company) the Bruce Lee Fortune Star Remasters individually? With Mandarin Stereo too and English subs to boot.

Of course not because they think it's original but because it's what China speaks. Not that it matters. I've been dying to pick up WOTD ever since the HK box set was released.

All have Mandarin Stereo, Cantonese DD5.1 + Cantonese DTS except for two exceptions:

From HK Flix:

The Big Boss: http://www.hkflix.com/xq/asp/filmID.538 ... etails.htm
Fist of Fury: http://www.hkflix.com/xq/asp/filmID.538 ... etails.htm
Way of the Dragon: http://www.hkflix.com/xq/asp/filmID.538 ... etails.htm
Game of Death: http://www.hkflix.com/xq/asp/filmID.538 ... etails.htm

Fist of Fury seems to be missing Mandarin Stereo and Game of Death also has Cantonese Stereo too.

p.s - Looks like Mark you didn't need to get the R1 Box set after all

(although that does have Mandarin Mono).

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 28 Nov 2006, 01:29

Is HK Flix the only place these can be sourced? or can they be bought cheaper/from an other source?

Are HK Flix reliable? I've never used them before.

Prices are as follows, postage of $2.75 already added (why they're each a different price is beyond me):

The Big Boss: $15.70 Delivered outside of The USA & Canada ( so £8.10/€11.95/NZD $23.44 )
Fist of Fury: $16.70 Delivered outside of The USA & Canada ( so £8.61/€12.71/NZD $24.95 )
Way of the Dragon: $12.70 Delivered outside of The USA & Canada ( so £6.55/€8.60/NZD $4.38 )
Game of Death: $13.70 Delivered outside of The USA & Canada ( so £7.07/€10.43/NZD $20.47 )

Markgway · Post by **Markgway** » 28 Nov 2006, 02:01

The Zoke Culture DVDs MAY be bootlegs?

There's been discussion at KFF to suggest that a lot of the "Zoke" items in circulation are fakes using that company's name, such as the Shaw Bros films. I've no idea how you can tell the difference between legit and fake product. That's one of the major problems with anything that comes out of China: it's as likely dodgy as not.

BTW, Brad. If you want GOD Fortune Star I'm selling the R1 a fair bit cheaper than HK Flix.

EvaUnit02 · Post by **EvaUnit02** » 28 Nov 2006, 02:09

bradavon wrote:Are HK Flix reliable? I've never used them before.[/b]

Yes, they're great. Shipping is a bit slow though.

They do stock Panmedia discs though, a notorious bootleg company.

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 28 Nov 2006, 02:09

Thanks for the offer but tbh only the extras interest me (i.e - GOD).

Any chance of posting the KFF link? How come these haven't been posted on Bullets before? When were they released?

Any proof they're fakes or is it just a hunch?

It reminds me of those Korean Criterion look a likes. As far as I remember they were clones for considerably less money, so as far as I'm concerned big deal. It's not like you're getting the Criterion either way.

TBH for that price if the quality is good I don't give a monkeys if it's a bootleg. When we're talking Mainland Chinese DVDs what's the real difference anyway? If both are the same quality on DVD-9s so what.

As far as I'm concerned a good quality fake is still definitely worth something. Some fakes are better than the legit product (Fist of Legend & the Star Wars Originals to name two).

I'm only paying £6.55 for WOTD. It's not exactly a fortune and what's the alternative? Twice the price for the WOTD/Legacy of Rage box set? I'd rather risk it.

Thanks for the heads up btw.

EvaUnit02 wrote:Yes, they're great. Shipping is a bit slow though.

Thanks. I presume we're talking weeks not months?

EvaUnit02 wrote:They do stock Panmedia discs though, a notorious bootleg company.

Thanks for the heads up. It gives an idea that they'll stock bootlegs in the first place.

But then isn't there a huge difference between bootleg (i.e - Asian on the street DVD-5 copy with DTS plastered all over it) and non-official/licensing issue rip off, no?

I'd say there is. Even if they are fakes, for the price they're asking it's not exactly a huge risk.

EvaUnit02 · Post by **EvaUnit02** » 28 Nov 2006, 02:23

bradavon wrote: Thanks. I presume we're talking weeks not months?

2-3 weeks. Odd for an American-based company (based in Honolulu (sp?))

Thanks for the heads up. It gives an idea that they'll stock bootlegs in the first place.

They otherwise stock legit titles. The justification that they've given for stocking Panmedia discs is that they have titles which are otherwise unavailable on DVD, like Pedicab Driver.

Panmedia are evil. Their bootlegging lea to a German (it might've Scandinavian , can't remember) HK movie publisher to cease putting English subs on their discs.

Markgway · Post by **Markgway** » 28 Nov 2006, 02:33

HK Flix know full well that Panmedia sell bootlegs of films in copyright.

They just turn a blind eye as it makes them money from ignorants who neither know nor care.

Knetan · Post by **Knetan** » 28 Nov 2006, 05:12

hey,

it would be a different situation if Panmedia actually knew a thing or two about presenting their product. Rarely the case though as audio is often horrendous, out of synch and everything in between. But he's regarded as god anyway so why bother trying...

EvaUnit02 · Post by **EvaUnit02** » 28 Nov 2006, 07:41

Knetan wrote: But he's regarded as god anyway so why bother trying...

Huh?

grim_tales · Post by **grim_tales** » 28 Nov 2006, 10:34

Might give that Zoke "Boss" a try.

Knetan · Post by **Knetan** » 28 Nov 2006, 16:43

EvaUnit02 wrote:
Knetan wrote: But he's regarded as god anyway so why bother trying...
Huh?

Oh Panmedia is LOOOOOVED by a way too large percentage of the old school community. He puts English soundtracks only on there so automatically they're the best of the best. Never mind that they're out of synch, poor quality or stolen from other legit releases available (inc. with the said soundtrack), it's ENGLISH....ONLY!

I believe it's all called ignorance.

BiscLimpkit · Post by **BiscLimpkit** » 28 Nov 2006, 19:02

Does anyone have the exact release date for the original Sailor Suit & Machine Gun? Ta.

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 28 Nov 2006, 19:33

EvaUnit02 wrote:2-3 weeks. Odd for an American-based company (based in Honolulu (sp?))

I can handle that, thanks.

They otherwise stock legit titles. The justification that they've given for stocking Panmedia discs is that they have titles which are otherwise unavailable on DVD, like Pedicab Driver.

That fact they know they're illegal makes it even worse, even if Pedicab driver is an exception.

Panmedia are evil. Their bootlegging lea to a German (it might've Scandinavian , can't remember) HK movie publisher to cease putting English subs on their discs.

:shock:

grim_tales wrote:Might give that Zoke "Boss" a try.

I've just ordered WOTD so hold off if you like.

Knetan · Post by **Knetan** » 28 Nov 2006, 19:57

hey,

Panmedia are evil. Their bootlegging lea to a German (it might've Scandinavian , can't remember) HK movie publisher to cease putting English subs on their discs.

That would be German company NEW that had their dvd of Dragon Inn stolen by Panmedia (put out sans the German dub). NEW will after this focus solely on the German market as it's not profitable to go through the subwriting process (which could be a long one), only to have the product stolen in a heartbeat.

The English dubs will remain on the discs however.

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).