A Bittersweet Life R3 KR vs R0 UK

HungFist · Post by **HungFist** » 29 Sep 2006, 15:34

Top: CJ Entertainment (R3 Korea) (Director's Cut/119:10/NTSC)
Bottom: Tartan R0 UK (113:57/PAL)

tom2681 · Post by **tom2681** » 29 Sep 2006, 15:51

There. Added them myself, I hope you don't mind.

HungFist · Post by **HungFist** » 29 Sep 2006, 16:44

Thanks

The same amount of edge enhancement on both disc. Tartan looks slightly better in the first two caps, but no big deal. The korean disc looks a tiny bit sharper, though.

tom2681 · Post by **tom2681** » 30 Sep 2006, 02:10

*WARNING: this post is full of spoilers*

OK, I've fast-forwarded through the DVD-Rip.

Here's my conclusion:
-The Tartan contains the theatrical cut.
-The korean contains a SHORTER director's cut.

I've noticed two cuts (I'm sure there's one or two more), and they're really obvious and awkward:
-Sun-Woo forgetting his car keys at Hee-Soo's place at the end of their first meeting.
-Someone knocking over a chair at the beginning of the cello rehearsal.

+The original music from the final corridor shoot-out has been replaced by an existing track (the scene where Sun-Woo's hand is broken).

Strangely enough, the scenes that have been cut are both funny. It looks like the director decided to remove some humour from the film after its initial release.
As a result the DC is more efficient as an action film, but it lacks character.
(The cello scene becomes much more serious in the DC)

*End of spoilers*

I can't recommend either version because both are different movies.
-If you're looking for a sleek action film, go for the DC.
-If you can handle more light-hearted moments, buy the Tartan.

Note:
I should point out that I saw this movie for the first time a year ago and was EXTREMELY disappointed with it (it was the DC).
But I decided to give it another chance and bought the Tartan. All of a sudden, for no apparent reason, I appreciated it a whole lot more.
The subtle humoristic touches made all the difference IMO.

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 01 Oct 2006, 20:47

Yuck the Korean is EE heaven, the Tartan is much better with to me anyway a lot less EE.

I already own the Tartan and am happy with it. The PQ quality is decent, it has DTS and some fair extras. I can't see the R4 being better.

HungFist · Post by **HungFist** » 01 Oct 2006, 20:56

Hmmm... have I misunderstood the meaning of EE? Those white halos...? Because I see the exact same amount of EE on both discs.

tom2681 · Post by **tom2681** » 01 Oct 2006, 21:00

There are two kinds of Edge Enhancement:
Vertical and Horizontal.

The Korean DC has both.
The Tartan only has horizontal EE.

1st shot: under the table = no EE on the Tartan.
4th shot: Less EE on Sun-Woo's shoulder, equal EE on his arm.

tom2681 · Post by **tom2681** » 01 Oct 2006, 21:04

Korean on top, Tartan at bottom.

HungFist · Post by **HungFist** » 01 Oct 2006, 21:15

ok, thanks

I didn't look carefully enough. But it doesn't make that much difference IMO. When I see EE I freak out. It's doesn't matter so much if there's both vertical and horizontal or only horizontal.

But yeah, that makes Tartan look a little better.

But it doesn't matter to me, I'm never gonna watch the TC again.