| [HKFlix Note: This review refers to the PanMedia Version 3 DVD.] I first saw "The Blade" in 1997, on VHS. I will guess that the copy was an original print with full score and subtitles. It was amazing, especially the subtitles. They were done so well, each line was like well written verse, bursting with meaning and opportunity for philosophical interpretation. If you can find that particular copy, please get it and love it.
However, the version I purchased in NOT the version I recall watching a half dozen times. The score volume has been dramatically reduced, and that is a shame. The biggest letdown is the subtitles--for some reason they were redone for this copy of the DVD, and they are terrible. No longer do they explain the story (I pity a first-time viewer who has not seen the original), but all poetic meaning had been stripped away. Truly disappointing.
I highly recommend THE BLADE, but not this version (or printing, or whatever it is called). I wish I could tell you how to discern between the two. The only advice I can give is to get your hands on the first printing VHS, then you can be sure you are getting the real thing. You will be impressed. |
