| IS THE DRAGON DYNASTY VERSION THE BEST DVD VERSION OF THIS CLASSIC? (879 views) | AUTHOR /
DATE |
| This version of Fist of Legend was probably THE most anticipated DD release since they started. Since it hit the streets, many die-hards have ripped it stating that the subtitles suck, there's blurring, fluttering in transfer, it's not uncut, etc. I found this version to be excellent in terms of the remastered transfer and I thought the subs were fine. However, it is NOT the uncut version which is a major drawback. I own the Taiwan uncut version and love it, as the cut scenes add so much to the film overall. But, the extras on the DD version and Bey Logan's audio commentary make this version worth owning. What do you think? | WuxiaFan
9/25/2008 10:52 AM |
| #2 | I can understand the criticisms, they're valid, but as far as the "deleted scenes", I don't really agree. They're actually included in the special features, but I personally feel the film is just as strong without them. And since they appear to have had the director's blessing on this release, I'd wager this may be the cut that the director wanted. Just a guess, I could be totally wrong there.
But I enjoyed this film far more in this beautifully restored version than I ever have before. Proper aspect ratio, beautiful picture, proper language...and I didn't personally find any issues whatsoever with "fluttering". Subtitles were very good IMO, but there are a couple of inaccurate translations, which is to be expected.
All in all, this 2-disc set is pure gold for me. I've been waiting for years for something like this, and it exceeded my expectations. | Choco
9/25/2008 11:05 AM |
| #3 | Oh, sorry, but I forgot to mention the awesome interviews!? OMG, it was so terrific to have these lengthy conversations from Yasuaki Karata and Gordon Chan. Worth the price of the entire set alone IMO. Kurata is a consummate pro, what a cool guy. | Choco
9/25/2008 11:11 AM |
| #4 | I haven't been able to get through the extras. But isn't the only scene that was cut the beginning of the scene in the brothel that shows the substance issue of a primary character (did I put that well enough to avoid spoilers)?
Overall, I enjoyed the DD treatment of the film. They usually do seem to work with the filmmakers in order to get the optimal version (which doesn't always mean 'uncut'-they didn't use the rare, uncut Hard Boiled and probably won't use the longer version of 'The Killer').
Great film, though. I was really happy to put this one into the collection. | Garvinstomp
9/25/2008 12:26 PM |
| #5 | Personally, I thought the fact that the dude was at a brothel in the first place was comment enough on his character.. | Choco
9/25/2008 1:10 PM |
| #6 | I think its valid to state that the subs suck. At least a portion of it becomes dubtitled. That's pure laziness. No comment on the other complaints. | ol skee
9/25/2008 1:55 PM |
| #7 | Garvinstomp-here are the details of the cuts to the DD version taken from dvdcompare.com:
R0 Taiwan- Ritek - No Cuts (Taiwanese version)
Includes the following additional scenes that are exclusive to Taiwanese versions:
- 37 secs - Fujita giving a lecture to several about the relationship between the Chinese, Germans and the Japanese
- 18 secs - Lau Jan Sing handing over a suitcase to Chen Jen and exits Jing Wu. Mitsuko respectfully bows to Fok Yuen Gap's tablet and follows Chen
- 136 secs - Ting Yan smoking opium while a disgrunted So Lan expresses her dislike for it
- 20 secs - So Lan bringing tea to Ting Yan sitting by his father's tablet
- 28 secs - Funakushi and the Ambassador discussing the latter's position in the clan while playing chess
- 3 secs - A shot of the soldiers pausing before entering the dojo to arrest Chen Jen and Ting Yan
| WuxiaFan
9/25/2008 1:57 PM |
| #8 | I guess for me the Taiwan DVD just never quite cut it due to the burned in subs and the poor PQ. And wasn't that DVD also dubbed entirely in Mandarin? Even the Japanese parts? I may be wrong, but I think that's correct. The Taiwan was just not a very impressive DVD in terms of quality. But that's just my $0.02.
I'd be curious to hear Gordon Chan's feedback about the different cuts that have been released over the years. | Choco
9/25/2008 2:02 PM |
| #9 | It's the best version IF you have a cool slow-motion button to slow the sped-up action down. ;) (j/k... if you like the movie, it probably is the best-possible version of the film you can get your hands on) | City On Fire
9/26/2008 3:58 AM |
| #10 | I'm disappointed in the dubtitles and improper translations here and there, but it's nice to have it in Cantonese/Japanese with a good amount of restoration. We beggars could have worse choices, couldn't we? | EO19098
9/29/2008 6:57 PM |
| #11 | To the best of my knowledge this IS the director's cut and yes all scenes deleted are on the second disc. I can't say anything really without spoilers so just trust me and you can see the scenes for yourself. Only one deleted scene really makes a difference and I wish they had left it in but it's not imperative to the flow or story.
YES DVD DRAGON DYNASTY! I too had been squinting and struggling with the crap DVD! I thought it might be a pirate it was so poor in quality,resolution, etc. But I checked into it and it was legit but damned hard on the eyes, ears too! Subtitles were terrible, falling all over and even I knew when some of the phrases were translated incorrectly! Dreadful to watch but it was all I had!
The DD version is a dream come true! Transfer is great, no wandering subtitles. This movie is fantastic in every way! I love everything about this movie! But mostly I love the fight scenes with Jet. I do love to watch that man move!
| Cinema!
1/28/2009 10:38 PM |
| #12 | certainly the best American release by far. By the way, waht was cut was trivial and you can see what was uncut in disc two. Yah team! | slave 2 (the ressurection)
4/10/2009 6:11 AM |
