| Winson presents the film in an aspect ratio of 1.97:1 approximately. Despite having rule breaker Christopher Doyle behind the lens, the widescreen transfer is overmatted from either a 1.66:1 or 1.85:1 framing, creating some cramped top- and bottom compositions in the process. Print wear is evident and while the specifically muted colour palette seems fairly well represented (at times print quality changes quite drastically for the better!), the transfer lacks much fine detail and sharpness.
The film was shot mostly in Mandarin synch sound and according to the credits, also mixed in Dolby Stereo. Winson merely offers up a 2.0 mono rendition of that track and it's a shame because music plays a part in creating atmosphere. Otherwise the soundtrack sounds clear outside of some crackles and one instance of inaudible dialogue. A 5.1 option is also included and while the remix opens up the soundstage, it takes the dialogue forward to the point that it can be heard in the surround channels constantly! Same options exists for the Cantonese dub.
In an odd twist of ingenuity, Winson offers up subtitle options (traditional Chinese, simplified Chinese and English) to specifically be played with the respective Chinese language tracks. If this means different translations, I can't say but timing is probably one aspect that doesn't get thrown off therefore. The English option has a few grammar errors but maintains a high standard otherwise. There are no extra features. |
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