First a few words about this edition compared to others. The Korean edition (R3, CJ Entertianment) of the film is a two-disc SE (available in both collectors copy and standard versions) with a second extras disc that doesn't offer English subtitles. While the English friendly Optimum Asia (PAL, R2) version has some of these extras (deleted scenes and such) it has some severe errors in the image quality (like pixelation) and doesn't offer a DTS sound option. Therefore, this version is a good one if you want the film and don't want to shell out money for the Korean version that has an extras disc that isn't English friendly or the flawed image of the Optimum R2.

Picture: Anamorphic Widescreen. The film offers some top notch cinematography. There are some visually striking sequences, from the opening fields of golden farmland, to a rain soaked night in a green forest where they are trying to trap the killer with a decoy. The print is very clean, and I only noticed one scene with some minor dirt and wear popping up. Contrast is fairly deep, and the sharpness appears crisp and detailed. Colors are well rendered with much of the film taking a muted tone, enhancing the dingier locales. Technically, there is some slight noise reduction noticeable in a couple of scenes (some wobbly power lines) but it isn't to any extreme or distracting levels.

Sound: DTS-EX or Dolby Digital Surround, Korean language with optional English or Chinese subtitles. Good audio presentation offers clean dialogue, good ambiance, and a powerful presentation of the score. There are a couple of tense scenes where the audio falls into near silence, with only subtle fx, only to erupt with the score as the tension mounts. Good example of mixing/editing, since it really kept me on the edge of my seat. Thankfully, the subtitle translation appears quite good with no glaring "Engrish" errors.

Extras: Theatrical trailer and tv spots— Photo gallery— Cast Filmographies (sorry folks, only on Chinese)— Behind the Scenes (11:12). Exactly as it says, just behind the scenes b-camera footage showing the actors running through various scenes, sometimes dramatically intense, sometimes goofing off. No subs but easy to follow.

Conclusion: While it doesn't offer a wise-cracking serial killer who creates elaborate booby traps or kills people based on the seven deadly sins, Memories of Murder offers something a bit deeper, and admittedly dramatically methodical, than your standard thriller fare. Great performances. Interesting characters. Solid direction. The DVD presentation is a tad light on extras, though it is a winner in the audio and visual department, making it a worthwhile purchase for importers.