After This Our Exile [HK SE 3-Disc Director's Cut]: Technical Notes

Technical Notes Technical Notes:
After This Our Exile [HK SE 3-Disc Director's Cut]
All Content Used With Permission.


Panorama presents the film in an aspect ratio of 1.78:1, with anamorphic enhancement. Mastered in High Definition and spreading the film over 2 discs, the film receives a transfer that overall does justice to visual intentions (warm being one). Minor wear can be spotted and unfortunately some artifacting. Nothing that detracts a whole lot though.

Audio options are Cantonese Dolby Digital 5.1, Cantonese DTS 5.1 and Mandarin Dolby Digital 5.1 but as I'm not equipped with such a system, my assessment of this disc aspect will be left off this review. Containing both synch sound and post synched dialogue, the Cantonese selection is the intended one.

The English subtitles occasionally contains some grammar- and spelling errors but read well on the whole. Traditional and simplified Chinese subtitles are also included.

The 3rd and final disc of the set contains a nice set of supplements, with thankfully the same subtitle options as the feature.

A Conversation Between Patrick Tam and Film Scholar Law Kar (34 minutes, 9 seconds). Available as a full program or divided into specific sections concerning creation, production and actors, aside from the rather poor recording, this is a worthwhile chat where Tam speaks enthusiastically on a number of topics. Most interesting being that the script is a collaboration with one of his students in Malaysia. There are extensive views on the timeless setting, art- and set direction, Tam's thorough preparation and how After This Our Exile is the film that closest represents his true intentions out of all he's directed. Some scene-specific breakdown concerns the sex scene between Aaron Kwok and Kelly Lin, casting choices are explained, what the working relationship with cinematographer Mark Lee was like, musical intentions and finally, what the core message of the film would be.

With more from the view point of the cast, we go to Exclusive Interview With Aaron Kwok (12 minutes, 38 seconds). Showing a very good, mature grasp on his character, the actor explains his casting process, emotions towards specific scenes and working with his fellow actors. Kwok's anecdotes are fun and while we would've liked to hear more of otherwise published stories about his deep rooted method acting, the program contains enough material of substance.

The Making Of After This Our Exile (27 minutes, 16 seconds) doesn't receive the promotional touch but instead acts as mainly a random video diary. The actors are briefly interviewed about their characters but mostly we get a naked look at the repetitious ways of filmmaking and the details in need to be nailed. Director Tam shows frustrations for sure but comes off as working in a constructive way, including towards Gow Ian Iskander. A method that does look sadistic in the way you have to fight to maintain actors emotions. Kids are allowed to be kids though, as other sections shows.

Poster And Photo Galleries (48 images) covers a few poster designs but primarily movie stills of fairly high quality. Theatrical Trailers contains a Hong Kong version obviously cut after the Golden Horse Awards and a rather lame International Version played out against still images only. Director Filmography expectedly lists Patrick Tam's directed works in addition to stints as editor but in a nice touch adds factoids about awards and nominations for each respective project. A 36 page photobook comes with the physical package as well, containing moody, consciously downgraded movie stills.

-So Good... - Hong Kong DVD Movie Reviews (see my profile)
http://www.sogoodreviews.com



Special Features (~80 Minutes Total):
  • A Conversation with Director Patrick Tam and Film Critic Law Kar (approx. 30 mins)
  • Exclusive Interview with Aaron Kwok (approx. 20 mins)
  • The Making-of "After This Our Exile" (approx. 20 mins)
  • Poster and Photo Gallery
  • Theatrical Trailers (approx. 10 mins)
  • Director Biography and Filmography
  • Collector's Booklet

-Panorama



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