Hero - Extended Director's Cut [Archive]

zenza

09-09-2003, 20:20

Just watched Hero today and thought it was an excellent film in the same vain as Crouching Tiger.

I have to say that the picture on the R3 is super sharp and excuisite.:) I love the locations particularly the cherry blossom orchard and the sheer scale of the film.

However, I read about a director's cut being planned a while back and was wondering what the news on that is. What additional stuff will be included?

Do any of you like Hero?

SimonI

09-09-2003, 20:26

From MonkeyPeaches.com (http://www.monkeypeaches.com/Hero.html)

HERO News 275 - Release Of Extended DVD Pushed Back To July (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

June 25, 2003

Tianjin Daily reports the release of the extended version in China has been pushed back to next month. Near 20 minutes will be added back to the 98-minute theatrical version, which has been and will be shown around the world. According to someone from Face Audio & Video Production Co. Ltd., what will be added back includes some subplots, fight scenes and dialogues which could help the audiences to better understand the story and the history background. This is actually not an extended version but the original cut director Zhang Yimou wanted us to see. But, MiramAxe asked Zhang Yimou to trim it to 98 minute long. As the result, some reviewers have criticized the film for having a weak story. Because of SARS, the extended footage has been locked up in Hong Kong ever since. As the theatrical version, the extended version will also be available on DVD-5, DVD-9 and VCD (No video tape). Old news, though... obviously nothing out yet.

SimonI

09-09-2003, 20:27

PS Yes - I like Hero!!

Art Vanderlay

09-09-2003, 20:38

Not sure how I feel about an extended cut as I thought the pacing and length was spot on in the original version.

Will probably get it when it comes out and then decide which version to keep.

new forms

09-09-2003, 20:44

ive never bought hero just scrounged it off a mate for a couple of watches............

done this so i can pick up the oreal cut of the film......

beggining to think it will be years before its really released,

hope im wrong tho'

Yonathan Gal

10-09-2003, 18:06

yeah i can't wait for a decent finalsied release of this film as Yimou intended us to see it. Truly overpowerfing, beautiful film... You should also see The Road Home by Yimou, 10/10 film, available on R2 quite cheaply I think, and one of the best films I have ever seen :):)

irturner

10-09-2003, 21:20

the extended cut most certainly won't be out before the film is finally released in th US and probably never since the film was cut on the advice of Harvey Weinstein of Miramax who will probably prevent any release of it (some suggestion that this already happened with the planned R3 release of the extended version).

So may i suggest we close this discussion until such time as its actually released :cry:

In the mean time check out these items (http://www.monkeypeaches.com/HERODVD.html)

Rohail

11-09-2003, 13:57

Originally posted by Yonathan Gal
You should also see The Road Home by Yimou

Great film with the lovely Zhang Ziyi starring in it. :luv:

Yonathan Gal

11-09-2003, 17:46

indeed!!!

Boink!

12-09-2003, 13:06

Originally posted by Rohail
Great film with the lovely Zhang Ziyi starring in it. :luv:

that's a good enough reason for me to buy that then. :thumbs:

Boink! :D

megatron

26-04-2004, 18:58

Has anyone found a review of the extended cut. I know its been released on EVD already but have yet to find anyone comment on it!:brickwall

Cinemasia.net

27-04-2004, 01:51

Yes, the uncut extended version of Hero will be out, just a question of when.

It will be called "Quentin Tarantino Presents Hero". Thanks to the success of the Kill Bill movies, Quentin Tarantino has convinced the tight arses at Miramax to release the film as it was intended to be seen for everyone!!

JimDriver2

27-04-2004, 08:01

Out of interest where's the best place to get the current version of Hero on dvd?

angel_eyes

27-04-2004, 11:25

Originally posted by JimDriver2
Out of interest where's the best place to get the current version of Hero on dvd?

I think it may possibly be OOP now, although you yesasia may still have some copies left

BiscLimpkit

27-04-2004, 11:58

Originally posted by Cinemasia.net
Yes, the uncut extended version of Hero will be out, just a question of when.

It will be called "Quentin Tarantino Presents Hero". Thanks to the success of the Kill Bill movies, Quentin Tarantino has convinced the tight arses at Miramax to release the film as it was intended to be seen for everyone!!

Are you sure? Someone on bullets suggested that QT perhaps watched the cut version...and wants that to be released without any further cuts. It is the version that Miramaxe have released in HK...

I really hope it does get released in its original uncut version like.

stfa

27-04-2004, 13:33

Don´t worry. Of course we´ll be getting the extended Director´s cut on DVD. Just have to be patient.

Jimmyboy

27-04-2004, 14:20

The rumour about Miramaxe cutting the film was put to rest with the release of the extended cut in China right?

IE - The extended cut has been delayed because of the exclusive EVD deal. It has nothing to do with Miramaxe. The EVD rights have been supported by the Chinese government as China wants it's own alternative format to western DVD. This is one way of convincing people to buy the hardware and support the format.

khayman

04-05-2004, 21:05

This film looks damn cool and i was wondering whats the best version of Hero out at the momment?

Charles Bronson

04-05-2004, 23:21

How about 'Quentin Tarantino presents: Quentin Tarantino sods off and stops preaching to me that I should watch gems that only he discovered, which in fact the rest of us have seen and loved the films probably years before him'

I dread when he finally gets his Buchinski/Bronson film going. Suddenly, I will become someone who only loves Charles Bronson films because QT told me to, not because I've loved them since I could walk.

clerk37

05-05-2004, 00:54

He knows people love them, he does himself, he is just using his name to get them shown to a wider audience than what it would normally get. Its good in that respect.

Garfunkel

05-05-2004, 15:54

Yimou has already filmed a sequel of sorts film to Hero (though the story has nothing to do with it, it is in the same martial arts type of filmmaking) - it has various names:

- House of Flying Daggers

- Lovers

- and others...

the trailer is already online and it looks promising

oh, and it stars Zyiy as well!:clap:

Mr Biggles

05-05-2004, 16:31

Originally posted by Garfunkel
the trailer is already online and it looks promising

Any chance of a link? I can't find anything as most sites have got a placeholder for a trailer in the future, rather than one already. :(

[EDIT] I thought I'd found one at http://www.warnerbros.co.jp/lovers/ but it's not up yet :mad:

I did find some stills here (http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/2004-02-19/1224307238.html) though :thumbs:

Garfunkel

05-05-2004, 17:13

Try www.warnerbros.co.jp/broadband/index.html

Apparently is premiering on 8.28th but you can catch it before everyone if you go to Cannes...:D

Mr Biggles

06-05-2004, 07:57

Cheers for the link - looks promising :thumbs: I may have to give Cannes a miss though ;)

ghost of '82

12-05-2004, 17:43

I watched HERO yesterday. Quite frankly I was astonished- this is a beautiful film. It deserves similar success as CROUCHING TIGER. Perhaps the story wasn't as 'deep' but my word visually HERO is pure cinema. The framing of shots, the cinematography... amazing stuff. I kept seeing the assassins in white robes billowing in the desert wind thinking 'why can't Luca$ shoot his Jedi like that?'

The version of HERO I saw a DVD-9 with DTS that I bought off ebay. Brilliant picture and sound, and the English subtitles were fine. It includes a making-of doc but without English subs.

4LOM

09-06-2004, 10:44

Found a "Hero - Ultimate Edition (http://www.koreandvds.com/dvddetail.html?id=17733)" with 3 DVDs at KoreanDVDs.com.

Any infos on this release? Does it contain the theatrical version and the extended cut?

Cinemasia.net

09-06-2004, 11:09

Originally posted by 4LOM
Found a "Hero - Ultimate Edition (http://www.koreandvds.com/dvddetail.html?id=17733)" with 3 DVDs at KoreanDVDs.com.

Interesting. Will have to buy to find out. KoreanDVDs always announce new upcoming releases that no-one has seen or know of yet. I suspect that it will be the extended cut, but the main feature is probably split over two discs!

4LOM

09-06-2004, 14:31

Ups!

I think, it won't include the extended cut. The specs say "99 minutes"!

Summerisle

09-06-2004, 14:40

Originally posted by 4LOM
Ups!

I think, it won't include the extended cut. The specs say "99 minutes"!

Yup, looking at the KFC forum there's a thread for this release and the Bitwin site says it's the same length as the already available HK disc, according to the poster on that (as I don't read Korean).

Rohail

09-06-2004, 16:10

re: House of Flying Daggers

monkeypeaches.com has loads of information about.

William Shatners Wig

09-06-2004, 17:19

So, does this extended cut actually exist? on EVD or otherwise?
Has anyone seen it, or know a reliable source that has seen it?

It's strange that there is no official or unofficial news on this anywhere.

Jimmyboy

09-06-2004, 17:41

Originally posted by William Shatners Wig
So, does this extended cut actually exist? on EVD or otherwise?
Has anyone seen it, or know a reliable source that has seen it?

It's strange that there is no official or unofficial news on this anywhere.

It exists on EVD yes.

angel_eyes

09-06-2004, 18:50

what is EDV?:thinking:

After watching hero for the 3rd time, I don't thnk it's as good as I originally thought....here's hoping the EE improves on the original

Njål

09-06-2004, 20:09

Originally posted by angel_eyes
what is EDV?:thinking:
Mainland China only Hi-Def format. The Director's Cut of Hero (no English subtitles) ships with at least one available player.

William Shatners Wig

10-06-2004, 08:12

Originally posted by Jimmyboy
It exists on EVD yes.

I really want to believe this, I really do; but I just find it very strange that not one person on the 'net has actually owned up to seeing this. I can't even find any Chinese / Hong Kong sites selling it, let alone reviewing it. Don't they have the standard inter-web-net thingy over there?

The only site to mention it as a news article, that I found, was the now defunct UberDVD; and that only contained speculation. All the other searches resulted in forum threads just like this.

:help:

Also I find it very strange, that if it is openly available on the market, that no one has done naughty things with it and distributed amongst the file sharing peeps.

:brickwall :(

I really want to see this extended version.

Jimmyboy

10-06-2004, 14:46

[QUOTE]Originally posted by William Shatners Wig
I really want to believe this, I really do; but I just find it very strange that not one person on the 'net has actually owned up to seeing this. I can't even find any Chinese / Hong Kong sites selling it, let alone reviewing it. Don't they have the standard inter-web-net thingy over there?

The only site to mention it as a news article, that I found, was the now defunct UberDVD; and that only contained speculation. All the other searches resulted in forum threads just like this.

:help:

A number of people have brought it and posted on forums about it but they all seem to live in China. I think the reason it hasn't been exported abroad is because it's released on a format which is only supported in China.

Also I find it very strange, that if it is openly available on the market, that no one has done naughty things with it and distributed amongst the file sharing peeps.

:brickwall :(

I really want to see this extended version.

Because it's on a completely new format and can't be ripped like dvd.

danielzavitz

10-06-2004, 22:01

Originally posted by Jimmyboy
[QUOTE]Originally posted by William Shatners Wig
I really want to believe this, I really do; but I just find it very strange that not one person on the 'net has actually owned up to seeing this. I can't even find any Chinese / Hong Kong sites selling it, let alone reviewing it. Don't they have the standard inter-web-net thingy over there?

The only site to mention it as a news article, that I found, was the now defunct UberDVD; and that only contained speculation. All the other searches resulted in forum threads just like this.

:help:

A number of people have brought it and posted on forums about it but they all seem to live in China. I think the reason it hasn't been exported abroad is because it's released on a format which is only supported in China.

Also I find it very strange, that if it is openly available on the market, that no one has done naughty things with it and distributed amongst the file sharing peeps.

:brickwall :(

I really want to see this extended version.

Because it's on a completely new format and can't be ripped like dvd.

heh like there's anything that can't be copied :p
not that i'm condoning it, but at best if there were some new format that was as yet unrippable then someone would just cam it off their telly ;)

Ono

14-07-2004, 20:35

Njaal posted some exciting news over at B&B.

If he doesn't post it in the next hour I will :D

Ono

14-07-2004, 20:58

Sod the wait! Here yo are :D

Hero Director's Cut DVD (http://www.cnave.com/shop/special/2004/hero/) announced in three versions; one DVD-5, one DVD-9, and one DVD-9 Special Edition (http://www.cnave.com/productdetail.php?pid=91236). 118 minutes long, English subtitles, and to be released this Friday (July 16th), according to this thread at DVD Talk (http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=374685).
Now to find somewhere that will ship to the West.

BiscLimpkit

14-07-2004, 22:10

It's about time! :clap:

Gonna bag me one of these babies...oooh yeah.. mmm...

zantarous

14-07-2004, 22:16

16th July? Surely that can not be right it would be up for pre order at places like yesasia if it were that soon?

RealAkira

15-07-2004, 08:08

It's also up for sale @ Layoyo

Mr Biggles

15-07-2004, 08:21

Here's the link:

Extended Special Edition at Layayo (http://www.layoyo.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?style=1&prrfnbr=3366863&prmenbr=152&CGRY_NUM=251&LANGUAGE=1) HKD 140 = £9.67 +s&h :clap: The DVD-5 version is only £2! :eek:

The thing I can't find out is whether it's got DTS though, because it would be an awful shame if it didn't.

Ragnar

15-07-2004, 08:33

Mr Biggles

15-07-2004, 08:41

I take it this version has English subtitles, as the link only mentions simplified Chinese subtitles. :?:

According to that DVDTalk thread, it does have english subs.

vice911

15-07-2004, 11:28

Here's the link:

The thing I can't find out is whether it's got DTS though, because it would be an awful shame if it didn't.

Sadly No DTS on the disc :gag:

zenza

15-07-2004, 19:38

Has anyone ordered from Layoyo?

How are they for customs and delivery times?

Mr Biggles

15-07-2004, 20:08

If you read some of the threads on the asiandvdguide.com forums, they seem ok, and it appears they use UPS as their courier. Some people reported getting hit for customs though.

The annoying thing is they've wacked the Collector's Edition in the Wooden Box up from 3 shipping units, to 8 shipping units now so it's a bit more expensive :( I'm really not sure whether to order as I've been waiting so long for this to come out, but if they've left off the DTS track, they'll no doubt be a future release where they bother to include it.

stfa

16-07-2004, 13:24

Any confirmation whether this Extended Edtion indeed has DTS and english subtitles?

I`m anxious to know before ordering this baby.

Mr Biggles

16-07-2004, 13:36

stfa

16-07-2004, 13:44

I'm pretty sure it's got english subs, as most places are listing it as such, and Layoyo have updated their pages now to say it's got English subs. I've not seen any mention of DTS anywhere though, except mentions of ebay sellers who claim it's got DTS but I wouldn't trust them to be accurate.

Thanks, mate.

I do hope this would have DTS on it. It really deserve it.

And, yes, Ebay sellers cannot be trusted.

has anyone tried mailing Layoyo about the DTS issue? or the distributor? They should know this.

Mr Biggles

16-07-2004, 13:57

has anyone tried mailing Layoyo about the DTS issue? or the distributor? They should know this.

I did and this is the reply I just got:

As typhoon signal No. 8 is issued in Hong Kong, we cannot make immediate response to customers until 19 July 2004. :nuts:

Seems it's getting a bit windy in HK, so they've abandoned their desks! I'm not sure who else we can try e-mailing :shrug:

vice911

16-07-2004, 14:15

I got this today, no DTS on the disc. PQ is OK at my computer. (I don't have the R3 one to compare), and it has english subs.

Mr Biggles

16-07-2004, 14:23

cheers vice911 :) Which of the three versions did you buy?

vice911

16-07-2004, 14:35

The one with the book, I personally don't think the book is too good. just some pics and nothing else. and the extras one the disc is ok, but i can't see any english subs with them.

Mr Biggles

16-07-2004, 14:46

So you didn't get the one with the wooden box packaging then? I hadn't seen any mention of there being a book included in any of them - is it similar to the one included in the Korean Limited Edition (http://www.pson.org/dvdcollection/pictures/hero_ultimate_edition-r3/) (pictures near the bottom)?

vice911

16-07-2004, 14:59

yes, is a small book with some pics on it. I didn't go for the one with the wooden BOX (I don't know if there is one), mine is in a slip case. ps i will go into the shops to check it for you, and get back to you tomorrow.

Mr Biggles

16-07-2004, 15:04

thanks for your quick answers :) I'll stop with all the questions now!

vice911

16-07-2004, 15:07

thanks for your quick answers :) I'll stop with all the questions now!

i will go into the shops to check it for you, and get back to you tomorrow.

Mr Biggles

16-07-2004, 15:28

You're a star! :bow: It's greatly appreciated :)

Cirrus888

16-07-2004, 15:36

I would have went to the shops to check this out today but Typhoon Kompasu hit HK at about 12pm and everyone had to go home and almost everything was shut, everything will be back to normal tomorrow.

mr_woo

16-07-2004, 16:42

i will go into the shops to check it for you, and get back to you tomorrow.

Could you check vice the start and the end of the movie to see whether or not the prologue and ending text have subtitles for them ? Just curious about this as the Mainland China dvd of the theatrical cut didn't have any subtitles for the start and end. (if you havent seen the film yet even checking the start of the movie would be great!)

Many thanks :)

Ono

16-07-2004, 17:25

I would have went to the shops to check this out today but Typhoon Kompasu hit HK at about 12pm and everyone had to go home and almost everything was shut, everything will be back to normal tomorrow.

LOL. I read about that. Any excuse for a day off yeah Kin ;) :p

stfa

16-07-2004, 20:31

I got this today, no DTS on the disc. PQ is OK at my computer. (I don't have the R3 one to compare), and it has english subs.

You wouldn´t mind posting some images would you?

I´d like to see what the rear says. Specifications, in other words.

Ono

17-07-2004, 23:31

Richie

17-07-2004, 23:44

Ono

18-07-2004, 00:00

At dddhouse each 'extended version' is listed with a different running time! 180mins(dvd9 brown), 150mins(dvd9 red) and 118mins (dvd5 red) :lol:

I think the running time includes the extras. The DVD9 Brown may have a few more than the DVD( Red etc .....

Cirrus888

18-07-2004, 00:56

I was looking all day yesterday for this DVD and I couldn't find it, that is it is not available in HK retail ... maybe the typhoon stopped supplies coming down from China or maybe Edko (HK Distributor) has stopped it coming in.

Cinemasia.net

18-07-2004, 02:46

At dddhouse each 'extended version' is listed with a different running time! 180mins(dvd9 brown), 150mins(dvd9 red) and 118mins (dvd5 red) :lol:
So which is correct?! :suspect:

The director's cut is 118min.

118min feature + 32min Special Features (interviews) = 150min version
118min feature + 52min Special Features (interviews) = 180min version

vice911

18-07-2004, 13:14

Mr Biggles: Hi I was out all afternoon looking for this one, but none of the shops have the one in the wooden box.(The staff said they might be exclusive to the Internet). I'll try again later this week.
ono: no it doesn't have subs for them.

BiscLimpkit

19-07-2004, 12:13

dddhouse price has increased (for the most expensive one)... I ordered mine when it was cheaper.

I think it may ship today if all goes according to plan... :doh:

Mr Biggles

19-07-2004, 12:17

Cheers vice911 :) I've gone ahead and ordered the best version from DDDhouse as they're shipping was much more reasonable than layoyo's. I have asked them to confirm what the packaging is though.

geraard

19-07-2004, 13:42

Vice911, could you post some screencaps of it? Then we would be able to compare them with the ones on DVDBeaver.
http://207.136.67.23/film/DVDCompare2/hero.htm

Any Ghosting visible?

Another question, is it letterboxed or anamorphic.. dddhouse specs it as letterboxed, can you confirm that

Id appreciate if you checked this out

THanks

Mr Biggles

19-07-2004, 18:27

The extended China DVD9 version is now up for order at DDDHouse (http://www.dddhouse.com/dddhouse/en/index.jsp?action=productDetail&productID=3855).
Cost is HK$130 + 30 p&p which works out at about £12.

Not sure if that is the Wooden Box Premium edition though - but the picture on their website certainly indicates that it is because the other 2 versions are red and not brown.

When I ordered it this morning, I included a note to ask if it was and they just replied to confirm it is indeed the wooden box version :clap: It's just a shame the price was $160+$30p&p when I ordered, but it was still quite a bit cheaper than layoyo, who I would have ordered from on Saturday if their site hadn't been down.

Art Vanderlay

20-07-2004, 10:02

Just ordered a copy of the wooden box for my sister's birthday - she's almost as much of a glutton for LE boxes as I am ;)

angel_eyes

20-07-2004, 14:20

Perhaps a silly question, but has anyone checked to see if the EE has full english subs considering its a mainland title?

Mr Biggles

20-07-2004, 14:49

see post #53 for confirmation of english subs :)

Splinter

20-07-2004, 16:57

There's still a question wether they'll be subs on the intro and "outro" text - it's doubtful. I'm gonna try and hold off until we get confirmation on that and the picture quality.

Boink!

20-07-2004, 17:29

Whoo hoo! Just ordered the wooden box!!! :clap:

Oh no, just remembered, I've sold my home surround system. :(

Oh well.

RealAkira

21-07-2004, 09:05

They're also available now @ Koreandvds

Extended Edition (US$ 5 + 5.83)
http://www.koreandvds.com/dvddetail.html?id=19678

Standard Extended Edition (US$ 9 + 21.86 :eek: )
http://www.koreandvds.com/dvddetail.html?id=19677

Special Extended Version (US$ 17 + 32.86 :eek: )
http://www.koreandvds.com/dvddetail.html?id=19676

stfa

22-07-2004, 14:48

Just got a mail from DDDHouse. HERO EE has NO DTS!!!

geraard

22-07-2004, 16:52

Just got a mail from DDDHouse. HERO EE has NO DTS!!!

The DVD-5 has no DTS, the other two DVD-9 versions do HAVE DTS.

->Updated cnave page-> http://www.cnave.com/shop/special/2004/hero/

Mr Biggles

22-07-2004, 18:54

Well I hope cnave are right as they seem to be closely connected to the distributors. Everyone else doesn't seem to know what the different versions are - anamorphic? pal or ntsc? DD or DTS? I guess it will be confirmed when they get stock next week. Someone in the DVDTalk thread mentioned cover scans of two of the versions which showed no DTS symbol on the dvd5 version but one on the dvd9 version. Fingers crossed they're accurate :)

Cinemasia.net

23-07-2004, 00:17

Someone in the DVDTalk thread mentioned cover scans of two of the versions which showed no DTS symbol on the dvd5 version but one on the dvd9 version.

Well, IVL's Once Upon A Time In China Collection boxset does not have DTS logo on the spine or frontcover, but it does have remastered DTS 5.1 and Dolby 5.1 tracks.

sapsja

23-07-2004, 10:21

Looks like everywhere, well DVDASIAN & KOREANDVDS, are now quoting DTS and Anamorphic in the descriptions for the DVD9 versions of this.

Psycho

23-07-2004, 11:31

What is DVD-5 and DVD-9? I'd like to get the wooden boxset, which one is this?

Psycho :nuts:

Mr Biggles

23-07-2004, 11:36

What is DVD-5 and DVD-9? I'd like to get the wooden boxset, which one is this?

Whichever site you go on, it's the most expensive one of the three due to the extras and the packaging, and should have a cover shot that is brown rather than red. I think it's the only one of the three called the "Special Edition" - all of them are called "Extended Version". The difference between DVD-5 and DVD-9 is just the capacity of the disc and as DVD-5's hold less, that version is cheaper. I'm pretty sure dddhouse are the cheapest as other sites have the dvd for slightly less but are charging a lot more for shipping due to the nature of the packaging.

Link (http://www.dddhouse.com/dddhouse/en/index.jsp?action=productDetail&productID=3855) to special edition with wooden box packaging at DDDHouse :)

Psycho

23-07-2004, 11:40

Whichever site you go on, it's the most expensive one of the three due to the extras and the packaging. The difference between DVD-5 and DVD-9 is just the capacity of the disc and as DVD-5's hold less, that version is cheaper. I'm pretty sure dddhouse are the cheapest as other sites have the dvd for slightly less but are charging a lot more for shipping due to the nature of the packaging.

Cheers mate! :thumbs:

It looks like I'll have to wait till next week as I'm skint and need my next pay cheque! :cry:

Psycho :nuts:

charlie angel

23-07-2004, 11:41

Isn't DVD-5 a single layer disc & DVD-9 a dual layer?

Still wavering on ordering this - need absolute confirmation on the subtitles at the beginning/end & DTS thing...

Mr Biggles

23-07-2004, 11:44

It looks like I'll have to wait till next week as I'm skint and need my next pay cheque!

Well it's not out until Monday anyway, but it is apparently limited so don't wait too long! They've already put the price up HKD$30 from their initial price so I don't know if it may rise again once it's been released.

Psycho

23-07-2004, 11:55

Well it's not out until Monday anyway, but it is apparently limited so don't wait too long! They've already put the price up HKD$30 from their initial price so I don't know if it may rise again once it's been released.

I've just had a look at DDDHouse and am I correct that this set will cost just under £15!! :eek:

I'll order now if this is so!

Psycho :nuts:

Mr Biggles

23-07-2004, 12:10

yup indeedy - $160 + $30s&h = $190 = £13.22. Were not talking Kill Bill money here! :p

Psycho

23-07-2004, 12:12

yup indeedy - $160 + $30s&h = $190 = £13.22. Were not talking Kill Bill money here! :p

ORDERED! :thumbs:

:lol:

Thanks!

Psycho :nuts:

zantarous

23-07-2004, 12:56

Damn you and your persuasive arguments. I am just placing an order after resisting all week. Is this DDDhouse legit, there website seem awful dodgy?

Psycho

23-07-2004, 13:03

Damn you and your persuasive arguments. I am just placing an order after resisting all week. Is this DDDhouse legit, there website seem awful dodgy?

I think I used them before to order the R3 'Army of Darkness' and had no problems.

Psycho :nuts:

Mr Biggles

23-07-2004, 13:06

Yep, their website's not the most professional looking thing but they are legit and many people will vouch for them. I've never had a problem with them :) I should be earning commission though! :p

f_drew

23-07-2004, 13:14

For the seriously minted, there's this (http://sensasian.com/cgi-bin/sensasian.storefront/41010dae002f2884753b0a0a346905f7/Product/View/V9206-D) ! ;) :thumbs:

Not many available though !

Aardvark_DK

23-07-2004, 14:41

Is this DDDhouse legit, there website seem awful dodgy?
I've bought somewhere around 80 dvds from them over the last year and never had a problem. Occasionally they've taken a couple of weeks to ship an order - but probably just because it wasn't on stock.

zantarous

23-07-2004, 14:42

Just checked my email confirmation and noticed I'd put the wrong post code, I have fired of a emmail with the correct details. What is their customer service like?

Aardvark_DK

23-07-2004, 14:49

What is their customer service like?
No idea, I'm afraid. I've never had any problems so I've never had to get in touch with them.

Njål

23-07-2004, 18:07

Had shipping confirmation for the wooden box set from Layolo early this morning.
Will probably have it by the end of next week (most likely on the day I go away on vacation).

zantarous

24-07-2004, 14:17

Just got an email from dddhouse to say they have amended my shipping label so looks as though they have decent customer ervice as well, a one day response is not bad at all.

staffyman

25-07-2004, 15:18

Tron posted this on the B&B Forums, he saw it when he was visiting the KFCC site...

Picked mine up at Gift Entertainment in SF Chinatown yesterday for $12.98 as well, and they had more than enough in stock. This is the 150 min. DVD-9 version in the red package.

Just finished watching it, and it's all region, NTSC, DTS or Dolby Digital 5.1, with english subtitles (not on the half hour extra documentary, though). However, one catch is that a digital watermark (the FACE logo) appears on screen in the upper left corner every few minutes when a subtitle track is enabled (doesn't seem to appear when they're off).

I don't know where the 118 minute number comes from. It appears to be more like 108 minutes, or, about ten new minutes of footage. The majority of this footage is just extended takes and inserts (there's generally more "floating" for the characters in the fight scenes, particularly in the forest and lake scenes). The only new "scene" I noticed was one where Moon briefly fights Nameless after Broken Sword writes the three characters in the desert. This scene adds the only new dialogue, I think, which is about three lines.

However, comparing it briefly to the original cut on my Edko DVD, I did notice that this version runs a minute less in the end credits, so if you're a big fan of scrolling white text on a black background, you'll get more out of that cut.

I don't know whether to cancel my order with DDDHouse or not, who incidentally say it will be shipping in 3 days or so after a slight delay... That 'Watermark' sounds highly annoying! :(

Splinter

25-07-2004, 15:29

Chinese mainland releases always have a habit of turning out dodgy, which is why I held off on this one. But this could be the only release of the Hero EE for a while :( I live in hope for a soon to be released HK disc though.

Cirrus888

25-07-2004, 15:42

The China EE of hero sounds very poor with no additional scenes worth mentioning about, the most we can hope for is that it will run smoother than the 99 min cut.

I've kinda given up on the EE cut of Hero particularly because I've seen House of flying daggers and I would rather have a plain version of that than a special edition of hero. Roll on December, I'm dying to see all the fight scenes in that again ...

Art Vanderlay

25-07-2004, 16:44

Hmm - can't decide whether to cancel the order now. The watermark certainly sounds very annoying.

It's not loads of money, I suppose, and will probably have pretty good resale value with the wooden box.

Psycho

25-07-2004, 17:10

Mr Biggles

25-07-2004, 17:15

hmm, that news has definitely put a dampener on it :( I think I'll stick with my order anyway, as the fact it's region free means it's easier to sell on if I decide I don't want to keep it.

Jimmyboy

25-07-2004, 17:37

I'm not sure there's an easy way to cancel with dddhouse is there?
I don't recall seeing a cancel order option or anything.

Edit - It says in there T&C's that you can't cancel an order once submitted.

stfa

25-07-2004, 19:56

I wonder why DDDHouse has removed all three HERO EE from teir website. Could it be that the EE release is dodgy or unauthorized?

Boink!

25-07-2004, 21:15

Hm, worth emailing them to find out what's going on with the release... It's going to be a shame if the extended version is flawed.

B

vice911

26-07-2004, 04:15

Here comes the screen shots:

http://www.dvdspring.com/bbs/UploadFile/2004-7/2004724183938121.jpg

http://www.dvdspring.com/bbs/UploadFile/2004-7/2004724183949404.jpg

http://www.dvdspring.com/bbs/UploadFile/2004-7/2004724184033848.jpg

http://www.dvdspring.com/bbs/UploadFile/2004-7/2004724184024704.jpg

Art Vanderlay

26-07-2004, 08:44

Is that from your own copy, vice911?

If so, any chance of getting a shot of the 'watermark' with the engilsh subs?

stfa

26-07-2004, 08:57

Is there an official review, yet, of HERO EE?

charlie angel

26-07-2004, 09:22

I've cancelled mine at DDD - to be honest, the watermark I could live with, it's just that the extra scenes sound all a bit pedestrian & uninspiring.

stfa

26-07-2004, 09:55

If the watermark and the thrown in added scenes really are true then this EE release is worthless.

Jimmyboy

26-07-2004, 12:41

If the watermark and the thrown in added scenes really are true then this EE release is worthless.

Hmmm I wouldn't go that far.
The water mark is something we all live with when we watch films on TV and tbh I doubt any of us notice them. I know I certainly don't notice the MTV or Sci-fi channel water mark. If the water mark really is too much of an eye sore than just turn off the English subtitles. Plus this is still the only available version of the directors approved cut so even with the water mark I'd still say that this is probably the best version to get for people who haven't yet brought the film on any format. If you already brought one of the standard miramax cut versions then it's obviously harder to justify buying the film again. Depends how badly you want to see a director approved version I guess.

Galex

26-07-2004, 12:54

A couple of buyers in Sweden received their boxes today. The "wooden" box is not wooden at all, rather it is made of cardboard. It is rather big though, almost like Schindler's List R1. Inside one finds the disc and a leaflet with pictures from the movie. The disc is held in a material similar to velvet. Below are links to some pictures taken by Fred2, a member of the Swedish forum dvdforum.nu (http://www.dvdforum.nu)

Hero Special Extended edition - packaging (outside) (http://www.dvdforum.nu/images/galleri/13/13028/0130283QBJGW523RQDE909O1BQCW8U.jpg)

Hero Special Extended edition - packaging (inside) (http://www.dvdforum.nu/images/galleri/13/13028/0130280RINMILFE2D06B9X1958AA1V.jpg)

Moreover, the running time appears to be 108 rather than 118 minutes, while things like the watermark etc remain to be confirmed.

/Galex

zantarous

26-07-2004, 13:01

Ah so when one says water mark they mean something similar to a DOG and not actual transparent logo that pops up when the subs are on the screen. Now that will be distracting however it should be easy to resell should I not like, and a very good thing I found this out as I was about to put my HK copy up for sale, I will now wait till I have the EE before making up my mind.

Jimmyboy

26-07-2004, 13:10

I'm interested to know what the book is like.

charlie angel

26-07-2004, 13:31

kcxdev

26-07-2004, 13:36

respaul

26-07-2004, 16:43

Ok... Got this today.

Very dissapointed with it and will definately sell it once ive watched all the way through.

As mentioned previously the wooden box is actually a rather horrible and cheap looking cardboard.
The velvetesque side which holds the disc is ok but again to me looks cheap.
The Booklet is also dissapointing and way off that that comes with the korean ultimate edition.

Not too mention the box itself is huge and jus looks awful on my shelf.

The picture quality i also find slightly lacking compared to my edko 2 disc or ultimate editions.

More dissapointment comes with the sound where this dts track so far is no where near as fulfilling as the dtses track found on the other 2 versions.

It does indeed have a large watermark that appears in the top left corner... this is a quite large icon that appears to say Face... with a red F and blue a, c and e.
I found this very obtrusive in the bits ive looked at so far.
It appears roughly every 8 minutes or so and really stands out.

As for the directors cut itself... I havent seen it all yet so will hold comment for now.

Personally im really dissapointed and would reccommend to wait and see if theres a better version later.

Mr Biggles

26-07-2004, 18:32

Well cheers for the feedback and links about the "limited" version. It sounds very dissappointing :( The fact that the extra scenes add nothing, that the sound and picture quality are inferior, and that the packaging is naff is bad enough, but I definitely don't want to see a logo keep popping up during the film :razz: I have fired off an e-mail to DDDHouse to cancel my order so I hope they receive it before it's dispatched.

Galex

26-07-2004, 18:59

Adding to the disappointment, at least one Swedish buyer of the Extended edition (in this case the one with the red front, not the "wooden" box) has now confirmed that there are no English subs in the beginning or in the end of the film. The Face-logo appears now and then and is rather disturbing. Other specs: about 108 minutes, anamorphic NTSC, dts.

Below are some screen captures, posted by NegaSonic at dvdforum.nu (http://www.dvdforum.nu):

Screen capture 1 (with Face watermark) (http://members.chello.se/negasonic/hero01.jpg)

Screen capture 2 (http://members.chello.se/negasonic/hero02.jpg)

Screen capture 3 (http://members.chello.se/negasonic/hero03.jpg)

Screen capture 4 (http://members.chello.se/negasonic/hero04.jpg)

/Galex

staffyman

26-07-2004, 18:59

I've cancelled too... I feel quite awful doing it as I actually asked DDDHouse to get stock in, in the first place.

That 'watermark' would just bug the heck out of me though... It's hardly subtle!

As with Biggles, I hope they cancel it before the disc ships... :(

zantarous

26-07-2004, 19:20

I have also just fired of an email to try and cancel the order

Mr Biggles

26-07-2004, 19:23

Oh dear, that logo really is obtrusive.

staffyman

27-07-2004, 06:41

Ah nuts... Mine's shipped already!!! Good luck everyone else!

Mr Biggles

27-07-2004, 07:37

Ah nuts... Mine's shipped already!!! Good luck everyone else!

Ditto :(

zantarous

27-07-2004, 07:53

Had an email over night my order has been cancelled without charge.

Art Vanderlay

27-07-2004, 09:45

Just mailed them to cancel my order, too.

Hopefully they will cancel before they ship

EDIT - just got the mail - they did cancel it for me

Malick

27-07-2004, 10:27

I've cancelled too, which they did without charges, and they also said there was copyright problems with the disc - not sure what this means.

BiscLimpkit

27-07-2004, 12:06

So despite all the bogusness...

...does anyone know for sure if this is the true director's cut... or a cheap extended edition?

So the Director's cut is supposed to be 118 mins? Is this 100% correct?

Boink!

27-07-2004, 12:13

Just put in an email to cancel mine as the order was still only listed as "confirmed"

Boink!

Mr Biggles

27-07-2004, 12:22

Mine was only listed as confirmed when I e-mailed last night but they replied at 6am this morning with:

It's late, the order has been shipped,
we will have another shipping notice to you later.

followed by a shipping confirmation e-mail at 11:30am. I'm quite annoyed now because if it wasnt' for the watermark, I'd have no trouble in passing it on, especially as it's region free which has stopped mates buying the film before now.

unrealnils

27-07-2004, 12:25

Im not gonna bother cancelling mine it was only a tenner, i would pay that much to see the uncut version/longer on crappy vcd with the logo anyway.......

Boink!

27-07-2004, 15:07

Ah, mine's been shipped as well. Off to eBay with it then.

Richie

15-08-2004, 01:27

Is there anymore info about this?
Is it actually the true 'director's cut'? Will there be a decent release? Is it even worth it?
I'm a big fan of 'Hero' as it was anyway, this newer version just doesn't seem worth the effort!

BiscLimpkit

15-08-2004, 09:56

Rumour has it that the R1 (out of all regions) might be the true director's cut, due to Quentin Tarentino's name being printed on the DVD... but we'll see man.

Other than that... nothing announced so far. :(

raymondlin

15-08-2004, 17:39

Just saw the trailer today, I want to see it NOW!!!!

Does anyone know which is the best version to get?

ian turner

15-08-2004, 18:56

For the moment possibly the older 99 minute cut as that doesn't include the "FACE" icon popping up on screen every 5 minutes (I was hoping that on a 21" tv in letterbox the logo and subtitles would be in the black section but regrettably not).
As to which region it depends on how anal you are about picture quality as I think the R3 is fine but others will swear that the Japanese R2 is the way to go due to better colour quality but of course being japanese it is significantly more expensive.
As to the suggestion that the American release will be completely uncut due to Mr Tarantinos involvement I doubt that very much. Quentins involvement has resulted in them actually releasing the film at all, the reference to it not being cut probably means no cuts in addition to those forced on the chinese market by their intervention (in the same way that many DVDs released in this country as uncut means that no cuts were applied after the studio cut the film to achieve the desired certificate and pass the censors)

raymondlin

15-08-2004, 22:19

where is the cheapest one then? i just want the movie, dont need no fancy wooden box

sampath

15-08-2004, 23:40

Quentins involvement has resulted in them actually releasing the film at all, the reference to it not being cut probably means no cuts in addition to those forced on the chinese market by their intervention (in the same way that many DVDs released in this country as uncut means that no cuts were applied after the studio cut the film to achieve the desired certificate and pass the censors)

Are we certain this is what happened? Seeing as Hero is (as far as I can work out) 100% a Chinese production, I can't see how they could influence the version released in China, or much less why they would want to. :?:

The situation with MPAA-approved versions ending up released overseas is different because the companies involved are American. I've yet to see a situation where a foreign film is released in MPAA-cut form overseas except when it is distributed by the same company that is responsible for its US release (e.g. BV release of Fist of Legend in this country).

raymondlin

15-08-2004, 23:52

anyone know where to get a cheap but extended version ?

Is the film originally in Madarin or Cantonese? and do they speak mandarin or Cantonese in the film?

Cinemasia.net

16-08-2004, 03:59

Is the film originally in Madarin or Cantonese? and do they speak mandarin or Cantonese in the film?

"Hero" is a Mandarin picture, and it is made in mainland China.

ian turner

16-08-2004, 11:48

check out some of the news on monkeypeaches (http://www.monkeypeaches.com) for opinions on miramax's involvement with the cutting of Hero (oh and tarantino is listed as a producer on imdb !!! :cry: ).
Yesasia is the only place i know still selling the cheaper versions of Hero extended edition at £8.49 for the middle of the 3 sets (dunno what postage is) and the cheapest listed as 1 to 2 weeks delivery (ddhouse are only selling the boxed version, note its wood effect not actual wood).
As to the language a friend into martial arts , oriental culture and currently a chinese gf watched Crouching Tiger in cantonese as he reasoned that Chow Yun Fat spoke Cantonese only :lol:

raymondlin

17-08-2004, 00:47

What do you mean by middle of the 3 set?

Richie

17-08-2004, 01:48

raymondlin
The 'extended' version was released in 3 versions in China. One on a dvd-5 (single layer) disc and two on dvd-9 (dual layer) discs. One of these dvd-9 versions came in a 'wooden' box that was actually a rather crappy 'wood effect' cardboard thingy.
The only difference in content was that the dvd-9 had more interviews as extras than the dvd-5. You can see the full breakdown of the content earlier in this thread!

If I were you I'd just go for the 2-disc Edko R3 Hong Kong release of the original theatrical cut as it's a very nice release (and includes the opening and closing text pages in English!). Cd-wow were selling it but it seems to have gone from their website for now - an email might get them to get more unless anyone can tell you where else to get it?

raymondlin

17-08-2004, 02:07

Richie, apart from CDwow, could you link me to where i can get it? i am all confuse to what to get, I am not bother about the fake wooden box or extras, just like the extended cut. No DTS dont bother me either as i don't have a DTS decoder.

mitch316

17-08-2004, 06:18

raymond i have the special extended edition for sale in the dvd classifieds

ian turner

17-08-2004, 07:22

seems that dddhouse no longer stock any version of hero extended version (maybe because of some dissatisfied customers denouncing them as criminals for not mentioning the logo that pops up every 5 minutes if you select subtitles, but probably not). So the only source now is yesasia and private sellers I guess.
Note that this is a region 3 dvd and as mentioned has the annoying FACE logo popping up in the corner of the film every so often (the actual picture, doesn't matter if its letterboxed or not)

netboy

17-08-2004, 07:49

Cinemasia.net

17-08-2004, 09:31

as per raymondlin, Ive just seen the trailer on Daves page, how did I miss this beauty :?:

anyway, thanks for the advice guys on which version to get but whats this about a FACE popping up on the screen? Whats it look like and why does it have it.
would it spoil it for me?

Yes, the China version(s) are the worst version(s) to buy.

The best (but most expensive) version is the Japanese version.

The Korean Ultimate Edition has nice looking packaging. There is also a Korean 2-disc edition.

Get the Hong Kong (Edko) version, it is cheap and has good video and audio, and good menu design.

The FACE logo is one large circle with the word "FACE" that takes up the spot on the upper left corner of the frame, obstructing some of the picture.
:oh-hum: Basically, it looks like a TV channel logo that tells you which channel you are watching.

BiscLimpkit

17-08-2004, 11:13

Wonder what the motive was to include such a horendous logo...

Cinemasia.net

17-08-2004, 12:34

Wonder what the motive was to include such a horendous logo...

Why include any logo at all, albeit one so horrendous.

charlie angel

17-08-2004, 12:39

I have a copy of the lovely Edko non-extended R3 for trade here (http://www.thedvdforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=311806) if anyone's interested.

raymondlin

17-08-2004, 14:39

well, guess the China version is out, extended or not i am don't want some stupid logo while watching a movie. What about the japanese versions? where to get them?

charlie angel

17-08-2004, 14:47

The Japanese DVD can be had from Yesasia or amazon.co.jp - it'll be around £20 though.

EDIT - the R3 is just over a tenner at DDDHouse - http://www.dddhouse.com/dddhouse/en/index.jsp?action=productDetail&productID=2792

Jimmyboy

17-08-2004, 14:58

as per raymondlin, Ive just seen the trailer on Daves page, how did I miss this beauty :?:

anyway, thanks for the advice guys on which version to get but whats this about a FACE popping up on the screen? Whats it look like and why does it have it.
would it spoil it for me?

Personally the logo didn't bother me much in the slightest. It pops up from time to time and lasts all of about 10 seconds. If you want to see the extended version then it's this or nothing. You have to choose which is more important to you, a d-cut which has a water mark that pops up from time to time or a miraxe censored version cut for American movie go-ers with the attention span of a gold fish.

stfa

17-08-2004, 15:14

The Edko R3 is fairly cheap - £8-£10 I expect - or you can have mine for £6...

Check your mail.

Psycho

20-08-2004, 10:29

I watched the extended cut last night and didn't notice any extra bits!? :?: Where were thery?

Psycho :nuts:

kcxdev

20-08-2004, 10:57

Cinemasia.net

20-08-2004, 11:14

I watched the extended cut last night and didn't notice any extra bits!? :?: Where were thery?

Psycho :nuts:

The Chinese Extended Cut DVD is some kind of rip off! Give us the real extended cut with the missing bits!

ian turner

20-08-2004, 13:32

think its mostly existing scenes extended rather than new scenes added in the current extended release. Quite possibly there are no entire scenes missing but I reckon the full 120 minute version will be released shortly after a fully restored full length version of the Magnificent Ambersons :cry:

BeauBrummie

26-08-2004, 04:43

Haven't watched any version of this as yet - just brought in at Schipol Airport coming back from Amsterdam at the weekend. Came in a special edition double pack with a 2nd film who's name I can't remember....
Looking forward to watching it though

The Dude

26-08-2004, 11:51

On another note this film gets a great review in the latest issue of Empire, so hopefully this might encourage more people to see this fantastic film when it gets a cinema release next month. :)

robbiez666

26-08-2004, 20:23

anyobne know how cut the cinema release is going to be? there is no runtime for it in Empire...

ian turner

27-08-2004, 16:21

98 minutes or so is the length of the film, 120 minutes was the original length prior to it being cut back drastically for all markets even China. there have been no theatre releases of longer versions as far as I'm aware so just the same length as seen in china

raymondlin

27-08-2004, 16:33

Cd wow don't seem to have the extention in stock now, anywhere else i can get this?

mitch316

27-08-2004, 17:05

Cd wow don't seem to have the extention in stock now, anywhere else i can get this?

you can buy mine for a tenner
;)

Wolfman

27-08-2004, 19:06

Saw the trailer for this earlier today and it looks well smart.

Ordered the 3 disc edition from Korean DVD's. Hope it's minus the logo you guys are talking about...

ian turner

27-08-2004, 19:52

no the korean edition doesn't have the on screen logo and it doesn't have the 9 extra minutes neither as its the original theatrical cut

ian turner

27-08-2004, 20:16

Cd wow don't seem to have the extention in stock now, anywhere else i can get this?
DDDhouse only have the short version, yesasia seem unwilling to admit they have it in any form as search finds nothing directly. I think it was a limited edition plus miramax are probably tracking down all the criminal element trying to interfere with their rights :gag:

Wolfman

27-08-2004, 20:21

no the korean edition doesn't have the on screen logo and it doesn't have the 9 extra minutes neither as its the original theatrical cut

Cool... not too bothered about the extra 9 mins but glad there's no logo. Plus I've read a few comments not just on here that the picture quality of the extra bits is not upto the rest of the film so that would only distract and annoy me more..

Thanks for the info though....

raymondlin

28-08-2004, 00:15

I can't seem to track down the DDhouse version, putting Hero in the search brings up the wrong movies.

And what is in the missing 9 mins in the theatrical cut?

ian turner

28-08-2004, 12:52

I can't seem to track down the DDhouse version, putting Hero in the search brings up the wrong movies.

And what is in the missing 9 mins in the theatrical cut?

Hero (http://www.dddhouse.com/dddhouse/en/index.jsp?action=productDetail&productID=2792) tut tut it does get listed you just have to look a bit further down the list for Hero(dts).
someone and i don't know who exactly, created a longer version with an extra 9 minutes which seem to be extensions to existing scenes rather than new scenes. As has already been pointed out the extended version contains the FACE logo (the manufacturer I think) in the subtitle stream so non chinese markets will keep getting it probably to pacify the heavies at miramax.

JayX

28-08-2004, 14:27

yesasia seem unwilling to admit they have it in any form as search finds nothing directly.

yesasia seem to have to bow down to miramax alas. if you use us.yesasia.com and search for shaolin soccer, nothing appears bar a non-eng subbed version, on global.yesasia.com all the relevant copies show up. (this might not happen now, but it did when i tried a few months ago) so i expect its the same case here.

ian turner

28-08-2004, 15:00

that was the global yesasia site. it has the shaolin soccer stuff but you have to dig around via indirect routes to find anything related to hero. I did find the japanese boxed set via an indirect search via the actors and a making of which of course doesn't have english subs but that was about all. Miramax seem to have been more thorough in rooting out any sales in major suppliers.
Just found this (http://www.dvdgo.com/product~catgid~7749~list~18766~prodid~106978~typeproduct~1~dvd~Hero.htm) on dvdgo but they tend to charge postage by weight so postage for 1 to 4 DVDs is that for 4 dvds.
I believe there is a scandinavian edition which also has english subtitles.

This is a somewhat ironic attitude for a company that fought for the release of Fahrenheit 9/11 but they are probably democrats and saw a potential for a lot of money to be made from a film that didn't require too many if any subtitles.

sampath

29-08-2004, 21:40

Well it seems the Tarantino connection has done the trick, as Hero has topped the US boxoffice with an opening weekend of $17.8 million. Admittedly there wasn't much in the way of competition, but that's not too shabby for a subtitled Chinese period drama I reckon....

Boink!

29-08-2004, 21:55

kcxdev

29-08-2004, 21:56

YesAsia Hero Directors Cut Links

http://global.yesasia.com/en/PrdDept.aspx/pid-1003695047/did-87/code-c/section-videos/
http://global.yesasia.com/en/PrdDept.aspx/pid-1003695054/did-87/code-c/section-videos/

This product is no longer for sale.

JimDriver2

29-08-2004, 22:09

Excellent! hopefully it will get the recognition it deserves.

Boink!

31-08-2004, 00:03

Miramax "to cut" 35 percent of staff

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/040809/325/ezvkt.html

Hardly surprising..

ethanol

31-08-2004, 21:54

OK - which of the following is the one to go for :

Hero (China Extended Version DVD 9) (http://www.dddhouse.com/dddhouse/en/index.jsp?action=productDetail&productID=3885)

Price: DVD - HK$95.0
DVD Subtitles : Chinese, English
DVD Audio : dts Dolby digital Surround 5.1
DVD Region/Format : All Code, NTSC, 16:9
Release Date : 30-08-2004

Description:
China extended version DVD-9 Running time approx. 150 mins
including cast & credits
including photo booklet

or

Hero (dts) (http://www.dddhouse.com/dddhouse/en/index.jsp?action=productDetail&productID=2792)

Description:
Running time approx. 99 mins.
2 discs set.
Info of Characters, Casts & Crews
Heroes Behind Hero Seminar
Drafts of Costumes, Weapons, Settings & Storyboards
The Journey To Hero
Making of Hero
NG Shots & Behind the Scenes
Theatrical Trailers & TV Spots
Photos & Merchandises Gallery

Price: DVD - HK$120.0

DVD Subtitles : Chinese, English
DVD Audio : dts Dolby digital Surround 5.1
DVD Region/Format : Code 3, NTSC, 16:9
Release Date : 20-03-2003
Distributed by : Edko Video

zantarous

31-08-2004, 22:11

ethanol

31-08-2004, 23:04

The second one mate, the first one has a water mark logo appear when you chose English subs, plus the video and audio are not as good apparently. There is also a nice 3 disc Korean version floating around that comes with the OST and really nice packaging, but if all you want is the film the HK version is very good.

Cheers, ordered one!

Baz

02-09-2004, 17:32

zantarous

02-09-2004, 17:50

The 3 disc is actually a two DVDs and a CD in beautiful red packaging, it doesn't look as though it is available anymore, there is a thread somewhere with pictures but I can not find it. It is not the extended edition the is the current normal cut and has no water mark. I had a look on ebay to see if I could find some pics but the words Hero DVD brings up lots of stuff.

If it was still available that would be the version I would go for but the current HK 2 disc is still damn good, one of the most amazing DTS tracks there is.

ian turner

02-09-2004, 17:54

Where can you get the korean 3 Disk One? And is it the extended version and does it have english subs without the watermark?

Thanks in advance?

from Korea (http://www.koreandvds.com/dvddetail.html?id=17733) of course.
And no its not the extended version as thats the chinese release only and no its not going to have the FACE watermark because its the korean dvd and FACE are the chinese company responsible for the extended edition and yes its going to cost about £20 as its not a cheap chinese dvd

Oh and NO THE EXTRAS ON A KOREAN DVD DON'T HAVE SUBTITLES (though a few of the rather short interviews on the HK disc were in English)

zantarous

02-09-2004, 17:58

My bad I thought that the third disc was just the OST, man that is one beautiful looking set, if I didn't already have the 2 disc I would pounce on it.

CrazyHorse

03-09-2004, 00:54

CD Wow have the 2-disc R3 back in stock for £10.99, if it's any use to anyone.

silverpenguin7

05-09-2004, 17:09

I watched the trailer on apple.com and decided it looked pretty good. Ordered the 2 disc HK version from dddhouse a few days ago, recieved an email confirming it had been shipped the next day so be interedted to see how long it takes to arrive :)

Wolfman

06-09-2004, 19:50

Got my 3 disc set from Korea the other day.

Watched the film last night and it's superb. If you liked Crouching Tiger then you will enjoy this.

Been through some of the extra's on the other discs and it's a mixed bunch. Some are in their local language and some are in English. But for the quality of the set it was well worth the extra £££'s.

Ok it's not the extended cut but to be honest does the extra footage really add that much to the story?? I thought it was powerful enough as it was.

Baz

08-09-2004, 05:58

Got my disc from cd-wow yesterday and watched last night.

Wow!

staffyman

11-07-2005, 20:25

mr_woo

11-07-2005, 21:03

I don't know how much stock to put in this but the rather decent site Twitch is reporting here (http://www.twitchfilm.net/archives/002691.html) that Edko is putting out the a Directors Cut disc of 'Hero' this week... Very few details but it does have a link to the ordering page at Layoyo.

That could just be the chinese release of the 'Extended Edition' being officially released in Hong Kong. Hence not really the proper extended version at all as I believe it only had a few extra lines of dialogue and some different camera angles.

I would love to be proven wrong though.

Jimmyboy

11-07-2005, 21:17

That could just be the chinese release of the 'Extended Edition' being officially released in Hong Kong. Hence not really the proper extended version at all as I believe it only had a few extra lines of dialogue and some different camera angles.

I would love to be proven wrong though.
The Chinese release of the 'Extended Edition' has a lot more than that. There's about 12 minutes of added footage. It's still not completely uncut though coz I think there was about 20 - 25 minutes removed.

odd

11-07-2005, 21:54

i have read a few people's views on the extended cut and the consensus was that it doesnt really add anything of value to the film. even so i have still been waiting for an acceptable version of it so i can find out for myself. i hope this is a true 'directors cut' but even if it is just the extended cut from the chinese version i will still buy it.

staffyman

12-07-2005, 16:16

Asian DVD Guide (http://www.asiandvdguide.com/) list the forthcoming Edko disc as being 109 minutes long...

Aretak

13-07-2005, 06:07

The extended disc is now available to pre-order here (http://www.thedvdforums.com/jump.php?url=http://cd-wow.at/thedvdforums^QS^DURL=http%3A//www8.cd-wow.com/detail_results_2.php%3Fproduct_code%3D20301) at CD-WOW for £8.99. They also list the running time as 109 minutes.

bizdev

13-07-2005, 06:11

another one Hero (Extended Director's Cut) (Edko) at sensasian.com for USD$11.99

http://www.sensasian.com/view/product.cgi/EN/V9203-D

bradavon

18-07-2005, 21:45

Has anyone ordered this?

It's from Edko who usually produce very high quality DVDs. Let's face it it won't be worse than the Face Chinese release!

chinnie

19-07-2005, 05:45

I did, waiting to be delivered from them...

charlie angel

27-07-2005, 07:58

I received this yesterday - haven't watched it fully yet, but have skimmed bits & pieces; picture quality looks good to me (although I don't have a high end set up) & the DTS-ES soundtrack is lovely.

BiscLimpkit

27-07-2005, 17:23

Image comparison here:

http://www.dvdanswers.com/index.php?r=0&s=8&c=7867687

bruce-leroy

27-07-2005, 17:27

To those that have seen the DC/extended cut, do the additional scenes make a big difference to the film? Good or bad, or somewhere in between?

Ancius

27-07-2005, 17:38

Haven't seen it myself, yet, but most people are saying nothing major changes. You shouldn't expect it to change how you originally felt about the theatrical version. A little more fight, a little more characterization for ZZ, that's all. I'll pick it up to replace the Face version (still unwatched, due to the logos) but I'm don't expect a 'Rosebud !' or 'Luke, I am your father' moment restored.

And remember, there's at least another roughly ten minutes waiting still to be restored from the original reported 119 minute version. This only gets us half way there, assuming that the current additional footage is part of the original 20 minutes excised at the studio's behest.

bradavon

27-07-2005, 19:51

And remember, there's at least another roughly ten minutes waiting still to be restored from the original reported 119 minute version. This only gets us half way there, assuming that the current additional footage is part of the original 20 minutes excised at the studio's behest.
I doubt we'll ever see that footage if it exists at all. I only ever read what essentially were rumours.

the thing with no name

29-07-2005, 09:54

i got mine today from wow, will try and have a look at the weekend - been a while since i have seen the normal version though! :thumbs:

Jimmyboy

09-08-2005, 00:57

Anyone had a chance to watch it yet?

the thing with no name

09-08-2005, 09:24

sorry, no :(

only seen 1 film since i posted earlier, i've been too busy!

I've got two weeks hols at home coming up next week, so will put it on then :thumbs:

Jimmyboy

21-08-2005, 00:08

Just wanna know what the transfer is like.

odd

21-08-2005, 08:17

looking at dvdbeaver screengrabs (unfortunately they only directly compare this with the crap chinese release, not the international cut releases) it looks very similar to the quality of the hk 2 disc.

http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDCompare11/hero_extended_cut.htm

http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDCompare9/hero.htm

Nereid

14-09-2005, 04:39

Just wanna know what the transfer is like.

DVD Answers (http://www.dvdanswers.com) has an article comparing the Guang Dong Face release with the recent EDKO release, complete with screen grabs from both. See it here. (http://www.dvdanswers.com/index.php?r=0&s=8&c=7867687&n=3&burl=r%3D0%26s%3D1%26n%3D3)

8-]

14-09-2005, 05:50

I finally watched the director's cut (from CD-WOW) and it was very good. Well worth the money and the DTS sounds great!!! Image quality also very good. Watched on a 50" plasma.

tupo

17-09-2005, 11:19

Any plans of this directors cut coming to region 2 yet with extras etc in english??

I am absolutely dying to see this film but with the directors cut only just recently coming out I Just know there will be a "super dupa" bells and whistles version just around the corner. AKA Sin City !!!!

Im so pleased I did not order the 1 disc version!!!

So anyway... Any news people of a 2 discer here???

ian turner

17-09-2005, 12:53

tupo

18-09-2005, 14:40

Sin City is in English and doesn't require the viewer to read subtitles so a broader market. Depends on whether anyone thinks theres a market for it or thinks perhaps the market will have bought the HK version anyways.
The only oriental film that seems to have got the multiple versions and gimmicks treatment seems to have been Battle Royale and to a lesser extent ichi the killer which are cult action flicks whereas Hero is more of an historical epic

????!!!!!! :shrug: Ian, I dont understand where you are going there! :?:

Anyone else care to answer my question????

There is already a region 2 UK version available Ian. Any news of a 2 disc version similar to the HK 2 disc version with english subs? and a second disc full of extras. Obviously using the directors cut.

The 2 disc UK version of house of flying daggers is quite simply superb. And there definately is a market for it. Look at all the 2 disc Tartan releases.

Oldboy springs to mind! :thumbs:

Jimmyboy

18-09-2005, 15:10

tupo - It's almost certainly not going to happen mate. It took long enough just to get HK to release this cut. Tartan are a specialist in Asian and world cinema, if they had the rights to Hero I'd probably say there was a chance it would get an R2 extended cut release but unfortunately Miraxe owns the rights to this and they've shown in the past that they have little to no respect for maintaining the integrity of world cinema. At best it may get a Korean R3 release but even that's a long shot and will cost more money than the HK release. I'm afraid the HK R3 is probably the best you'll ever see of this movie.

tupo

18-09-2005, 18:20

Thanks four your very helpful advice. :clap:

Think Im gonna put an order in very shortly. :thumbs:

This film looks absolutely stunning.

Im getting very into world cinema now. Must get round to ordering downfall too. The missus is German so she can watch it properly, and Ill watch the subs :thinking: