John Woo's "A Better Tomorrow" - how many versions?
Lieh Wang
I'm thinking of buying the above movie, but I'm not sure if there are
different versions of the movie, and if so which one is the best one to get??
How much does it cost and where might I be able to order it cheap?
Also, is Criterion planning to release it given that they've already released
"The Killer" and "Hard Boiled"? Speaking of these 2, are the Criterion
versions of both these movies worth the extra dough?
Thanks in advance,
D May Jr
SIGHT& SOUND, or better yet, BLUE LASER (a company that deals in HK
laserdisc imports only-I've had incredible luck and great service from
them). I can get you info on BLUE LASER (it's around 7am and I don't have
the info in front of me), so E-Mail me if you are interested.
It is widescreen, sub-titled and, as far as I can tell, completely intact.
There is an American tape of A BETTER TOMORROW available from Republic.
Laser fans will be upset to know that Republic has no immediate plans of
releasing an LD version of this great movie because the only master they
were given was a non-LTBX one, and no good prints of the film could be
immediately found. I'm sure one is available, but Republic just doesn't
want to go to the extra expense of getting a new print and remastering a
laserdisc that would only sell about 3000 pieces.
If all else fails, I can always get you a copy of it from my laserdisc or
something.
Don
Andrew Florendo
writes:
Assuming
>it is still in-print, you can order it from any good import LD store
>(I suggest SIGHT & SOUND). This version is properly letterboxed at
>an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and has English as well as Chinese (or maybe
>Japanese, not sure) subtitles. The sound is recorded in digital mono
>with one side devoted to the two different Chinese dialects. However,
>this version was edited by roughly 15 minutes so that it would fit on
>a single LaserDisc. I have seen the full (or at least a longer cut)
>at a theater as a midnight showing and I must say that any type of
>editing is bad, but it doesn't really ruin the film (although there
>is one really bad edit toward the end even though you really don't
>miss anything essential). To the best of my knowlege, this is the
>only version ever released on LaserDisc. I have heard that you can
>get the full version on VHS video but that it is very hard to find
>(I wouldn't even know where to look for an original VHS tape) and
>that the tape is in Chinese without subtitles. John Woo has said that
>BULLET IN THE HEAD is his favorite movie of his movies. I have read
>somewhere that he has been trying to get Criterion to release it in
the
>USA on LaserDisc but I haven't heard anything about Criterion actually
>doing it or even being interested in this title. The HK LD cost me
>about $110.00 but that was about 3 years ago.
>
>- John Coleman
> jcol...@telerama.lm.com
>
>P.S.
>You can call SIGHT & SOUND at (617)894-8633
>
>SIGHT & SOUND
>27 JONES ROAD
>WALTHAM, MA 02154
>USA
>
>--
>
I believe the question was in regards to "A Better Tomorrow." Anyways,
there are presently three versions out. One is the Honk Kong original
with Chinese dialect/English subtitles. The second is a Japanese
Import with Chinese dialect/Japanese subtitles. The third is an
English dub which basically ruins the entire feel for the movie. All
are on laserdisc. The English version, if you're interested, is
available from FACETS Video (I don't remember their 800 number, but
dial 1-800-555-1212 for information). They are selling it for $34.95,
if you can put up with the poor quality. The other two are more
difficult to get. I, myself, have ordered the original Hong Kong
version, and have been waiting for over half a year for it. I think
it's out of print, but still available in limited supply. It's one disc
selling for about $100. This would be the version I'd get, unless....
Criterion has expressed their interest in John Woo's films (and Tsui
Hark's I might add), but have been unable to secure the rights to any
of his old films. They are hoping to bring "A Better Tomorrow" and "A
Bullet in the Head" into their famed Criterion Collection just as soon
as they are able to. In the long run, it's probably better to wait it
out and see what Criterion can do. They've already done a great job
with "The Killer" and "Hard Boiled," which I might add were worth the
money (for CAV) versus the Hong Kong 2-discs sets (CLV).
BTW, if anyone has a Hong Kong version of "A Better Tomorrow" for sale,
I just might be interested. Please E-mail me with your comments.
Thanks and peace!!!
John Coleman
James Carretta
: Hi all,
: I'm thinking of buying the above movie, but I'm not sure if there are
: different versions of the movie, and if so which one is the best one to get??
: How much does it cost and where might I be able to order it cheap?
: Also, is Criterion planning to release it given that they've already released
: "The Killer" and "Hard Boiled"? Speaking of these 2, are the Criterion
: versions of both these movies worth the extra dough?
Yes. I have them both, and they are worth every penny.
: Thanks in advance,
: Lieh
: lpw...@inforamp.net
VLim
that there weren't any plans in the near future for releasing anything
from John Woo but this doesn't mean they won't. I've been trying to get
the whole triology of "A Better Tomorrow". Also, does anyone know how to
get in touch with "Golden Cinema City" in Hong Kong? They were the ones
who put out the three laserdiscs. I was thinking of trying them.
-Vic.
Mitch Gurowitz
Wang) wrote:
> Also, is Criterion planning to release it given that they've already released
> "The Killer" and "Hard Boiled"? Speaking of these 2, are the Criterion
> versions of both these movies worth the extra dough?
I hear that ABT is the next in line with Bullet in the head as the next
afterwards. I have both the above and found them to be worth the cash.
--
Mitch Gurowitz
guro...@ifu.net
mitc...@aol.com
Baard Overgaard Aakvaag
>In <3sqsn6$f...@india.lm.com> jcol...@telerama.lm.com (John Coleman)
>writes:
>>
>>> Hi all,
>>
>>> I'm thinking of buying the above movie, but I'm not sure if there
>are
>>> different versions of the movie, and if so which one is the best one
>to get??
>>> How much does it cost and where might I be able to order it cheap?
>>
>released
>>> "The Killer" and "Hard Boiled"? Speaking of these 2, are the
>Criterion
>>> versions of both these movies worth the extra dough?
>>
>there are presently three versions out. One is the Honk Kong original
>with Chinese dialect/English subtitles. The second is a Japanese
>Import with Chinese dialect/Japanese subtitles. The third is an
>English dub which basically ruins the entire feel for the movie. All
>are on laserdisc. The English version, if you're interested, is
>available from FACETS Video (I don't remember their 800 number, but
>dial 1-800-555-1212 for information). They are selling it for $34.95,
>if you can put up with the poor quality. The other two are more
>difficult to get. I, myself, have ordered the original Hong Kong
>version, and have been waiting for over half a year for it. I think
>it's out of print, but still available in limited supply. It's one disc
>selling for about $100. This would be the version I'd get, unless....
>
>Criterion has expressed their interest in John Woo's films (and Tsui
>Hark's I might add), but have been unable to secure the rights to any
>of his old films. They are hoping to bring "A Better Tomorrow" and "A
>Bullet in the Head" into their famed Criterion Collection just as soon
>as they are able to. In the long run, it's probably better to wait it
>out and see what Criterion can do. They've already done a great job
>with "The Killer" and "Hard Boiled," which I might add were worth the
>money (for CAV) versus the Hong Kong 2-discs sets (CLV).
>
>BTW, if anyone has a Hong Kong version of "A Better Tomorrow" for sale,
>I just might be interested. Please E-mail me with your comments.
>Thanks and peace!!!
>
>
There is another version of "A Better Tomorrow". If your laserdisc player
can handle PAL Laserdiscs, then you should buy their version. The disc
includes additional material, the Hong Kong Trailer, interviews with John
Woo, Chow Yun Fat and Ti Leung. You also get a booklet. The dialogue is
chinese dialect with english subtitles.
Baard
Graham Lang
> it is still in-print, you can order it from any good import LD store
> (I suggest SIGHT & SOUND). This version is properly letterboxed at
> an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and has English as well as Chinese (or maybe
> Japanese, not sure) subtitles. The sound is recorded in digital mono
> with one side devoted to the two different Chinese dialects. However,
> this version was edited by roughly 15 minutes so that it would fit on
> a single LaserDisc. I have seen the full (or at least a longer cut)
> at a theater as a midnight showing and I must say that any type of
> editing is bad, but it doesn't really ruin the film (although there
> is one really bad edit toward the end even though you really don't
> miss anything essential). To the best of my knowlege, this is the
> only version ever released on LaserDisc. I have heard that you can
> get the full version on VHS video but that it is very hard to find
> (I wouldn't even know where to look for an original VHS tape) and
> that the tape is in Chinese without subtitles. John Woo has said that
> BULLET IN THE HEAD is his favorite movie of his movies. I have read
> somewhere that he has been trying to get Criterion to release it in the
> USA on LaserDisc but I haven't heard anything about Criterion actually
> doing it or even being interested in this title. The HK LD cost me
> about $110.00 but that was about 3 years ago.
I have an original Hong Kong (PAL) VHS tape of Bullet in the head and it
has english sub-titles, although it is full-screen not letterboxed. I
think it was shot at about 1.85:1 so you don't really lose much to the
pan/scan process, though of course I'd prefer a widescreen version.
You're right about no other version existing on disc, and since the Hong
Kong disc is cut (shortened) it would be a great title for Criterion to
release. I agree that it is John Woo's best film, so I was kind of
surprised when Criterion announced Hard Boiled as the follow up to The
Killer, though I suppose it was probably a more popular choice and
possibly easier to find a decent print of.
A Better Tomorrow is available widescreen/sub-titled with extras
(interviews, booklet etc) on PAL laserdisc though the quality is little
better than the PAL VHS tape.
Graham.
Scott Hartin
>(I suggest SIGHT & SOUND). This version is properly letterboxed at
Dont get it thru Sight and Sound, as Itll take ages, and they
overcharge. You can get it straight from Tai Seng or a few other places
for $90 to $95.
>Japanese, not sure) subtitles. The sound is recorded in digital mono
The subtitles are english and chinese. The dialect can be selected
Mandarin or Cantonese.
>only version ever released on LaserDisc. I have heard that you can
>get the full version on VHS video but that it is very hard to find
>(I wouldn't even know where to look for an original VHS tape) and
>that the tape is in Chinese without subtitles. John Woo has said that
The mandarin tape is uncut, and has english and chinese subtitles as
well. Your local chinese video store may have it, tho they consider a
movie more than 2 years old as out-dated :)
Also, it was just released in South Africa on VHS, uncut, and in english.
Scott
Scott Hartin
>Hi all,
>I'm thinking of buying the above movie, but I'm not sure if there are
>different versions of the movie, and if so which one is the best one to get??
>How much does it cost and where might I be able to order it cheap?
Find it used, itll be about $50 for an HK disc. If you want a new one,
good luck, as its an old Woo movie thats PROBABLY out of print. IF you
do find a new one, itll be $90 or so.
>Also, is Criterion planning to release it given that they've already released
>"The Killer" and "Hard Boiled"? Speaking of these 2, are the Criterion
>versions of both these movies worth the extra dough?
Both are worth the cash. The Japanese HB disc looks better, but no
american subs. As far as I know, Criterion isnt doing ABT, but may do
Bullet in the Head.
Scott
Matthew
>very hard to find (I wouldn't even know where to look for an original VHS
>tape) and that the tape is in Chinese without subtitles.
I have the disc and tape, the tape should be found at any Chinese video
store, it does have subtitles, every tape version I have seen has subtitles. I
would still rather watch the disc as it is letterboxed, but very badly edited.
Matthew
>SIGHT& SOUND, or better yet, BLUE LASER (a company that deals in HK
>laserdisc imports only-I've had incredible luck and great service from
>them). I can get you info on BLUE LASER (it's around 7am and I don't
I have their latest update, A BETTER TOMMOROW is not on the list. Here
is the info:
BLUE LASER
54 HAZARD AVENUE
SUITE 105
ENFIELD, CT 06082
I find the prices they offer a bit high, but they have a great list check it out.
Matt.
Ian Parkin
: do find a new one, itll be $90 or so.
Just got back from a week in HK. I visited quite a few LD shops and not once
did I see a new copy of ABT, so I suspect it is long out of print. I asked
about 2nd hand copies and they appear to be as rare as a snowflake in hell
and when they do appear they command big $$.
I managed to get a brand new copy direct from HK about a year ago, so I guess
the stocks have just dried up.
IAP