Any Chinese movies in any of the two HD formats?

[Sgt_Strider]

Have any of the Chinese movie studios especially the ones in HK released any of their movies in either Blu-Ray or HD-DVD yet?

[hightechfan]

Have any of the Chinese movie studios especially the ones in HK released any of their movies in either Blu-Ray or HD-DVD yet?

Not any time soon.

[sfu_lifer]

Does the Crouching Tiger/Hidden Dragon and Kung Fu Hustle count?
I saw those at Best Buy :D

[Raxel]

Have any of the Chinese movie studios especially the ones in HK released any of their movies in either Blu-Ray or HD-DVD yet?


http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B000K2UW1A.01._AA240_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

[tinlunlau]

expect "curse of the golden flower" to come out on blu-ray sometime next week.
but any blu-ray or HD-DVD directly from hong kong? don't expect that to pop up anytime soon.

it's pitiful since people still buy into that vcd crap and some have just finally jumped to the DVD bandwagon.

[PCDawg]

Even Hong Kong cant take advantage of the HD tvs over there. None of the tv stations broadcast in HD as of yet.

[Sgt_Strider]

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B000K2UW1A.01._AA240_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

I meant releases in the Asian region and not Asian movies released in Region 1 (North America).

[Sgt_Strider]

expect "curse of the golden flower" to come out on blu-ray sometime next week.
but any blu-ray or HD-DVD directly from hong kong? don't expect that to pop up anytime soon.

it's pitiful since people still buy into that vcd crap and some have just finally jumped to the DVD bandwagon.

Thanks for the information. I'm still surprised that some recent content still appear in VCDs. I thought that format was dead as soon as DVD was released.

[jeffyjaixx]

Unfortunately not yet >:(

[tinlunlau]

try ur luck with japanese releases.
alot of asian movies have come out to HD-DVD in japan. however, most of them have no subtitles.

[badkarma]

I meant releases in the Asian region and not Asian movies released in Region 1 (North America).

Most have such poor production quality it'd just look worse in an HD format. The higher quality production releases have generally been released in R1. Keep in mind that HD-DVD is region free and Blu-ray has region encoding unfortunately.

[teknoluv]

Reminds me of an audio shop salesperson who used Eagles Live (1980) to test their hi-fi.

[tinlunlau]

Most have such poor production quality it'd just look worse in an HD format. The higher quality production releases have generally been released in R1. Keep in mind that HD-DVD is region free and Blu-ray has region encoding unfortunately.

you do realize that Fortune Star has been remastering alot of old hong kong movies lately, have you? and most of them look really nice on dvd. i work for Joy Sales who are currently the official licensors of Fortune Star's dvd collection and i've seen some of their remasters. and i've seen their remastered dvd's. they look so crisp and vivid that you'd start to think it's a recent movie. i haven't seen much of their work either but Shaw Brothers movies got really nice dvd treatment. i think they are professional enough to maintain a good remastering classics.

there isn't much u can say about the new and recent movies as most of them look nice enough on DVD. i know for a fact that Joy Sales even went through the lengths of going all the way to Japan for a good mastering of Jackie Chan's Rob-B-Hood.

[badkarma]

you do realize that Fortune Star has been remastering alot of old hong kong movies lately, have you? and most of them look really nice on dvd. i work for Joy Sales who are currently the official licensors of Fortune Star's dvd collection and i've seen some of their remasters. and i've seen their remastered dvd's. they look so crisp and vivid that you'd start to think it's a recent movie. i haven't seen much of their work either but Shaw Brothers movies got really nice dvd treatment. i think they are professional enough to maintain a good remastering classics.

there isn't much u can say about the new and recent movies as most of them look nice enough on DVD. i know for a fact that Joy Sales even went through the lengths of going all the way to Japan for a good mastering of Jackie Chan's Rob-B-Hood.

No I can't say I have seen any Fortune Star remasters. But it's great to hear that the HK films are raising their transfer quality. Although, looking "nice enough" on DVD won't cut it at HD-DVD/Blu-ray level. What concerns me is the quality of the master print. Look what happened with 5th Element on Blu-ray.

[Jon Lai]

They still release new movies on VCD, what makes you think they'll move on to high definition DVDs?

[tinlunlau]

No I can't say I have seen any Fortune Star remasters. But it's great to hear that the HK films are raising their transfer quality. Although, looking "nice enough" on DVD won't cut it at HD-DVD/Blu-ray level. What concerns me is the quality of the master print. Look what happened with 5th Element on Blu-ray.

http://adg.invisionzone.com/index.php?showtopic=1033&st=740

here are screen shots from the remastered "Wheels on Meals" dvd from Fortune Star and Joy Sales. they look THAT good. although some of their remasters don't seem to include the original theatrical mono track. listening to these 5.1 remixes can get grating on my ears if done improperly.

[teknoluv]

With relatively "peanuts" production budget, I wouldn't even bother with Chinese movies being re-released in HD (except perhaps a few Zhang Yimou or Chen Kaige's expensive garbage like House of Flying Daggers and Wuji). And I heard that VCD is still a very popular format in China.

[crimsona]

Thanks for the information. I'm still surprised that some recent content still appear in VCDs. I thought that format was dead as soon as DVD was released.

New releases on VCD cost $39 (or 49?) HKD
New releases on DVD cost over $100 HKD

Mostly economics, really

[Jon Lai]

With relatively "peanuts" production budget, I wouldn't even bother with Chinese movies being re-released in HD (except perhaps a few Zhang Yimou or Chen Kaige's expensive garbage like House of Flying Daggers and Wuji). And I heard that VCD is still a very popular format in China.

Garbage?

Stop putting your negative opinions into posts.

New releases on VCD cost $39 (or 49?) HKD
New releases on DVD cost over $100 HKD

Mostly economics, really

Or in CDN, about $7-8CAD for VCDs, and $15-16CDN for DVDs. The choice is obvious.

[teknoluv]

Garbage?

Stop putting your negative opinions into posts.
Give me a break! I was (yes, was) a HUGE fan of Chen Kaige and Zhang Yimou from more than 20 years ago (before there were DVD), so please don't even *think* about arguing with me.

[MasterXan]

i still remembered back when DVDs started to become mainstream in NA and in HK, they only had crappy ol' VCDs. lol. it's gonna be a long time before they switch to the HD formats but I just don't see any of their movies looking great or sounding great in HD besides the Zhang Yimou movies.

[felix]

yeah, but back when they had VCD, we had only laserdiscs. :)

I guess they're waiting for a standard in high definition (I'm certainly not buying any Blu-Ray or HD-DVD until they make up their minds).

[Hybrid88]

Time to revive this thread. I'm wondering if HK movies and or music concerts started with Blu-Ray or HD releases?

Searched YesAsia and there isn't any.

Can you guys direct me to some good sites for foreign/asian Blu-Ray releases?

Thanks.

[jeffyjaixx]

I've seen Infernal Affairs on blu-ray on ebay but they're like $40 US shipped. :mad:

[tinlunlau]

So far, Infernal Affairs is the only movie on blu-ray released by a Hong Kong studio. Deltamac has hinted plans to release "Protege" and "Flashpoint" to blu-ray very soon. They have not announced any release dates yet.

[PCDawg]

I've seen Infernal Affairs on blu-ray on ebay but they're like $40 US shipped. :mad:

http://sensasian.com/product.php/en/V15323-B/Infernal_Affairs_%5BBlu-ray%5D

[Sgt_Strider]

So far, Infernal Affairs is the only movie on blu-ray released by a Hong Kong studio. Deltamac has hinted plans to release "Protege" and "Flashpoint" to blu-ray very soon. They have not announced any release dates yet.

Is this the real version though? I thought the IA series were distributed by a different company?

[tinlunlau]

Is this the real version though? I thought the IA series were distributed by a different company?

Megastar (a subsidiary company to Media Asia) owns the rights to the Infernal Affairs. The blu-ray edition was released by Megastar.

[Hybrid88]

Where is the best place to pick this up?

Megastar (a subsidiary company to Media Asia) owns the rights to the Infernal Affairs. The blu-ray edition was released by Megastar.

[tinlunlau]

Where is the best place to pick this up?

I don't see any stores in Toronto selling the blu-ray edition.
Best thing to do is to ask the store clerks at P. Mall to get it for you. They'll also require you to pay a deposit. I had to do that for the deluxe special edition of "Tekkon Kinkreet" and it worked out just fine.

[PCDawg]

I don't see any stores in Toronto selling the blu-ray edition.
Best thing to do is to ask the store clerks at P. Mall to get it for you. They'll also require you to pay a deposit. I had to do that for the deluxe special edition of "Tekkon Kinkreet" and it worked out just fine.

Which store can pre-order or get them in? I guess there's a premium in special orders.

I just posted a link that sells it for about $27US for the BD infernal affairs. That online shop is pretty good.

[tinlunlau]

Which store can pre-order or get them in? I guess there's a premium in special orders.

I just posted a link that sells it for about $27US for the BD infernal affairs. That online shop is pretty good.

Broadcast Books.
It's the only store that sells legit DVD's directly from Hong Kong. Try asking them about it.

[tinlunlau]

found specs for Flashpoint coming soon to blu-ray disc.

Flash Point

November 8th, 2007

- 1080p
- Cantonese: PCM 7.1, DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1, Dolby Digital EX, DTS ES
- Mandarin: Dolby Digital EX

- Shooting Diary
- Deleted Scenes
- Making of
- Ultimate Fighters
- Theatrical Trailer
- Teaser Trailer
- TV Spots

[PCDawg]

Wow... Flash point even offers DTS-HD audio.

[tinlunlau]

I'm in Hong Kong right now.
I see that "Infernal Affairs" and "Flashpoint" bluray editions are on sale.
Infernal affairs (bluray) is a pretty good deal for about $198 HKD.

Flashpoint (blu-ray) on sale for $25 (canadian).
if anyone wants it, drop me a PM and i'll buy it for you. i'll sell by original price and make no profit in any of this. sammi cheng's concert is also said to be coming out later this month.

also take note that i will not return to toronto until dec 25th.

[MasterXan]

hope flash point is going to look good

[PCDawg]

I'm in Hong Kong right now.
I see that "Infernal Affairs" and "Flashpoint" bluray editions are on sale.
Infernal affairs (bluray) is a pretty good deal for about $198 HKD.

Flashpoint (blu-ray) on sale for $25 (canadian).
if anyone wants it, drop me a PM and i'll buy it for you. i'll sell by original price and make no profit in any of this. sammi cheng's concert is also said to be coming out later this month.

also take note that i will not return to toronto until dec 25th.

Talk about true RFD LOL IN HK where even the deals posted here wont benefit you at all.

PM sent your way

[tinlunlau]

hope flash point is going to look good

i heard the bluray looks good. PCM or whatever they say it is...
i'm hoping i can find a spot to sample the bluray version. i know some stores do it. i've read about it

[MasterXan]

Flash Point Blu-ray review up on Highdefdigest

http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/1286/flashpoint_hk.html

They gave 4/5 for the video

From the looks of it, I would have sworn that 'Flash Point' was shot on HD video, but the technical specs point to it being a Super35 production, and the behind-the-scenes clips during the end credits flub reel clearly show film canisters attached to the cameras. I only bring this up because the 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer (presented in the film's original 2.35:1 aspect ratio) has a remarkable sharpness, clarity, and almost limitless depth of field in every shot usually associated with a High Definition video production. There's also very little grain or other typical filmic attributes. Whatever the case may be, the movie looks great on Blu-ray. The picture is razor sharp with a terrific amount of detail and stunningly vibrant colors. Black levels are rich and inky, and the image has a great sense of three-dimensional depth.

A couple of little problems do creep in from time to time, however. When there is grain (which is rare), the disc exhibits some compression or possibly noise reduction artifacts involving the grain patterns freezing in place in the background of a shot. This stands out in the skyline during the beach scene early in the movie, and at a few other points. Some minor edginess and ringing also intrude at various times during the film, and bright whites are occasionally clipped. Even so, the disc's picture quality is quite impressive for the most part.


and 4/5 for the audio

The movie's original Cantonese language soundtrack is offered in uncompressed PCM 7.1, lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1, or standard Dolby Digital-EX 6.1 formats. Since my current Blu-ray player can't decode the full Master Audio lossless extension, I chose the PCM track for my first run-through, but quickly noticed that something didn't seem right about it. The PCM option has punishingly deep bass that runs way too hot and is set much louder than the rest of the soundtrack. At the same time, surround usage is surprisingly muted for a movie of this type, and the rest of the mix sounds merely OK.

For a comparison, I switched to the DTS option (note that my player will only extract the standard DTS "core") and immediately found an improvement, even after compensating for the fact that it's set louder by default. The bass, though still throbbing and intense, is tighter and better balanced in the mix. Surround usage is more defined and immersive, and the mid range of the mix is also brought to life with more breadth and clarity.

Setting aside the technical differences between the audio formats, in this case it seems that the PCM and DTS tracks may be mastered from different sound mixes, with the DTS track "sweetened" in a number of subtle but distinct ways. DTS has a strong presence in Asian film production, so something like that wouldn't surprise me. Whatever the reason, on this disc even the lossy DTS core sounded better to my ears than the uncompressed PCM alternative.

A Mandarin dub is also available in Dolby Digital-EX 6.1. Subtitles are provided in English, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese. The English subtitles are placed entirely in the lower letterbox bar (which is problematic for those viewers using 2.35:1 projection screens). Unfortunately, the English translation is just terrible. The text is filled with typos and grammatical errors, and reads very awkwardly. Typical examples include: "Why he always had to fight? Even though I know you're good at it" and "Our lifes are on the line. This uniform is not for looks only." As if the plot of the movie weren't murky enough, the subtitles make it very difficult to follow the storyline.



looks like i'll be picking this up when i get a dual format player, preferrably the new Samsung BD-UP5000.

[Deals Deals Deals]

I bought the Sammi Show Mi Concert Blu-ray, and the picture quality is excellent. Definitely worth the extra money for Blu-ray version.

[tinlunlau]

Universe has confirmed that "Invisible Targets" is coming to blu-ray on Christmas.

Tai Seng also reported that they are releasing "Initial D" to blu-ray and "Dragon Tiger Gate" to hd-dvd.

[The Digital Dolphin]

There are a couple of great B-Grade Chinese kung-fu and horror movies coming out early next year on Blu-Ray, I think they're going to be ~$20 USD, with 2 movies per release. Pretty good deal if you ask me. I think they're from Starz.

[PCDawg]

There are a couple of great B-Grade Chinese kung-fu and horror movies coming out early next year on Blu-Ray, I think they're going to be ~$20 USD, with 2 movies per release. Pretty good deal if you ask me. I think they're from Starz.

Any info as to what titles are being released??

Infernal affairs in BD was amazing.

Hardboiled was a big dissapointment since the movie can only be accessed from starting the game Stranglehold. There is also very limited functions with the player. You cant even search by chapters.

Cant wait to get my copy of flashpoint. :D

[tinlunlau]

Kung Fu Hustle looks really good on blu-ray too.
Too bad the Hong Kong version of the blu-ray release is the censored American version. You'll have to get it from Korea for the good blu-ray release.

[jeffyjaixx]

I bought the Sammi Show Mi Concert Blu-ray, and the picture quality is excellent. Definitely worth the extra money for Blu-ray version.

P-mall? How much was it?

[The Digital Dolphin]

Any info as to what titles are being released??

Infernal affairs in BD was amazing.

Hardboiled was a big dissapointment since the movie can only be accessed from starting the game Stranglehold. There is also very limited functions with the player. You cant even search by chapters.

Cant wait to get my copy of flashpoint. :D

Found some info on the movies I was thinking of:

Release date: January 08, 2008
Killing Machine/Shogun's Ninja (BCI)
Night of the Werewolf/Vengeance of the Zombies (BCI)
Sister Street Fighter/Sister Street Fighter 2 (BCI)

Each one is a double feature :)

[PCDawg]

Thanks DD.

Tai Seng seems to be 'testing' waters on both formats by releasing Initial D in BD only and Dragon Tiger gate in HD-DVD only.

I wonder if SPL (Sha PO Lang) will be released in HD. That movie will sell well as I would say its similar to Flashpoint and the soon to be released Tiger Dragon Gate and is the better film.

What better than to see DOnnie and Sammo fight in high def?? :D

[kleptodathief]

r these similar movies to that tiger dragon gate? man that was awesome movie...will it have english subtitles?

[Deals Deals Deals]

P-mall? How much was it?

I'm from Vancouver.:) It was around $45.

[teknoluv]

What better than to see DOnnie and Sammo fight in high def?? :D
Onimusha 3 intro, in HD.

[Hybrid88]

Another bump to this thread. Anything worth looking out for?!

Oh and many thanks to tinlunlau who hooked me up with a blu-ray from HK. Thanks again.

[PCDawg]

Some movies that have been announced from Mega Star. Was really hoping for SPL and crouching Tiger, hidden dragon but at least exiled and some old classics are being redone.

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/2781/megastarbluray2008dq9.jpg

[tinlunlau]

Some movies that have been announced from Mega Star. Was really hoping for SPL and crouching Tiger, hidden dragon but at least exiled and some old classics are being redone.


SPL is property of Deltamac in Hong Kong & The Weinstein Company's Dragon Dynasty label in the US. There is no word on DD going high def yet. "Crouching Tiger" is Sony property (if anything, it'd be ERA who's releasing this on blu-ray.).

[tinlunlau]

Another bump to this thread. Anything worth looking out for?!

Oh and many thanks to tinlunlau who hooked me up with a blu-ray from HK. Thanks again.

no problem! what did i hook you up with again? i forgot. flashpoint, wasn't it?
you can get Stephen Chow's CJ7 now. but i heard it is barebones with the movie only. it is still miles ahead of that lame single-layered dvd that is out in stores now.

[Sgt_Strider]

Some movies that have been announced from Mega Star. Was really hoping for SPL and crouching Tiger, hidden dragon but at least exiled and some old classics are being redone.

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/2781/megastarbluray2008dq9.jpg

Do you have the specs for those movies? I would love to buy the IA Trilogy in Blu-Ray format.

[Hybrid88]

I got Sammi .. decent video and production. Looking forward to future BR releases. Hrm.. infernal affairs.. I got 1.. do I really need 2 and 3.. hrm...

no problem! what did i hook you up with again? i forgot. flashpoint, wasn't it?
you can get Stephen Chow's CJ7 now. but i heard it is barebones with the movie only. it is still miles ahead of that lame single-layered dvd that is out in stores now.

[tinlunlau]

I got Sammi .. decent video and production. Looking forward to future BR releases. Hrm.. infernal affairs.. I got 1.. do I really need 2 and 3.. hrm...


Infernal Affairs 2 was good.
Infernal Affairs 3 was flawed but viewable. IA3 is definitely the weakest of the 3. I remember checking out the Sammi concert while it was playing at the stores in Hong Kong. Her eyebrows look horrific in high definition.

[Sgt_Strider]

Infernal Affairs 2 was good.
Infernal Affairs 3 was flawed but viewable. IA3 is definitely the weakest of the 3. I remember checking out the Sammi concert while it was playing at the stores in Hong Kong. Her eyebrows look horrific in high definition.

Whatever, the movies are still worth buying. I absolutely love the trilogy. I'll be in HK next week and I'm wondering if the trilogy is available in HK yet? Would it be cheaper for me to buy my movies there instead of here? If I'm only saving a couple of dollars then I'm going to just wait until I get back to Vancouver to buy it.

[MSZsama]

Whatever, the movies are still worth buying. I absolutely love the trilogy. I'll be in HK next week and I'm wondering if the trilogy is available in HK yet? Would it be cheaper for me to buy my movies there instead of here? If I'm only saving a couple of dollars then I'm going to just wait until I get back to Vancouver to buy it.

The IA BD trilogy box will be out on May 27th.

http://www.dddhouse.com/v3/product_details.php?ProductID=8509&LanguageID=0

[tinlunlau]

Whatever, the movies are still worth buying. I absolutely love the trilogy. I'll be in HK next week and I'm wondering if the trilogy is available in HK yet? Would it be cheaper for me to buy my movies there instead of here? If I'm only saving a couple of dollars then I'm going to just wait until I get back to Vancouver to buy it.

I've noticed that Megastar's blu-ray releases are considerably cheaper than all the other blu-ray discs available in Hong Kong. So I'd say it is best to get Megastar's bluray discs as much as you can while you're staying in Hong Kong. I think it's rather odd how they chose to release IA3 before IA2 on bluray.

[Sgt_Strider]

Do anyone of you guys know if House of Flying Daggers will be re-released in the future? I want the uncut edition.

[Sgt_Strider]

I've noticed that Megastar's blu-ray releases are considerably cheaper than all the other blu-ray discs available in Hong Kong. So I'd say it is best to get Megastar's bluray discs as much as you can while you're staying in Hong Kong. I think it's rather odd how they chose to release IA3 before IA2 on bluray.

Do you know how much it'll cost to buy the trilogy in HMV HK? As long as it's a bit cheaper than dddhouse then I'm ready to pull the trigger there. I'll be in HK until June 2nd and then I'm entering the mainland.

[Haz]

Whatever, the movies are still worth buying. I absolutely love the trilogy. I'll be in HK next week and I'm wondering if the trilogy is available in HK yet? Would it be cheaper for me to buy my movies there instead of here? If I'm only saving a couple of dollars then I'm going to just wait until I get back to Vancouver to buy it.I say get them in HK. Are there any place in Vancouver to even get legit HK movies besides MAL since MX2 is now gone?

[Deals Deals Deals]

Do you know how much it'll cost to buy the trilogy in HMV HK? As long as it's a bit cheaper than dddhouse then I'm ready to pull the trigger there. I'll be in HK until June 2nd and then I'm entering the mainland.

It's HK$735 on HMV website. Which is about $93 Canadian dollars. Too expensive in my opinion.

[Sgt_Strider]

I say get them in HK. Are there any place in Vancouver to even get legit HK movies besides MAL since MX2 is now gone?

I usually get my Asian content from yesasia.com.

[Sgt_Strider]

It's HK$735 on HMV website. Which is about $93 Canadian dollars. Too expensive in my opinion.

Guess I'm better off ordering from Yesasia then?

[tinlunlau]

Do you know how much it'll cost to buy the trilogy in HMV HK? As long as it's a bit cheaper than dddhouse then I'm ready to pull the trigger there. I'll be in HK until June 2nd and then I'm entering the mainland.

I think this applies to the rest of the world but avoid HMV unless it's out of print or hard to find. They are expensive. I recommend going to CD Warehouse for blu-ray shopping. They're reasonably priced.

[Sgt_Strider]

I think this applies to the rest of the world but avoid HMV unless it's out of print or hard to find. They are expensive. I recommend going to CD Warehouse for blu-ray shopping. They're reasonably priced.

So there aren't any stores that sell legitimate discs for cheap in HK?

[tinlunlau]

So there aren't any stores that sell legitimate discs for cheap in HK?

unless you know your way around, the only thing u will see are legit stores.
i just told you a good place to get legitimate discs for cheap. the store chain is called "CD Warehouse". they have several stores throughout hong kong. great place to shop for cd's, dvd's and bluray discs.

[MSZsama]

Guess I'm better off ordering from Yesasia then?

I used to be a loyal customer of yesasia, but they jacked up the prices of almost all of their items in recent months that forced me to switch from them to dddhouse.

[Sgt_Strider]

unless you know your way around, the only thing u will see are legit stores.
i just told you a good place to get legitimate discs for cheap. the store chain is called "CD Warehouse". they have several stores throughout hong kong. great place to shop for cd's, dvd's and bluray discs.

I google that place up and I only see addresses in the US. Do you have an address for me? I'll be living in HK Island.

[MSZsama]

I google that place up and I only see addresses in the US. Do you have an address for me? I'll be living in HK Island.

http://www.thepancakes.com/shops.htm

[tinlunlau]

yes...

MSZsama's link is accurate. In fact, I've gone a few of these locations.
CD Warehouse is everywhere. Can't miss it.

[Sgt_Strider]

Thanks for the help guys!