Ashes of Time Redux

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kekid · #1 Post by **kekid** » Tue Dec 30, 2008 7:54 pm

Ashes of Time Redux has been announced to be released in both SD and BD formats in other regions, but Sony has only announced this as an SD release in R1.
Does anyone know if (1) a BD release in R1 should be expected at a later date, and (2) any other BD version with English subtitles is going to be released code-free?
Thank you.

The Fanciful Norwegian · Tue Dec 30, 2008 11:33 pm

It's no sure thing, but all of Artificial Eye's BDs to date have been region-free.

Skritek · #3 Post by **Skritek** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 12:01 pm

Does anybody know if there is even a slight possibility that the original cut will get a re-release, possibly as an extra? I'm sure it's been discussed often but I couldn't find anything.
And after watching my newly arrived AE disc of the Redux version, well, I find the original better.

Rich Malloy · #4 Post by **Rich Malloy** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 3:41 pm

Skritek, do you happen to have the Blu-ray? Even if you don't, were you satisfied with the video transfer and audio track (even if you're less than happy with the new edit and music)?

BTW, does Sony also use yellow subs on their BD releases? (Unless they've changed, AE does not.)

Skritek · #5 Post by **Skritek** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 4:30 pm

I have the SD. On TV it looked quite good, not excellent, but that seems to do with the desired graininess of the creators. The sound I cannot comment on too well as I only have regular speakers.
The subtitles were at times different from the old versions I had seen, which I guess is inherent in translating. (But for people who know parts of the film by heart it is a little distracting.)

So, yes I was satisfied, but I think it's better for someone with better equipment, a better eye and higher expectations to comment.

#6 Post by **Finch** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 5:17 pm

I watched the SD version on my upscaling Oppo player and the 50 inch plasma, and to me it also looked competent but certainly not among the best standard definition transfers I've seen. As with the Legacy disc of Psycho, some shots appear noticeably grainier than others. The surround sound was good though again I've heard superior tracks before. Was very impressed with the score itself but can't compare to the original as Redux is my first exposure to the film.

edited to fix some grammar

Antoine Doinel · #7 Post by **Antoine Doinel** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 5:21 pm

I wonder how much of the shifting graininess had to do with damage to original elements which spurred this whole redux in the first place.

#8 Post by **Finch** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 9:58 pm

Good point. As for the film itself, I'd love to hear from people who've seen the original how they feel the Redux version compares to it. I heard Redux is by a few minutes shorter and more streamlined, somewhat less ambiguous though that wasn't held against the film by many critics.

MichaelB · #9 Post by **MichaelB** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 10:34 pm

Antoine Doinel wrote:I wonder how much of the shifting graininess had to do with damage to original elements which spurred this whole redux in the first place.

Not much, I suspect - I saw it in 35mm in the late 1990s, and recall the picture being exceptionally grainy at times. So I suspect much of it is intentional on Wong's and Chris Doyle's part.

Skritek · #10 Post by **Skritek** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 10:41 pm

MichaelB wrote:
Antoine Doinel wrote:I wonder how much of the shifting graininess had to do with damage to original elements which spurred this whole redux in the first place.
Not much, I suspect - I saw it in 35mm in the late 1990s, and recall the picture being exceptionally grainy at times. So I suspect much of it is intentional on Wong's and Chris Doyle's part.

They mention this on in the interviews on the AE DVD, Doyle thought it would fit the desert locations if I remember correctly. Interestingly Tony Leung CW mentions that an AoT 2 was planned at first, on account of underperformance of the first one it was never realized. (familiar, huh

)

Barmy · #11 Post by **Barmy** » Thu Jan 29, 2009 6:01 pm

I've seem both versions in 35mm, although the old version hasn't made the rounds in quite awhile. I hope it isn't suppressed somehow. My principal problem with the new version is that the computer (or whatever)-enhanced color scheme is a bit garish in spots--just a bit over-the-top. Some of the scenes are re-ordered. I don't think anyone should feel like they are missing something significant by not seeing the old version, and maybe the film elements are such that a decent transfer cannot be made (although the print(s) I've seen were certainly acceptable for an HK-type film--the rattiness is part of the charm). I don't see why they can't come out with a deluxe set option as that would definitely be worthwhile.

Skritek · #12 Post by **Skritek** » Thu Jan 29, 2009 8:53 pm

Rich Malloy · #13 Post by **Rich Malloy** » Thu Jan 29, 2009 10:09 pm

Just a heads-up about more discussion on this release over in the Articial Eye thread/Boutique Labels forum. I posted a link to an early customer review of the blu-ray that includes a good number of screenshots. All-region, but extra features coded in PAL format. I can't comment on the new edit (and new music, as I understand it), but the images look spectacular... of course, I may be overstating given the dire treatment this film's thusfar received on DVD.

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