Does anyone know if the special features on the limited edition 3-disc set have English. subtitles?
Also, any recommendations on good sites to purchase this from when it comes to price?
I have no idea, but I bought Takeshis', Glory to the Filmmaker, and achilles and the tortoise off of ebay the week they came out (for all 3), and they were all Region 0 and about $10 a piece -- all had english subtitles in the main film but none had english subtitles in the special features (though if I remember correctly, Glory to the Filmmaker had Kitano's 3 minute short film about what cinema means to him, and that was subbed, though there wasn't much to sub beyond the title and whatnot).
Honestly, ebay is a great site for ordering -- lots and lots of sites charge a buttload ($30-40 for a dvd) but, unless something crazy has happened, I've always managed to get GREAT region 0 releases off of ebay for very very little (got Eureka for $7, Invisible Waves for $8, Angel Dust for $5, all kinds of other great Asian dvd's for $10 or lower). Good luck. I know I'll be ordering off of ebay the very next day after it's released.
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pre·ten·tious: characterized by assumption of dignity or importance.
Thanks for the response. I've also taken advantage of ebay for purchasing Asian/foreign DVDs at low prices, but this time I just can't pass up the opportunity to get Kitano on Blu-ray, which means I'll probably have to shell out a decent amount of cash no matter what. The site YesAsia has a great selection, but it's selling the single-disc Blu-ray for about $60. Of course, ebay has Blu-rays as well, so I'm still gonna take your advice and see if it pops up there at a better price.
Either way, I'm not gonna sit around and wait for a distributor to pick it up and release it in the U.S. The fact that none of the films from Kitano's recent trilogy have come out here is pretty damn sad.
I agree, Kitano is a filmmaking giant -- you'd think SOME company would pick his latest masterpieces up, but it really doesn't surprise me; I remember back in the day when I would get new asian dvd's weekly... now, there's hardly anything to get, ever (in America). I think Tartan (and its ASIAN EXTREME label) closing left a big void.
About 2 years ago, a Takeshis' American DVD was announced -- along with remastered versions of all of Kitano's films, starting with Violent cop and ending with Hana-Bi I believe. They were all going to be released in one big box set -- I believe GETTING ANY? was getting an American release for the first time in this box. That would have been absolutely incredible. Unfortunately, the company closed... I think they sold the rights to a company, who never did anything with them.
A film like HANA-BI is waiting for a Criterion release. I don't imagine the rights would be too difficult to expensive to acquire, and it would definitely sell well considering it's a much-lovd, award-winning picture. I always tell people: please write to [email protected] and kindly let them know that there is a demand for some Kitano films released through them. I think it would have the side-effect of getting people interested in his work again, since it seems like a lot of people stopped caring after Zatoichi.
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pre·ten·tious: characterized by assumption of dignity or importance.
Usually those "region 0 and cheap" DVDs on Ebay are pirate copies.
shareUnfortunately not - picked up my copy last Friday from BicCamera, the extra DVD doesn't feature English subtitles.
shareThey will soon. I'm finishing them up now. Took me five straight days. Hope they turn out all right for everyone. Now you won't have to strain to decipher Kitano's mumbling any longer, because that was my job.
Well done PCD, that must have been a taxing task :)
You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice
Thank you..it was quite a challenge, to say the least. I think I've finally tuned into Mr. Kitano's mumbling, so I should be better prepared for future assignments (if I have the chance!). I do love the film, and I hadn't seen before I started work, so I'm ultimately glad for the opportunity.
Also check out the Battle Royale special edition bonus material. I helped out on that as well.
Everyone, I hope you enjoyed and found enlightening the interviews and behind-the-scenes material. In addition, please let me know if you found any errors. I'm curious to hear any reviews.
Best regards,
PCD