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ADDITION: Artificial Eye - ReDux Blu-ray - January 09'.

NOTE: I can confirm that the Artificial Eye Blu-ray is region free and will play on Blu-ray machines worldwide.

Probably not our best idea to 'compare' these older DVD editions with this new Blu-ray ReDux. Although the ReDux is not technically a remake, it is a 'redone' version of the 1994 film as Wong discuss this in the supplemental interviews. It does, however have some extraordinary differences - especially visually. He claims it took 4 years as much of the older film was scattered , damaged or difficult to obtain. After the DVD editions that we reviewed I was always anxious to actually 'see' a decent edition of 'Ashes of Time' as the original transfers were unwatchable. The ReDux represents what Wong calls the 'definitive' version as the early releases were altered, by Asian distributors, without his consent (another reason why the ReDux was made at all.)

Technically the Blu-ray is not stellar being single-layered with only 17 Gig dedicated to the feature film. Not having seen it theatrically it is hard to critique the image. It is rife with color infusions, lightening fast cuts, separations and a vast amount of stylistic adaptation differing from the DVD versions that I saw. As much of the elements were in poor condition - modern computer techniques were utilized to produce the desirable sequences. It can look... 'interesting' if nothing else. I particularly enjoyed the grainer shots but the intense colors seemed overdone to me. It boils done to being 'art heavy' - if that term makes any sense.

Audio was a big issue in creating the ReDux as that specific part of the existing material was in the worst condition. It can be quite evident that this is problematic - even with the new bump to a DTS-HD Master track. I believe they have done a decent job of 'correction' but fans expecting a dynamic audio rendition will be disappointed. The language (so my Asian wife tells me) is mixed with some characters speaking Mandarin and often the response in Cantonese (!?!?). Certain conversations look to be a DUB with the sync off a bit. There is also a 5.1 Dolby track that I briefly tested. It sounded a bit hollow but I didn't make a full comparison. There are optional English subtitles.

Unfortunately all the extra features won't play on my Region 'A' Blu-ray player. I did watch, and enjoy them, on my computer though. In total you get over 20 minutes with Wong (in 2 separate interviews) responding to questions, 15 minutes of Chris Doyle and less than 10 each for the three actors - Tony Leung (8:34), Charlie Young (9:43) and Carina Lau (4:12). The Making of... shares similar information. There is also a trailer (that wouldn't play either).    

Very interesting, if confusing and dense film - almost bordering on 'experimental'. There is a DVD out by Artificial Eye HERE but I don't own to compare. I'd be surprised if it could reproduce the same levels of color brilliance and grain though. I will definitely watch this again and for those prepared to wade into these waters I'd recommend this Blu-ray - easily the most interesting hi-def disc of the early year.    

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ON THE DVDs (reviewed in 2003): This ranks as one of the worst transferred films to DVD ever. I suspect one of these has ported from the other as the ingrained subs are exact. Only differences are the Mei Ah has the original Cantonese audio and the Zoke doesn't - the Zoke has menus and the Mei Ah doesn't and the Mei Ah has more chapter stops. DVDBeaver's recommendation is NOT to buy either of these DVDs at any cost (not even for free!). They are absolutely the pinnacle of 'horrible'. No Extras, burnt in subs and ghastly video and audio. Ughhh.

 - Gary Tooze