ADDITION: Criterion Blu-ray - December 08': So, this is our first Criterion Blu-ray offering. Hmmm... the technical stats tell us all we really need to know. Where the Criterion SD-DVD was transferring an average of 7.76 megabits per second - this new Blu-ray delivers 34.66. I think the image it looks about as good as it can on this new format. The Blu-ray disc is dual-layered - the feature takes up over 30 GIg. The film itself has some sporadic, kinetic camera movement that doesn't lend itself well for demo'ing the detail of 1080P but the grain is so beautiful to see and the colors are tighter with more depth and life to them. This, expectantly supports the 1.66 aspect ratio and the color palette of the Criterion DVD. 

The audio gets a bump too -  it's a DTS-HD Master and sounds just that much crisper with a tinge more range. I wouldn't say it's a dramatic audible improvement for most individual's ears but I can vouch for it being superior.  The music is a big part of this film experience and it sounds so much more compelling in this HD format. Still only English subtitles are available. 

Some observations - the new package has the same spine # as the DVD (#453) and I don't know if I'm keen on the packaging (see image below.) It's probably more environmentally friendly but perhaps a little flimsier. I'm fine with it.

The extras are the same as the DVD (discussed below) - same excellent commentary but the duplicate featurette and trailer are in HD.

So, why go Blu? Better transfer (audio + video), supplements in HD and how about this one - it's $8 cheaper. You want the best looking digital representation of this charming, emotionally playful, uniquely defining film? Well, this Criterion Blu-ray is it. Absolutely recommended!

NOTE: For those region 'B'-locked Artificial Eye is coming out with Chungking Express on Blu-ray January 26th, 2008 HERE. We will probably compare.    

 - Gary W. Tooze

***

ADDITION: Criterion - November 08': I'm afraid I just can't speak very much on the colors of these releases. I've looked till I'm dizzy but still feel the Miramax is inaccurate although all three can be very different at times. The Criterion has a green tinge that, according to past examples from cinematographer Chris Doyle, may very well be intentional. The Criterion doesn't quite look as sharp as the other two but I am very interested to see the upcoming Blu-ray which we will undoubtedly add to this comparison. In many scenes the Criterion looks darker but then in others a bit brighter - so it doesn't compare consistently. Anyway, one of the big issues is the aspect ratio and Criterion have transferred anamorphically (and progressively on a dual-layered disc)  in the director’s requested aspect ratio of 1.66:1. I did some toggling back and forth with the Artificial Eye and I do prefer the Criterion look despite it appearing slightly less detailed. It looks to be the only one of the three not suffering from manipulations.

For the audio Criterion have used a remastered Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack supervised by director Wong Kar-wai. The music, a huge part of the film, sounds wonderful and although there is no demonstrative separations - this new track mix is a decent one  - far more effectual than the standard stereo 2.0 of the other two releases. Criterion, as usual offers optional English subtitles (that can be fairly different at times from the other 2 translations - see sample below) described as a 'New and improved English subtitle translation' on the Criterion box and website.

Extras include many cineaste's favorite commentarist, Asian cinema critic, Tony Rayns. He continues to export his vast knowledge through articulate observations of the film and production. He is the best - a fabulous professional choice. It is a commentary that I will give a repeat spin. Criterion include a 12 minute episode excerpt from a 1996 BBC Television series Moving Pictures, featuring both Wong and cinematographer Christopher Doyle who discuss their work and aesthetics. There is also a trailer and 16-page booklet of liner notes with photos and a a new essay by critic Amy Taubin.     

I really love this film and am anxious to watch the Blu-ray. I'm pleased to state, though, that this SD-DVD is, in my opinion, a strong replacement for the initial two SD-DVDs - gaining superiority in every significant area.   

 - Gary W. Tooze

****

ON THE AE vs. the MIRAMAX: The Region 1 DVD is washed out making the colors really vary and appear untrue. On the other hand the Artificial Eye DVD has some saturation, but I think it is more accurate and definitely sharper. The Region 1 is cropped on all 4 edges. The audio sounds a bit cleaner on the AE and it seems to me that the subtitles might be a bit better as well though oddly they subtitle the dialog that is spoken in English. The only negative for the AE is that it contains virtually no extras (just a short filmography for Wong Kar-Wai and Christopher Doyle). There are other versions available, but the AE is the best I have seen yet in image.

 - Gary W. Tooze