(aka ''Hero' or 'Ying xiong')
China 2002
Zhang Yimou’s latest feature film “Hero” is a box office phenomenon in China and also the most costly Asian film ever made tipping the scales at about 240 million HK$. It would immediately spark comparisons to Ang Lee’s “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” for aggressive use of the absurdist martial arts ballet sequences with all but the remnants of supporting wires gracefully floating fiery combatants of a duel. Asian cinema has been producing these extravaganzas for years prior to “Crouching Tiger...” but many western audiences garnered their first exposure with Lee’s action infused soap opera.
Excerpt From Gary Tooze's review found HERE.
The Japanese Elite Group version is on the TOP 100 List of DVDs.
Posters (click to enlarge)
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Theatrical Release Date: October 24th, 2002 - China (premiere)
Reviews More Reviews DVD Reviews
DVD Comparison:
Buena Vista - Region 2- PAL vs. Miramax - Region 1- NTSC vs. Elite Group (Japan - 2 disc) Region 2 - NTSC vs. Guang Dong Face Video (Chinese Single Disc version) - Region 0 - NTSC vs. EDKO Video Ltd. (Hong Kong 2 Disc version) - Region 3 - NTSC vs. Guang Dong Face Video (Chinese Extended SE version) - Region 0 - NTSC
Big thanks to Chris Gould, Donald Brown, and Ole Kofoed of DVD-Basen for the Miramax and Guang Dong Extended Version Caps!
(Buena Vista - Region 2 - PAL LEFT vs. Miramax - Region 1- NTSC MIDDLE vs. Elite Group (Japan) - Region 2- NTSC RIGHT)
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| Distribution |
Buena Vista Home Entertainment Region 2 - PAL |
Miramax Region 1 - NTSC |
Elite Group Region 2 - NTSC |
(Guang Dong (China) - Region 0 - NTSC - LEFT vs. EDKO Video Ltd. (Hong Kong) - Region 3 - NTSC - MIDDLE vs. Guang Dong (Extended) - Region 0 - NTSC - RIGHT)
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Guang Dong Face Region 0 - NTSC |
EDKO
Video Ltd. Region 3 - NTSC |
Guang Dong Face Region 0 - NTSC |
| Distribution |
Buena Vista Home Entertainment Region 2 - PAL |
Miramax Region 1 - NTSC |
Elite Group Region 2 - NTSC |
Guang Dong Face Region 0 - NTSC |
EDKO
Video Ltd. Region 3 - NTSC |
Guang Dong Face Region 0 - NTSC |
| Runtime | 1:35:26 (4% PAL speedup) | 1:39:03 | 1:38:36 | 1:36:18 | 1:38:30 | 1:47:15 |
| Video |
2.35:1 Original Aspect Ratio
16X9 enhanced |
2.31:1 Original Aspect Ratio
16X9 enhanced |
2.35:1
Original Aspect Ratio 16X9 enhanced Average Bitrate: 8.5 mb/s NTSC 704x480 29.97 f/s |
2.35:1
Original Aspect Ratio 16X9 enhanced |
2.35:1
Original Aspect Ratio 16X9 enhanced |
2.35:1
Original Aspect Ratio 16X9 enhanced |
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NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes |
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Bitrate: Buena Vista R2 and Miramax
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Bitrate:
Elite Group + Guang Dong |
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| Bitrate: EDKO Video Ltd. + Guang Dong Ext. |
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| Audio | Dolby Digital 5.1 Mandarin (448Kbps), Dolby Digital 5.1 English (448Kbps), Audio Descriptive Track (192Kbps) | Mandarin DTS 5.1, Mandarin Dolby Digital Surround Sound, English dub, French dub | Dolby Digital 5.1 Mandarin (448Kbps) & DUB: Japanese, DTS 5.1 Mandarin | Mandarin Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround or DTS Digital Surround |
Mandarin Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround or DTS Digital Surround |
Mandarin DTS5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1, DD2.0 |
| Subtitles | English, English for the Hearing Impaired | English, English for the hearing impaired, Spanish, none | Japanese, English, Traditional Chinese and none | White (removable): English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese | English, Spanish, French and none | White (removable): English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese |
| Features |
Release Information: Studio: Buena Vista Home Entertainment Aspect Ratio:
Edition
Details: Chapters 15
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Release Information: Studio: Miramax Aspect Ratio:
Edition Details: Chapters 14
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Release Information:
Disc 2 -
behind-the-scenes extras, including making-of,
interviews & press footage shot in Japan, Japan premiere, location map,
classic scenes, trailer(s) & TV spot(s),
DVD Release Date: January 23rd, 2004
NOTE: No English Menus NOTE: No Extras on either disc are subtitled in English |
Release Information:
DVD Release Date: April 2003
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Release Information: Distributor: EDKO Video Ltd.
Aspect Ratio:
(NO SUBTITLES ON EXTRAS!) • Widescreen anamorphic format
DVD
Release Date: April 2003 Chapters 12 |
Release Information:
DVD Release Date: July 2004
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COMMENTS:
ADDITION (Buena Vista Region 2 - February -05) - The Buena Vista version is superior to its Miramax Region 1 counterpart. It has the exact framing and the menus and intertitles (and subtitle translation - subtitle font is white instead of yellow) seem the same, but they have lessened the brightness boosting a shade. I still found it present when zooming in, but it has not effected the color balance as much as the Miramax. I don't believe it to be progressive like the Japanese Elite, but I do think it may be a strong second in quality. Like the Region 1 Miramax the audio is rated quite highly. As far as we are concerned though the film-like quality of the Japanese Elite version is still the definitive version to own. For those with PAL - locked players the Buena Vista seems an acceptable substitute eclipsing the other versions. Extra features on the Buena Vista unfortunately include the insufferable Tarantino - the same interview on the Region 1. If you are really keen on this film, there is no substitute for the Japanese Elite edition, which will probably go out-of-print, if it hasn't already. As we have said the PAL edition certainly improves upon the Miramax and it does have the valued audio.
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ADDITION (Miramax - Dec -04) - The Miramax version has been brightened. It is not extensive but in comparison with the stellar Elite from Japan, it is obvious. The Miramax has awful yellow subtitles, but its extras (meager in comparison to the 2 disc versions) are in English. I don't know why DVD production companies feel the need to brighten images. It can cause all sorts of anomalies with the integrity of the original image... it can add edge enhancements, ruin black levels and disturb color balance. I have heard it said that Miramax should re-evaluate its DVD authoring process as this has become quite evident on all their recent releases. It should be noted that the DTS audio on the Miramax edition is stupendous. We rate it as the winner in that category.
Bottom line is - we still recommend the Japanese Elite for image!
******
ADDITION Guang Dong Face (EXTENDED) (Chinese) Region 0 NTSC: Firstly BIG thanks to Ole of DVDBasen for these, much anticipated, captures. The short story - the extended version is a bit of a rip-off:
- Non-subtitled opening and closing screens.
- It is only 10 minutes longer, and not 20 min. as reported on some websites.
- A watermark "FACE" pops up 30 seconds every 5 minutes in the upper left corner. The watermark is part of the subtitle coding, so they disappear if you choose no subtitles.
- Colors are untrue (very uneven) - sometimes more vibrant, mostly washed out.
- Contrast is weak.
- Slight cropping on top edge
- Uneven brightness boosting.
- Haziest of the three versions.
Bottom Line: DON'T BUY! - wait for a superior extended version!
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ADDITION Elite Group (Japan) Region 2 DVD:
It doesn't show as well in the reduced captures below as it does in their native resolutions, but the Elite Group image quality is superior. Many of the EDKO and Guang Dong images ( see 2nd last and 3rd last) have a very bluish tinge to them. Frankly this was quite unnoticeable until I saw the Elite Japanese version. Both EDKO and Guang Dong are slightly cropped on the top. I suspect they are from the same print, where the Elite is a cleaner, perhaps more refined print. Where the Elite version excels is in contrast. I think all of these prints might be considered negligibly different, but for those with projection systems it will make a difference. Both the EDKO and Guang Dong had trouble with frame shifts - exhibiting a "ghosting" effect displayed below. Its a shame again that we have another version without English subbed Extra Features.... sigh.
The big failing with the Guang Dong are the non-subtitled opening and closing screens which detail important information to the story, essentially tying the whole film together. In the Chinese release they are not subtitled!. This is a big mistake. They are translated (Eng sub-titled) in the EDKO Video Ltd. + Elite DVD releases.
NOTE: The translated Opening and closing text is HERE.
Recommended Reading in Chinese/Hong Kong/Taiwanese Cinema (CLICK COVERS or TITLES for more information)
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Memoirs from the Beijing Film Academy
by Zhen Ni, Chris Berry, Ni Zhen |
Zhang Yimou: Interviews (Conversations With
Filmmakers) by Frances Gateward |
Chinese Films in Focus: 25 New Takes by Chris Berry |
Wong Kar-Wai: Auteur of Time (Bfi World Directors) by Stephen Teo |
China into Film: Frames of Reference in
Contemporary Chinese Cinema (Envisioning Asia) by Jerome Silbergeld |
New Chinese Cinemas
by Nick Browne |
Once Upon a Time in China : A Guide to Hong Kong,
Taiwanese, and Mainland Chinese Cinema by Jeff Yang |
Check out more in "The Library"
DVD Menus
(Buena Vista - Region 2- PAL LEFT
vs. Miramax - Region 1- NTSC MIDDLE vs. Elite Group (Japan) - Region 2- NTSC
RIGHT)
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(Guang Dong (China) - Region 0 - NTSC - LEFT vs. EDKO Video Ltd. (Hong Kong) - Region 3 - NTSC - MIDDLE vs. Guang Dong (Extended) - Region 0 - NTSC - RIGHT)
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DVD Menu Elite Group. (Japan) Disc 2
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DVD Menu EDKO Video Ltd. (Hong Kong) Disc 2
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Subtitle Samples
Buena Vista - Region 2- PAL TOP vs. Miramax - Region 1- NTSC 2nd vs. Elite Group (Japan) - Region 2- NTSC 3rd vs. Guang Dong (China) - Region 0 - NTSC - 4th vs. EDKO Video Ltd. (Hong Kong) - Region 3 - NTSC - 5th vs. Guang Dong (Extended) - Region 0 - NTSC - BOTTOM
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Screen Captures
Both EDKO (HK) and Guang Dong (Chinese) DVDs exhibit a slight ghosting in frame shifting. This is not visible in the Elite Group (Japan) DVD.
Examples
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Buena Vista - Region 2- PAL TOP vs. Miramax - Region 1- NTSC 2nd vs. Elite Group (Japan) - Region 2- NTSC 3rd vs. Guang Dong (China) - Region 0 - NTSC - 4th vs. EDKO Video Ltd. (Hong Kong) - Region 3 - NTSC - 5th vs. Guang Dong (Extended) - Region 0 - NTSC - BOTTOM
The opening and closing comments (re: All Under One...) are not translated to English in the Chinese DVD's. This is an important part of the film and its absence is neglectful on the part of the Guang Dong Face.
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Buena Vista - Region 2- PAL TOP vs. Miramax - Region 1- NTSC 2nd vs. Elite Group (Japan) - Region 2- NTSC 3rd vs. Guang Dong (China) - Region 0 - NTSC - 4th vs. EDKO Video Ltd. (Hong Kong) - Region 3 - NTSC - 5th vs. Guang Dong (Extended) - Region 0 - NTSC - BOTTOM
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Buena Vista - Region 2- PAL TOP vs. Miramax - Region 1- NTSC 2nd vs. Elite Group (Japan) - Region 2- NTSC 3rd vs. Guang Dong (China) - Region 0 - NTSC - 4th vs. EDKO Video Ltd. (Hong Kong) - Region 3 - NTSC - 5th vs. Guang Dong (Extended) - Region 0 - NTSC - BOTTOM
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Buena Vista - Region 2- PAL TOP vs. Miramax - Region 1- NTSC 2nd vs. Elite Group (Japan) - Region 2- NTSC 3rd vs. Guang Dong (China) - Region 0 - NTSC - 4th vs. EDKO Video Ltd. (Hong Kong) - Region 3 - NTSC - 5th vs. Guang Dong (Extended) - Region 0 - NTSC - BOTTOM
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Buena Vista - Region 2- PAL TOP vs. Miramax - Region 1- NTSC 2nd vs. Elite Group (Japan) - Region 2- NTSC 3rd vs. Guang Dong (China) - Region 0 - NTSC - 4th vs. EDKO Video Ltd. (Hong Kong) - Region 3 - NTSC - 5th vs. Guang Dong (Extended) - Region 0 - NTSC - BOTTOM
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Buena Vista - Region 2- PAL TOP vs. Miramax - Region 1- NTSC 2nd vs. Elite Group (Japan) - Region 2- NTSC 3rd vs. Guang Dong (China) - Region 0 - NTSC - 4th vs. EDKO Video Ltd. (Hong Kong) - Region 3 - NTSC - 5th vs. Guang Dong (Extended) - Region 0 - NTSC - BOTTOM
NOTE: This exact frame cannot be found on the Extended version. So it is possible that some other segments have been eliminated or replaced.
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Buena Vista - Region 2- PAL TOP vs. Miramax - Region 1- NTSC 2nd vs. Elite Group (Japan) - Region 2- NTSC 3rd vs. Guang Dong (China) - Region 0 - NTSC - 4th vs. EDKO Video Ltd. (Hong Kong) - Region 3 - NTSC - 5th vs. Guang Dong (Extended) - Region 0 - NTSC - BOTTOM
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Report Card:
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Image: |
Elite Group |
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Sound: |
Mirmax |
| Extras: | Miramax/Buena Vista (for English subs on them) |
| Subs | Elite Group |
| Menu: | Elite Group (outrageously animated) |
Yimou Zhang's Ying xiong Hero Yimou Zhang Ying xiong Hero Yimou Zhang Ying xiong Hero Yimou Zhang Ying xiong Hero Yimou Zhang Ying xiong Hero Yimou Zhang Ying xiong Hero Yimou Zhang Ying xiong Hero Yimou Zhang Ying xiong Hero Yimou Zhang Ying xiong Hero Yimou Zhang Ying xiong Hero Yimou Zhang Ying xiong Hero Yimou Zhang's Ying xiong Hero Yimou Zhang Ying xiong Hero Yimou Zhang Ying xiong Hero Yimou Zhang Ying xiong Hero Yimou Zhang Ying xiong Hero Yimou Zhang Ying xiong Hero Yimou Zhang Ying xiong Hero Yimou Zhang Ying xiong Hero Yimou Zhang Ying xiong Hero Yimou Zhang Ying xiong Hero Yimou Zhang Ying xiong Hero Yimou Zhang's Ying xiong Hero Yimou Zhang Ying xiong Hero Yimou Zhang Ying xiong Hero Yimou Zhang Ying xiong Hero Yimou Zhang Ying xiong Hero Yimou Zhang Ying xiong Hero Yimou Zhang Ying xiong Hero Yimou Zhang Ying xiong Hero Yimou Zhang Ying xiong Hero Yimou Zhang Ying xiong Hero Yimou Zhang Ying xiong Hero Yimou Zhang's Ying xiong Hero Yimou Zhang Ying xiong Hero Yimou Zhang 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