( aka 'Butterfly' or 'Nabi' )

 

directed by Seung-wook Moon
South Korea 2001


"Set in the near future in Korea, a virus evolves which erases all memories.  Anna (Kim Ho-jung) arrives from Germany along with some other tourists hoping the virus will help her forget her pain of loss.  She meets with her guide, young teenage girl Yuki (Kang Hae-jung), and her driver, K (Hyun Sung Kim).  The sci-fi premise is only to advance the story and provide the film with unforgettable images - caves with virus as butterflies, acid rains, pools of water... In fact, there are lots of images of water and fire, reminding of Tarkovsky. Like the cinema of Russian master, the story itself centers on people - their concerns, their loss, their happiness... Beautifully shot on digital camera, the film has the sensibilities of Eastern European cinema and that's not a coincidence - the director was Kieslowski's student in The National Film Academy of Lodz (Poland). 
Heartbreaking music and excellent actors (both actresses have won Best Actress Awards - for Kim Ho-jung from the Locarno International Film Festival and for Kang Hye-Jung at the Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival) add a great deal to this film."


Gregory Meshman

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DVD REVIEW: Pop Entertainment Asia  Region 0 

All screenshots courtesy of Ashirg. Thanks Gregory!

DVD Box Cover

  

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Distribution Pop Entertainment Asia Region 0 - NTSC 
Runtime 1:50:44  minutes
Video 2.35:1.00 Letterboxed WideScreen / anamorphic
Average Bitrate: 8.41 mb/s
NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s
Bitrate: Pop Entertainment

Audio Korean DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1 
Subtitles English, Korean, None
Features Release Information:
Studio: Pop Entertainment Asia
Theatrical Release Date: August 6th, 2001 (London Film Festival)

Aspect Ratio(s):
Widescreen anamorphic - 2.35:1
  

Region 3 ( actually region 0 )

It contains Original print (8 cut), Scenario Book (Korean)
Disc 1: Feature (119 min), Audio commentary by director & actress
Disc 2: (190 min) bonus materials: About Film Cast & Staff Theatrical Trailer Music Video Still Gallery The Making of NABI Commentary Making Interview In Japan Shortfilm & Documentary

Comments:

 The anamorphic transfer is very good, but has its limitations of a digital handheld camera. The disc presents the best transfer possible from this material.  Digital photography itself enriches the film, making it more intimate to the viewers.  The sound of this release is excellent. Both choices, DTS and 5.1, are mixed very well.  The optional English subtitles are very good, but unfortunately only for the main feature.  The second disc of extensive extras, while with English menus, is NOT subtitled.  This is the only drawback of this excellent release.out of            Gregory Meshman

DVD Release Date:  November 5, 2002
Keep Case
Chapters: 20




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