NOTE: We replaced the original ERA edition screen captures, into the middle position, with the new MGM. The ERA was easily usurped by its remastered predecessor.

The new MGM edition has the same color scheme and framing as the remastered ERA - probably inferring that is from the same source print. Both are progressive, anamorphic and dual-layered. Differences? it seems to have come from a film source as opposed to analog and skin tones may be slightly more true. It probably has had nothing done to it digitally (no boosted black/red levels) and hence appears slightly less sharp. Audio is standard (Dolby Mandarin) but subtitles may be superior on the MGM - not understanding the language I can't be positive but strongly suspect it. Supplements go the way of the ERA (it has a trailer and photo gallery) as the MGM offers nothing. All of these differences are fairly minor but as the ERA seems to have vanished from e-tailors (well, YesAsia anyway) the $15 MGM is the way to go. I wasn't expecting any extras but the film surely deserves a commentary and more. Shame. At least MGM didn't screw up the transfer. It looks quite acceptable.

Brian tells us: 'The subtitles have sensible translations. My “sensible,” I mean that the translations are grammatically correct and they seem to fit correctly (from what I remember about it, when watching it when it was broadcast on cable a few years ago). I noticed one typo, “slepped” instead of “slipped” but it wasn’t distracting.' (Thanks Brian!)

There is, at least, an attempt at extras. There is a photo gallery and trailer for the film included on the Re-Mastered DVD. Even the menus are superior. So, this is an easy choice - the price is exceptional at $13. We strongly recommend and am extremely happy that ERA have leap-frogged into a better DVD-production category with this release.

*****

Just when you were sure things couldn't get worse. Both issues are rife with flaws - extensive contrast boosting on the Razor - a horrible non-progressive transfer - I can't tell why the film is 5 minutes short - and shows rounded corners. On the ERA front - the dual burned-in subtitles would have been a deal-breaker but the image quality, detail and colors are far superior to the Razor - occasionally the ERA looks vertically stretched - appears to be cropped - it has no extras (neither does the Razor) or menus.

Taking price into account we can't help but recommend the ERA (NOTE: It has a different cover now at YesAsia but its the same transfer).

It is almost hard to believe that this film, which radiates such intense depth, is still left totally unacceptable on the digital front. What a crazy world.

Gary W. Tooze