"HERO" Chinese vs. Hong Kong

(aka ''Hero' or 'Ying xiong')

directed by Zhang Yimou
China 2002

DVD Comparison:

Guang Dong Face Video (Chinese Single Disc version) - Region 0 - NTSC vs.

EDCO Video Ltd. (Hong Kong 2 Disc version) - Region 3 - NTSC

Big thanks to Markus Mathis for both sets of captures!

Guang Dong (China) - Region 0 - NTSC - LEFT vs. EDCO Video Ltd. (Hong Kong) - Region 3 - NTSC - RIGHT

DVD Box Covers
Distribution	Guang Dong Face Region 0 - NTSC	EDCO Video Ltd. Region 3 - NTSC
Runtime	1:36:18	1:38:30
Video	2.35:1 Original Aspect Ratio 16X9 enhanced Average Bitrate: 8.2 mb/s NTSC 704x480 29.97 f/s	2.35:1 Original Aspect Ratio 16X9 enhanced Average Bitrate: 9.43 NTSC 704x480 29.97 f/s
Bitrate: Gunag Dong NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.
Bitrate: EDCO Video Ltd.
Audio	Mandarin Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround or DTS Digital Surround	Mandarin Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround or DTS Digital Surround
Subtitles	White (removable): English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese	English, Spanish, French and none
Features	Release Information: Distributor: Guang Dong Video Theatrical Release Date: October 24th, 2002 Aspect Ratio: Widescreen anamorphic - 2.35:1 Discographic Information: DVD Encoding: Region 0 (although stated as Region 3) - NTSC Layers: Dual - DVD-9 (one side, two layers) Edition Details: • Making Of Featurette ( 24:00 min - burned in Chinese subs only ) DVD Release Date: April 2003 Keep Case inside open-ended slip-case box Chapters: 9	Release Information: Distributor: EDCO Video Ltd. Theatrical Release Date: October 24th, 2002 Aspect Ratio: Widescreen anamorphic - 2.35:1 Edition Details: • Disc 1: • Theatrical Trailers & TV Spots • Disc 2: • "Cast, Crew and Character info (with some short interviews); 'Heroes Behind Hero' Seminar; drafts of costumes, weapons, settings and storyboards; 'The Journey To Hero' documentary; Making Of documentary; outtakes and behind the scenes footage; photos and merchandise gallery. (NO SUBTITLES ON EXTRAS!) • Widescreen anamorphic format • Number of discs: 2 DVD Release Date: April 2003 Keep Case Chapters 12
Comments:	It doesn't show as well in the reduced captures below as it does in their native resolutions, but the EDCO Video Ltd. disc image quality is superior. It is slightly brighter than the Gung Dong DVD, but I think the contrast on the Region 0 Chinese may be very slightly better. It is really kind of '6 of one/ half dozen of the other', BUT the big difference aside form the second disc of non-subtitled extras on the Hong Kong disc is the 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 EDCO Video Ltd. release and even if we throw everything else out the window, that alone should clinch it for the EDCO Video Ltd. being the one to purchase. - Gary W. Tooze NOTE: There is an extended version of this film also out on DVD. I have no details. NOTE: The translated Opening and closing text is HERE.

DVD Menus

Guang Dong (China) - Region 0 - NTSC - LEFT vs. EDCO Video Ltd. (Hong Kong) - Region 3 - NTSC - RIGHT

DVD Menu EDCO Video Ltd. (Hong Kong) Disc 2