NOTE: 'The current release is cut somewhat. The Chinese authorities didn't like the shots of a small boy smoking. Bizarre. China's pollution is appalling added to which everyone seemingly smokes too. There are a few other cuts as well.' (Thanks Michael!)

The strong recommendation of this DVD is based solely on the film - perhaps Zhang Ke Jia's most accessible with two powerfully concurrent stories. A masterpiece.

The single layered DVD is coded for region 6, in the PAL standard, is interlaced (very slight combing can barely be detected - but is there nonetheless), and is widescreen but not 16X9 enhanced. The Chinese DVD has appeal as being the only game in town for this incredible film (aside from the 2-disc version also available from ZHONG GUO LU which has the same transfer)... and that it has English subtitles. The image does not look too bad at all considering - I see no manipulation as the film has been left appropriately dark throughout. Detail is as good as one could expect from the transfer media's limitations. As for the accuracy of the subs - I can't say, but there is not an abundance of dialogue in the film and the translations do not seem to be leaving out a great deal.

The DVD inferiorities don't take away from the magnificence of the film one iota. This borders on essential cinema folks - a riveting and memorable work from a truly masterful auteur. If there was a superior DVD version - we would easily recommend it but this is it for now - and we've certainly seen worse. For the price it is a no-brainer. 

Gary W. Tooze