ADDITION: New Yorker - Region 1 - NTSC - December 08': It appears as though we may never see a progressive transfer of this masterpiece (and it is still 'cut' - see below) but there are still some bona-fide positives about this New Yorker DVD. This looks a degree sharper than the corresponding BFI release although may again be taken from an unconverted PAL source. Transfers are a relative wash but we'll give NY'er a marginal edge.

New Yorker gives Still Life a superfluous 5.1 audio track and optional English subtitles.

Currently the New Yorker is actually cheaper than the BFI and despite the lack of commentary still offers the film in an acceptable CRT presentation along with 70-minute film Dong, the 20-minute subtitled interview with Zhang Ke Jia and the liner notes. The commentary on the BFI is great and a good reason to indulge but more than that seeing the film, which is highly recommended, seems the important ideal. As Jonathan Rosenbaum says "...a poetic mix of realism and lyrical fantasy".   

***

ADDITION: BFI - Region 0 - PAL - September 08': Both good and bad news. The new BFI is interlaced and sports 'combing' artifacts and I don't see it as especially sharper than the older Chinese release. Good news is that it appears to have a much stronger subtitle translation, has a wonderful commentary by Tony Rayns and includes 'Dong' (progressive!) with optional English subs, plus a 34-page booklet.

I can concur with Harri of Finland who sent this to us in email:
"Still Life, R2 BFI UK, is an anamorphic DVD-9, slight combing at places, not too bad. Optional subs.
Includes the companion documentary Dong, + Tony Rayns commentary. I also have the R3 Ying E Chi Hong Kong; this is non-anamorphic, hazyish (is that a word), combing visible, dual burned-in subs; it's not pretty.

I'd give it to the anamorphic BFI, but Yesasia also offers an anamorphic R3 Taewon Entertainment Korea-version, that I have not seen."

Overall the BFI is very much worth it for the extras. The film is highly recommended!  

****

ON THE ZHONG GUO LU - 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