The image quality on this Palm Pictures release leaves a lot to be desired. First off, although the DVD is dual-layered and anamorphic, it is interlaced indicating a non-progressive transfer. This seems common for the distributor in some of their recent releases (see Ten Canoes). The colors are dullish and detail is quite mediocre but acceptable for CRT viewing. I see a heavy greenish haze over much of the image - whether this is intentional or not - I don't know.  There are scenes with intentional grain - giving an added edge of realism. This is translated to the DVD image moderately well but there is still extensive indications of digital noise. On the positive, at least, I don't see excessive manipulation and the image is fairly clean from speckles or damage marks. There are optional English subtitles that do not seem fully translated but is more than adequate to interpret the narrative which is generally expressed without dialogue. 2 tracks are offered - Mandarin 2.0 and a 5.1 track that sounds desperately like a ineffectual bump. Regardless, I tested both and they sounded quite similar faithfully representing the audio without noticeable pops or drop-outs. 

Supplements offer a theatrical trailer, some previews and two featurettes: Making of Summer Palace runs 36 minutes and has some behind the scenes activity with minimal discussion and in the other director Lou Ye and Producer Nai An talk about Chinese censorship and the, often absurd, hurdles working within that system and their being banned - it lasts only 6 minutes long.

The film is quite wonderful and it's a shame that this is the best DVD production for North America. The extras are worthy but I still find the package a bit pricey so if we can find an alternative - we will definitely post it here. 

Gary W. Tooze