Sympathy For Lady Vengeance (Korean Import)

Last week I managed to score a copy (very cheaply) of the 2 Disc Korean Import of Park Chan Wook’s Sympathy For Lady Vengeance. I have owned the US Tartan version for a little over a year and I liked the film just fine. However, I have searched high and low for an affordable copy of this import for one reason in particular: The “Fade to Black and White” version. This version begins in full color and gradually fades to black and white as the movie progresses. I thought it would be an interesting watch while keeping this in mind – and it was awesome. Both versions of this film in this edition contain a DTS Korean Soundtrack with English Subtitles along with a few short featurettes on both discs. The packaging is a gatefold digipak which comes nestled in a glossy slipcase. If you are already a fan of Wook’s Oldboy and Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance you need to check this out. If you already have seen this film, I still highly recommend you check out this release. The Fade to Black and White version really changes the tone and mood of the film. I believe that this release is out of print, however with the right about of google snooping I think one can be obtained for a reasonable price -Larry

Wandering Ginza Butterfly

Synapse has released Wandering Ginza Butterfly for the first time on dvd (as well as its sequel Wandering Ginza Butterfly: She Cat Gambler). This film stars the beautiful Meiko Kaji of Lady Snowblood and Female Prisoner Scorpion fame, directed by Kazuhiko Yamaguchi and co-stars Tsunehiko Watase. This was Kaji’s first film with Koei Studios who hired her to take over for the retiring Junko Fuji. If you are new to the films of Kaji then this may not be the best place for you to start; you may be better served to start with one of her more notable films such as the Lady Snowblood or the Female Prisoner series. However, that is not to say this isn’t worth a watch. This yakuza film places Nami (Kaji) fresh out of a three year stint in the slammer for the murder of a yakuza boss. Now trying to start over and atone for her past Nami starts works as a hostess at a high-class nightclub. But soon trouble arises with a rival gang that wants to take over the club, which brings her back to her violent ways. The film ends with a fast paced, hectic, blood splattering swordplay scene that one would expect from a movie of this nature. Synapse did a wonderful job on the transfer with newly-translated subtitles as well. The extras on the disc include audio commentary with Japanese film expert Chris D. and a new interview with director Yamaguchi, as well as the theatrical trailers for both the first and second films and a gallery of original poster artwork.

This disc can be picked up at diabolikdvd for $18.99

-JDM

Ingmar Bergman’s The Seventh Seal (Re-Release)

Criterion Collection will rerelease one of their flagship titles Tuesday as a deluxe 2-disc DVD set. One of Bergman’s most studied, immitated and recognisable films, the Seventh Seal has never looked or sounded as good as it does here. The subtitle translation has been updated and there has been some substantial cleanup to the print while retaining the original film grain. It looks marvelous. Left over from the original Criterion release (spine #11) is the main feature commentary from Peter Cowie. New to this release is a rather jovial introduction to the film by Bergman as well as an afterward to the commentary from Cowie and a selected video filmography tracing Bergman’s career.
However the inclusion of “Bergman Island” truly makes this set a must own for any serious DVD collection. A 85-minute feature directed by Marie Nyreröd, Bergman Island finds Nyreröd and Bergman having several candid conversations at his home on Faro Island. Bergman opens up and explains his artistic intent, fears, passions, and speaks in depth about his films and personal life under gorgeous backdrops.

The set is very fairly priced considering that the now-11 year old original Criterion DVD is still in print. For under $25, the two disc rerelease of The Seventh Seal is totally worth picking up for Bergman’s Island alone. Add the value of the best possible transfter of one of the most important foreign films in history and its a no-brainer. – Larry