Honest opinions on the film... - Koroshi no rakuin (1967) Discussion

[–] i_kept_my_slaves 17 years ago

For me, I haven't rewatched it enough to say it is "worth it" purely from an film fan standpoint. My major complaint is that Criterion went on releasing non-anamorphic DVDs for quite some time, and the first two Suzuki releases suffer on widescreen TVs. Actually, I just went and rented this one (as well as Tokyo Drifter and some others) today BECAUSE the Japanese releases are 16:9 widescreen.

still, compared to the prices in Japan, the criterion versions are not bad.
Branded,
http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E6%AE%BA%E3%81%97%E3%81%AE%E7%83%99%E5%8D%B0-%E5%AE%8D%E6%88%B8%E9%8C%A0/
dp/B00005Q7NK/ref=sr_1_1/503-0171173-5659933?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1183364845&sr=1-1
Drifter,
http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E6%B5%81%E3%82%8C%E8%80%85-%E6%B8%A1%E5%93%B2%E4%B9%9F/
dp/B00005Q7NL/ref=sr_1_2/503-0171173-5659933?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1183364684&sr=8-2

Maybe Criterion will re-release them 16:9 or HD at some point in the future?

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[–] lashton-2 17 years ago

I don't think the Criterion version of Branded To Kill is worth the extra $; the Netflix version is the same and there aren't that many extras. The interview with the director is the same one featured on the Tokyo Drifter DVD.

This isn't to rule out all Criterion products; I've bought a couple of Nicolas Roeg-directed Criterion films. You just need to do a little research and make your own decision as to whether they're worth it.

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[–] frequency-2 16 years ago

I just watched the Netflix one and if you intend to buy I would get a different version. I didn't like the transfer and this flick is so interesting that it deserves a better copy.

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[–] mlovmo-2 15 years ago

If you want, you can buy a Region 2 DVD from a British online retailer. I think their transfers are far superior to the Criterion one. I believe Yume Pictures is the distributer of the Suzuki collection on DVD in the UK. Remember, buying DVDs produced outside Region 1 can save you many times. There are simply titles that are not available in Region 1, or the distributer did a crappy job of tranfering to DVD (ie, Criterion).

You'll need a Region Free player, or download the "Ltn RPC" and "Info Tool" files onto your PC, and then you can play it. These are freely available on the internet.

Also: If you have a VHS player, and don't mind using videotape, the VHS version is beautifully transferred (sharp and crisp, unlike the Criterion DVD), is letterboxed(!) and has much better subtitles.

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[–] heelmaster2000 15 years ago

Depends on your tastes. The film it self is worth a rental if you haven't scene it. But if you are intending to buy the DVD just to own the DVD then don't there are no special features on it.

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[–] BumSteer 14 years ago

Classic movie.

Terrible DVD.

Criterion is usually head-and-shoulders above the rest, but I think this was one of their very first DVD's in the late 90's. Non-anamorphic with black bars. Faded and distorted image. Poor resolution. Crap audio. One baby-step above VHS. Cannot recommend buying, especially considering the price tag of a Criterion release.

Strangely, the Netflix streaming version (which I assumed was taken from the Criterion DVD) looks BETTER. Not sure how to explain that.

But yeah, this one needs a new DVD release with all the bells and whistles, and pronto! C'mon, Tarantino, you're a big Suzuki fan. Use your clout and make it happen. And do the same for "Tokyo Drifter" as well!

Can't remember who recommended the Region 2 British DVD, but I will definitely investigate that option. There's no other DVD version in the U.S. as far as I've seen, and I'm getting impatient.

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[–] capt_rhodes 14 years ago

I'm watching in on Netflix as we speak and I think it's absolutely incredible--a brilliant art film in every sense of the phrase, but there's one thing I can't quite get past. WHAT is with the part where Hanada is seeing the fake birds and fake rain?!?!

If your enemy refuses to be humbled....DESTROY HIM!

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[–] polysicsarebest 14 years ago

This Criterion DVD sucks -- very bad print, and overpriced. I guess because it was one of the first Criterions... still, this film needs a GREAT re-release.. This is one of the best films ever..

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[–] 14 years ago

[deleted]

[–] Candlejack_54 14 years ago

i was so happy when i found this dvd for $6 at amoeba...& it was in letterbox...that movie was amazing in every which way possible

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[–] m-slovak79 13 years ago

Well the movie (which i just finished seeing) is just not all that good at the end of the day. it fails in the key area a movie needs to succeed in which is... 'entertainment'.

it's pretty bland most of the film but i think near the end with the whole 'No 1' confrontation it's better but that's only a small part of the film, maybe the last 20 minutes or so. so while i sort of liked that, i find the overall film to be easily on the Thumbs Down side of things.

bottom line... i give it a 5/10. it's definitely not a film ill be watching more than once for sure and that's what ultimately makes or breaks a film in the long run.

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My Vote History ... http://imdb.to/b5rrNh
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