Differences between VHS and HK dvd versions

I understand there's a Japanese DVD of this film, but I want to make sure all fans know that there is a Hong Kong DVD available too, with hard-coded English subtitles. Some may have a problem with the fact that those English subs are superimposed over Chinese subs. I did not though, because I can read them just fine. A wonderful thing about this particular DVD is that it is extended, including the addition of about twenty five minutes of stuff not seen in the version we all know and love. One problem, however, is that for some reason the picture is considerably darker than the VHS version! Another problem is that the translation in English subs could have been much better. This is not a movie that DEPENDS on dialogue to tell its story; so what dialogue we do get, in relation to what we see, can make all the difference if in some cases just a single word is changed. It is that very thing that nearly spoils the climax for me. Those who've seen the original theatrical version know that a single word is called out toward the end. Just know before tracking down the HK dvd version that this word is here changed, in a way that I felt underwhelmed the poignancy of what was previously a magnificent moment where we audience members feel about to jump out of our skins. All that said, remember it does have all the restored scenes, though darker throughout the film's duration, which can be annoying during night scenes.

All in all, there's pros and cons to both this particular disc and the old VHS version we all know. For my personal use, I've run the HK version through my video editor, brightened and sharpened it (though already sharper, of course, than the VHS), and lifted the audio from the original version for just that one word in the final scene.

If anyone can contribute details about the Japanese dvd version (which I already know does NOT have English subs), that is - other particulars, whether similarities or differences with the two versions detailed above, I would be grateful, and assume many other fans would too.

:)



"I'll tell you something if you won't think I'm crazy...I've got grasshoppers taped to my back."