MovieChat Forums > Á köldum klaka (1996) Discussion > 2 Versions ?

2 Versions ?

posted 17 years ago by adam-707
8 replies | jump to latest

Can anyone confirm why there are 2 versions of this film.

I have one version bought on VHS in the UK in 1996. The film is widescreen on VHS, and the whole of the opening sequence in Japan is presented in a small boxed area in the middle of the screen. Just before the plane lands in Iceland the screen opens out to full widescreen - and really emphasises the difference between the confinement of Japan and the wide open space of Iceland.

This is lost in the DVD version that came out a few years ago, the Japan scenes are just presented like the rest of the movie. There are also subtle differences in the way the English subtitles have been translated - those on the VHS version were superior. This version also does not appear to be the full widescreen version as on VHS.

It was a real shame the version I saw on VHS was not the one released on DVD, does anyone know why not? Has it ever been released on DVD in that way?

It's a great film, too bad the only version that seems to be available is the inferior one.

[–] jeffc-3 17 years ago

This film is almost unknown here in the US, at least very few people I know are aware of it. It's not available on DVD here, only on VHS year ago and quite rare it seems. I can only find one store that has a rental copy. I have not watched it for a couple years, but if I recall, the opening scenes in Japan were presented in a small box [or boxes] as you state.

What country/region is the DVD that you have?
I know it's available in a region 2/PAL version on DVD.
Is that what you have?

I was thinking about buying a copy [I have a PAL-capable/all-region DVD player] but if it's seriously compromised I will have to reconsider. Then again, I so love this film, and there does not seem to be any plans to release in the US, I may go ahead and grab one regardless.

I really wish they would just go ahead and release it here in the states.
[Anyone notice that Japanese film director Seijun Suzuki has the small role as the grandfather?]

[–] adam-707 17 years ago

I have the Region 2/PAL dvd, which does not have the boxed in opening scenes in Japan.

[–] jeffc-3 17 years ago

Just received my Region 2/PAL copy from Amazon UK.
I see what you mean about the opening scenes.

The box also states that the original aspect ration was 2.35:1 and this is, while at least an anamorphic transfer, apparently cropped to 1.85:1 :(

While this is surely a compromised version of the director's vision, it's not so much so that I still won't enjoy watching this film many times, and I no longer have to guard my old VHS copy so closely.

I would still love to see a proper release of course, but this will suffice for now [it has to!].

[–] TracesOfLove 17 years ago

"I have one version bought on VHS in the UK in 1996. The film is widescreen on VHS, and the whole of the opening sequence in Japan is presented in a small boxed area in the middle of the screen. Just before the plane lands in Iceland the screen opens out to full widescreen - and really emphasises the difference between the confinement of Japan and the wide open space of Iceland. "

Hmmm...I think I did see that version too! It was so long ago since I've seen it. But I'm remembering it. I saw it on VHS in the States the year it came out. I can't even find it here! I hope when it comes out on DVD here it's just like the original! It was such a cool film! I hate when people mess things up! I think instead of freaking out about piracy, the focus should be on leaving copyrighted material the way it was originally intended. That should be more important.

I see no beauty here, nor fit for breeding.

[–] mfilas 16 years ago

I remember there being a fantastic scene in this where the protagonist bathes with other tourists in a hot spring where wild monkeys are also partaking of the steamy hot spring. When I showed this film to a class after hyping that particular scene I was shocked to get through the whole film and not see the snow monkeys in a hot spring scene. Can any of you fans of this movie confirm that there was at one time a version with snow monkeys in the hot spring or is my memory shot?

[–] adam-707 16 years ago

I don't remember that scene, monkeys in Iceland? Could be 'Baraka' maybe, that has snow monkeys taking a dip in a hot spring. In 'Cold Fever' the protagonist does go to a hot spring, but I don't think he gets in the water.

[–] 16 years ago

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[–] 16 years ago

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