It's the question to people here who are comparing this episode of THG to BR. Have you even seen the BR2 let alone comparing THG3.
I know the basic idea of the THG was lifted from the BR but that was it, why compare the third episode?
That’s a crucial one. It’s in my top ten, easily; maybe the top five. I saw it right at the age director Kenta Fukasaku would have wanted me to: 14, just before high school. Of course, it wasn’t available in the US back then, but I wanted it desperately. According to “the Internet,” (what seemed like a mystical amalgamation at the time), it was one of the Holy Grails of filmmaking, a controversial classic so violent and terrifying it had been ‘banned’ in the US (this wasn’t quite true, but this was “the Internet,” after all). I had to have it, so I bought my own copy from Walmart, and the English translation of the book at my local shopping mall. That only made me want more. So I saved up my money and somehow convinced my Mom to help order a bootleg DVD of BR2 on eBay. After a few long weeks of waiting, it came, and I waited a little longer until my family was out of the house. I eagerly put the disc in the tray, sat down on the couch, and got ready for what I had been assured would be a life-changing experience….
…And you know what? For once the internet was right. After I saw “Battle Royale 2,” my existing concepts of the parameters of film were shattered, and I never looked back. My eyes were opened to so many things: how violence can be used not just to thrill, but to educate, to make a point in visceral fashion; that when it takes an active, interpretive mind to find the message in the madness – rather than having it all spoon-fed to you – the results are so much more powerful; that the “heightened” Japanese style of acting is awesome in so many ways, primarily for how it brings emotions to the surface; the role music can play in accentuating themes, feelings, and story points; how much a little tonal creativity and playfulness can amplify the impact of the work; and, of course, that foreign cinema can do things and go places that American cinema can’t or won’t. “Battle Royale 2” changed everything. I’ve taken it with me on my critical journey through the hundreds of films I’ve reviewed since joining YourHub and, later, eventually forming my own fansite.
Anyway avoid the recent US release that came out hot on the heels of THG hype, while the movies are said to have both received new, professional subtitle tracks, the subtitles for these features seem virtually identical to those on my old bootleg DVD, the same ones Suzanne Collins used. The translations therefore, are coherent, but also poorly timed and occasionally incomplete. It doesn’t ruin the experience, but is disappointing, given the opportunity Anchor Bay had to really get it right.
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No, but it comes pretty damn close. Would it have been nice to have the Extended cut of the sequel or some bonus features pertaining to that film? Yeah, I suppose, but given the fact that I’m unlikely to ever break out “BRII” again, I have no interest in complaining. When it comes to the first movie, the set is as comprehensive as I could have hoped (unless you want the 3D conversion released in Japan last year, to which I ask – why?), and that makes me a very happy customer.
After all, it’s the first film that’s important. Not only is it one of my all-time favorite movies, but I honestly believe that, in my experience at least, it is one of the greatest films ever made. To have both cuts presented in such great quality with a treasure trove of Bonus Material isn’t just satisfying, but appropriate given the film’s legacy. And though I’m no fan of “BRII,” I am glad Anchor Bay included it here; if nothing else, it’s a historical curiosity, and nice to have for archival purposes. That being said, if you’ve never seen “Battle Royale” before, or consider yourself a casual fan, I would buy the 1-disc Blu-Ray Anchor Bay has released in conjunction with this set. It contains only the Director’s Cut, but for many, that’s all you’ll need.
For die-hard fans? Knock yourself out with the Complete Collection. “Battle Royale” has finally arrived in North America, and they hit it out of the park. I’d say that’s something worth noting.
WOW! thanks
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This has always been the rule of Hollywood:
If America copies from others, it's a coincidence or its inspired... If others copy from America, THEN its plagiarism.
This is sad but true.
You know what else is sad? Hollywood keeps milking these movies and splitting final books into multiple parts even though there is not much to tell. They don't care about the quality of these films. It's all about the money.
Just reread the entire thread for these so-called "hard facts" you mention. Any clues as to what they might be?
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Yeah, and any one whose famialiar with Japan's so-called "bubble-economy" of the 90's knows where Kenta Fukasaku got the idea for the propos in Mockingjay, just as much as someone familiar with BR2 knows where Suzanne Collins got her ideas from.
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