The Japanese Jackie Chan Blu-ray thread

[OldPangYau]

All righty... so... despite the fact that I currently own *none* of these, I thought I'd start this thread in the hopes that anyone who owns any of these can give their reviews, feedback, etc.

Now, my main focus in this thread will be Jackie's Lo Wei/Seasonal/Golden Harvest films... in other words, you won't see Rush Hour, Shanghai Noon, or anything like that. But American/Hong Kong co-productions like Battle Creek Brawl and The Protector are fair game. So let's start with the ones that are already released:


THE POLICE STORY:



Release date: December 17, 2010

Special Features: outtakes, photo gallery

Running Time: 100 minutes
Region Code : A
Subtitles: Japanese
Audio Track: Cantonese: 7.1ch
Japanese: Dolby Digital 2.0ch Monaural
Aspect Ratio(s) 16:9LB
Color

Notes: The reviews on Amazon.co.jp, at least by the translation, imply that this blu-ray uses the same Fortune Star SD upconvert as the Hong Kong blu-ray. Boo. Also, the details on the "outtakes" are sketchy, as they could simply be the same outtakes from the HK cut, but without credits, or they could be the alternate outtakes from the Japanese laserdisc. If anyone can confirm, please do!

--------------------------------

THE POLICE STORY II:



Release date: December 17, 2010

Company: Paramount Home Entertainment Japan

Special Features: interview with Benny Lai

Running Time: 121 minutes
Region Code : A
Subtitles: Japanese
Audio Track: Cantonese: 7.1ch
Japanese: Dolby Digital 2.0ch Monaural
Aspect Ratio(s) 16:9LB
Color

Notes: This may also be an upconvert, like the original Police Story... need confirmation. However, I can confirm that, at 121 minutes, this is the same cut that Fortune Star has been using since 2004, which is actually 15+ minutes longer than the proper Hong Kong cut. Basically a "glorified workprint".

--------------------------------

THE POLICE STORY III:



Release date: December 17, 2010

Company: Paramount Home Entertainment Japan

Special Features: outtakes, interview with Stanley Tong, photo gallery

Running Time: 96 minutes
Region Code: A
Subtitles: Japanese
Audio Track: Cantonese: 7.1ch
Japanese: Dolby Digital 2.0ch Monaural
Aspect Ratio(s): 16:9LB
Color

Notes: Much like Police Story II, it's hard to get a read as to whether or not this is an upconvert, but I'm leaning towards it being as such. But once again, some confirm!

All three of these were also released in a limited (to 3,000) edition box set that apparently came with mini poster-reprints:



Needless to say, it's out of print now.

--------------------------------

HEART OF DRAGON (Japanese title: The First Mission):



Release date: March 25, 2011

Special Features: Teaser

Running Time: 98 minutes
Region Code : A
Subtitles: Japanese
Audio Track: Cantonese: DTS HD Monaural
Japanese: DTS Monaural
Aspect Ratio(s): 16:9 Vista
Color

Notes: Unlike the bulk of the other blu-rays, this one is not by Paramount, but rather Shochiku, the company that originally released Heart of Dragon in Japanese theaters. This being said, this is actually the extended Japanese cut of the film, which was also released on DVD. Now, while the DVD had rare behind the scenes footage and multiple Japanese trailers, the only listing for extras on here says "teaser"... but for all we know, it very well could have the rest of the extras from the Shochiku DVD. Also, since Shochiku used their own master as opposed to a Fortune Star master, it's possible that this is actually proper HD... what a concept!

--------------------------------

THE CANTON GODFATHER (aka MIRACLES):



Release date: November 11, 2011

Special Features:
-Hong Kong Theatrical Trailer
-Fortune Star Trailer
-Photo Gallery
-Jackie Chan Biography
-"facsimile edition released in Japan this title (subtitle version, dub version included)" - Explained below... kinda
-Japanese theatrical trailer
-Goods Photo Gallery
-"Making the video" (sounds like "making of" video)
-Scene unreleased in Japan


Running Time: 127 minutes
Region Code: A
Subtitles: Japanese
Audio Track: Cantonese: DTS HD 5.1ch
Japanese: 2.0ch Monaural

Aspect Ratio(s) 16:9LB Cinemascope
Color

Notes: Judging by the translation from the Amazon.co.jp page, this sounds like the first Japanese Jackie Chan blu ray to potentially feature what is translated as a "facsimile edition". This would imply that the producers of the blu-ray were attempting to recreate the Japanese theatrical cut. Not sure what this would entail, but needless to say, it's damn well intriguing.

--------------------------------

THE ARMOUR OF GOD:



Release Date: November 11, 2011

Special Features:
-Hong Kong Theatrical Trailer
-Fortune Star Trailer
-Photo Gallery
-Jackie Chan Comedy Special (Not sure what this is, but it's apparently about 2 minutes)
-"reprint this title released in Japan (Japanese subtitled version, dub version included)" (Sounds like another reproduction of the Japanese cut)
-Japan theatrical trailer
-Goods Photo Gallery
-International Trailer (perhaps the English dubbed trailer?)


Running Time: 98 minutes
Region Code: A
Subtitles: Japanese
Audio Track: Cantonese: DTS HD 5.1ch
Japanese: 2ch Stereo

Aspect Ratio(s): 16:9 LB Vista
Color

Notes: Much like Miracles, and released the same day, this blu-ray seems to have a section devoted to the Japanese theatrical release, ranging from the Japanese theatrical trailer to even the Japanese theatrical cut. Once again, this needs confirmation.

--------------------------------

THE ARMOUR OF GOD II: OPERATION CONDOR:



Release Date: November 11, 2011

Special Features:
-Hong Kong Theatrical Trailer
-Fortune Star Trailer
-Photo Gallery
-Jackie Chan Action Special (Not sure what this is, but is apparently about 3 minutes)
-"reprint this title released in Japan (Japanese subtitled version, dub version included)" (Same as Armour of God... sounds like an English dubbed Japanese cut)
-Japanese theatrical trailer
-International Trailer
-Goods Photo Gallery

Running Time: 106 minutes
Region Code: A
Subtitles: Japanese
Audio Track:Cantonese: 7.1ch
Japanese: 2.0ch Monaural

Aspect Ratio(s) 16:9LB Cinemascope
Color

Notes: Another release that looks "Japanese thetrical release friendly". Can anyone confirm these? My guess/theory at this point is that they may be using the upscale FS transfers for the main film, and the feature SD alternate cuts as extras. Even if these alternate cuts are in SD, they sound intriguing!

Both Armour of God films were part of the "Armour of God Box Set" that was also limited to 3,000 copies:



And of course, it's out of print now... they certainly mean limited! At least the individual discs are still available.

--------------------------------

PROJECT A:



Release Date: November 11, 2011

Special Features:
-Hong Kong Theatrical Trailer
-Fortune Star Trailer
-Photo Gallery
-Outtakes
-Deleted Scenes
-facsimile edition released in Japan this title (subtitle version, dub version included)
-Japanese theatrical trailer
-Goods Photo Gallery

Running Time: 105 minutes
Region Code: A
Subtitles: Japanese
Audio Track:Cantonese: 7.1ch
Japanese: 2.0ch Monaural

Aspect Ratio(s) 16:9LB Cinemascope
Color

Notes: The "deleted scenes" are most likely the same that were in the Hong Kong Project A DVD box set, which features 10 minutes of scenes from a Mandarin-language Taiwanese print. This would be the only other release I'm aware of that has these deleted scenes. Even the Hong Kong Legends DVDs never had them. This is a case with most Fortune Star-based releases... more extras tend to "leak out" with each subsequent country that gets them!

--------------------------------

PROJECT A2:



Release Date: November 11, 2011

Special Features:
-Hong Kong Theatrical Trailer
-Fortune Star Trailer
-Photo Gallery
-"each know people who know the world of stunt (no idea what this is)
-"facsimile edition released in Japan this title (subtitle version, dub version included)"
-Japanese theatrical trailer
-Goods Photo Gallery

Running Time: 106 minutes
Region Code: A
Subtitles: Japanese
Audio Track:Cantonese: 7.1ch
Japanese: 2.0ch Monaural

Aspect Ratio(s) 16:9LB Cinemascope
Color

Notes: Not much to say until I see it for myself!

Both Project A films were part of a Project A box set, also limited to 3,000 copies...



...and also, out of print.
--------------------------------

WHEELS ON MEALS:



Release Date: December 9, 2011

Special Features:
-Hong Kong Theatrical Trailer
-Fortune Star Trailer
-Photo Gallery
-"It is a thing be reprinted as long as possible to use existing material) this volume facsimile edition released in Japan" (Japanese theatrical cut reproduction)
-Japanese theatrical trailer
-Goods Photo Gallery

Running Time: 108 minutes
Region Code: A
Subtitles: Japanese
Audio Track:Cantonese: Dolby TrueHD 7.1ch
English: Dolby Digital 5.1ch Surround
Japanese: Dolby Digital 2ch Stereo

Aspect Ratio(s) 16:9LB Vista
Color

Notes: Okay, now, things get interesting here. This is the first one to pop up that actually has an English track on it. Now, this easily could've been the same re-dub the Hong Kong Legends used on their DVD, but everything I've read so far have indicated that it's actually the classic 1984 English dub. Aside from the Hong Kong Mega Star DVD, this dub has not been on any other disc, DVD or blu-ray. Also, Amazon.co.jp has a scan of the back cover, which confirms the "Japanese theatrical cut reproduction", which also has the classic English dub in its original mono format. Overall, while the main feature *may* be a typical upconvert, the classic dub and the Japanese reproduction seem to make this one stand out.

--------------------------------

THE PROTECTOR:



Release Date: December 9, 2011

Special Features:
-Hong Kong Theatrical Trailer
-Fortune Star Trailer
-Photo Gallery
-"It is a thing be reprinted as long as possible to use existing material) this volume facsimile edition released in Japan" (Japanese theatrical cut reproduction)
-"Directed by Jackie Chan version of this story" (Hong Kong cut of the film)
-Japanese theatrical trailer
-Goods Photo Gallery

Running Time: 95 minutes
Region Code: A
Subtitles: Japanese
Audio Track: English: DTS HD 5.1ch
Japanese: Dolby Digital 2ch Stereo

Aspect Ratio(s) 16:9LB Vista
Color

Notes: Out of all of the blus listed so far, I've actually seen screencaps from this one... and can confirm that the US cut is indeed an upconvert. Shocking, I know, coming from Fortune Star. However, this disc has three cuts of the film, which is certainly a unique situation. Many people know about the US and HK "Jackie Chan" cuts, but few know about the Japanese cut, which is somewhat of a hybrid of the two versions, and is the only one to have outtakes. Here's a link to a user review:

http://www.bulletsnbabesdvd.com/foru...hp?f=19&t=6217

The HK and Japanese cuts are in standard definition (as in 720x480, not an upconvert), and I'm guessing they used the Hong Kong Universe Laser DVD for the HK cut and the Japanese laserdisc for the Japanese cut.

--------------------------------

DRAGONS FOREVER:



Release Date: December 9, 2011

Special Features:
-Hong Kong Theatrical Trailer
-Fortune Star Trailer
-Photo Gallery
-Yuen Wah Interview
-Making of
-"It is a thing be reprinted as long as possible to use existing material) this volume facsimile edition released in Japan" (Japanese theatrical cut reproduction)
-Japanese theatrical trailer
-Deleted scenes
-Goods Photo Gallery

Running Time: 94 minutes
Region Code: A
Subtitles: Japanese
Audio Track:Cantonese: Dolby TrueHD 7.1ch
Japanese: Dolby Digital 2ch Stereo

Aspect Ratio(s) 16:9LB Vista
Color

Notes: The deleted scenes are most likely the infamous Yuen Biao psychiatrist scenes, present as deleted scenes on the Hong Kong Legends 2-disc DVD, as well as part of the main film of the English dubbed international cut. If they are indeed the same as from the HKL disc, they should be in Cantonese. As for the making of video, there's one 2+ minute behind the scenes video on YouTube, so it could be that... but if that's the case, I would at least hope they took it from the betacam source and not just a video tape or, even worse, just ripped it from YouTube :-p

Wheel on Meals and Dragons Forever were in a two pack box set (a Benny "The Jet" double feature, perhaps?), released the same day, limited to 3,000 copies:



And of course, it's out of print. Boo.

[OldPangYau]

CANNONBALL RUN:



Release Date: December 9, 2011

Special Features:
-"(It is a thing be reprinted as long as possible to use existing material) TV debut in Japan this volume facsimile edition" (Japanese TV version?)
-Japanese theatrical trailer
-Goods Gallery
-US Theatrical Trailer
-Fortune Star trailer
-Photo Gallery

Running Time: 95 minutes
Region Code: A
Subtitles: Japanese
Audio Track: English: DTS HD 5.1ch
Japanese: 2.0ch Monaural

Aspect Ratio(s) 16:9LB Vista
Color

Notes: Uh... meh... if you really are a fan of the movie, you probably already bought the US blu-ray for $8. Not only that, but that blu has an actual HD transfer. Seeing as how this is another Fortune Star master, it's most likely an upscaled transfer. The only things of significance seem to be the Japanese theatrical trailer and the Japanese TV version... not sure what that entails, but I believe you can actually watch the TV version on YouTube. Once again, meh.

--------------------------------

CRIME STORY:



Release Date: December 9, 2011

Special Features:
-"(It is a thing be reprinted as long as possible to use existing material) subtitled version released in Japan this volume facsimile edition, recording dub version" (My guess, once again, Japanese theatrical presentation reproduction)
-Japanese theatrical trailer
-Deleted scenes
-Goods Photo Gallery
-Hong Kong theatrical trailer
-Fortune Star theatrical trailer
-Photo Gallery
-10 minute interview with director Kirk Wong

Running Time: 107 minutes
Region Code: A
Subtitles: Japanese
Audio Track: Cantonese: Dolby TrueHD 7.1ch
Japanese: 2.0ch Monaural

Aspect Ratio(s) 16:9LB Vista
Color

Notes: If the Hong Kong blu-ray is anything to go by, this is most likely an upconvert. The deleted scenes are probably the same Mandarin-language ones from the Dragon Dynasty DVD, featuring additional footage of Chan's psychiatrist (what's up with deleted scenes involving psychiatrists?). Overall, this release doesn't do much for me as I have the deleted scenes and the Japanese theatrical trailer (via the Japanese laserdisc of Police Story 2).

--------------------------------

SHAOLIN WOODEN MEN:

<---Reversible artwork--->

Release Date: August 10, 2012

Special Features:
-Hong Kong theatrical trailer
-Fortune Star theatrical trailer
-Photo Gallery
-"(where there is no closed caption support voice some dub) / 2.0ch Linear PCM Japanese dub ※ recording 'public version of the Japanese theme song' "

Running Time: 107 minutes
Region Code: A
Subtitles: Japanese
Audio Track: Cantonese: 5.1ch Surround

Aspect Ratio(s) 16:9LB Scope
Color

Notes: Hmm, not much to this one, but the "public version of Japanese theme song" portion sounds interesting. Many of the Lo Wei JC films had new theme songs created for their Japanese releases, and this could have something to do with it. This is most likely what would be on the blu-ray:

Shaolin Wooden Men 少林木人巷 Seoulpower Music Video - YouTube

--------------------------------

SPIRITUAL KUNG-FU:

<---Reversible artwork--->

Release Date: August 10, 2012

Special Features:
-Hong Kong theatrical trailer
-Fortune Star theatrical trailer
-Photo Gallery
-"Before and After" Restoration Video
-"(where there is no closed caption support voice some dub) / 2.0ch Linear PCM Japanese dub ※ recording 'public version of the Japanese theme song' "

Running Time: 98 minutes
Region Code: A
Subtitles: Japanese
Audio Track: Cantonese: 5.1ch Surround

Aspect Ratio(s) 16:9LB Scope
Color

Notes: Much like Shaolin Wooden Men, this seems to have something in relation to the Japanese theme song of the movie. Here's what it would be:

Spiritual Kung Fu 拳精 Seoulpower MV - YouTube

--------------------------------

SNAKE AND CRANE - ARTS OF SHAOLIN:

<---Reversible Artwork--->

Release Date: August 10, 2012

Special Features:
-Hong Kong theatrical trailer
-Fortune Star theatrical trailer
-Japanese theatrical trailer
-Photo Gallery
-"(where there is no closed caption support voice some dub) / 2.0ch Linear PCM Japanese dub ※ recording 'public version of the Japanese theme song' "
-"reprinted edition released in Japan!"

Running Time: 101 minutes
Region Code: A
Subtitles: Japanese
Audio Track: Mandarin: 5.1ch Surround

Aspect Ratio(s) 16:9LB Scope
Color

Notes: All right, this one is actually more like the earlier blus, in that it allegedly contains a Japanese theatrical version (or at least a reproduction.) Amazon.co.jp even has "日本公開復刻版本編 ※ブルーレイ版に初収録！" written on the page for the film, which translates as "Reprinted edition released in Japan! First time on blu-ray!" However, like Shaolin Wooden Men and Spiritual Kung Fu, this also apparently has the Japanese theme:

Snake & Crane Arts of Shaolin Theme OST - YouTube

While these themes tend to sound different from the original scores, there's something about them that manages to make them stand out a bit more... kinda catchy at times :-p

--------------------------------

HALF A LOAF OF KUNG FU:

<---Reversible Artwork--->

Release Date: August 10, 2012

Special Features:
-Hong Kong theatrical trailer
-Fortune Star theatrical trailer
-Japanese theatrical trailer
-Photo Gallery
-"(where there is no closed caption support voice some dub) / 2.0ch Linear PCM Japanese dub ※ recording 'public version of the Japanese theme song' "
-"reprinted edition released in Japan!"

Running Time: 97 minutes
Region Code: A
Subtitles: Japanese
Audio Track: Cantonese: 5.1ch Surround

Aspect Ratio(s) 16:9LB Scope
Color

Notes: Yep, this one follows suit of the Snake and Crane blu, in that it's Japanese-theatrical-release-friendly. And that's my cue to post the Japanese theme song:

カンニングモンã‚*ー天ä¸*拳　カンニング・モンã‚*ー - YouTube

That's right, the film's Japanese title is Cunning Monkey. I... I've got nothing...

--------------------------------

FEARLESS HYENA:

<---Reversible Artwork--->

Release Date: August 10, 2012

Special Features:
-Hong Kong theatrical trailer
-Fortune Star theatrical trailer
-Japanese theatrical trailer
-Photo Gallery
-Before and After Restoration Video
-"(where there is no closed caption support voice some dub) / 2.0ch Linear PCM Japanese dub ※ recording 'public version of the Japanese theme song' "
-"reprinted edition released in Japan!"

Running Time: 98 minutes
Region Code: A
Subtitles: Japanese
Audio Track: Cantonese: 5.1ch Surround

Aspect Ratio(s) 16:9LB Scope
Color

Notes: Another Japanese-theatrical-release-friendly blu... very curious about these, and since Fearless Hyena is my favorite of the Lo Wei-era films (Jackie finally having directorial control post-Drunken Master probably played a role as well) I may have to bite on this one when it comes out. Also, here's the Japanese theme song that seems to be on this disc:

[HD] CRAZY MONKEY　クレージー・モンã‚*ー / Dr.スープ - YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbEhp...utu.be&t=5m16s

Okay, so this one is "Crazy Monkey"... at least it makes more sense, since Jackie's character fights using "Emotional Kung Fu" in the finale, in which he looks, well, crazy.

--------------------------------

DRAGON FIST:

<---Reversible artwork--->

Release Date: August 10, 2012

Special Features:
-Hong Kong theatrical trailer
-Fortune Star theatrical trailer
-Photo Gallery
-Before and After Restoration Video
-"(where there is no closed caption support voice some dub) / 2.0ch Linear PCM Japanese dub ※ recording 'public version of the Japanese theme song' "
-"reprinted edition released in Japan!"

Running Time: 98 minutes
Region Code: A
Subtitles: Japanese
Audio Track: Cantonese: 5.1ch Surround

Aspect Ratio(s) 16:9LB Scope
Color

Notes: While this one seems to have the reproduction of the Japanese theatrical cut, it doesn't look like it has a Japanese theatrical trailer. Boo. But of course, until I see the disc for myself, it could be a mistake and they forgot to add it. Meanwhile, here's the Japanese theme song:

Dragon Fist �拳 Seoulpower MV - YouTube

Plus what the final battle is apparently like in the Japanese version:

�拳　日本語版　ドラゴンフィスト - YouTube

Unlike the others, this one is actually named after the original title... go figure :-p It's also probably my favorite of the Japanese themes, but I can't quite put my finger on why. It's just that awesome :-p

These six (Dragon Fist, Snake and Crane, Shaolin Wooden Men, Spiritual Kung Fu, Fearless Hyena, and Half a Loaf of Kung Fu) are all part of the "Jackie Chan Fist Collection Box Set" (limited to 3,000, apparently), which comes out the same day as the solo releases (August 10, 2012):



Also, here's a promo trailer for it:

ジャッã‚*ー・ãƒ�ェン 〈拳〉シリーズ Box Set [Blu-ray] 発売予告 - YouTube

COMING SOON:

--------------------------------

WINNERS & SINNERS:

<---Reversible artwork--->

Release Date: September 14, 2012

Special Features:
-Hong Kong theatrical trailer
-Fortune Star theatrical trailer
-Photo Gallery
-Sammo Hung interview
-Japanese theatrical trailer

Running Time: 109 minutes
Region Code: A
Subtitles: Japanese
Audio Track: Cantonese: 5.1ch Surround

Aspect Ratio(s) 16:9LB Vista
Color

Notes: Gotta say, the extras look pretty disappointing on this one, especially compared to most of the ones above. No "Japanese version" on here, just a Japanese trailer (which I personally have on DVD-R with other rare Japanese Jackie Chan clips). Of course, as we get closer to the actual release, more info could crop up.

--------------------------------

MY LUCKY STARS:

<---Reversible artwork--->

Release Date: September 14, 2012

Special Features:
-Hong Kong theatrical trailer
-Fortune Star theatrical trailer
-Photo Gallery
-Michiko Nishiwaki interview
-Japanese theatrical trailer
-"NG scene"
-"NG version released in Japan"
-"NG Deleted scenes unpublished"

Running Time: 95 minutes
Region Code: A
Subtitles: Japanese
Audio Track: Cantonese: 5.1ch Surround

Aspect Ratio(s) 16:9LB Vista
Color

Notes: Okay, back on track with some decent extras! Now the "NG ("no goods") version released in Japan" is most likely the outtakes montage from the end of the Japanese cut of the film, which snuck onto the Hong Kong Legends DVD of Twinkle Twinkle Lucky Stars (despite originally being scheduled to be on the My Lucky Stars disc... you know... where it should've been!) The Michiko Nishiwaki interview may also be from the HKL DVD of My Lucky Stars, but that's just a guess. Meanwhile, not sure what "NG scene" and "NG deleted scenes unpublished" would entail... perhaps new deleted scenes? Hmm...

--------------------------------

TWINKLE TWINKLE LUCKY STARS:

<---Reversible artwork--->

Release Date: September 14, 2012

Special Features:
-Hong Kong theatrical trailer
-"This volume facsimile edition released in Japan"
-Japanese theatrical trailer
-"NG version released in Japan"
-"Deleted scenes unpublished"

Running Time: 95 minutes
Region Code: A
Subtitles: Japanese
Audio Track: Cantonese: 5.1ch Surround

Aspect Ratio(s) 16:9LB Vista
Color

Notes: UPDATED - SEPTEMBER 14, 2012: So it's been confirmed that this is indeed an upconvert. However, the good news is that the "NGs" (outtakes) on here are from the Jackie Chan Lucky Stars trilogy (Winners and Sinners, My Lucky Stars, Twinkle Twinkle Lucky Stars) as opposed to only TTLS. Take a look!

Shaolin Wooden Men 少林木人巷 Seoulpower Music Video - YouTube

All three "Lucky Stars" films will be in a box set limited to 3,000 copies:



At least this one isn't sold out yet... since it hasn't even been released yet :-p

--------------------------------

THE YOUNG MASTER:

<---Reversible artwork--->

Release Date: September 14, 2012

Special Features:
-Hong Kong theatrical trailer
-Fortune Star theatrical trailer
-Photo Gallery
-Jackie Chan interview
-Japanese theatrical trailer
-"English version released in Japan this volume reprint (English: 2.0ch mono: 2.0ch Japanese dub mono)"

Running Time: 105 minutes
Region Code: A
Subtitles: Japanese
Audio Track: Cantonese: 5.1ch Surround

Aspect Ratio(s) 16:9LB Scope
Color

Notes: UPDATE - SEPTEMBER 14, 2012: All right, so The Young Master has finally come out on blu-ray in Japan. And apparently, it sucks. Upconverted video for the main cut of the film, but the true sadness lies in the "Japanese reproduction". What should've been a sign of having the uncut classic English dub, is instead apparently a patchwork job of mixing both the classic English dub and the newer dub from the Hong Kong Legends and Fox DVDs. This makes ZERO sense, as a version that aired on Japanese TV in the 80s featured FAR more of the classic English dub than what was previously heard in the regular 90 minute international cut. Also, to make matters worse, the previously announced deleted scenes? Nothing. None. *sigh*
--------------------------------

DRAGON LORD:

<---Reversible artwork--->

Release Date: September 14, 2012

Special Features:
-Hong Kong theatrical trailer
-Fortune Star theatrical trailer
-Photo Gallery
-Louis Sit interview
-Japanese theatrical trailer
-"(2.0ch mono: 2.0ch Japanese dub mono / Cantonese) reprinted edition released in Japan this story"

Running Time: 108 minutes
Region Code: A
Subtitles: Japanese
Audio Track: Cantonese: 5.1ch Surround

Aspect Ratio(s) 16:9LB Scope
Color

Notes: At 102 minutes, this is the same extended edition that Fortune Star has given to companies around the world for several years, as opposed to the typical Hong Kong cut. This being said, it's also re-edited in a different order, and the cannon scene is missing. My guess is that this is flat out an earlier cut before they even shot the cannon ending. Meanwhile, the "reprinted edition released in Japan" sounds like another Japanese theatrical cut reproduction, which may have the cannon ending. So much speculation!

As with many of the other releases, both films are part of a box set that comes out the same day:



--------------------------------

POLICE STORY - Ultimate Edition:



Release Date: December 7, 2012

Special Features (subject to change):
-The Japanese premiere extended cut (approximately 105 minutes), taken from a 35mm print for the 25th Tokyo International Film Festival and remastered in HD
-2 TV Japanese dubs
-Japanese theatrical pamphlet and press kit reproduction in steelbook case
-Postcard-sized lobbycard reproductions
-Japanese theater trailer
-UK Edition Trailer
-Hong Kong Version Trailer
-Fortune Star trailer
-Jackie Chan talks about "Police Story" 20 minutes <Voice dubbed by Hiroya Ishimaru 2 subtitle to the voice of one person Jackie>
-36 minutes Jackie Chan History <Audio: narrated by Hiroya Ishimaru 2 English subtitles narration 1>
-Making of
- Photo Gallery (/ Slideshow Photo Album)
-NG scene

Running Time: 100 minutes
Region Code: A
Subtitles: Japanese
Audio Track: Cantonese: DTS HD 7.1ch
Japanese: 2.0ch Monaural

Aspect Ratio(s) 16:9LB Scope
Color

Notes: Wow, this is a big'un. Taking a note from the "Extreme Editions" of the Bruce Lee films, this will be the first re-released Jackie Chan blu-ray. In this case, as an "ultimate edition". Now, all signs point to the "main cut" of the film on this disc being the traditional 100 minute Hong Kong cut. And seeing the Fortune Star logo implies that it *may* be the same upconvert that plagued the other blu-rays of the film. However, the listing of the extended cut being scanned in HD gives me hope for something awesome! The extended version will apparently be playing at the Tokyo International Film Festival in late October, and the print that will be used was borrowed for telecine scanning for this "ultimate" edition. Overall, this sounds like a very promising release!

Oh yeah... and it's limited to 3,000 copies. That being said, I'm certainly not stalling on this!

--------------------------------

[steve_dave]

The Paramount Japan releases of the Jackie Chan Fortune Star titles are Japanese localized versions of the HK discs. Same video and Cantonese audio as Fortune Star provides these, Paramount simply adds the Japanese audio & subtitles.

[OldPangYau]

Originally Posted by steve_dave

The Paramount Japan releases of the Jackie Chan Fortune Star titles are Japanese localized versions of the HK discs. Same video and Cantonese audio as Fortune Star provides these, Paramount simply adds the Japanese audio & subtitles.

That's how a lot of the older ones look (especially the Police Story ones I mentioned above), but some of the ones coming out this year (and apparently some from last year) seem to have some exclusive extras that deal with the original Japanese releases. I may give a couple a shot, primarily The Young Master. Early translations imply it may have some goodies from the Japanese theatrical release, even deleted scenes. Maybe they're actually putting a pinch of effort into these instead of just repackaging the HK releases

Also, the Japanese blu-ray of The Protector apparently has three cuts of the film, the US cut, the Jackie Chan HK cut, and the Japanese theatrical cut. The bad news is that they're all upconverts :-p However, as rare as the Japanese cut is, it's a pretty cool extra. Screencaps from it seem to imply that the Japanese cut was actually taken from the hard to find laserdisc. Meanwhile, The Young Master *may* have the Japanese theatrical cut as an extra as well, but I'll have to wait until September to vouch for that! Can't be from the laserdisc though, as I have the Japanese laserdisc, and it's only the HK cut with Japanese subs. Meanwhile, my eyes are starting to cross :-p

[drees5761]

Apparently the Japanese Blu release of Wheels on Meals has the original English dub that is a fan favourite. Shame these releases don't have English subtitles and are so expensive.
Perhaps there were two releases of The Protector on Japanese laserdisc because the one i had was a different cut, the first half was in English (original audio) the 2nd half of the film when they went to HK was in Cantonese and has Jackie's versions of the fights.

[OldPangYau]

Originally Posted by drees5761

Apparently the Japanese Blu release of Wheels on Meals has the original English dub that is a fan favourite. Shame these releases don't have English subtitles and are so expensive.
Perhaps there were two releases of The Protector on Japanese laserdisc because the one i had was a different cut, the first half was in English (original audio) the 2nd half of the film when they went to HK was in Cantonese and has Jackie's versions of the fights.

I've read that about WOM as well... didn't the HKL 2-disc edition have a newer, Fortune Star produced English dub? I don't know why, considering that the classic international cut is virtually identical to the HK cut ("virtually" since the credits are different in both, but otherwise the footage is the same). So it only makes sense for an official release to have the classic English dub. I remember even the Mega Star DVD from "back in the day" had the english dub, although the Universe Laser DVD only had Cantonese and Mandarin.

As for The Protector, I always figured the Japanese cut was a hybrid of the US cut and the HK cut. Did your laserdisc have the outtakes? As usual, the Japanese version was the only one to have outtakes. Seemed like a lot of Jackie's films in the 80s *not* directed by him only had outtakes in Japan. The Protector, Heart of Dragon, Wheels on Meals, Dragons Forever... basically, for the most part, the Sammo Hung directed ones (The Protector not being Sammo-directed, of course ) The Lucky Stars films were another example.

[Leshita]

Are these going to be decent transfers? I say decent because I am pretty sure these films will never look 'good' by Blu-ray quality standards.

[OldPangYau]

Originally Posted by Leshita

Are these going to be decent transfers? I say decent because I am pretty sure these films will never look 'good' by Blu-ray quality standards.

Unfortunately, I think the bulk will indeed be upscales, but it's the extras that are the most intriguing, due to allegedly featuring rare cuts of the films... but can't confirm 100% yet.

[Akijama]

Lucky Stars box is coming out in September.

[OldPangYau]

Originally Posted by Akijama

Lucky Stars box is coming out in September.

True, I'm still working on getting them all listed That and a Young Master/Dragon Lord 2-pack is coming out the same time (as well as individual discs).

[MSZ]

Originally Posted by OldPangYau

Good point, cdjapan.co.jp currently has it at about $60! Meanwhile, I should probably re-word the "pre Rush Hour" part

I believe hmv.co.jp is cheaper, I bought one when it first came out.

For those who don't know, the video isn't 1080p/24, it is 1080i.

[OldPangYau]

Originally Posted by MSZ

I believe hmv.co.jp is cheaper, I bought one when it first came out.

For those who don't know, the video isn't 1080p/24, it is 1080i.

Sad thing is, that's probably still the best transfer of the film. I know the HK DVD was an early non-anamorphic release, but I'm sure the Japanese DVD was anamorphic. Even though it's 1080i, does it look like legit (semi) HD, or an upconvert?

Also, how was HMV? I've only ever ordered Japanese discs from YesAsia and cdjapan, but HMV's prices for the discs and shipping combined seem the most reasonable so far.

[MSZ]

Originally Posted by OldPangYau

Sad thing is, that's probably still the best transfer of the film. I know the HK DVD was an early non-anamorphic release, but I'm sure the Japanese DVD was anamorphic. Even though it's 1080i, does it look like legit (semi) HD, or an upconvert?

Also, how was HMV? I've only ever ordered Japanese discs from YesAsia and cdjapan, but HMV's prices for the discs and shipping combined seem the most reasonable so far.

The video doesn't look bad at all, definitely a legit HD transfer.

I've tried HMV Japan many times before, I think their price is more fair than yesasia and cdjapan. I would love to buy more from Amazon Japan and I think their shipping policy is way too restrictive.(too many items can't ship outside of Japan)

[OldPangYau]

Originally Posted by MSZ

The video doesn't look bad at all, definitely a legit HD transfer.

I've tried HMV Japan many times before, I think their price is more fair than yesasia and cdjapan. I would love to buy more from Amazon Japan and I think their shipping policy is way too restrictive.(too many items can't ship outside of Japan)

I actually did a "test order" with Amazon.co.jp (basically got as far as I could without actually hitting "place order") and shipping for one blu-ray was nearly as much as the blu-ray itself! Was going to be roughly $30 for the blu-ray and $25 for the shipping! Meanwhile, with HMV, it looks closer to averaging out at around $35 per disc, but you more or less have to order multiple discs to make it worth it, since they seem to have bulk discounts. Still the best option, though. I may take the plunge and get Wheels on Meals and Dragons Forever, then I can actually make some personal comments on these!

As for Gorgeous, sounds like a tolerable release. 1080i, as long as it's a proper NTSC transfer, can still "work". It's just when it's PAL-to-NTSC 1080i that it's a disaster (I'm looking at you, Dragon Dynasty 36th Chamber of Shaolin!)

[Futurhythm]

The cover art for these (and other Fortune Star Japanese releases) are fantastic. I wish Kam & Ronson and whoever else releases the Fortune Star catalogue in Hong Kong now would use these. That, or re-hire the design guys that Joy Sales had. I'd be slightly more ok with the HK releases if they at least had nice packaging.

The HK Fortune Star Blu-rays have absolutely atrocious box art. And what annoys me the most is that their old remastered DVD range had some of the nicest packaging ever.

[Vintrus]

I own the Japanese Protector Blu-ray that it for me.

[OldPangYau]

Originally Posted by Futurhythm

The cover art for these (and other Fortune Star Japanese releases) are fantastic. I wish Kam & Ronson and whoever else releases the Fortune Star catalogue in Hong Kong now would use these. That, or re-hire the design guys that Joy Sales had. I'd be slightly more ok with the HK releases if they at least had nice packaging.

The HK Fortune Star Blu-rays have absolutely atrocious box art. And what annoys me the most is that their old remastered DVD range had some of the nicest packaging ever.

What saddens me is that Fortune Star seems to have flat out lost their HD masters, and only kept the SDs. I heard that the reason why the Bruce Lee films were in true HD was because (allegedly) they were re-remastered by an American company, which is also why the color scheme looks different compared to the DVD versions. At least The Big Boss looks damn good on blu-ray. But yeah, the art for the Japanese blu-rays do indeed look nice, thanks to actually using the Japanese poster art! Even maintaining their Japanese titles (Spartan X for Wheels on Meals, Crazy Monkey for Fearless Hyena, etc).

Originally Posted by Vintrus

I own the Japanese Protector Blu-ray that it for me.

Can you give us the details on the extras? I know it features three cuts of the film (US, HK, and Japanese), but wasn't sure about the extras. Amazon.co.jp's description, at least from the translation, says it's supposed to have the Japanese theatrical trailer, making of, and photo galleries. Any info would rock

[Futurhythm]

Originally Posted by OldPangYau

What saddens me is that Fortune Star seems to have flat out lost their HD masters, and only kept the SDs. I heard that the reason why the Bruce Lee films were in true HD was because (allegedly) they were re-remastered by an American company, which is also why the color scheme looks different compared to the DVD versions. At least The Big Boss looks damn good on blu-ray.

That is ridiculously distressing. However, I think they've only lost the masters for all the Golden Harvest/any defunct studios stuff. All the China Star movies I've seen released by them on Blu-ray seem to have proper transfers, just not remastered and cleaned up ones. I can live with this since I've never been used to seeing HK movies in pristine condition in the first place. Also, in the China Star case, maybe since that studio still exists in a production capacity they actually have all the HD masters themselves.

I guess I can always con myself thinking that since these old HK movies were filmed on such cheap film stock, this is the nicest we'll ever see them looking ever anyway.

[OldPangYau]

Originally Posted by Futurhythm

All the China Star movies I've seen released by them on Blu-ray seem to have proper transfers, just not remastered and cleaned up ones.

Actually, that sounds about right. I remember reading that Running Out of Time was proper HD as well. Meanwhile, I'm very curious about the Shochiku blu-ray of Heart of Dragon since it didn't use a Fortune Star master, but rather their own master of the Japanese theatrical cut.

[OldPangYau]

Bumping this up a tad since I've finished the already released blus. Hopefully by tonight, I'll start posting info on the blus coming out in a few days as well as the September/October releases. Overall, it looks like Paramount focuses on releasing these in the latter part of the year, with the Police Story blus coming out December '10, all of the blus last year coming out in November and December, and this year's blus coming out between August and October.