Hero

[mattyl149]

I picked this up in HMV for £6 today, but have not opened it yet. Can anyone confirm if it has the original Mandarin language audio on there. I have had a look at the back and it doesn't mention it. It's on the DVD I own of it, and if the only version is dubbed then I don't want to open it, as I will be returning it for a refund, and do not want to risk opening it to check

If it hasn't got the Mandarin soundtrack on there, then it is a pretty shoddy release. It's bad enough seeing a blu-ray with half the features missing which were on the original DVD release

[Ben_R]

Take from this sites review

I could drone on and on about Hero's visual punch and thematic power, but I'll spare you the hyperbole. Suffice to say, Yimou's masterpiece is just that: a masterpiece. Sadly, the Blu-ray edition is a bit of a letdown. While it certainly bests every previous release of the film, it still struggles with a problematic video transfer, the limitations of a lossy Mandarin audio track, and the inclusion of a slim supplemental package. Granted, none of these issues should keep fans away from the finest release of Hero to date, but more frugal readers may want to rent this one before sliding too much cash across the counter.

[mattyl149]

Originally Posted by Ben_R

Take from this sites review

I saw that, but that version reviewed has French and Spanish audio and subtitles, but the UK version I got doesn't. Plus that says digital copy but the UK one doesn't. Also, as the DVD states Mandarin on the back but the blu-ray doesn't, that's why I was querying it

I would open to check it, but it is easier to get a refund if it is still sealed and I checked another site, which said that not all countries releases have the Mandarin track on, but it didn't have details on the UK one

[Sky_Captain]

Lossy Mandarin track.

[freddiecarr]

I think he bought the recently re-released version and the back does only state english language, however because of that I didn't buy it, so sorry cant be of any help .

[mattyl149]

I opened it and checked it and although it is lossy, the Mandarin track's on there. It seems stupid not to mention this on the back. It may not be the best bluray picture, but for £6 I can't compain too much

[Impossible]

Originally Posted by mattyl149

I opened it and checked it and although it is lossy, the Mandarin track's on there. It seems stupid not to mentio this on the back. It may not be the best bluray picture, but for £6 I can't compain too much

Thank GOD! I just bought it as well and nearly had a heart attack just now when I got home and read the back!

[mattyl149]

You would think something as important as this would be on the case. Just think of all the people who pick this up and put it back down thinking only the English version is on. Then again think of all the people who will watch this dubbed as they don't do subtitles

I wish the Mandarin track was lossless, but I doubt they will re-release it again

[Impossible]

TBH the sound doesn't really worry me as I'm in a small flat and can't turn it up too loud anyways.

[Faustus]

Hero seems to be getting a reissue tomorrow. No mention of a new scan, so maybe just a straight re-issue. Does anyone have any further details?

[Grimmy11]

I'm tempted to pick the reissue up, Although similarly it does say 'Language: English' with English and Chinese subtitles on the listing on Amazon. Despite having a big OSCAR NOMINATION: BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM banner on the cover.

I'm guessing it has to be a straight reissue with the lossy Mandarin.

Am I right in thinking the only real better alternative would be the Korean release which has the Directors cut and Lossless audio but still doesn't have great PQ and will probably cost 4-5 times as much?

[malcy30]

Originally Posted by Faustus

Hero seems to be getting a reissue tomorrow. No mention of a new scan, so maybe just a straight re-issue. Does anyone have any further details?

In the U.K. it’s a Mirimax film and that library post the Weinstein fall out is now distributed on disc by Paramount, used to be Disney. Hence the low cost reissues.

This site has a review up in last few days for Gangs of New York another title from Mirimax just reissued, which shows the reissue is a different master to the old disc. No idea if same applies to Hero.

[Sky_Captain]

I have my doubts regarding GoNY being a different master.

'This disc doesn't look like screenshots taken by another reviewer, years ago', is not a convincing argument.

[Faustus]

Originally Posted by malcy30

In the U.K. it’s a Mirimax film and that library post the Weinstein fall out is now distributed on disc by Paramount, used to be Disney. Hence the low cost reissues.

Thanks for the info.

That must also explain why Cop Land is getting a low cost re-issue - it's Miramax, too. I was teetering on ordering both of them together earlier today.

[saltysam]

I got the Korean last year- it's the best available though the film clearly needs a remaster.Would be right up Criterion's street if they could get the rights.