Ong-Bak best Blu-ray?

[m_burlock]

How good or bad is the U.S. Ong-Bak Blu-Ray from 20th Century Fox? Is there something better out there? If so, please provide details.

[JediFonger]

i'd like to know too =)

[Clark Kent]

Reviews say the American Blu-ray looks awful.

[Dreemworx]

I rented Ong Bak 2 on BR from Blockbuster and it looked fine. I wouldn't mind owning it actually.

OB I I have never seen yet.

[Adrock]

Originally Posted by Clark Kent

Reviews say the American Blu-ray looks awful.

I dunno about awful, it certainly is not great though. In my opinion, it is an upgrade from the DVD, but most certainly nothing to write home about.

[SPIDERone]

I thought the Blu-Ray was just absolutely horrible looking.. until I popped the DVD in afterwards to compare (expecting the DVD to look the same or better). The DVD was MUCH worse, mostly because of artifacting/pixelization throughout. The Blu-Ray is noticeable better compared to it, but is in the lower tier of Blu-Ray quality. If you're upgrading from the DVD, it's actually worth it (if you find it cheap). Overseas releases may be better, but will probably cost a bit more.

[Snake Plissken]

If you think the blu-ray is horrible, first watch the original Born to Fight on DVD, then the 2004 Born to Fight remake on DVD, then Ong Bak on DVD, then Ong Bak on blu-ray.

You will be pleased with the blu-ray quality after that

[Trogdor2010]

If you have been used to buying bootleg chinese VHS tapes or DVDs, this should look much better than many of them. If you expect a movie looking more like a 35mm theatrical presentation or a shiny blu ray, then you don't want to watch it then. The movie is an enjoyable thrill the first half, where Tony Jaa showcases his acrobatics, but after that it's little more of an 80's action film with lots of repetitive fights. Worth a look for fans of the genre.

[JediFonger]

no no no... i think we're asking and wanting to compare BD vs. BD, obviously BD will look superior to DVDs.

i think we're asking more: does imported HK copies fare better. but i dont' think there are imported version are there? i think #1 is available in UK, but #2 is US.

[Leterface]

Ong Bak 1 - only english friendly version in USA http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film2/DVDRe...or_blu-ray.htm . Why isn't there out UK/European versions? I think Ong Bak is a very good film in it's genre.

Ong Bak 2 - UK version is Sony but has only Dolby Digital sound, USA version is by Magnolia and has lossless sound.

I would like to know whitch Ong Bak 2 release, UK or USA is better regarding PQ?

[steve_dave]

Ong Bak - Only on Blu-ray Disc in the US and is the cut US version of the film. It looks bad, real bad due to the filmstock and cinematography styles used. So far, the best English friendly release of this film is the Australian PAL DVD whch is an all-region disc.

Ong Bak 2 - US release is the better of the two releases when compared to the UK edition. It has both the original Thai and cut US versions on a single disc with lossless audio.

[Snake Plissken]

Originally Posted by steve_dave

So far, the best English friendly release of this film is the Australian PAL DVD whch is an all-region disc.

IF you have a region free DVD player and can get your hands on a version of the now OOP Korean release of Tom Yum Goong, I found it to be better then the Weinstein's US release

[Xorp]

Originally Posted by JediFonger

no no no... i think we're asking and wanting to compare BD vs. BD, obviously BD will look superior to DVDs.

i think we're asking more: does imported HK copies fare better. but i dont' think there are imported version are there? i think #1 is available in UK, but #2 is US.

Here's one: http://comparescreenshots.slicx.com/comparison/68668/

The FR disc doesn't have any English subs though, you'll have to use a HTPC and load them in.

Oddly the French version is released by a sub-division of Fox (Fox Pathe Europe). Guess they didn't share the superior master with Fox US.

[zombeaner]

Originally Posted by Snake Plissken

IF you have a region free DVD player and can get your hands on a version of the now OOP Korean release of Tom Yum Goong, I found it to be better then the Weinstein's US release

Tom Yum Goong has a decent US Blu-ray release, though. Certainly better than the Korean release, I've had both.

[hiyatran]

Originally Posted by steve_dave

Ong Bak - Only on Blu-ray Disc in the US and is the cut US version of the film. It looks bad, real bad due to the filmstock and cinematography styles used. So far, the best English friendly release of this film is the Australian PAL DVD whch is an all-region disc.

Ong Bak 2 - US release is the better of the two releases when compared to the UK edition. It has both the original Thai and cut US versions on a single disc with lossless audio.

I didn't see Ong Bak on Blue ray but the Ong Bak 2 is amazing. well worth the money.

[Snake Plissken]

Originally Posted by zombeaner

Tom Yum Goong has a decent US Blu-ray release, though. Certainly better than the Korean release, I've had both.

I have them both as well and I preferred the Korean release, but to each his own

[Leterface]

Originally Posted by Xorp

Here's one: http://comparescreenshots.slicx.com/comparison/68668/

The FR disc doesn't have any English subs though, you'll have to use a HTPC and load them in.

Oddly the French version is released by a sub-division of Fox (Fox Pathe Europe). Guess they didn't share the superior master with Fox US.

Wow It's like BD vs DVD...sadly the former being the US release. But thanks for the comparison link. This makes me waiting for a proper English friendly release...UK??..Nordic??

[Leterface]

Originally Posted by hiyatran

I didn't see Ong Bak on Blue ray but the Ong Bak 2 is amazing. well worth the money.

I haven't yet seen my Ong Bak 2 BD, but I think most people thinks that part 1 is the better one.

[steve_dave]

In terms of story and character development, Ong Bak is the superior film.

In terms of Blu-ray Disc's picture quality, Ong Bak 2 is the superior film.

Ong Bak had a pretty understandable plot and Tony Jaa stuck to one style which was a modified form of Muay Thai.

Ong Bak 2's plot is a bit difficult to follow and unfortunately, suffers from the desire to be Western friendly. So while there are scenes of the modified Muay Thai, these are overshadowed by countless scenes where other fighting styles are used.

[Atreyu]

Originally Posted by steve_dave

Ong Bak 2's plot is a bit difficult to follow and unfortunately, suffers from the desire to be Western friendly. So while there are scenes of the modified Muay Thai, these are overshadowed by countless scenes where other fighting styles are used.

I thought Onk Bak 2's storyline was pretty easy to follow. I watched the shorter alternate cut. Also if you watch the extras Jaa explains about his usage of different fighting styles.