The Last Emperor (ラストエンペラー コレクターズ・エディション) 2012/11/2 Pre-order

[Arkadin]

first ever order from amazon.jp has been placed.
so excited!

[UUUUGGGGHHHH]

Someone should be doing a group buy to save on shipping, rather than so many people ordering individually. How much did it come out to after shipping to the U.S.?

[Arkadin]

oh man--too damn much.

[Show spoiler]like $85 or so.

[James Luckard]

Originally Posted by Arkadin

oh man--too damn much.

[Show spoiler]like $85 or so.

Yep, it's almost $90, but I've loved this film for years and easily spent that much on various releases before in total. Spending that much for a proper copy of the film seems like a decent investment. The most I have ever spent on a BD and probably ever will, but I don't regret it for a second.

[James Luckard]

Originally Posted by UUUUGGGGHHHH

Someone should be doing a group buy to save on shipping, rather than so many people ordering individually. How much did it come out to after shipping to the U.S.?

The disc was about $66, and shipping was about $22. Total about $88.

[darry]

Can't justify that price. Hopefully, this gets a release in a region whose blurays aren't a complete ripoff. Like HK or even SKorea.

[James Luckard]

Originally Posted by darry

Hopefully, this gets a release in a region whose blurays aren't a complete ripoff. Like HK or even SKorea.

Every other release so far appears to have been cropped though:

US
UK
Germany
France
Australia
Italy
Spain

Perhaps another Asian country will use the Japanese master, but I wouldn't hold my breath. Also, Asian releases seem to go OOP after a couple of years.

Any die hard fans of the film who can afford the cost should snap this up now.

[Dubstar]

Originally Posted by tsetse27

I ordered this as well (from Amazon-Japan); can't wait to received it.

I also have the old USA DVD (Artist?) and I sold it because it was horrible. I bought the UK one later. Have been temped many times during B&N sales but never buy the Criterion released because of the cropped AR.

I also wonder how is the 5.1 soundtrack on this release compare to the 2.0 on Criterion?

I'm curious too, I'm assuming this is the soundmix that mirrors what was heard on the 70mm/6-track prints of the film.

[plabey]

Here are some comparison screenshots I did. Japan on top and Criterion on bottom. Colors are also different between them. Look at screenshot #5. The Japan is much greener. For the aspect ratio, look how much more epic screenshot #3 looks. I personally like the colors on the Japan disc more, so it's a win-win for me.

As for the price, it all comes down to how much you want it. It's the same case with The Bird With The Crystal Plummage, you can pay around $50 for the out of print US BD, or get the Vittorio Storaro butchered UK disc.

[thebard]

Originally Posted by plabey

Here are some comparison screenshots I did. Japan on top and Criterion on bottom. Colors are also different between them. Look at screenshot #5. The Japan is much greener. For the aspect ratio, look how much more epic screenshot #3 looks. I personally like the colors on the Japan disc more, so it's a win-win for me.

As for the price, it all comes down to how much you want it. It's the same case with The Bird With The Crystal Plummage, you can pay around $50 for the out of print US BD, or get the Vittorio Storaro butchered UK disc.

[Show spoiler]

Thank you for posting these. I was just saying in the general blu-ray thread that I was hoping someone would put up some comparisons.

I do agree that the Geneon lacks the deeper reds of the Criterion. I couldn't tell you which represents the original intent. I also see some occasional mild "ringing" on the import (look at her hand in screenshot 4).

On the other hand, I see gate weave & some smearing on the Criterion.

Audio is different as well: DTS-HD MA5.1 on the Geneon, DTS-HD MA stereo on the Criterion.

[Dubstar]

Originally Posted by thebard

Thank you for posting these. I was just saying in the general blu-ray thread that I was hoping someone would put up some comparisons.

I do agree that the Geneon lacks the deeper reds of the Criterion. I couldn't tell you which represents the original intent. I also see some occasional mild "ringing" on the import (look at her hand in screenshot 4).

On the other hand, I see gate weave & some smearing on the Criterion.

Audio is different as well: DTS-HD MA5.1 on the Geneon, DTS-HD MA stereo on the Criterion.

I've always wondered why Criterion went with the DTS 2.0 option and not the 5.1 one since at one point early on, it was supposed to be.

I can't wait to rewatch/hear this, since it will be close to replicating what I remember hearing and seeing in 70mm/6-track sound at the Uptown theater here in Washington DC during it's initial theatrical engagement.

[Deciazulado]

Originally Posted by plabey

Here are some comparison screenshots I did.

I'm just wondering why your screenies are 1934 pixels wide

[5th-beatle]

Originally Posted by plabey

Here are some comparison screenshots I did.

Thank you for those. While we can see more image on the right and left sides of the screen, and the top side shows the same amount, it seems that the image has been cut at the bottom. The Criterion edition shows a little more image at the bottom, and I wonder why?

Still, this is a great release. Any chance this new 3-BD edition will also be released in the US/UK?

[PNeski]

the only reason to keep the Criterion is the fine extras ,most which
aren't on Japanese BR

[Arkadin]

received my copy today from DHL!
very excited to finally own the "real" film.

[5th-beatle]

How is it possible that this new Japanese edition does not have to obey Storario's instructions, unlike all other releases around the world?

[G:Box]

Originally Posted by 5th-beatle

How is it possible that this new Japanese edition does not have to obey Storario's instructions, unlike all other releases around the world?

[illini2000]

The shipping is expensive, but I usually grab a few more things that I want from Japan so it makes up for some of it. I find shipping from amazon canada to be more of a rip off. At least with Japan, you're prepared to have it be expensive. I also ordered Small Time Crooks and The Lover. Unfortunately The Lover is 1080i, but there's a lengthy making of on it.

[James Luckard]

Originally Posted by 5th-beatle

How is it possible that this new Japanese edition does not have to obey Storario's instructions, unlike all other releases around the world?

Let's not ask that question too loudly. Let's just be grateful to have it.

[filmmusic]

So, can anyone confirm if this BLuray features English subtitles or not?
Because i saw a full Bluray rip somewhere of this specific release and it says it has English subtitles. (unless it's custom added)

and why isn't this sold in yesasia?