달콤한 인생 (A Bittersweet Life)(REMASTERED)[Nova Media Exclusive]

[Simon_LDT]

Didn't manage to check last night but will be watching tonight and will report back.

[Simon_LDT]

Watched it tonight. I'd say there is definite improvement here over the Content Zone release. There is more detail on show and it looks much clearer. There is a red push in the colour grading like mentioned previously from the trailer but I didn't find it distracting during viewing (faces didn't look red for example).

[Marten]

Originally Posted by Simon_LDT

Watched it tonight. I'd say there is definite improvement here over the Content Zone release. There is more detail on show and it looks much clearer. There is a red push in the colour grading like mentioned previously from the trailer but I didn't find it distracting during viewing (faces didn't look red for example).

Thank you Simon.

Another person on a different thread said the new transfer looks waxy. Do you think it is?

[Torrente]

It looks really soft to me.
And some backgrounds are definitely waxy in several shots.

Sure, there's a (little) improvement but it's not worth the price.

I still think the japanese disc is the best way to go.
And I sure regret I spent this kind of money for a repurchase.

Don't get me wrong, it certainly looks better in terms of details. You can see it's been remastered and it's different from the previous release.

Still, it's really soft again. Some backgrounds are really DNR'd and it shows, it's why I'm pissed. It seems they ruined a good master again (remember what they did to The Isle). I begin to think this company has an history of doing these kind of things...
No more blind buys / pre-orders from me.

[RestlessEye]

Mine just showed up - 85/700

[Torrente]

Today, I decided to write to Nova Media to tell them my thoughts about their sloppy work on this disc.
We'll see what they will reply...

I'm sure it's pointless, but I wanted to let them know that I was not satisfied

What surprises me the most (after reading several forums) is that it seems I'm in the minority here... I guess I was expecting too much...

[Al_The_Strange]

I got my copy today (#366 out of 800). Popped it in for a quick look.

It is definitely waxy (which I presume is DNR). You can tell right from the opening scene, no natural film grain, and all long shots of characters lack facial detail.

However, some of the close-up shots throughout (like during the gun dealer scene) look okay--in those shots you can see more detail.

But then, scenes like that and others also have a lot of specks and noise.

As far as the red push goes, I didn't really think much of it. I know color revisionism always sparks outrage among fans, but for this movie, I found it appropriate, and it's subtle enough to not upset the skin tones that much. I have no complaints about the color and contrast (yet).

Overall, the picture is sharp enough to outclass previous DVD editions I've seen. Sound quality seems good (and balanced). Lots of extras included, but they don't seem to have english subs (just one of many risks we all take when we import a movie anyway). Packaging is top-notch and is probably the defining feature of this release--I love the lenticular slip and booklet. Case doesn't close as smoothly as I'd like though.

Just a few nitpicks for a movie that is a personal favorite and inspiration of mine, and has no sign of having any other English-friendly version released anytime soon. All things considering, I'm fairly happy with this purchase, since this is currently the best release I have for this movie, but I can understand if other folks feel gipped.

If I would assign a score to the PQ, it'd probably be a 2.5/5. AQ, probably 4/5 or so. Extras, unsure since I won't be able to understand them . Packaging, 5/5.

Will watch the whole feature sometime soon to make sure these statements are accurate.

EDIT:
Okay, I just watched the whole thing. I think PQ issues only bothered me about 25% of the time. Then there are parts that look just fine. Sound is pretty awesome during all the fight scenes.

[(W)KRP]

Originally Posted by Torrente

No more blind buys / pre-orders from me.

That's how we learn about these things. Someone's gotta do it and compare it to the prior release. Sorry to hear this one disappointed you, but thanks for sharing. I always learn from critical reviews.

[Huseyin]

Mine is still in GBLALA

[lolwut]

Disappointed to hear that yet again the film hasn't been done justice on Blu-ray, even with a remaster.

[Heapashifter]

I watched it Sunday and I'm fine with the picture quality. The Korean releases never look as good as the US remastered stuff. I'm just glad to get a chance to watch and own this movie.

PS...I saw The Isle mentioned too. I thought that one looked really good. Also saying The Japan release of A Bittersweet Life is "the way to go" is kind of silly because it doesn't have English subtitles.

[Torrente]

Originally Posted by Heapashifter

Also saying The Japan release of A Bittersweet Life is "the way to go" is kind of silly because it doesn't have English subtitles.

... which I mentioned as big problem
(perhaps I should have phrased it differently like "the japanese PQ is still the best" but english is not my native language so I hope you'll manage to forgive my "silliness" )

Anyway, my point was that, in terms of PQ, the japanese release is still the best by head and shoulders... unfortunately.

[Heapashifter]

Originally Posted by Torrente

... which I mentioned as big problem
(perhaps I should have phrased it differently like "the japanese PQ is still the best" but english is not my native language so I hope you'll manage to forgive my "silliness" )

Anyway, my point was that, in terms of PQ, the japanese release is still the best by head and shoulders... unfortunately.

I actually still don't see where you mentioned no English subtitles...so dont roll your eyes at me.

I just didn't want anybody to see that one sentence, buy the Japan release, and then not be able to understand anything going on.

[RoyalCrimson]

Question guys:

I totally missed this release, but I found a FS and a Lenti on eBay that are reasonably priced.

I like them both, but with the upcoming Blufans and FA releases I really should get only one, so I could use some advice.

Do you guys have preference? Lenti or FS?

[Heapashifter]

Originally Posted by RoyalCrimson

Question guys:

I totally missed this release, but I found a FS and a Lenti on eBay that are reasonably priced.

I like them both, but with the upcoming Blufans and FA releases I really should get only one, so I could use some advice.

Do you guys have preference? Lenti or FS?

I have both and I like the lenti more.

Here's my pic:

[RoyalCrimson]

Awesome, thanks!

I've read about the PQ here.
I only own the DVD, and even though its the Director's Cut Collector's Edition, I'm guessing this will be an improvement.

[Torrente]

Originally Posted by Heapashifter

I actually still don't see where you mentioned no English subtitles...so dont roll your eyes at me.

My bad, it was on the other thread: https://forum.blu-ray.com/showpost.p...1&postcount=39
But I did mention it... somewhere

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by RoyalCrimson

Awesome, thanks!

I've read about the PQ here.
I only own the DVD, and even though its the Director's Cut Collector's Edition, I'm guessing this will be an improvement.

I'd say it's am improvement despite the issues. Like I said above somewhere, PQ issues only distracted me part of the time, and a few scenes genuinely impressed me.

[Ben_C]

Watched this version last night. Picture quality is indeed a mixed bag, most of it is very good, some scenes nearer the beginning didn't seem quite so good.

Forgot how much of an awesome film it is.

[Huseyin]

I've put this release in my latest channel update if you guys want to take a closer look.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptwl6skbuKE