cseaw

Now what?

Could someone please suggest some titles that are above and beyond their Region 1 counterparts?

I am interested in movies like Oldboy, Ong Bak, and Unleashed, but are the other region releases better?

evophile

The Australian Ong Bak DVD has both the cut that is in the Region 1 DVD and also the Original Thai cut. It is the only version that offers both cuts. It isn't out yet so no one can comment on the quality, but if you're interested in original cuts, that one's for you.

I can't comment much on the others though, as R1 Unleashed has yet to be released and I haven't kept up on which Oldboy is the best.

Cardiac161

The problem with having a region-free player is having to watch extra features fm non R1 films that have no English subtitles. Nevertheless, A LOT of movies released in other regions are way, way, way better than the R1 releases.

I have the Korean R3 of Oldboy. As with almost all Korean releases, this dvd covers in depth on everything from conception to the finish product.

I also just got R3 (HK) Danny the Dog Special Edition and since the R1 version (Unleashed) doesn't come out til October, I can't really say which is better. But what you get fm the R3 one are the following: 2 discs, dts sound, making of, full versions of the fight scenes, music videos, trailer, fx shots, deleted scenes , outtakes. Oh by the way, all these extra features are English subtitled!!!!

scrotalsac187

I can list a few of the movies I've picked up from other regions because they are better that the R1 release, but if you don't like the movie, then you wouldn't be interested:

Blade (dts) - R2 (Japan)
The Transporter (dtsES) - R2 (Japan)
The Terminator Ultimate Edition - R2 (Japan)
Silence of the Lambs Ultimate Edition - R2 (Japan)

In my opinion, Japan almost always gets the same or a better version than R1 (especially the Ultimate Editions). The problem is, however, that they usually come out a few months later and usually cost twice as much as the R1 version. For movies you really like, I suggest looking at cdjapan or Yesasia for alternate asian versions. Also, if you're interested in dts (like myself), and want to know which regions mave have a dts track of a particular movie, I suggest looking at dvdtherapy.com, which has a very good list and some really good reviews.

cseaw

This is exactly the kind of advice I was looking for.
Thanks.

GeoffK

If you're a fan you can always pick up the British DVDs for Dr Who. - The New Series You can't get them in the US and they are tons of fun.

cseaw

Almost $40 for Blade DTS?!!
That's more than I paid for the dvd player.

Bill Geiger

My best advice would be Heat DTS from Japan (avoid the Korean release as it is the wrong aspect ratio), Japanese Superbits, Ronin DTS (UK or Japan).

Bill Geiger

Oh yeah, be prepared to pay between $25 and up for Japanese DVDS. Good thing you aren't interested in the Armageddon DTS from Japan.

digitalfreaknyc

Also, most Japanese DVD's do NOT have english menus. So unless you're talented, be prepared to fish around for what you want.

Egon's Ghost

Why I'm region-free (ROM--I use AnyDVD): Japanese Manhunter. UK Last of the Mohicans. UK Thief. R4 Wild at Heart. R5 (Russia) Night Watch. It all depends on your taste; I'm a Mann diehard, so there you go. R3 Korean Army of Darkness. Also R2 Casino (2 discs, not the glitchy R1 DVD-18). Plus a lot of Czech movies I like.

The Valeyard

Be aware that the current releases are Vanilla releases. The Complete Series Box Set (which comes out for R2 in November) is tentatively scheduled for a R1 release in Spring '06. The Complete Series box set (5 Discs) will have TONS of extras and 5.1 surround on the episodes. Tho I'll be biting my lip, I'm gonna try and wait for the US release.


Andrew

calhoun07

If you are a fan of British television, I strongly recommend Goodnight Sweetheart, one of the most original Brit Coms I have ever seen!