Like a lot of fans, I suspect, I prefer the Chinese import of 'Hero' to the American. Miramax did a craptacular job on the transfer and there was the controversial translations. Given this, I would like to get a copy from Asia, with English subs, of course. Has anyone seen one floating around on the Asian DVD sites? I've come up blank.

It hasnt been released yet on Bluray in Asia

Where are you getting your information from?

All the reviews for the Hero blu-ray have been quite positive (they actually struck a new HD transfer of Hero specifically for this blu-ray release).

The subtitles may still be off their mark, but this is a movie I could enjoy just as well without any subtitles.

Subtitles are off the mark and we don't get an DTS-HD master Chinese track, only a standard 5.1 one. Also, per the dvdbeaver review, the colors appear to be thick and saturated. Even the English audtio HD seems substandard. Major pass. Slop - where did you read a good review on this? I'm trying to see other reviews aside from dvdbeaver.

http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film2/DVDRe...ro_blu-ray.htm

Traxan, I keep looking every once in a while at dvdasian.com, dddhouse.com, and yesasia.com. When it gets released on Blu Ray, these places will have them. Of course for about $30-40 - which I'd rather pay for than for this lackluster Miramax crap offering.

The Beaver screen-shots look good to me...

They looked good to me too.

I agree, and if only they had included the original language track in DTS-HD - it'd be a no-brainer in purchasing this, but they slipped up and I'm not going to bite, until I hear or see an import that gives the best in PQ and AQ

I'll bite when it hits $20...preferably $15, but this is one of my favorite and most anticipated BD's...when a better version comes along, I'll get that too.

Screenshots aside, blu-ray.com review seems to call out the picture quality.

http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/movies...31&show=review

I also own the Chinese import SE DVD. I was under the impression that in addition to more accurate subtitles, the Chinese version contained a different (longer) cut of the film. Can anyone confirm this?

I can't confirm it now, I'm not at home, but I have at least two other video versions of the film that as I recall are slightly longer in running time.

The Chinese theatrical cut was identical in runtime to the US theatrical cut. However, there was extra text after the movie ended that detailed what became of Sky (Donnie Yen). Afterward, there was released an extended cut in China that has never made its way to the US.

The PQ looks good to me. The AQ issue is a HUGE dissapointment. I will NOT pay more than $15 for the Blu-ray and even that seems to be asking too much. I will get it eventually though.

It's a shame Zatoichi, Drunken Master, and Iron Monkey all seem to be complete and utter Blu-ray failures for both audio and video. At least Hero looks better than the DVD.

Regarding what? The PQ of the Miramax release blows and Zhang Yimou has acknowledged the changes to the subtitles, the most controversial being "All Under Heaven" changed to "Our Land."

Why they changed "Fight!" to "Storm!" is beyond me.

The extended version was nice but not necessary. It didn't explain much that was necessary, really.

Holy smoke those Miramax pics are horrible. Way over saturated. DO NOT WANT!

The fuck are you talking about? It's far from perfect, but besides film, it looks way better than any media the movie's been on so far. Name one that looks even half as good. Also, Doyle's intentions with the film were to give it a saturated look. Your criticism is akin to knocking a B&W movie for having no color.

But yeah, the subtitle and sound issues blow.

This would be the perfect opportunity for HK distributor Edko to advance in the high-definition game by whipping together strong Blu-rays for Hero and House of Flying Daggers.

30 Woo hoo!!!!!!

I'm bumping this to ask questions to anyone who has the boxset.

1.) Does Hero have the same slipcase as the individual release?
2.) Anything different content wise about Hero?

I still haven't purchased this. Without lossless audio this BD release is a total ripoff. I'll still probably get it though when it's around $10.

The biggest problem is no DTS-HD master Chinese track

Reportedly, the Spanish Blu-ray edition has the proper English subtitle translation. The audio is standard (lossy) DTS on that one.

So nobody has seen this in a store? I can't find it anywhere.

Good thread. I almost started one myself on the International forum.

I'm also holding out also for a proper Asian release on BD. I've enjoyed owning the EDKO DVD of this film since I first got a region-free player.

I prefer the DTS-ES soundtrack, not to mention the 109 minute Director's Cut. Hopefully, a superior BD will be released soon from a reputable China or HK company.

Are you talking about the Ultimate Force Of Four Box Set?

I've only seen it at Borders around where I live. Thought about getting it when one of the 50% BD coupons hit, but then I heard varying things about each of the releases. There shouldn't be anything different about the discs. All 4 films were released on the same day as was the box set.

Can't remember if Hero had a slipcase in the set though.