Any thoughts on R3 Kagemusha ?
 

I'm just wondering if anyone has seen (or even seen reviews of) the new (?) R3 release of Kurosawa's "Kagemusha". (I've seen the movie, don't need reviews on that, just wondering about how the dvd stacks up.)

Here's a page at poker industries with basic info on the disc. I know an R2 PAL version is released as well, but as I'm not blessed with a fancy-shmancy dvd player I'd rather stick with R3 NTSC if possible.

Also anyone know if this will be an eventual R1 release? If that's imminent I'll probably just wait so I can share this fine movie with non-region free associates and such :)

skokefoe.

Here's part of the review for the R2 disc. I would I assume the same print was used for the R3 disc.

From DVD Reviewer:
"Kagemusha is presented in an anamorphic 1.85:1 transfer. The picture is a little grainy, which I assume is due to the original film stock rather than the transfer itself. There are very few signs of age, the occasional scratch or blip, but otherwise this is a very clean print. Kurosawa’s direction is as always exquisite. The palette is rich and lush with Japan’s beautiful landscapes readily apparent. The same attention has been paid to the sets and costumes, and Kurosawa conveys some powerful imagery. A stream of soldiers marching in front of a setting sun is one such moment that stays in the mind. This film is truly a visual masterpiece.

You get a DD 4.0 Japanese soundtrack, which is adequate. The music is sparse but powerful and while the action is conveyed well, with the surround channel well used to create atmosphere and accentuate combat scenes, the film is more dialogue heavy, and this is always clear."

I think this was just released in France as well, so I assume that region 1 will get it sooner than later. Maybe it hasn't been released here because there working on it and making it a special edition or remastering it, but who knows.

It looks like both of these are the shortened 159 minute version (153 min PAL), so does anyone know where to get the 179 minute version?

http://us.imdb.com/AlternateVersions?0080979

(Yes, I know that the IMDB is loaded with serious errors, but this seems to have a reasonable chance of being true...)

...the IMDb is "loaded with serious errors" to those who fancy themselves experts on cinemahr, and is considered Holy Scripture by others when it suits their purpose of the moment...

...the truth, as so often, lies somewhere in the middle...

(...I once happened one one definite, obvious-to-those-in-the-know, and easily verifiable error where the IMDb claims that Nagisa Oshima's 1982 MERRY CHRISTMAS MR LAWRENCE was filmed in Vistavision... generally, I would say the IMDb is not a complete, total, irrefutable reference - but then which reference work, book or web, is?... I ask you... )

...all strictly MNSHO, of course!...

. . . :o . . .