What's the deal with the R2 Killer SE?
 

I was thinking about ordering this from Bensons, but saw the run time was only 106 mins. Is this due to the PAL speedup? I also saw that the R2 French edition contains both the 110 minute cut, and also the 124 minute rare cut. Is this the one to get? Help!

The HKL disc is uncut, and the French release of the (apparently inferior) Taiwanese cut has a poor print and no English subtitles. I am confident that the HKL disc that is due out in a little over a week will deliver.

Thanks for the confirmation on the HKL disc, so I guess the time was a result of the PAL speedup and not edits.

Just wondering if anyone has gotten this DVD yet and has any opinions on it. Mine has shipped but not here yet....

loveandbullets.com put up their review today

Looks excellent... my copy should ship soon.

I am pissed. Mine should've shipped today but stupid credit card company blocked the charge. Now instead of Friday, I'll have to wait until Monday. :(

The French release has no english subs on the Director's cut but it does have english subs on the longer Taiwanese cut. The French release also includes the original mono soundrack while the HKL version doesn't.

Ok, I'm sold. I now want to get this in addition to the Fox Lorber version I already have. But I'm confused...
On bensonsworld site I can only find a version released by MEDUSA COMMS. AND MKTG. LTD..... Is this the HKL version or what?

Thanks,
Gabe

yes!!!!!!!!!!!

medusa
/ \
hkl playboy

Sounds intersting... but I think I'll hold onto my Criterion (even though it's not anamorphic) :(

-k
###

ah, thanks for the replies d2cheer & axolotl. I'll be getting mine soon :D

hey Keyser, I told your man Kobayashi that I'll trade you my HKL for your Criterion if it would make you happy. ;)

There is one e-Bay right now, if you can't wait to import it. BTW, it looks real nice and the 5.1 is very subtle and not overcharged like those crappy HK versions.

Still, the best I've ever ever ever seen it!

My comprehensive comparitive review of all the available DVD's for this film, including the new HKL release, is up at my website. Here is a sample capture comparitive...

http://www.deceptions.net/captures/compare4.jpg

Just wanted to mention I am now positive that the Malata N996's newer firmware is not compatible with HKL's subtitles. They just flash by too quickly. So be advised... :(

Is there a firmware newer than 11/2001? That's what I have and didn't notice a problem.

No. It could be something that only happened with my player. I hope not.

I just received this today and have a question. I noticed the top line of the picture where the black border meets the picture is somewhat crooked on and off. It's really strange and I've never seen this on a PAL disc before. About 1/3 of the way over (going from left to right) the line is broken and seems to move up just a bit. It's a weird effect. If I pause the disc the line goes to normal. Any explanation for this? I'm using a JVC-500.

Also, I saw "combing" for the first time when I was scanning through the disc to check out the transfer quality. I rewound the segment and played it back and it was gone. I would've thought the combing effect would be consistent every time.

Jeff

Change your filter setting. On the Malata, if this happens with a PAL DVD in Smart Mode. You have to switch to Still (but sometimes that screws up the interlacing if you are using an Interlaced TV).

I've only had that problem on the Tartan DVDs on my non-HD TV. If you watch the deleted scenes, on the Killer you probably go batty.

hey matt,
i don't want to be a pain in the a$$ but.... if you're talking about ALL available versions ......

.... where's the German DVD -wink-

Tnx for the post. This actually worked, I have/had this problem with most of my HKL dvds. The crooked on/off finally stopped, but then it's still a little crooked and not perfect. Is there a way I can adjust another option to fix this? My TV is just a regular 27" going through svid. Any help would be appreciated and tnx again.

Oh and nice breakdown on the dvds Matt, proves that HKL is the best release of this Movie ever, well except the altering of the subs, this dvd is close to perfect.

Some TVs offer a tilt adjustment (like a Sony WEGA). Glad to help.

Here's a link with all my KILLER DVD reviews as well as Matt Steven's.
http://www.loveandbullets.com/killerdvd.htm

Does the German release have English subtitles and is it still in print?

Vanian