I much prefer the original theatrical cut over the extended cut. I can't stand the requiems, or flashbacks that are in the extended cut, especially the basketball game. It just seems like they are trying too hard to inspire some emotion when I thought there was enough there already. Just my two cents.

just thought i would point out that i found a copy of the BATTLE ROYALE (TARTAN NTSC REGION 0) dvd and ordered it after reading this discussion. the site is http://www.xploitedcinema.com/ and it is currently listed as in stock. i am a consumer who hopes that i don't get jacked and am not affiliated with the site.

i think that posting a link to the site is appropriate, but i am sure someone will let me know if i have not followed proper protocol.

brian

For a few dollars more, you can pick up the limited edition tin at amazon.co.uk. Out of curiosity, I checked a few days ago and they had one in stock, but of course, it was gone yesterday!

no worries theredgreenone, I have ordered from them and they are very good.

just wanted to make a quick update that i received my dvd from xploitedcinema for future forum searchers. can't wait to finally check this flick out.

brian

Is this preferred over the regular Tartan edition? Is it the same, just in a tin?

Actually, the Tin has some picture quality issues. Also, amazon no longer has any copies. I have a copy of the new release and it's excellent...

Thanks, Dr. Gerbil!

So, is the consensus still as follows for no-region-coding/NTSC "Battle Royale" DVDs:

Original cut version on this Tartan disc: http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...745403-4320614

Recut version on this Starmax 2-disc: http://www.xploitedcinema.com/dvds/dvds.asp?title=2363

The starmax is cheaper at yesasia, but yeah - I think that's the consensus. I have the original Universe release, the NTSC Tartan, the Tartan Tin, and the Starmax version.

Yes. Though I would suggest you go with the Tartan disk. I'll give you a few reasons why...

1. The subtitles are perfect... the Starmax isn't terrible, mind you, it just has problems with the added scenes (hence, the reason why the Starmax is titled "Special Version")
2. It is the original cut, which I prefer.
3. The extras on the Starmax are NOT subtitled... so you'd be paying for a second disk of extras you'd likely only watch once.
4. The picture quality is a wash... though the Starmax appears sharper, even on my 20".

If you don't care about the extras, these are more than suitable. However, this is also the reason why I have three different versions of this film. Also, if you decide you want the Starmax, I suggest picking it up at dvdasian.com and saving a few bucks. Hopefully what i've said helps...

I doubt yesasia is as fast. I got my copy from CA to NJ in a week from dvdasian. The price with shipping is exactly the same from both retailers, however. Both also have free shipping over $39 and are very reputable, so you can't lose either way...

Well - if you're in a hurry to get it and are willing to pay an extra 4 or 5 bucks. *shrug*

Sorry, but they are the same price. Yesasia's shipping is $2.99. DVDasian's shipping is $1.95. I did a ton of research before buying my stuff, so I know. ;) I would suggest picking up another DVD for free shipping...

I don't know what you're talking about, but he linked to xploitedcinema which has it for 28 bucks and I said it was cheaper at yesasia - we're probably not even arguing the same thing.

Thanks for the confirmation (and for the pricing help!). I'll definitely be picking up the Tartan original cut.

Yeah, well thanks a bunch for the link to the Sassy review... :)

The tin has been OOP for a while. The two disc set was re-released last month. The film now includes a DTS track. I'm not sure if the anything else has changed.

can someone tell me what version this might be? Or is this a Bootlet? Thanks.

DELETED ebay link.

Sorry, I didn't know!

It's a bootleg. The real Starmax version has a manila slipcover. You should probably edit your post now, since ebay links are not allowed.

Sorry, I wasn't aware of that. If A mod would delete my post, that would be great.

Does anyone know if the rerelease of the Tartan 2 disc Special Version w/DTS has the same ghosting/jerkiness of the OOP Tin edition? Also, how does the picture quality compare to the Starmax? I saw the comparison on DVDBeaver and I have to say that the subtitles look terrible on the Starmax. Also, I've looked around for the R3 Cream version but can't seem to find it anywhere. Is this version also OOP?

The Cream DVD is arguably the best release of the DC (lacks DTS, but has the best image and comes in a rockin' 3D slipcase!)... It's OOP and near impossible to find (they didn't make many of them since the company went belly up!).

The Tartan 2 DVD SE is the same release as the Tin and both have the same, crappy transfer. STAY AWAY.

I'd just get the Starmax... Yes the subs are screwed up (in BOLD ENTIRE FILM), but it's not that bad.

I've had both the Tin and new Tartan DTS CE and it seems that the transfer is not nearly as crappy on the new release. Mind you, it isn't perfect, but it's much improved. Just my two cents, and frankly, an opinion many others that have made the comparison came to.

The starmax subtitles are not THAT terrible to read. However, the added scenes are where the subtitles are abysmal. The majority of the movie is fine, with just a few minor spelling grammar errors scattered throughout. Unfortunately, if you want the SV, and you don't have a region-free player, you are pretty much stuck with the poor subs. Mind you, there are places on the net that have corrected subs....