I don't have that problem with my Korean 2 disc set. As far as the R1 goes, sound quality is similar but the picture uses a more muted color scheme. The colors on the R3 are richer and more saturated. I prefer the look of the R3, especially because the bright, richly textured environments and vivid colors are an integral part of the story, i.e. creating some sort of dreamlike fairy tale ambiance which contrasts with the somber narrative. IMHO the R1 transfer doesn't do the art direction/cinematography justice but which "look" you prefer might be a question of personal preference.

Of course, the huge plus of the R1 is that all the extras are subbed, and it's worth getting just for those.

My R1 is still in the mail, but I'll be shocked if its not the same transfer from the recent R2 2-discer. According to the few reviews I've read, the extras are identical except there is a UK-exclusive interview with the director which they haven't given us.

So if you want an idea of the R1, check out the R2 shots over at DVD Beaver.

Yup, the Tartan R1 transfer should be the same as the Tartan UK.

Thanks much for the info, guys. Am going to have to go for the region 1 release just for all the extras.
As you say, eXcentris, the coloring in the r3 fits in well with the mood of the story. Hopefully, I won't be bothered too much by the differences in the Tartan release.
As I mentioned, I've never had that shaky or jumpy problem with any other dvd so I don't quite understand what is going on with my copy of the r3. Tried it in more than one player with the same results, too.

I've got the 2-disc LE, so I'm really primarily interested in the extras, but I'm wondering about this transfer... are you guys speculating that it will be converted from the PAL master used for the R2 release? I know there are certain processes that can reduce the artifacts from the PAL>NTSC conversion and restore the correct running speed (like the Koch Lorber "La Dolce Vita" disc)... is that what we're expecting here? Or more likely the usual, artifact-ridden, ghost-framing PAL>NTSC conversions?

I don't know which source was used but overall the R1 transfer looked very clean to me, with good blacks and detail level. It just uses a slightly different, more muted color scheme which matches the one on the R2.

I'd post comparison pics but I lent the R1 to a friend.

Got my R1 copy in the mail yesterday and concur with you about the muted color scheme. Also think the R3 seems more appropriate to the overall feeling of the movie. Also, the R1 is a little bit on the darker side than the R3. Could see a little more detail on night scenes with the R3 version.
But the great thing for me is that the picture is not jumpy as on the R3 version.
While not quite as happy with the R1's color, I don't think those viewing the movie for the first time are going to find it detracts overall from enjoying it.

I got my R1 the other day. It has the same run time (1hr 49m) as the R2 PAL version. I looked around some scenes, and didn't notice any obvious problems, although a shot of a clock having its hands moved showed double-images of the hands if you do a frame-by-frame. Do we have here a NTSC to PAL to NTSC transfer? God only knows.

The muted color scheme from the R2 version is noted. The Korean is more vivid and may be a tad sharper to my eyes, but that could easily be the more vivid coloring fooling me! The extras are all from the Korean version, but with subs, which is what I really bought this one for. We did NOT get the UK-exclusive director's interview.

Worth mentioning that around chapter 5 or 6, there is a shot of sheets on a washing line. The sky is stable on Tartan's version, but sizzles like crazy on the korean.

Obviously I plan to watch this film again soon and enjoy the extras, but which one to watch? I- I can't decide!! Argh etc.

BTW, the two-disc set is only $15.99 from DDD. Even if people prefer the Korean print, that's not a huge amount to be able to enjoy all the extras!

Oh NO! "Ol' Threadkiller" strikes again!