Help...need info on a version of Hard Boiled
 

Hey, I have a few questions about a dvd version of John Woo's Hard Boiled that I am trying to resolve. This version is released through Tai Seng entertainment, based in San Francisco. The case claims it is R0, NTSC and 16x9 enhanced, with a DTS 5.1 mix. The case also indicates it is a 2005 release. I know that where was a remastered 16x9 R0 NTSC w/ DTS version released through Mei Ah video back in 2003. I actually purchased this Tai Seng version from a third party seller off Amazon thinking it was the Mei Ah release. So my my concerns are:

1)Is this Tai Seng version actually a direct port of the Mei Ah version, or a different/inferior transfer?

2) The case claims a run time of 85 min. I know that the regular version (not the extended Taiwanese cut) runs about 127 min. So I don't know if this is simply a typo, or if I'm dealing with a severely butchered version.

The reason I suspect this may be the Mei Ah disc repackaged is because of all the similarities--both R0, NTSC, 16x9, DTS, and the spoken language mixes (Cantonese and Mandarin) are the same. It is just very frustrating because this seems to be literally the only version out there that I can't find any info, reviews, etc. about at all. For example, it seems to be the only version not compared on Dvd beaver. I'm pretty sure it's not a bootleg, since Tai Seng is apparently a legit distributor of foreign cinema (have their own site and such), but I am concerned if this is an inferior, butchered release. The Tai Seng version I have is pictured on top below, and the Mei Ah on the bottom. I am aware of the many other releases out there, but here I'm just trying to compare this and the Mei Ah from 2003. Is this version identical and satisfactory? Or should it be avoided? Can anyone out there familiar with these versions help clarify this? Thank you.

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(Tai Seng)




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(Mei Ah)

As far as I know, Tai Seng usually indeed only repackaged HK release DVDs. And as far as I know Hard Boiled releases from HK are complete and uncut - haven't heard if there's any cut version released in HK.

Based on imdb.com, the only heavily cut version of Hard Boiled might be from Germany...

Have you ordered this Tai Seng DVD? If I were you I would hold back due to the obscure information.

I have Mei Ah version you mentioned, and I'm satisfied with it. Indeed, no extras, not even a trailer, but the picture is very good (though said slightly cropped), audio is quite explosive, and even if you don't like remix the original mono is also provided, and it's cheap also. I believe you can still order online via us yesasia, buyoyo, or xploitedcinema.

R2 Tartan is said to provide better version but since it's UK DVD it's certainly more expensive.

Check this to see all the versions available:

http://www.dvdcompare.net/comparisons/film.php?fid=530

Thanks for the responses...I did indeed order the Tai Seng and have it right now, unopened. Again, it was basically a mixup on my part and I thought I was getting the Mei Ah. Mrhan, I had already checked out those comparisons on dvdcompare and also on dvd beaver, etc. and this release does not show up, which is sort of what strengthened my suspicions it is the Mei Ah repackaged. I suppose I'll hold off until I can learn more, and then either go with this or try and sell it off accordingly. Luckily it was cheap. It's just that I actually havent seen the film (but have heard awesome things), and dont want the first viewing to be wasted on a butchered version. But if anyone else has more info, please share!

I was hoping to pick up the remastered HK version, but I can't find it for less than $14.95 (HK Flix). Seems higher than I thought it would be.