There appears to be two versions of Taras Bulba floating around, one from Taiwan, and the other apparently from HK. Can anyone comment on either? The picture quality on the Taiwan version is supposed to be bad, but I'm wondering if the HK version has the typical pidgin engrish subtitles.

HK version:

This is what I know:

There is a Japanese disc which isn't anamorphic yet the picture quality is somewhat acceptable. I have no info as to whether or not the release above is a port of it. There is also a Russian disc which I've seen for rent here in Chicago but am unsure what is its quality.

If I had to guess given what I have already seen there is absolutely no way you would be getting a solid disc. This film is in dire need for some restoration work (as is El Cid).

Ciao,
Pro-B

Thanks, I think I'll wait.

Isnt there a Russian remake of this due next year?

Not sure it's of any use but "Taras Bulba" has been shown a couple of times recently on the U.S. feed of the TV channel TCM. As luck would have it, it is again scheduled for this coming February.