|
buy this title
Uncut Arrow Video Blu-ray |
Comparison between the Celestial master (represented on the German DVD/Blu-ray from Koch Media, identical to the UK Blu-ray by the 88 Films) and the 2022 restoration (represented on the American Blu-ray from Arrow Films).
Several other master errors/"framecuts" with a duration of less than 1 sec each were not listed in the cut report.
The 8 Diagram Pole Fighter was already released on Blu-ray in Germany by Koch Media in 2014. This edition used the Celestial master, previously known from quite a few DVDs worldwide, with around 2 minutes of "framecuts". In the UK, 88 Films then released the same Celestial version on Blu-ray in 2020. The latter is probably the reason why the Arrow Blu-ray was only released in America, instead of in parallel in the UK as usual by the label. There, 88 Films apparently continues to have the rights and the previous Blu-ray remains the only option here. It's a shame, because this new restoration from Arrow Video not only looks better in terms of quality, but also undoes the troublesome "framecuts".
Minus logos and Celestial notes on the old version, the new Arrow version is 02:16 min longer. As expected, this is almost completely related to inconsequential "framecuts" at the beginning and end of shots that are hardly noticeable during normal viewing. But even here you can find a few differences worth reporting in detail. As is often the case, a damaged shot in the middle has been covered up by a recycled reaction shot. At another point, just under 3 seconds are missing in one piece. At least this time, no single shot has been completely lost. Still, for Shaw fans, the import is worthwhile, especially since you will again find exclusive bonus material. Unfortunately, the Blu-ray is limited to Code A, probably due to the above-mentioned division of the license for the UK market.
Interestingly, the Arrow version starts with different, newer Shaw credits (early 80s). The Celestial version has the Celestial logo and the more familiar 'Shawscope' version.
Celestial master 11 sec longer
After just under 5 minutes, the director's credit diverges (after the other credits were identical).
Alternative 09:26-09:27 / 09:47-09:48 The shot of Yang Ye's jump downwards is interrupted in the Celestial master by a recycled shot of the general - apparently to offer a replacement for a few damaged frames in the middle. In the new Arrow restoration, the shot now runs correctly through in one. Kein Zeitunterschied
23:18 / 24:38-24:39 The attackers look up for a moment longer, then the follow-up shot starts earlier: the bloodied guy staggers forward a little earlier. 0.8 sec
43:08 / 45:51-45:52 After getting his head burned, Lau Kar Fei ducks down a little longer to finish the scene. 1.2 sec
46:54 / 49:53-49:56 A long shot is much longer, so you see more of the training. The follow-up shot of Lau Kar Fei also starts a bit earlier. 2.4 sec
55:24 / 58:57-58:58 While the Celestial master kicks in midway through Fu Sheng's somersault over the railing, in the Arrow restoration you can now see him still approaching in the first frames of the shot and preparing to jump. 0.8 sec
The really fast-paced finale has several super-quick shots, often less than a second. Accordingly, there are a lot of framecuts, which add up to about half a minute here alone. However, everything takes place in the range of clearly less than 0.5 seconds and thus, fortunately, nothing relevant was lost here in the Celestial version. 92:18 / 98:16-98:17 After the baddie has died in the wooden coffin, the follow-up shot of Lau Kar Fei and co, starts a few frames earlier. 0.6 sec
In the Arrow restoration, a copyright notice appears a bit earlier during the last shot. The end credit deviates somewhat afterwards. Afterwards, only the old version still has Celestial copyright notices. Celestial master 11 sec longer
Cover and reversible cover of the British Blu-ray from 88 Films (Celestial master):
Cover of the German Blu-ray box set from Koch Media (Celestial master):
Cover of the German DVD box set from Koch Media (Celestial master):
|
