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Arrow Video Shawscope Vol. 4 Box |
Comparison between the US version and the Original version, both available on the British/American Blu-ray from Arrow Video
8 differences, including
Here we are again: After there were many reports on Shawscope Vol. 3 at the end of 2024, Vol. 4 of the box set will now be available from December 8, 2025 (UK, or December 9 in the US). Once again, the collector's label Arrow Video offers new restorations of 16 films from the legendary Hong Kong film studios, which were notorious for years for their “framecut” versions of Celestial: countless moments roughly shortened at splice points and any kind of damage on the film material. Two, or on closer inspection even three titles are included in several versions within the box set. For Super Inframan, you also get the different US version, and Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star is also available with an additional scene exclusive to the Mandarin version. With Bloody Parrot, there was once again the typical British situation, without any prior announcement, that scenes involving animal cruelty are critical for the BBFC, which is why the uncut version is available on the same disc with code A (intended for America), but a slightly censored version is served up with code B (UK / Europe). Disc 1 features Super Inframan, Shaw's answer to the enormous success of the Japanese Kamen raidâ, essentially the wilder precursors to the Power Rangers. Unfortunately, shortly before the theatrical release in Hong Kong, there was a fatal accident in which children were reenacting the Japanese original on a roof, so the box office results fell far short of expectations. The release with its own adaptations on the US market was quite successful, but in the end it wasn't enough for a sequel. We already discussed the framecuts in the Celestial version in detail in our Blu-ray/DVD combo report: 2 minutes on DVD and even 3 minutes on the first Blu-ray, but virtually nothing “relevant” is missing. And even the US version has not been edited as spectacularly as we have seen in other cases. Only the opening credits have been replaced, and the identical shots of the transformation that were reused throughout the film have been deleted. What makes this version stand out even more from the viewing experience is the replaced soundtrack, of which we have added a few samples.
Running times are listed according to the following scheme Alternative
00:00-01:47 / 00:00-01:40 In the original version, the usual Shaw logo appears and the film begins with a typical transformation scene of Ray into Inframan. This is followed by opening credits against a stylized flickering background.
In the US version, there are first two references on a black background and then a variation of the title sequence, which initially shows more flickering and then zooms out on a shot of Inframan shooting laser beams. Here, the English title appears, followed by English credits in pink.
US version 6.5 seconds longer The different song during this intro also illustrates quite well where the journey is headed tonally. US version In general, the soundtrack in the US version is quite minimalistic, which makes the film seem a little more serious and less comical. Here is an example from the 41st minute, when Ray and co arrive on motorcycles.
US version 43:17 / 43:10-43:17 After Ray raises his arms in a long shot, the transformation sequence begins with a close-up of his eyes. The US version resumes with a close-up of Inframan's eyes. 7.1 sec
43:21 / 43:21-43:24 Two side shots of the flying Inframan and a somersault have also been deleted. 3 sec
This scene is another good example of the different soundtrack, as the theme song that plays continuously in the original (and also in e.g. the German dub) is not included in the US version. US version 54:36 / 54:39-54:47 Starting with the same close-up of Ray's eyes, the transformation is missing again. With a close-up of Inframan's eyes, the US version is back. 7.3 sec 73:25 / 73:36-73:43 And again, transformation. Once again, exactly the same shots are used, so we have not illustrated this again. 7.1 sec 73:29 / 73:47-73:50 Here, too, the same two flight shots + somersault were deleted as in 43:21 / 43:21-43:24. 2.8 sec 89:36 / 89:57-90:00 Before the final shot of the boat, Ray looks up a little longer. 3.3 sec
To illustrate the other score, here is another short sample from this final scene. US version Alternative The end credits over a frozen still image differ and are significantly longer in the original version (including fading music). In the US version, however, they are briefly shown on a black background, accompanied by a copyright notice. Original version 20 seconds longer
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