As much as I already love it, I'd recommend you ask yourself some questions first...
1. Can I watch this film without subtitles?
2. Can I afford to spend $46 on a single dvd?
3. Can I wait for a later release of the film on dvd?

I bought this disc simply because my answers were Yes, Yes and No. I've watched the VCD so many times, that I've memorised the script, so therefore I can watch it without subs. I'm not sure about affording the price. Its still very expensive for a single disc. BUT, these are the sacrifices that need to be made if you want a top quality product. Think of it this way, you could spend $23 on two DVDs of two films you watch once, then never watch again. At least you'll get your moneys worth with this. The last question is one which was going to stop me from buying it, but in the end I cracked. I'm simply too impatient! So impatient in fact that, as soon as I had ordered the damn thing, I just heard of the HK release but it was too late to order that. I've heard Tartan Home Video in Uk are releasing it at around March 2002. Whether it will have the extras this has, or whether it'll have the superb picture quality is unknown.

If you answered differently than I did to any of those questions, then I'd suggest you buy the HK Universe release. It contains none of the extras from this release and the transfer isn't anamorphic, but you do get a DTS track and those precious English subs. You can pick this up for a measly $10 as well.

So, bottom-line... if you simply want the film buy the Hong Kong release... but if you're a hardcore fan like me, save up your pennies and make that order today!!!

Buy it NOW @ CDJapan
OR
Buy the Universe Release @ DDDHouse

For a quick verdict on the Hong Kong DVD, along with some opinions on that bootlegged version, click here

And remember... Listen well to fight right and with gusto

Reviewed on 5th October 2001 by
webmaster - <bawp-sherep>