Special Version Region 2 DVD Review :: Page 3 / 9

.: Video :.
Anamorphic 1.85:1 Widescreen
It came as quite a shock to me to see that the picture quality isn't as good on this release as on the previous one. Overall, it seems very de-saturated and has a slightly brownish tint throughout. There's also a few scratches present on the print in some parts. This being said however, it's not a bad print at all. Black-levels are pretty consistant and the sharpness and detail are tops during the two hour duration. Perhaps I'm just wanted it to be as perfect as the previous release. Maybe I was asking for too much there ^_^. Here's some comparitive screencaps, comparing this release to the original Toei release:

(above) Notice the difference in brightness between the two releases. Original Release is undoubtedly of better quality...

 

.: Audio :.
Japanese Dolby Digital 5.1 & 2.0 Surround
Another cracking soundtrack for a BR film. With the added sound-effects you've never heard this film sound so alive. The dialogue is always clear and never muted. That *huge* bass that was present in the last release is here again...Cover your ears when Kitano arrives in the helicopter! Each of the audio tracks are selectable from the Main Menu (the Audio does not have a menu of its own).

 

.: Subtitles :.
Just to make it clear....There are no English subtitles (or subtitles of any kind!) present on this disc. It's a real shame as there's new dialogue in the movie and those behind the scenes featurettes have a lot of talk in them. Fingers crossed someone releases a subbed version of this disc sometime in the future...

 

Front Cover
Back Cover

.: BR: SPECIAL VERSION :.
- Toei Video (Japan)
- Released: 21 May '02
- Region 2
- NTSC
- 122 mins
- ¥ 5,200

.: AUDIO :.
- Japanese Dolby 5.1
- Japanese Dolby 2.0

.: VIDEO :.
- Aspect: 1.85:1 (16x9 Enhanced)
- Dual Layer [change: 1:18:53]

.: SPECIAL FEATURES :.
- Battle Royale: Prologue
- Audition & Rehersal Footage
- Behind the Scenes Footage
- Basketball Behind the Scenes
- Video No Oneesan: Birthday Version
- Memorial Photo Album
- Composite Shots Featurette
- Recording the score at Warsaw ver.2
- 13th Annual Tokyo Film Festival Stage Greetings
- About the Battle with Politicians
- Art Gallery
- TV Spots
- WOWOW TV Spot (Tarantino Version)
- Spot for VHS/DVD Release
- Spot for Featurette VHS
- Easter Eggs!

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