Issue No. 10 'Special Edition' - 2003, March 25th
Welcome to the 10th edition of Koreanfilm Weekly! This is a weekly newsletter informing the reader about the latest Releases concerning Korean Films and TV Dramas.
If you have any question about the content of KFW, contact the author at KoreanFilmWeekly@hotmail.com
Author's Note:
My apologies for the delay. I've been dealing with a pretty nasty flu for the last two weeks, but now everything is under control. Since there have been no updates for the last two weeks, I decided to make this a 'Special Edition,' and include all the releases of the last 15 days. Hopefully I'll be more consistent in the future!
-x-
| March 8 |
Love on a Rainy Day <비는 사랑을 타고> |
 |
1994 Directed By Cho Geum-hwan (조금환) Starring Kim Ho-jin (김호진) Shin Eun-kyung (신은경) Kong Hyung-jin (공형진) Running Time: 93 Minutes DVD Company: Winson Entertainment (HK) Release: DVD |
| Video |
1.33:1
- Full Frame, Single Layer, NTSC Region ALL |
| Audio |
Korean
Dolby Surround 2.0 |
| Subtitle |
English
Subtitles, Chinese Subtitles |
| Extras |
None |
| Notes |
Also
known as 'Singing in The Rain,' this is Cho Geum-hwan's 1994 romantic comedy
starring Shin Eun-kyung. Kind of surprising to see such an old (and unpopular.
It barely sold a thousand tickets in Seoul that year) title released, but
nonetheless it's a pleasant surprise. I know most of these releases are really
bad, but it's a cheap excuse to replace VHS editions, which sometimes are
hard to find. It'll be interesting to see what they release next, since they're
clearly trying to focus on titles featuring stars before they became so.
I'm betting Im Kwon-taek's Downfall and some of Lee Mi-yeon's pre-Whispering
Corridors films are not far off. |
| March 12 |
Calla <카라> |
 |
1999 Directed By Song Hae-sung (송해성) Starring Kim Hee-sun (김희선) Song Seung-heon (송승헌) Kim Hyun-joo (김현주) Choi Cheol-ho (최철호) Running Time: 99 Minutes DVD Company: Cinexus Release: DVD |
| Video |
1.85:1
- 16:9 Enhanced, Single Layer, NTSC Region 3 |
| Audio |
Korean
Dolby Surround 2.0 |
| Subtitle |
Korean
Subtitles, Chinese Subtitles, Japanese Subtitles |
| Extras |
Theatrical
Trailer, Cast & Crew Profiles, Synopsis |
| Notes |
Those
who have seen and enjoyed Song Hae-sung's Failan might be in for a
shock after checking Calla. Much more conventional and less involving.
Still, the nice cinematography and soundtrack - and lots of pretty
faces - could be a nice treat for melodrama fans. Some stores mention
this was released with English Subtitles, but major Korean e-tailers list
Chinese Subs instead. As soon as I receive the DVD I'll let you know. |
| March 14 |
Project X <프로젝트 X> |
 |
2003 Directed By Hang Sang-hee (항상희) Starring Kwon Sang-woo (권상우) Cha Seung-won (차승원) Kim Min-jung (김민정) Hong Eun-hee (홍은희) Running Time: 70 Minutes DVD Company: D2 Entertainment Release: DVD + CD |
| Video |
2.40:1
- Letterboxed Widescreen, Dual Layer, NTSC Region 3 |
| Audio |
Korean
DTS, Dolby Digital 5.1 |
| Subtitle |
English
Subtitles, Korean Subtitles, Chinese Subtitles |
| Extras |
Featuring
Songs By: Diva, CB Mass, Fractal, QOQ, WAX, Lee Sung-cheol, Ash, Psy, Shin Hae-cheol, Park Won-kyu, Kim Hyun-cheol, The One, Kim Hyun-jung, and more... Storyboard, Making Of (Korea), In Studio, Photo Gallery, Character Profiles, Flash Animation, Deleted Scene, Teaser Trailer, Movie Poster, Other Posters |
| Notes |
One
of the most interesting projects of the year. To combat piracy and
the tendency to download MP3s instead of buying the full album, a
group of pop stars got together to make this Project X. Basically
every one of the aforementioned stars has made a Music Video, and
put together they form a coherent story. It includes exclusive music
(also on the CD), and since there are a lot of major stars, this could
become an intriguing 'Film'. |
| March 15 |
A Promise <약속> |
 |
1998 Directed By Kim Yoo-jin (김유진) Starring Park Shin-yang (박신양) Jeon Do-yeon (전도연) Jung Jin-young (정진영) Kim Jae-young (김재영) Running Time: 109 Minutes DVD Company: Kam & Ronson Enterprises (HK) Release: DVD |
| Video |
1.33:1
- Full Frame, Single Layer, NTSC Region ALL |
| Audio |
Korean
Dolby Surround 2.0 |
| Subtitle |
Chinese
Subtitles |
| Extras |
None |
| Notes |
Another
release from Kam & Ronson. It seems like this will be a port of the Bitwin
DVD, and even if it isn't, it has the same specs anyway. I suspect A/V presentation
might be a bit worse, but Bitwin's DVD wasn't too good to begin with. Hopefully
the Chinese subs aren't burnt in, but you never know. This is the top grossing
Korean film of '98, a Jopok Drama starring Park Shin-yang and Jeon Do-yeon. |
| March 17 |
Mystery Of The Cube <건축무한육면각체의 비밀> |
 |
1999 Directed By Yoo Sang-wook (유상욱) Starring Shin Eun-kyung (신은경) Kim Tae-woo (김태우) Lee Min-woo (이민우) Ko Goo-ma (고구마) Running Time: 110 Minutes DVD Company: Kam & Ronson Enterprises (HK) Release: DVD |
| Video |
1.33:1
- Full Frame, Single Layer, NTSC Region ALL |
| Audio |
Korean
Dolby Surround 2.0 |
| Subtitle |
Chinese
Subtitles |
| Extras |
None |
| Notes |
Weird
hybrid of action/adventure and sci-fi elements, this is an interesting '99
film with Shin Eun-kyung. Expect the usual Kam & Ronson presentation
(pretty bad), and unless you can find it at street prices (US$ 5-6), avoid.
PapaDVD.com or KoreanDVDs.com should have a few copies left of the original
Korean release, which is OK, albeit the usual Fullscreen transfer. |
| March 18 |
Blue <블루> |
 |
2003 Directed By Lee Jung-gook (이정국) Starring Shin Eun-kyung (신은경) Shin Hyun-joon (신현준) Kong Hyung-jin (공형진) Ryu Soo-young (류수영) Running Time: 105 Minutes DVD Company: Bear Entertainment Release: DVD |
| Video |
1.85:1
- 16:9 Enhanced, Dual Layer, NTSC Region 3 |
| Audio |
Korean
DTS, Korean Dolby Digital 5.1, Korean Dolby Surround 2.0 |
| Subtitle |
English
Subtitles, Korean Subtitles |
| Extras |
Making
of Blue, Cast & Crew Interview, Real SSU (SHIP SALVAGE UNIT),
Production Note, Trailer, Opening Event, Music video, Taking a
Poster |
| Notes |
Koreans'
aversion to blockbusters continues, making this the first flop of 2003.
The project seemed interesting, with Shin Eun-kyung and Shin Hyun-joon
in a romantic menage à trois, with the naval theme as a background.
A reportedly poor screenplay and substandard directing (by the Director
of The Letter, Lee Jung-gook), along with disappointing acting were
the reason for the quick disappearance of this film from theaters.
Bear's release should follow their excellent previous efforts in both
presentation and extras. |
| March 18 |
Han Dae-soo, Music &
Life <다큐멘터리 한대수> |
|
|
2003 Directed By Lee Cheon-woo (이천우) Starring Han Dae-soo (한대수) Kim Myung-shin (김명신) Running Time: 80 Minutes DVD Company: Starmax Release: DVD |
| Video |
1.33:1
- Full Frame, Dual Layer, NTSC Region ALL |
| Audio |
Korean
Dolby Surround 2.0 |
| Subtitle |
English
Subtitles, Korean Subtitles, Japanese Subtitles |
| Extras |
Han
Dae-soo's Self Camera, Recording Sketch, Recite A Poem |
| Notes |
Considered
by many to be Korea's 'first' singer-songwriter, Han Dae-soo is one
of the most important Korean artists of his generation. This 'Behind
The Music'-style documentary was released in a few theaters last Autumn,
and now Starmax is releasing it on DVD. Some interesting extras, and
for fans this could be a cool purchase. |
| March 21 |
The Isle <섬> |
 |
2000 Directed By Kim Ki-duk (김기덕) Starring Suh Jung (서정) Cho Jae-hyun (조재현) Seo Won (서원) Jang Hang-sun (장항선) Running Time: 90 Minutes DVD Company: FutureFilm/World Wide Cinema (Finland) Release: DVD |
| Video |
1.85:1
- 16:9 Enhanced, Dual Layer, PAL Region 2 |
| Audio |
Korean
Dolby Digital 5.1 |
| Subtitle |
Finnish
Subtitles, Swedish Subtitles, Norwegian Subtitles, Danish Subtitles |
| Extras |
T.B.A. |
| Notes |
Futurefilm's
latest Korean release is Kim Ki-duk's controversial 2000 film. Should be
at least better than the Universe HK DVD, but I'm not sure which extras this
will feature. 16:9 Enhancement is not 100% sure either. Futurefilm's next
Korean releases will be JSA, Bad Guy, My Wife is a Gangster and Musa. |
| March 21 |
Korean Short Film Collection:
Ep. 2 <한국 단편영화 걸작선 2> |
|
|
2000~2002 Directed By Various Starring Various Running Time: 89 Minutes (Cumulative) DVD Company: Pop Entertainment Asia Release: DVD |
| Video |
1.85:1
- Letterboxed Widescreen, Single Layer, NTSC Region ALL |
| Audio |
Korean
Dolby Surround 2.0 |
| Subtitle |
English
Subtitles, Korean Subtitles, Chinese Subtitles |
| Extras |
T.B.A. |
| Notes |
After
a long wait, here's the long promised sequel to the popular Korean
Short Film Collection. Pop Entertainment Asia's first effort was rather
abysmal, both in terms of picture quality and extras, but this will
hopefully be better. Here's a short list of what will be featured
on the disc: Super Glue <순간접착제> (2001) Directed By Lee Seok-hoon (이석훈) Shot on 35mm Color, 17 Minutes PIFF Wide Angle (2001) 27th Korean Short Film Festival (2001) Why Do I Want To Be a Boxing Referee? <나는 왜 권투심판이 되려하는가 > (2000) Directed By Choi Ik-hwan (최익환) Shot on 35mm Color, 18 Minutes Sevilla Film & Sport Festival - Short Film Competition (2001 - Spain) 36th Karlovy Vary Film Festival - Korean Short Films Showcase (2001 - Czech Republic) Busan Asia Short Film Festival (2001) 6th Salerno Film Festival (2001 - Italy) PIFF Wide Angle (2000) Red Heart <단심> (2001) Directed By Oh Cheong-geun (오청근) Shot in 35mm Color, 14 Minutes 2nd Jeonju Film Festival (2001) 12th Stockholm Film Festival (2001 - Sweden) To The Spring Mountain <봄산에> (2002) Directed By Lee Ji-haeng (이지행) Shot on 35mm Color, 22 Minutes PIFF Wide Angle (2002) Busan Asia Short Film Festival (2002) 4th Seoul Women Film Festival (2002) 4th Kodak-Cine 21 Short Film Exhibition (2001) Tuning In Silence <노을소리> (2001) Directed By Hong Doo-hyun (홍두현) Shot on 35mm Color, 18 Minutes 31st Rotterdam Film Festival (2002 - Holland) 1st Kaohsiung Film Festival (2001 - Taiwan) 58th Venice Film Festival (2001 - Italy) PIFF Wide Angle (2001 |
| March 21 |
Korean Short Film Collection:
Ep. 3 <한국 단편영화 걸작선 3> |
|
|
2000~2001 Directed By Various Starring Various Running Time: 101 Minutes (Cumulative) DVD Company: Pop Entertainment Asia Release: DVD |
| Video |
1.85:1
- Letterboxed Widescreen, Single Layer, NTSC Region ALL |
| Audio |
Korean
Dolby Surround 2.0 |
| Subtitle |
English
Subtitles, Korean Subtitles, Chinese Subtitles |
| Extras |
T.B.A. |
| Notes |
The
third volume of Pop Entertainment Asia's collection. It was rumored
they'd be releasing 5 sets, but it looks like they will only amount
to three, unless there's another boxset in the works (I think they'll
continue with the Animation shorts, too). Here's the list: Superman In Early Summer <이른 여름, 슈퍼맨> (2001) Directed By Yoo Sang-gon (유상곤) Shot on 35mm Color, 15 Minutes PIFF Wide Angle (2001) Golden Laughter <해 아래 햇살> (2000) Directed By Im Sung-chan (임성찬) Shot on 35mm Color, 20 Minutes Busan Asia Short Film Festival (2000) Indie Forum (2000) Umbrella <우산> (2000) Directed By Yoo Cheol-won (유철원) Shot on 35mm Color, 12 Minutes 35th Karlovy Vary Film Festival (2001 - Czech Republic) 52nd Montecatini Short Film Festival (2001 - Italy) 6th Palm Springs Short Film Festival (2001 - United States) 6th Toronto Short Film Festival (2000 - Canada) 53th Cannes Film Festival (2000 - France) 1st Seoul Net Festival (2000) 1st Korean Film Festival (2000) No Guitarists on Kung Kung Ttack Planet <쿵쿵딱별에는 기타리스트가 없다> (2000) Directed By Choi Hwa-jin (최화진) Shot on 35mm Color, 15 Minutes 43rd Bilbao Film Festival (2001 - Spain) Busan Asia Short Film Festival (2000) PIFF Wide Angle (2000) Gui: A Space Between Two Deaths <돌아갈 귀(歸)> (2000) Directed By Jang Ho-joon (장호준) Shot on 35mm Color, 13 Minutes 37th Solothurn Film Festival (2002 - Switzerland) 3rd Shorts! Short Film Festival (2001 - Holland) 12th San Paolo Short Film Festival (2001 - Brazil) 2nd National Dinasty Price (2001) Busan Asia Short Film Festival (2001) 47th Oberhausen Short Film Festival (2001 - Germany) PIFF Wide Angle (2000) The End of April <사월의 끝> (2000) Directed By Chu Chang-min (추창민) Shot on 35mm Color, 16 Minutes 19th Festival Tous Courts (2001 - France) 31st Tampere Short Film Festival (2001 - Finland) 4th Bucheon Film Festival (2000 |
| March 21 |
Korean Short Film Collection
Ep. 1-2-3 <한국단편영화걸작선 박스세트 한정판> |
 |
1998~2002 Directed By Various Starring Various Running Time: 291 Minutes (Cumulative) DVD Company: Pop Entertainment Asia Release: 3 DVD Boxset |
| Video |
1.85:1
- Letterboxed Widescreen, Single Layer, NTSC Region ALL |
| Audio |
Korean
Dolby Surround 2.0 |
| Subtitle |
English
Subtitles, Korean Subtitles, Chinese Subtitles |
| Extras |
T.B.A. |
| Notes |
A boxset
of all the Korean Short Film Episodes. The first episode has been out
of print for a while, so this will be a nice change to get them all
for a nice price. Here's again the list for the first Episode: Eraser Wrestling <지우개 따먹기> (1999) Directed By Min Dong-hyun (민동현) Shot on 35mm Color, 18 Minutes For The Peace of All Mankind (1999) Directed By Lee Seok-hoon (이석훈) Shot on 35mm Color, 7 Minutes Lachrymal <눈물> (1998) Directed By Im Chang-jae (임창제) Shot on Color, 20 Minutes Starring Suh Jung (The Isle) The Goggle <물안경> (2000) Directed By Lee Soo-yeon (이수연) Shot on 35mm Color, 34 Minutes Uncle Bar At Barbershop<이발소 異氏> (2000) Directed By Kwon Chong-gwan (권총관) Shot on 35mm Color, 22 Minutes 2000.35mm.color.22min |
| March 22 |
Western Avenue <웨스턴 애비뉴> |
 |
1993 Directed By Jang Kil-soo (장길수) Starring Kang Soo-yeon (강수연) Jung Bo-seok (정보석) Johnny Yoon Running Time: 120 Minutes DVD Company: Neosense Release: DVD |
| Video |
1.33:1
- Full Frame, Single Layer, NTSC Region ALL |
| Audio |
Korean
Dolby Digital 5.1 |
| Subtitle |
Korean
Subtitles |
| Extras |
T.B.A. |
| Notes |
Those
unfamiliar with the beautiful actress featured on the cover, the legendary
Kang Soo-yeon (one of the most popular Korean actresses of the mid 80s-early
90s), will know very little about this film. Its director Jang Kil-soo hasn't
made a film since 98's Paradise Lost, but was pretty popular in the early
90s. This is a melodrama set in the early 90s, with Kang as a Korean living
in L.A. during the Rodney King incident. DVD should be similar to NeoSense's
Turn It Up release, which means not very good. At least they're starting
to release some older films. |
| March 25 |
Poison <쁘아종> |
 |
1997 Directed By Park Jae-ho (박재호) Starring Park Shin-yang (박신양) Yoo Oh-sung (유오성) Lee Soo-ah (이수아) Running Time: 100 Minutes DVD Company: Neosense Release: DVD |
| Video |
1.33:1
- Full Frame, Single Layer, NTSC Region ALL |
| Audio |
Korean
Dolby Digital 5.1 |
| Subtitle |
Korean
Subtitles |
| Extras |
T.B.A. |
| Notes |
From
the director of Summertime, which wasn't exactly a masterpiece, comes this
melodrama starring Park Shin-yang. Everything I read about this film didn't
make it look too appealing, but it's probably worth a look anyway. It's nice
NeoSense is releasing some older films, but they should at least respect
their original aspect ratio. Is that asking too much, in 2003? |
| March 27 |
MBC Miniseries - Snowman
<MBC 미니시리즈 - 눈사람> |
 |
2003
MBC TV Directed By Lee Chang-soon (이창순) Starring Cho Jae-hyun (조재현) Kong Hyo-jin (공효진) Oh Yeon-soo (오연수) Kim Rae-won (김래원) Running Time: ??? Minutes - 18 Episodes DVD Company: Bitwin Release: 7DVD Special Edition + OST CD |
| Video |
1.33:1
- OAR Full Frame, Dual Layer, NTSC Region ALL |
| Audio |
Korean
Stereo |
| Subtitle |
No
Subtitles |
| Extras |
Making
Of and Interviews with Cast & Crew, Music Video, Photo Gallery, Original
Soundtrack CD |
| Notes |
The
reason why we'll probably see more releases like this (thankfully!)
is that last year Bitwin scored big with another Mania Drama, the
fantastic Ruler of Your Own World. There are already people saying
that, so far, this is the best series of the year, beating All In,
Into The Sun and Muin Shidae. Starring Kong Hyo-jin, Cho Jae-hyun, and
veteran Oh Yeon-soo, this looks to be an interesting show, especially
for its storyline. A nice late addition by Bitwin, the OST is included. |
| March 27 |
She Brings Us Danger
<유아독존> |
|
|
2002 Directed By Hong Jong-oh (홍종오) Starring Park Sang-myun (박상면) Ahn Jae-mo (안재모) Lee Won-jong (이원종) Running Time: 110 Minutes DVD Company: MJ DVD Release: DVD |
| Video |
1.85:1
- 16:9 Enhanced, Dual Layer, NTSC Region ALL |
| Audio |
Korean
Dolby Digital 5.1 |
| Subtitle |
English
Subtitles, Korean Subtitles |
| Extras |
Theatrical
Trailer, Cast & Crew Profiles, Making of Documentary, TV Spot |
| Notes |
Considering
the cast, featuring two of the country's finest comedy talents, along
with red hot Ahn Jae-mo (of Yain Shidae fame), anything less than
good would be a big disappointment. Looking at the trailer, it looks
like a very inferior version of Saving My Hubby, sans the ajumma,
obviously. Surprisingly releasing a month earlier. |
| March 27 |
Sex Is Zero <색즉시공> |
 |
2002 Directed By Yoon Je-gyun (윤제균) Starring Im Chang-jung (임창정) Ha Ji-won (하지원) Jin Jae-young(진재영) Yoo Chae-young (유채영) Running Time: 96 Minutes DVD Company: A-9 Entertainment Release: 2 DVD Special Edition |
| Video |
1.85:1
- 16:9 Enhanced, Dual Layer, NTSC Region 3 |
| Audio |
Korean
Dolby Digital 5.1, Korean Dolby Surround 2.0 |
| Subtitle |
English
Subtitles, Korean Subtitles, Japanese Subtitles |
| Extras |
Audio commentary with Director Yoon Je-gyun; Audio Commentary with Director Yoon Je-gyun and Actors Ha Ji-won, Jin Jae-young, Choi Sung-guk, Yoo Chae-young, Shin I, Yoon Si-ho, Choi Sung-wook; Making Of Documentary, Outtakes, NG Cuts, Poster Shooting, Storyboard, Music Video, Interviews (Director Yoon Je-gyun, Ha Ji-won, Choi Sung-wook, Jin Jae-young, Yoo Chae-young), Theatrical Trailer, VIP Premiere, Sex Style, Production Notes, TV Spot, Internet Trailer |
| Notes |
One
of last year's major successes, confirming both Director Yoon Je-gyun in
the A-list of commercial directors, and Ha Ji-won as one of the top box office
draws. This sexy comedy gets a quick release from relative newcomer A-9 (theirs
was the decent DVD release of 2424), packed with interesting extras, and
hopefully featuring the same quality presentation of their previous title. |
| March 31 |
Bichunmoo <비천무> |
|
|
2000 Directed By Kim Young-joon (김영준) Starring Kim Hee-sun (김희선) Shin Hyun-joon (신현준) Seo Tae-hwa (서태화) Jung Jin-young (정진영) Running Time: 112 Minutes DVD Company: Premier Asia (United Kingdom) Release: 2 DVD Special Edition |
| Video |
1.85:1
- 16:9 Enhanced, Dual Layer, PAL Region 2 |
| Audio |
Korean
DTS, Korean Dolby Digital 5.1 |
| Subtitle |
English
Subtitles |
| Extras |
Audio commentary from Asian film experts Bey Logan and Mike Leeder, Interview gallery with director Kim Young-jun and leading man Shin Hyun-joon, An insider look at the "Action of Bichunmoo" with acclaimed Hong Kong fight choreographer Ma Yuk-sheng, Candid camera featurette with director and leading cast members, Photo gallery with original lobby cards and poster artwork, Archive featuring campaign trailers and music video concept, Outtakes, 'Behind The Scenes' footage, Isolated soundtrack score, Trailer archive |
| Notes |
UK's
Premier Asia debuts with this martial arts epic. Extra will be subtitled,
and it will be interesting to see how the usually excellent Bey Logan
adapts to Korean Cinema. This is only the second audio commentary in
English ever recorded for a Korean film (first was Tony Rayns' Road
Movie commentary), and hopefully it won't be the last. Don't ask for
the full version with the important deleted scenes, or to see them
separate. They've been lost forever, and with them probably the plot's
coherence. |
| April 2 |
Phantom: The Submarine <유령> |
 |
1999 Directed By Min Byung-cheon (민병천) Starring Jung Woo-sung (정우성) Choi Min-soo (최민수) Sol Kyung-gu (설경구) Jung Eun-pyo (정은표) Running Time: 103 Minutes DVD Company: Dauri Entertainment Release: DVD |
| Video |
1.85:1
- 16:9 Enhanced, Dual Layer, NTSC Region ALL |
| Audio |
Korean
DTS, Korean Dolby Digital 5.1 |
| Subtitle |
English
Subtitles, Korean Subtitles |
| Extras |
Director's Audio Commentary, Making Of, Cast & Crew Profiles, Theatrical Trailer, Interview, Synopsis |
| Notes |
Like
the film's submarine, this title disappeared under the ocean of other DVD
releases. Now it resurfaces, with a new company (SRE seems to take a break
at the moment, after some fine releases), but roughly the same specs. I doubt
this will be film sourced, so if you have the Modern Audio HK DVD, you should
probably keep that. |
| April 3 |
Madeleine <마들렌> |
 |
2003 Directed By Park Kwang-chun (박광춘) Starring Cho In-sung (조인성) Shin Min-ah (신민아) Running Time: 118 Minutes DVD Company: Cinema Service Release: 2 DVD Special Edition + OST CD |
| Video |
2.35:1
- 16:9 Enhanced, Dual Layer, NTSC Region 3 |
| Audio |
Korean
Dolby Digital 5.1 |
| Subtitle |
English
Subtitles, Korean Subtitles |
| Extras |
Director's Audio Commentary; Audio Commentary with Director, Producer, Cho In-sung and Shin Min-ah; Making Of Documentary, Music Video, Interviews with Cast & Crew, Theatrical Trailer, TV Spot, Poster Shooting, Other Trailers (The Classic, Scent of Love, First Amendment), US Soundtrack recording session at Warner Brothers, Telecine, CG Before and After, Photo Gallery, Production Notes, Cast & Director Profiles, Original Soundtrack CD |
| Notes |
A nice
release, for a nice melodrama. While it wasn't a big success, this teen drama
starring Top TV Talents Cho In-sung and Shin Min-ah should make their fans
happy. I never thought I'd say this, but I'm actually very happy Cinema Service
is releasing the film, instead of enterOne. CS's recent releases have been
spectacular, whereas enterOne has become a disappointment. It seems like
many companies are realizing just now the potential of movie soundtracks,
and for the third straight month CS is adding one to their release. Hopefully
the same will happen for The Classic, next in line for a release. |
| April 4 |
Bus Stop <버스, 정류장> |
 |
2002 Directed By Lee Mi-yeon (이미연) Starring Kim Tae-woo (김태우) Kim Min-jung (김민정) Running Time: 90 Minutes DVD Company: Myung Films Release: Limited Edition (Special Packaging) DVD |
| Video |
2.35:1
- 16:9 Enhanced, Dual Layer, NTSC Region 3 |
| Audio |
Korean
Dolby Digital 5.1 |
| Subtitle |
English
Subtitles, Korean Subtitles |
| Extras |
Audio
Commentary with Director Lee Mi-yeon and Kim Tae-woo, Making Film,
Online Story, Cast & Crew Profiles, Photo Gallery, Interview,
Trailers, TV Spots, Music Video |
| Notes |
No,
not THAT Lee Mi-yeon. The director of this film is instead one of
the major female producers in the industry. Her critically acclaimed
first film (also known as 'L'Abri') stars Saving My Hubby's Kim Tae-woo,
and promises to be a fine melodrama. Myung Films is starting to become
more active in terms of DVD releases. Expect Who Are You?, and probably some
of their older films (Happy End maybe) soon on DVD. |
| April 7 |
Dying or Live <주글래 살래> |
 |
2003 Directed By Kim Doo-young (김두영) Starring Kim Seung-hyun (김승현) Sung Hyun-ah (성현아) Kwak Jin-young (곽진영) Park Nam-hyun (박남현) Running Time: 92 Minutes DVD Company: Youngsang Plaza Release: DVD |
| Video |
1.33:1
- Full Frame, Dual Layer, NTSC Region ALL |
| Audio |
Korean
Dolby Digital 5.1, Korean Dolby Surround 2.0 |
| Subtitle |
Korean
Subtitles |
| Extras |
T.B.A. |
| Notes |
Early
specs for this 2003 comedy, mostly ignored in theaters. It caused some controversy
becuase of its problems with the ratings board, but the public didn't react.
Don't worry about specs, I'm only reporting what I found on most sites. Most
likely this will turn out to be the usual Metro release, as Youngsang Plaza
is often referred as the distributor of some Metro DVDs. I wouldn't bet my
house on English Subtitles though, this is a really minor title. |
| April 7 |
SBS Historical Drama - The
Rustic Era (Part 1) <SBS 대하 드라마 - 야인 시대> |
 |
2002/2003
- SBS Directed By Jang Hyung-il (장형일) Starring Ahn Jae-mo (안재모) Kim Young-cheol (김영철) Choi Dong-joon (최동준) Lee Won-jong (이원종) Running Time: 2100 Minutes (35 Episodes) DVD Company: SBS Productions Release: 18 DVD Boxset |
| Video |
1.33:1
- Full Frame, Dual Layer, NTSC Region 3 |
| Audio |
Korean
Dolby Stereo |
| Subtitle |
None |
| Extras |
Best Scenes, NG, Ahn Jae-mo Singing Debut, Cast Profiles (Old & New), TV Report, Kim Doo-han vs Shin Ma-juk Fight Scenes, Kim Doo-han vs Hayashita Fight Scenes, Now Report (TV), NG Featurettes |
| Notes |
Talk
about risk taking! Someone is clearly realizing there's a big market for
TV Dramas in Korea, with the packed release of Snowman, and now Yain Shidae.
For those who don't know, this is last year's most popular TV Series, telling
the story of Kim Doo-han (Ahn Jae-mo and later Kim Young-cheol), one of Korea's
legendary folk heroes. Lots of fight scenes attracted a slightly different,
male oriented audience to the proceedings, making this a huge success (with
ratings as high as 45-50% of share). The ratings went down once Kim Young-Cheol
replaced Ahn Jae-mo in the 'grown up' final act. Never before has such a
long series been released on DVD. They're trying with Sang-do (50 Eps) and
VCDs in Malaysia, but this is a *70* (yes, seventy) episodes series, so it's
a big undertaking for SBS. They're smartly separating part 1 from part 2.
The first 35 Episodes feature Ahn Jae-mo, and it's likely some people won't
buy the second set. I understand this will be of little interest to non-Koreans,
for a few reasons: 1) This set will retail around 200,000-220,000 Won. If any non-Korean etailer will import this, expect prices in the US$ 200 to 250 range. Of course you have to consider the second part will come out soon, making it at best a US$ 360-380 deal if you're buying from Korean e-tailers. At worst, you'll spend around US$ 500-550 if anyone in the US will import this, after markup is added. Quite an investment for just a TV Series. 2) It's 70 episodes. What if you lose interest? 3) No Subtitles. I don't think anybody would subtitle 70 hours of TV without going insane. If your Korean isn't at least decent, it'll be a mess, considering the theme and genre. Even if the set is clearly targeted to Koreans and it has a good chance of selling well, it's still a huge investment for most people. Hopefully the trend of TV Dramas on DVD will continue. I'm betting 'All In' will be released too, considering its current success. |
| April 9 |
Musa: La Princesse Du
Desert <武士> |
|
|
2001 Directed By Kim Sung-soo (김성수) Starring Ahn Sung-ki (안성기) Jung Woo-sung (정우성) Zhang Ziyi (章子怡) Joo Jin-mo(주진모) Running Time: 110 Minutes DVD Company: M6 Video (France) Release: DVD |
| Video |
2.35:1 - 16:9 Enhanced, Dual Layer, PAL Region 2 |
| Audio |
Korean Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1 |
| Subtitle |
French Subtitles |
| Extras |
Making Of, Interviews, French Theatrical Trailer, Photo Gallery |
| Notes |
Zhang Ziyi gets top billing in the International Cut of Kim Sung-soo's epic drama. It has been reported this abbreviated version not only focuses more on Zhang's princess (hence the French title meaning Princess of The Desert), but also substantially changes the mood of the film. However, it'll be interesting to see how the changes affect the film, and if it has the same power. This is the first time the International Cut makes its way on DVD. Following this, there will be a UK version by Premier Asia, a Finnish/Scandinavian Version by Future Film. And, perhaps later, a HK Version. |
| April 18 |
Indian Summer <인디안 썸머> |
 |
2001 Directed By Noh Hyo-jung (노효정) Starring Park Shin-yang (박신양) Lee Mi-yeon (이미연) Running Time: 104 Minutes DVD Company: enterOne Release: DVD + OST CD |
| Video |
1.85:1 - 16:9 Enhanced, Dual Layer, NTSC Region All |
| Audio |
Korean Dolby Digital 5.1 |
| Subtitle |
English
Subtitles, Korean Subtitles |
| Extras |
Director's Audio Commentary, Making Of Documentary, Interview with Cast & Music Director , Music Video (Jessica's Lost Without Your Love), Story Board, Still Gallery, Theatrical Trailer, Original Soundtrack CD |
| Notes |
Not
surprisingly a success, this old school melodrama starring top talents Lee
Mi-yeon and Park shin-yang ended up near the box office Top 10. Personally
I think this was one of the worst films of 2001, but I'm probably biased
(the leads are not exactly my favorite actors). The soundtrack is really
nice though, and it's added with the DVD. Hopefully enterOne will stop being
lazy and give us some action in the next few months. They still have rights
for interesting films like Plum Blossom and Anarchists, and much more. |
| April 24 |
Volcano High <화산고> |
 |
2001 Directed By Kim Tae-gyun (김태균) Starring Jang Hyuk (장혁) Kim Soo-ro (김수로) Shin Min-ah (신민아) Kwon Sang-woo (권상우) Running Time: 120 Minutes DVD Company: CTV International/TF1 Video (France) Release: 2 DVD Special Edition |
| Video |
1.85:1
- 16:9 Enhanced, Dual Layer, PAL Region 2 |
| Audio |
Korean
DTS, Korean Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1 |
| Subtitle |
French
Subtitles |
| Extras |
Jang Hyuk's Production Diary, Making Of, Interviews, Special FX Commentary, Story Board Continuity, Music Video, Theatrical Trailer, Photo Gallery |
| Notes |
This
is the International Version of Kim Tae-gyun's Action Fantasy starring Jang
Hyuk. The Director made the edits himself, and people say the film improves
considerably. Extras should be lifted from Cinema Service's release, with
the addition of French subs. Alternative versions are the HK DVD, the upcoming
Premier Asia release, and the future R2-Japan release (which is another cut
geared towards the Japanese Audience). |
| April 30 |
Yesterday <예스터데이> |
|
|
2002 Directed By Jung Yoon-soo (정윤수) Starring Kim Seung-woo (김승우) Kim Seon-ah (김선아) Kim Yoon-jin (김윤진) Choi Min-soo (최민수) Running Time: 124 Minutes DVD Company: CJ Entertainment Release: 2 DVD Special Edition |
| Video |
1.85:1
- 16:9 Enhanced, Double Layer, NTSC Region 3 |
| Audio |
Korean
DTS, Korean Dolby Digital 5.1, Korean Dolby Surround 2.0 |
| Subtitle |
English
Subtitles, Korean Subtitles |
| Extras |
Production Notes (Film Notes, Cast & Crew Filmography), Making Of Documentary, Cast Interviews (Kim Seung-woo, Kim Yoon-jin, Kim Seon-ah, Easter Eggs (Lee Hyun-se Manhwa Strip), Crew Interview, Outtakes, Supporting Actors Behind Story, Art Interview & Sketches, Deleted Scenes, Costume Collection, Still Gallery, CG Before & After, Theatrical Trailer, Teaser Trailer, TV Spot |
| Notes |
It
was sad to see this film grouped with dreck like R.U Ready?, just
because it lost a lot of money (same could be said for Resurrection
of the Little Match Girl). But, it looks like CJ will get a decent
return out of foreign sales, and we'll finally get to enjoy this sci-fi
blockbuster soon. With a cast like this, only a complete aversion
to the genre could explain why it bombed. Usual CJ Big release, the
only apparent flaw is they keep pushing the damn release date every
week! Guess what? Postponed. No Comment.... |
| May 1 |
Lies <거짓말> |
 |
2000 Directed By Jang Sun-woo (장선우) Starring Kim Tae-yeon (김태연) Lee Sang-hyun (이상현) Running Time: 85 Minutes DVD Company: Madman Entertainment (Australia) Release: DVD |
| Video |
1.85:1
- Letterboxed Widescreen, Dual Layer, PAL Region ALL |
| Audio |
Korean
Dolby Surround 2.0 |
| Subtitle |
English
Subtitles |
| Extras |
Theatrical
Trailer, Director's Statement, Cast & Crew, Other Trailers (The Tracker;
Nine Queens; Walking On Water; Monsoon Wedding), DVD Credits |
| Notes |
Even
considering PAL speedup, this version seems heavily cut. Fox Lorber's R-1
DVD was 115 Minutes long, so there's a chance a good 10-15 Minutes were cut
off. This is the first ever Korean film released in Australia, which is surprising
for such a big market, with a strong Korean community (you'd think Shiri
would have made it there already, at least). The alternatives at this point
are a hard to find, uncut Fox Lorber R1 DVD, and the French release (which
should be uncut). enterOne was supposed to release this soon, but with the
current situation the company is in, I wouldn't bet on a quick release. Of
course this would most likely be released cut in Korea, unless they're beginning
to relax on cuts regarding sexuality (Too Young To Die was uncut). |
| May 15 |
Chunhyang <춘향뎐> |
|
|
2000 Directed By Im Kwon-taek (임권택) Starring Cho Seung-woo (조승우) Yoo Ho-jung (유호정) Running Time: 134 Minutes DVD Company: enterOne Release: DVD |
| Video |
1.85:1
- 16:9 Enhanced, Double Layer, NTSC Region ALL |
| Audio |
Korean
Dolby Digital 5.1 |
| Subtitle |
English
Subtitles, Korean Subtitles |
| Extras |
Making
Of Documentary, Interview, Music Video, Theatrical Trailer |
| Notes |
First
the bad news: enterOne in 2003 seems much different from 2002. Less
releases, and except for the usual top notch presentation, disappointing
extras. They even released two DVDs without a 16:9 enhanced transfer
(R.U. Ready? and Road Movie), a first for them. It looks like they're
stepping down from the 'big three,' paling in comparison to Metro
and Starmax/Bear's latest releases. What happened? The good news is
really good: this version is the uncut film seen in Korea. Some of
you might know that they cut some scenes for the Cannes/International
Version, mostly including the introduction by the p'ansori performer.
A quick look at the previous US release from New Yorker shows that
there are 14 additional Minutes in this version. |
| May 15 |
2009 Lost Memories
<2009 로스트 메모리즈> |
 |
2002 Directed By Lee Shi-myung (이시명) Starring Jang Dong-gun (장동건) Nakamura Tooru (仲村トオル) Shin Koo (신구) Seo Jin-ho (서진호) Running Time: 134 Minutes DVD Company: CTV International/TF1 Video (France) Release: 2 DVD Digipack |
| Video |
1.85:1
- 16:9 Enhanced, Dual Layer, PAL Region 2 |
| Audio |
Korean
DTS, Korean Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1 |
| Subtitle |
French
Subtitles |
| Extras |
Audio Commentary with Director Lee Shi-myung, Jang Dong-gun and Music Director; Inside Lost Memories, Interviews with Cast & Crew, Training, Special FX, Making The Sound, Music Video, Theatrical Trailer |
| Notes |
An
obvious port of enterOne's spectacular 2-disc release, with French Subtitles.
This will be a good opportunity for French speakers to enjoy even more the
wealth of extras featured in this edition. Transfer should be the same as
the R3-K, with the obvious PAL/NTSC differences. Hopefully CTV will keep
releasing Korean titles, and the French market is becoming quite interesting
for Korean films (Chihwaseon and probably some Hong Sang-soo films -including
his debut- are coming). |
| KOREA |
Released By STARMAX (Late April/Early May) Directed By Kim Kyung-hyung Starring Kwon Sang-woo, Kim Ha-neul |
Released By METRO (April) Directed By Kim Hyun-jung Starring Han Suk-kyu, Ko So-young |
Released By CINEMA SERVICE (March/April) Directed By Kwak Jae-yong Starring Sohn Ye-jin, Cho Seung-woo, Cho In-sung |
 Show Show Show (2003)Released By STARMAX (Late April) Directed By Kim Jung-ho Starring Park Sun-young, Yoo Joon-sang, Jung Eun-pyo |
 Who Are You? (2002)Released By MYUNG FILMS (Early April) Directed By Choi Ho Starring Lee Na-young, Cho Seung-woo, Cho In-sung |
| UNITED KING |