Issue No. 8 - 2003, March 1st
Welcome to the 8th 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
| February 28 |
The Way Home <집으로> |
 |
2002
Directed By Lee Jung-hyang (이정향) Starring Kim Eul-boon (김을분) Yoo Seung-ho (유승호) Running Time: 87 Minutes DVD Company: Tube Pictures Release: 2 DVD Special Edition |
| 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, Korean Captions for Hearing Impaired |
| Extras |
Various
Making Of Featurettes, Interviews With Cast & Crew, Seung-ho's Video Diary,
Theatrical Trailers, Special Featurette about Paramount acquiring US rights
+ US Theatrical Trailer, Music Video, Cast & Crew Profiles, Photo Gallery,
The Way Home: A Year Later |
| Notes |
The
wait is finally over! After months of delays, here's finally the long awaited
release of Lee Jung-hyang's latest work. Acclaimed by critics and one of last
year's major (and most surprising) successes. For the English speaking audience,
the most interesting extras will be the Paramount featurette, with a few
interviews and the Trailer. Tube Pictures is (I think) a parent company of
CJ Entertainment, so expect another top notch release. |
| February 21 |
Birdcage Inn <파란대문> |
 |
1998 Directed By Kim Ki-duk (김기덕) Starring Lee Ji-Eun (이지은) Lee Hye-Eun (이혜은) Ahn Jae-Mo (안재모) Running Time: 100 Minutes DVD Company: Winson Entertainment (Hong Kong) Release: DVD |
| Video |
1.85:1
- Letterboxed Widescreen, Dual Layer, NTSC Region 3 |
| Audio |
Korean
Dolby Digital 5.1, Cantonese Dolby Digital 5.1 |
| Subtitle |
English
Subtitles, Chinese Simplified Subtitles, Chinese Traditional Subtitles |
| Extras |
None |
| Notes |
Kim
Ki-duk's controversial 98 film was one of the first to establish him as the
maverick director he's considered nowadays. Considering this is a Winson release,
you should realistically expect a watchable transfer, and most likely very
bad subtitles. With Birdcage Inn, almost all of Kim's films have been released
on DVD between Korea and Hong Kong. I wish I could say the same about Jang
Sun-woo, Park Chul-soo and Lee Myung-se (and don't get me started about Im
Kwon-taek, Kim Ki-young and Yoo Hyun-mok). |
| February 25 |
Running 7 Dogs <7인의 새벽> |
 |
2001 Directed By Kim Joo-man (김주만) Starring Lee Ji-hyun (이지현) Lee Na-young (이나영) Myung Kye-nam (명계남) Jung So-young (정소영) Running Time: 93 Minutes DVD Company: Kam & Ronson Enterprises LTD (Hong Kong) Release: DVD |
| Video |
1.85:1
- Letterboxed Widescreen, Single Layer, NTSC Region 3 |
| Audio |
Korean
Dolby Digital 5.1, Mandarin Dolby Digital 5.1 |
| Subtitle |
Chinese
Traditional Subtitles |
| Extras |
None |
| Notes |
One
of 2001's forgotten comedies, starring La Belle and Boss X File's Lee Ji-hyun.
Plot reminds of Jakarta and Make It Big, but I can't vouch for the film's
quality. I'm afraid this release will be pretty bad. In the past, Kam &
Ronson has released some of the worst DVDs in Hong Kong --which is saying
something, considering the average DVD release. Only Chinese Subtitles, but
I don't see too many people buying this film anyway. For die-hards only. |
| February 26 |
MBC Miniseries - Hotelier <MBC 미니시리즈 - 호텔이어> |
 |
2001
- MBC TV Directed By Jang Yong-woo (장용우) Starring Bae Yong-joon (배용준) Song Yoon-ah (송윤아) Song Hye-gyo (소혜교) Kim Seung-woo (김승우) Running Time: 1200 Minutes - 20 Episodes DVD Company: Asia Video Publishing (Hong Kong) Release: 10 DVD Boxset |
| Video |
1.33:1
- OAR Full Frame, Double Layer, NTSC Region 3 |
| Audio |
Korean
Stereo, Cantonese Stereo |
| Subtitle |
Chinese
Traditional Subtitles |
| Extras |
T.B.A. |
| Notes |
The
all star cast and an intriguing, addictive storyline made this 2001 Drama
one of the most popular of all time amongst TV Drama fans (especially outside
Korea. There's a website in English at www.hotelier2002.com with episode synopsis
and translations for the whole series). Should be a cut above the older Chinese
VCD Boxset, even though Asia Video continues to only put two episodes per
DVD (even with the additional audio track, there's enough space to put 4
per disc. That would lower the price, though). Don't expect any extras. |
| March 6 |
Conduct Zero <품행제로> |
 |
2002 Directed By Cho Geun-shik (조근식) Starring Ryu Seung-beom (류승범) Im Eun-kyung (임은경) Kong Hyo-jin (공효진) Shin Ji-hye (신지혜) Running Time: 99 Minutes DVD Company: Metro Release: 2 DVD + OST CD Special Edition |
| Video |
2.35:1
- 16:9 Enhanced, Dual Layer, NTSC Region 3 |
| Audio |
Korean
DTS, Korean Dolby Digital 5.1 |
| Subtitle |
English
Subtitles, Korean Subtitles |
| Extras |
Audio Commentary with Director Cho Geun-shik and Ryu Seung-beom, Music Video, Theatrical Trailer, TV Spot, Making Of Documentary, Behind The Scenes (60 Minutes Documentary + Animation Film and Director's Commentary), NG Cut, CG Interview and Making Of, 'Art Hour' interview with Art Director, Still Gallery, Easter Egg, Original Soundtrack CD |
| Notes |
Impressive
release from Metro, a company that is getting better and better every month.
As always the CD will only be added with the Limited Edition, and later a
normal 2 DVD Edition will follow. Specs and extras aside, this is a very entertaining
80s comedy about school, with rising stars Ryu Seung-beom, Kong Hyo-jin and
Im Eun-kyung. Our own Darcy Paquet listed this film in his year-end Top 10,
and I'm betting it'll enter many other Top 10s soon. |
| March 6 |
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: Bitwin Release: DVD |
| Video |
1.85:1
- Letterboxed Widescreen, Dual Layer, NTSC Region ALL |
| Audio |
Korean
Dolby Digital 5.1 |
| Subtitle |
English
Subtitles |
| Extras |
Theatrical
Trailer, Cast & Crew Profiles |
| 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. Expect something
similar to Bitwin's Family release, which means good presentation but very
short on extras. Release date could change. |
| March 6 |
H <에이:치> |
 |
2002 Directed By Lee Jong-hyuk (이종혁) Starring Cho Seung-woo (조승우) Yeom Jung-ah (염정아) Ji Jin-hee (지진희) Sung Ji-roo (성지루) Running Time: 106 Minutes DVD Company: Cinexus Release: DVD |
| Video |
2.35:1
- 16:9 Enhanced, Dual Layer, NTSC Region 3 |
| Audio |
Korean
Dolby Digital 5.1, Korean Dolby Surround 2.0 |
| Subtitle |
English
Subtitles, Korean Subtitles |
| Extras |
Making
Of Documentary, Opening, Cast Profiles, Photo Gallery, TV Spot, Theatrical
Trailer |
| Notes |
This
Tell Me Something-like thriller seemed to go unnoticed, released amongst big
Hollywood films and the success of Sex Is Zero and Conduct Zero. The Teaser
Trailer still looks great, and the film has a nice cast. Fans of the genre
should give this a look, especially now that English Subtitles are confirmed.
It also seems like the number of Korean films shot in 2.35:1 is increasing
exponentially. |
| March 6 |
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 |
No
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. Seems like there will be no Subtitles at all, which
would be surprising, but that could change. |
| March 10 |
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, Double 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 21 |
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! |
| March 24 |
Bichunmoo <비천무> |
 |
2000 Directed By Park Young-joon (박영준) 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 Release: 2 DVD Special Edition |
| Video |
1.85:1
- 16:9 Enhanced, Double 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 leading members of the cast, Production featurette, Photo gallery with
original lobby cards and poster artwork, 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 scene, or to see them separate. They've been lost forever,
and with them probably the plot's coherence. |
| March 31 |
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: Starmax Release: DVD |
| Video |
2.35:1
- 16:9 Enhanced, Double Layer, NTSC Region 3 |
| Audio |
Korean
Dolby Digital 5.1, Korean Dolby Surround 2.0 |
| 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. CJ sold the rights to Starmax, so it's likely they'll just
focus on big releases like Yesterday and The Way Home, subcontracting their
smaller films to companies like Starmax, enterOne or Spectrum. |
| April 20 |
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. I'm pretty sure enterOne will release something
else before 4/20 (Madeleine, for example), but it's perplexing nonetheless. |
| March/April |
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 - ?? Episodes DVD Company: Bitwin Release: 6DVD Special Edition |
| Video |
1.33:1
- OAR Full Frame, Double Layer, NTSC Region ALL |
| Audio |
Korean
Stereo |
| Subtitle |
No
Subtitles |
| Extras |
T.B.A. |
| Notes |
Maybe
you're asking yourself why Bitwin is releasing a Drama which is still showing
on TV (I think it's around Episode 15). Of course the release date might be
pushed a little, but 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, Solar and
the rest. Starring Kong Hyo-jin, Cho Jae-hyun, and veteran Oh Yeon-soo, this
looks to be an interesting show, especially for its storyline. Expect the
usual fine Boxset release by Bitwin (it could become a 8 Disc edition if
the drama goes more than 20 Episodes). |
| KOREA |
 The Classic
(2003)Released By CINEMA SERVICE (March/April) Directed By Kwak Jae-yong Starring Sohn Ye-jin, Cho Seung-woo, Cho In-sung |
 Madeleine (2003)Released By ENTERONE (March) Directed By Park Kwang-chun Starring Shin Min-ah, Cho In-sung, Kim Soo-ro |
 Sex Is Zero (2002)Released By I VISION (March) Directed By Yoon Je-gyun Starring Im Chang-jung, Ha Ji-won |
| HONG
KONG |
 Who Are You? (2002)Released By EDKO VIDEO (March) Directed By Choi Ho Starring Cho Seung-woo, Lee Na-young |
| UNITED
KINGDOM |
 Musa: The Warrior (2001)Released By PREMIER ASIA (August 1) Directed By Kim Sung-soo Starring Jung Woo-sung, Ahn Sung-ki, Zhang Ziyi, Joo Jin-mo, Park Young-woo, Yoo Hae-jin |
| UNITED
STATES |
 The Way Home (2002)Released By PARAMOUNT (May 6) Directed By Lee Jung-hyang Starring Kim Eul-boon, Yoo Seung-ho |
To correctly
display the Korean text (Hangeul/Hanja), switch your browser to Korean encoding.
Special
Thanks:
Darcy Paquet, Yeon Hyeon-sook
Pictures: dvd.co.kr, papadvd.com, koreanwiz.org, dvdasian.com, cinemaservice.com,
movist.com, play.com, dddhouse.com, soompi.com, asiandb.com.
Last updated
on 2/28
*See you
next week!*
감사합니다!
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