Stars:
Maggie Cheung Mon-yuk, Tony Leung Chui-wai, Siu Ping-lam, Rebecca Pan, Lai Chin,
and Chin Tsi-and
Writer:
Wong Kar-wai
Director:
Wong Kar-wai
Feature
length: 98 minutes
Extras:
Deleted Scenes With Director’s Commentary, Short Film, Documentary,
Interviews, Essays, Trailers, TV Spots, Electronic Press Kit and Promotional
Concepts, Photo Gallery, Cast and Crew Biographies
Languages:
Cantonese and Shanghainese Dolby Digital 5.0 and Stereo
Subtitles:
English Subtitles
Packaging:
Double Alpha Keep Case
Chapter
Stops: 28
Sound:
Dolby Digital 5.0 Surround Sound and Stereo Sound
Year
of Theatrical Release: 2000/DVD Release: 2002
Theatrical
Distributor: USA Films
Home
Video Distributor: Home Vision Entertainment
MPAA
Rating: PG
Reviewer:
Mark A. Rivera
I
have to admit that despite my love for film and my studies and appreciation of
various films by noteworthy directors all over the world, sometimes I really
wish that on the DVD release they would include an English Dubbed soundtrack in
addition to the original soundtrack of wherever the film was produced. The
reason is simply that sometimes I want to enjoy the film and watch it rather
than have to read what is going on. I am in full favor of international films
having their original soundtracks preserved, but I also am in favor of a dubbed
soundtrack to be included with the original also because there are people who
will reject a film the minute they find out they have to read subtitles and
there are some, like my own parents, who have a DVD player, but are legally
blind. So while they can see the image on TV and follow what is going on, they
cannot keep up with the subtitles for long periods of time even with special
eyewear. So just as closed captions for the hearing impaired has become a
standard on American home video releases, might the studios and independents
alike consider the reality that some people depend upon the hearing more than
their site, which makes a film like “In The Mood For Love” almost
inaccessible to them.
“In
The Mood For Love” is one of the best looking films I have ever had to read,
but after a certain point it gets ridiculous. There are five deleted scenes
presented in equal video quality as the feature and include an optional
director’s commentary. Well I have to say that I am not so endeared to this
film that I have the inclination to want to listen to a foreign commentary with
English Language Subtitles! I don’t have the time or the patience for it and
while I know there are readers who will find what I’m saying offensive, I also
know that many people will feel just like I do and therefore I think this is
probably the best and highest quality backfire to ever be released to DVD.
I
am sorry, but “In The Mood For Love” is a great looking film on DVD and one
of the best releases from Home Vision Entertainment’s Criterion Collection I
have ever seen, but aside from foreign film buffs and of course Asian viewers, I
think this film will not find a wider audience simply because in the attempt to
remain artistically true the quality standard of “The Criterion Collection,”
the crossover appeal I feel is lost completely and it is a shame because this
truly is a magnificent DVD release.
To
begin with “In The Mood For Love” is presented in an anamorphic widescreen
(1.66:1) aspect ratio that is absolutely flawless with the original Cantonese
and Shanghainese Stereo Soundtrack as well as a vibrant and full Dolby Digital
5.0 Surround Soundtrack coupled with an alternate music and sound effects only
track and optional English Language Subtitles. A short film by the director as
well as the deleted scenes with optional commentary by the director are also
included on the first disc, as I have mentioned above.
The
second disc features videotaped interviews with the director and cast members
from the Toronto International Film Festival coupled with select cast and crew
biographical information. There is a “making of” documentary along with an
essay, Trailers, TV Spots, the electronic press kit and galleries of photos too.
Both DVD discs are dual layered with wonderfully rendered interactive menus
complete with smooth animated transitions and all are easy to navigate.
There is a 48-page booklet featuring “Intersection,” a short story that influenced the film, a critical essay and director’s statement within the DVD keep case. This is a great DVD release and a good film, but unless you are a fan of Asian Cinema or an international film buff, I would recommend renting this film first before buying. “In The Mood For Love: Special Edition Double-Disc Set: The Criterion Collection #147” is available now on DVD-Video from Home Vision Entertainment.
©
Copyright 2002 By Mark A. Rivera
All Rights Reserved.