The Magic Flute (Japan - Showgate) impressions

[kannisto]

I received The Magic Flute (Kenneth Branagh's) yesterday (on release date) from Amazon JP. I'm not quite an Opera / musical fan but I thought I'll check it out anyway. Haven't actually watched the movie yet except for some quick sampling, but here's some information about the disc.

It's a DVD (region 2 NTSC) + HD DVD release. Apparently only the first print will be including the HD DVD. The DVD includes a bunch of bonus features (Making of, Interviews, Trailers and cast/crew information (textual)). The HD DVD only contains the main movie feature, no bonus contents. HD DVD doesn't even include a menu, it goes straight into the movie and subtitles can be removed by remote.

Video: AVC, 2.35:1, 1080p
Audio: Original English DD+ 2046 Kbps 16bit
Subtitles: Optional Japanese (on by default, removable by remote)

Reported by WinDVD9 Plus:

Video stream:
Type: H264
Bitrate: 23.000 Mbps
Framerate: 29.970 Hz
Resolution: 1920x1080
Aspect ratio: 16x9

Audio stream:
Type: DD+
Bitrate: 2046 Kbps
Number of main channels: 5
LFE Channel: Present
Sampling Frequency: 48khz
Bits Per Sample: 16

Disc size is 23.7 GB (25 513 099 264 bytes).

The packaging is nice though DVD sized as this is technically classified as a DVD release, some pics:




PQ/AQ are very good. I'd say the PQ is on the 4+ / 4.5 range based on watching some parts.

Could probably be recommended for fans of Opera based movies. I'll comment in more detail when I've actually watched it.

[Arkadin]

sounds great! how much is it US money?
I was about to ask what region it is, but that's bd.
Got to get my HD DVD focus back.

btw: what's up with the 2 releases of "Butch cassidy"? are they the same transfer? Are they both out? Is UK region B? sorry I know it's a bd but I NEED to know.

[kannisto]

Originally Posted by Arkadin

sounds great! how much is it US money?
I was about to ask what region it is, but that's bd.
Got to get my HD DVD focus back.

btw: what's up with the 2 releases of "Butch cassidy"? are they the same transfer? Are they both out? Is UK region B? sorry I know it's a bd but I NEED to know.

It's not too expensive. The DVD in it is region 2 though if that's a problem for anybody. The figures below were currency converted some time ago already so maybe best to do a new currency conversion if you are thinking about ordering.

The Magic Flute (Kenneth Branagh's) (Japan release) (25-Jan)
Amazon Japan $30.45 (¥3478)
HMV Japan $32.51 (¥3713)
YesAsia $43.75 (free international shipping)
Note: Classified as DVD. Comes with HD DVD as an extra, including the main feature. Only the first edition will include the HD DVD. Info at HD DVD Format Blog and Showgate's page.

As for that Butch Cassidy, I don't know anything about it as I don't usually keep track of BD imports at all. My only BD discs from other countries besides U.S. and Japan (both region A) are 3 Hong Kong releases from Xploited Cinema (I love Hong Kong martial arts and action movies). Maybe somebody else knows about it here though

[Jester217300]

So if I were to order this from Yesasia.com right now would there be any way to be sure that I would be getting the HD-DVD extra disc with it?

[kannisto]

Originally Posted by Jester217300

So if I were to order this from Yesasia.com right now would there be any way to be sure that I would be getting the HD-DVD extra disc with it?

I firmly believe all packages that are available now are part of the first edition that include the HD DVD. When they run out of print they would do DVD only reprints. I also don't know how buyers can make sure they are getting the HD DVD inclusive version later on but now they should all be with HD DVD. If Yes Asia have a good customer service they may be able to confirm if they are asked.

[jaycee900]

Looks a really nice package, and certainly the first pressing will become a collectors item if no more runs with the HD become available...though I really don't enjoy opera at all to invest in it!

[kannisto]

Originally Posted by jaycee900

Looks a really nice package, and certainly the first pressing will become a collectors item if no more runs with the HD become available...though I really don't enjoy opera at all to invest in it!

Yeah, I might have skipped it if it weren't for the limited availability hook I was impressed with the nice package in any case and I also wanted to see first hand how Showgate puts together this kind of DVD + HD DVD combination release as this is the first of that kind from them. Most Showgate releases are actually from Amuse Soft Entertainment (their subcompany) but this one is a joint release with Pony Canyon. The price was also quite reasonable with Amazon Japan's 26 % discount and free shipping.

[Arkadin]

I just e-mailed Tony at Xploited about getting this title in. I will let everyone know when I hear back. I suspect he probably didn't know anything about this one, but hopefully he'll get some in.

[Jester217300]

Just ordered a copy Also ordered Singing and Dancing in the Tang Dynasty HD-DVD. Kind of a whimsical buy on the second one but I'm a culture nut so if I enjoy it once it's worth the $17.49 I paid for it. Because my order is over $50 I get a free $5 gift certificate from YesAsia after my order is processed, which I am thinking about using to buy The Gift.

[Arkadin]

ok just heard back from Tony at Xploited.
he says they are NOT currently planning on carrying this title, but he can certainly order it for anybody that specifically requests it. So if you want to go this route, get in touch with Tony.
I asked him to order me a copy so I look forward to checking this out.
thanks Kannisto for all the info!

[Arkadin]

just got my copy of this today through Xploited!!
wonder if I'm the only person in the US to actually have this.
packaging is SOOOOOOO cool!
haven't opened this yet, but extremely psyched.
anyone interested in this will be very pleased I think.
just from a collector's standpoint for sure.
doubt it will get much rarer than this release for an HD DVD

[Jester217300]

Originally Posted by Arkadin

wonder if I'm the only person in the US to actually have this.

I got my copy Monday

Haven't watched it yet, probably will this weekend.

[Arkadin]

OMG!! that's wild.
I guess we are the ONLY 2 people in the US to have this!
we should watch it at the same time and blog on it together!