Fragile and Godsend Japanese HD DVDs - impressions

[kannisto]

Here's some info on new unique Japanese HD DVD releases that may interest importers

I just received these new HD DVD releases from Amazon.co.jp. Release date was 26th of April but it seems Amazon didn't get stock of Fragile immediately and these were shipped out yesterday in my case:

Japanese distributor is Shochiku Home Video and this is the first time they release English language movies on HD DVD. Previously they've released a few Japanese movies on HD DVD without English subitles.

Fragile:
IMBD: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0422272/
Shochiku Home Video (Japanese distributor): http://www.shochiku.co.jp/video/fore...hd/hdb008.html
Amazon Japan:
http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E6%A9%9F%E6...992414&sr=1-22
(only 3 in stock right now)

Godsend:
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0335121/
Shochiku Home Video (Japanese distributor):
http://www.shochiku.co.jp/video/fore...vd/dz0329.html
Amazon Japan:
http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%82%A2%E3...7992539&sr=1-1

Both have similar specs for the HD DVD:
Video: MPEG4/AVC
Audio: Original English Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 and alternative Japanese DD+ 5.1
Subtitles: Optional Japanese subtitles (2 types), easy to turn off.

PQ/AQ impressions based on very quick checking:
Fragile seems to have excellent Tier 1 level PQ/AQ, very crisp and no noticeable artifacts. Looks impressive.
Godsend seems to be a bit softer, but still looks decent.

Fragile is HD DVD only and Godsend is (region 2 NTSC) DVD+HD DVD on separate discs. Godsend's extras are only in the normal DVD disc, HD DVD includes only main movie.

Fragile contains 33 minutes of extras and Godsend 53 minutes (but on DVD only).

I'll post some more impressions once I have had time to watch the movies.

Some photos are attached.

[kannisto]

Just finished watching Fragile. I enjoyed it quite much, it's serious in tone and builds up atmosphere/tension nicely and the horror effects are impressive. The music is good too. Especially recommended for fans of Spanish or Japanese/Asian horror films, it has a kind of similar feel to it as many Asian horror films in my view.

Runtime of the movie on this HD DVD is 97 minutes 21 seconds. IMDB states the runtime as:
93 min / Argentina:93 min (Mar del Plata Film Festival) / Japan:102 min

It seems to be longer than the stated generic runtime but not as long as the stated Japan runtime. Not sure what kind of versions are out there but I'm pretty sure none of the horror elements were cut in this version. Might be that the PG-13 rated version is toned down compared to this one as this seemed a bit strong for PG-13 at some points I read somewhere that this is to be released theatrically in U.S. this year, seems that MGM has U.S. distribution rights.

Some additional bits of info:
- PQ is solid and rather sharp throughout, very clean with no visible grain or artifacts (not sure if some grain removal has been done but it looks very good anyhow)
- Menu tabs are in English (Play movie, Chapter, Languages, Special Features)
- Sub-tabs in Chapter and Languages menus are in Japanese but easy to work with
- Default audio is English with Japanese subs on, but they can be turned off by remote or from the Languages menu
- Special features are:
1 Mandy's File (related to film, can't explain as that would be a spoiler)
2 Making of Fragile (about 20 minutes mostly with Spanish audio, Spanish crew members talking about the film, and only Japanese subs available. Some parts in English (English speaking actors' talking)
3 Deleted Scenes (nothing special)
4 Funny Takes (nothing special)
5 Trailer (Japanese trailer in full HD)

[Sarang]

Ok I was thinking no about "Fragile" thinking it was some stupid Gaijin or Gwaeloo ripping off Asian flicks but now hearing it's from Argentina I'm more interested.

[kannisto]

It is from Spain - though there is some comment about Argentina version's runtime in IMDB that I quoted.

Anyway, I've seen a couple of other Spanish horror movies too which were all pretty good so I think they've got a good culture for this kind of thing Fragile didn't seem to copy much from any other horror movie I've seen and I have quite many of them in my DVD collection.

[Staffyman]

I must admit, I've liked Juame Balaguero's other horror movies, The Nameless and The Darkness, though the latter really does get some flack I still liked it.

I'm interested in seeing Fragile, but I'm not sure I want to 'blind buy' as importing Japanese discs is never a cheap option - I've been stung by custom's charges waaaayyyy too many times.

[Satans Puppet]

I'm having a LOT of issues with Vista and photoshop, getting fed up of this and here's what I've come up with so far but URGH it's annoying....

If people think it's gonna look poo, gonna pack in.. :lol:

http://www.peopleofifrit.net/images/fragile-cover.jpg

[ben1080p]

Shouldnt these ben the Import Subforum?
You of all people should know that one Kannisto

Anyway, not a fan of either.

[Sporadic]

Originally Posted by ben1080p

Shouldnt these ben the Import Subforum?
You of all people should know that one Kannisto

Anyway, not a fan of either.

It was thread bumped from May

[ben1080p]

Originally Posted by Sporadic

It was thread bumped from May

Wow,, didnt notice it.

[nipa]

Originally Posted by Satans Puppet

I'm having a LOT of issues with Vista and photoshop, getting fed up of this and here's what I've come up with so far but URGH it's annoying....

Excellent! Couldn't find a custom cover for this on any of the cover sites I visited. Did you ever do another version of this?

[kannisto]

Originally Posted by nipa

Excellent! Couldn't find a custom cover for this on any of the cover sites I visited. Did you ever do another version of this?

Maybe best to ask him by PM as his post with the custom cover was from several months ago so he may not read this thread anymore.

I just took a look at the custom cover he made for the first time now (somehow missed it earlier) and it looks pretty nice