Cult Labs - Arrow Video - Battle Royale LE

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Arrow Video - Battle Royale LE - The Reviews

With some screengrabs surfacing on the web clearly we're not too far away from reviews starting to pop up on the web, in print and through other mediums. Please feel free to put links to coverage here.

Quote:

Originally Posted by zombeaner (Post 114720)

I am eager!

I'm sure you won't be shy posting up a link once your review is ready? ;)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Almar@Cult Labs (Post 114727)

I'm sure you won't be shy posting up a link once your review is ready? ;)

Of course not.

Did Toei provide the master for this one Almar? I take it the same HD master was used as the basis for both the DVD and BD versions? The old DVDs look terrible in comparison to the BD, but I'd be interested to see how the new DVD transfer measures up.

Quote:

Originally Posted by zombeaner (Post 114737)

Of course not.

Well get on with it, chop chop ;)

I'm waiting for the full retail version, it isn't ready yet, I can be patient.

Here's the first review I found

w w w.dvdactive. c o m/reviews/dvd/battle-royale-limited-edition.html

Quote:

Biting social commentary about the dog-eat-dog nature of the Japanese educational system and the youth-adult divide, or a gory action flick? As with most things one’s perception of Battle Royale will ultimately be coloured by what you take with you into the film, but I for one think it’s a smart piece of filmmaking. Ten years after its original release it has lost some of its shock factor, but it’s still a compelling piece of cinema and one that I’m glad to finally have in my high-definition collection.

Technically the set is good, especially the audio, which exceeded my expectations. While there is a fair bit of overlap on some of the extras there’s still plenty here to keep fans happy, with the making of a particular highlight. The limited edition accoutrements also add value to the package. It’s a real pity that Arrow didn’t have access to better video materials, or this could have been something truly special. As it stands it's still an impressive package and the best available version(s) of the film, so if you have the necessary hardware you’d be silly not to opt for the Blu-ray over the DVD.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dwarefy (Post 115293)

Here's the first review I found

Battle Royale: Limited Edition (UK - BD) in Reviews > Video Discs at DVDActive

I think anyone expecting a transfer like Transformers was deluding themselves and/or haven't seen the previous DVD releases.
You can wait for the Anchor Bay release next year but I doubt they will get a better source to work with, and by then the Limited Edition will be sold out and selling at 2-3x current price.

It would have been even better without the DNR though.

But until something with the heavy grain intact pops up this will do.