April DVD Digest: Get Your Whips Out!

I tell you, Malaysians sure have it good when it comes to DVDs. And yeah, I'm referring to the pirated versions, better known as "Durians" locally. I mean, I've lost count of how many times I've had to answer people (on or offline) who are looking for a good copy with the special features intact, audio commentary, true DTS soundtrack, the works. Sometimes it just ends up being funny. Here we are, purchasing movies that normally would cost us 20 USD (about RM 80) at RM 12/13! Is that a steal or what? For those in the know, it used to be easy. Different suppliers (or manus, short for manufacturers) would have their own identifying mechanism on their products. Therefore in the early days, one could easily distinguish a good DVD9 copy from an isometric "captured in cinema" version simply by looking for a specific sticker! Sadly, every other manu started attaching copies of the original stickers to the packaging, leading to many buyers getting frazzled and confused.

Right now, buying DVDs in Malaysia is still a bit of a gamble (unless you happen to know the vendor personally). Sometimes you're lucky and find one who actually knows his movies, or is just able to get the ones you want. Most times you'll have to try your luck at the draw. Be that as it may, many buyers (myself included) insist on surfing sites like these to read reviews and make an informed decision before purchasing. Maybe it's our kiasuness, or out tendency to insist on not being cheated (which in itself is a good thing). Whatever it is, it's a good time to be a DVD aficionado in Malaysia.

Anyhow, I thought I'd be good and share some tips on getting the best bang for your buck:

* Always use the internet. Sure, your heart may leap when you see that Hellboy DVD at your pasar malam, but always make it a point to check if the original's released yet. If it is, chances are the disc you're buying will be a direct copy. If not, expect distorted picture quality and the sound of someone munching on popcorn right next to your ear.

* As a general rule, any movie more than 6 months old will already have a DVD version out, in which case you're safe.

* Be careful when buying box sets. Sure, it's tempting to own the entire Season Six of Sex and The City, but most of these early appearances on the market are from digital copies downloaded off the net and put together by some kid in glasses on a PC with PhotoShop or Nero.

* A new trend these days is to bundle two movies on a single disc (Bad Boys, Star Wars). Usually these are quite safe, but every once in awhile some manus may decide to pull a fast one by including one good version and the other seriously degraded. Again, check with a trusted vendor.

* Sometimes you get lucky and get a screener copy. Screeners are preview versions (on VHS or DVD) that are distributed to preview audiences or even for the purposes of awards nominations. A peculiar characteristic is they'll almost always have that "If you have rented/bought.." disclaimer roll across the screen.

That should be enough for this week. After dinner just now I decided to pop by the friendly neighbourhood seller to see the wares. Here's a list of the DVD releases I'm psyched about:

Dead Or Alive 2
Takashi Miike (Audition, Ichi The Killer) brings a tale of crime and friendship to you now on DVD. I've only watched the first DOA years ago (and even then I didn't realise it for what it was). There's copious amounts of blood, cool Yakuza gangsters and a storyline that never lets you go. I'll be reviewing this soon.

Dead Or Alive Final
This may be the weakest of the three, garnering only average reviews. I'll be borrowing this off a friend sometime next week.

Battle Royale
The ultimate reality show is finally here! Brought to you as a Hong Kong category III release, this version of BR doesn't skimp on the gore, and is a worthwhile addition to any fan of Japanese cinema. Heck, it's got Beat Takeshi!

Battle Royale II
The director, Kinji Fukasaku died halfway through filming, and his job was taken over by his son. It shows in this average sequel that picks up where the first one left off. I wouldn't really recommend this one, unless you're a completist.

Salon Kitty
Warning! Exploitation film alert! Here's a snippet from IMDB:
"Kitty runs a brothel in Nazi Germany where the soldiers come to "relax". Recording devices have been installed in each room by a power hungry army official who plans to use the information to blackmail Hitler and gain power himself. A girl named Margherita discovers the little ploy and with Kitty's help plans to take on the dangerous task of exposing the conspiracy..."

By the same people who brought you Caligula, so be warned!

And finally...Ilsa is here! The Ilsa Box set contains the first three (and probably best of) movies. The set contains:
Ilsa, She Wolf of the SS (1974)
Ilsa, Harem Keeper of the Oil Sheiks (1976) and
Ilsa, The Wicked Warden (1977)

In case anyone's remotely interested, the Ilsa series is about a female prison warden who is convinced that by experiments she can prove that women are more suited for battle than men. NOT porn, although there is a fair amount of nudity and gore. I have a feeling I'll be picking this up soon.

Man this has been a long post. DVDOx out!