6.9 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
A highly televised police bust of a bank heist results the criminals getting away and a lot of cops getting killed. In an effort to save face with the public, the police arrange to broadcast the pursuit and capture of the crooks. Things get more complicated when the bank robbers contact the media with their own version of events.
Starring: Richie Jen, Kelly Chen (I), Nick Cheung, Eddie Cheung, Suet LamForeign | 100% |
Crime | 11% |
Drama | 1% |
Action | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.31:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
Cantonese: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
Cantonese: LPCM 2.0
English
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region free
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Johnnie To's "Breaking News" (2004) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Chameleon Films. The supplemental features on the release include exclusive new audio commentary by Hong Kong cinema expert Frank Djeng; behind the scenes featurette; archival interviews with Johnnie To and cast members; vintage promotional materials; and more. In Cantonese, with optional English subtitles for the main feature. Region-Free.
Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.31:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Breaking News arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Chameleon Films.
This release is sourced from the same master Mega Star worked to produce this Hong Kong release in 2009.
Even though Breaking News could have benefited from a new master, I think that it still looks quite nice on Blu-ray. Delineation, clarity, and depth are pretty good, though in a few areas now the age of the master begins to show. Colors are convincing. However, some highlights could have been balanced a bit better. Image stability is excellent. The encoding on this release is better, but I would not say that it makes a notable difference when you view the film. All in all, while some areas could be improved, I still think that the current master is good. (Note: This is a Region-Free Blu-ray release. Therefore, you will be able to play it on your player regardless of your geographical location).
There are two standard audio tracks on this Blu-ray release: Cantonese DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and Cantonese LPCM 2.0. Optional English subtitles are provided for the main feature. When turned on, they split the image frame and the black bar below it.
I viewed the entire film with the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. I think that it is a very solid track and perhaps noticeably better balanced than the Dolby TrueHD 7.1 track that is present on the old Hong Kong release of Breaking News. The dialog is very clear, sharp, and easy to follow. Also, the English translation is excellent.
The media can be and often is every bit as manipulative as Johnnie To depicts it in Breaking News. While the action in this film is predictably solid, I think that its true message is its greatest strength. This brand new release of Breaking News from Chameleon Films features good new and archival bonus features, so if you enjoy the film, pick up a copy for your collection. It is Region-Free. RECOMMENDED.
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