From: tzung@cbnewsf.cb.att.com (tzung-i.lin)
Subject: LD REVIEW: Criterion's AKIRA CAV LD set
Organization: AT&T
Distribution: na
Date: Tue, 15 Dec 1992 15:39:23 GMT


		Criterion Collection AKIRA CAV LD  $124.99
			3 discs, 5 sides, dual audio

To begin with, this disc is not recommended, at least not for $125.

I was a happy owner of the Japanese AKira, CLV LD for 2 years.
Then I heard CC is going to produce a CAV version with supplemental.
I said: "hey, it's great news since CC always produces great transfer and 
supplemental materials"  So, I decided to purchase CC Akira LD,
then sell off my original Japanese CLV LD.

Well, I bought this, and after watching this, I regret I did.
And I'm glad that I did not sell my original LD yet.
Let me explain why in the following.

My original Japanese CLV LD was on 3 sides (2 disc) with excellent
color, contrast and everything.  As a matter of fact, it is one of
the best LD transfer I've seen, no noise or anything.  Perfect.
It's way up there with the LBX Apocalypse Now and Terminator II.
Criterion Collection (CC) Akira comes on 5 sides, the movie was
mostly on the first 4 sides, with final ending and credits on side 5.
Side 5 also contains the supplemental materials. (later)  
The problems are discussed below.

1. Original film source

The source for this LD, to start with, was not good.  I believe CC
took the film from Streamline which was probably being used to
make copies or shown on the road.  You can notice the quality of the
film is not in good condition.  While the original Japanese LD is
from a first-rate source.  My GUESS is that Streamline/CC did not
ask the Japanese to provide the negative of the film (or whatever)
Instead they used the one they have (probably the best one they have)
But it's in no comparison with the original Japanese LD's source.

2. Contrast and resolution

However, CC Akira's contrast is higher than the Japanese LD,
thus giving better resolution (at least to my eyes).
The Japanese LD seems "soft" in picture resolution while CC is sharper.

3. Color

Well, this is the worst part.  It looks like CC has somehow enhanced the
color on a not-very-good print and the result is very strange color, 
very unnatural, feels like they are enforcing something.
A friend of mine commented that they probably tune up the contrast,
then enrich the color (especially red, but overdone it!!).
Yes, the color is "richer" then the Japanese LD, but it looks all wrong.
One good example is when Testuo pull down a red curtain as a cloak
when the tank is aiming at him, the red of that curtain is in a terrible 
dark red with lots of noises (looks very dirty red).  The second
example is when the politician dies in a small alley with a heart
attack, Ryu walked by and died at the entrance of the alley.  When Ryu walked
by, the light that shed on him does not look natural at all!!
I compared it to the Original Japanese LD, the latter is much much
better in the lighting scene.  So I guess something must be very wrong.
The different color of CC Akira LD made me feel like watching
two different movies!!  CC Akira looks like they shot in live motion in B&W,
then color the film to an animation (like the British animation,
When the Wind Blows)

4. Voice acting

The digital track is English dubbed, while Japanese language 
(the original soundtrack) is on analog track.  The voice acting,
well, how should I put it, if you havn't heard the Japanese soundtrack
before, it's actually quite good, the lip syncs and others.
However, the emotion is not as smooth as the original Japanese.
But since you can switch the channel, so it's O.K.
Now, if only they can put the subtitles in the lower black
band ...

5. Supplemental

The supplemental contains storyboard of a deleted scene which
explains why an Akira experiment accident triggers WW III.
I think this better explains the confusion in the beginning.
Unfortunately Otomo chose to delete it.  Probably due to pacing
consideration.  It also contains the Akira manga (english version)
first issue and some cover designs for later issues.
Then the supplemental guides us through the production of Akira:
sound acting, film editing, photography and coloring, etc.
I believe this was taked from the AKIRA Production Report (also
available from Streamline in VHS).  Though havn't seen the PR myself,
couldn't confirm this.  Any comments?  The last part is plenty of pencil
test.  All these are presented in still frames and some interviews.
Now if only CC/Streamline can redo the supplemental, I would wish:

	* Invite the director Otomo to give comments on analog left channel
	  like they did for many other CC LDs.  It would be interested
	  to hear what he meant on certain scenes (interpreted, of course).
	* In addition to including the AKIRA manga Issue one, I wish they
	  include Otomo's 1983 manga _Domu_ (Child's Dream).
	  Which I think was a kind of predecessor of Akira.  Domu describes
	  how two "children" with supernatural power clashes with each other.
	  It would be an interesting comparison how Otomo has evolved
	  from 1983 Domu to 1988 Akira, the movie.  IMHO, _Domu_
	  has every potential to become a very good animation.
	  A thriller/detective/supernatural/horror animation!
	  If you can find this, read it!!! (I read the Chinese 
	  translted manga)
In all, this supplemental really put Disney's Beauty and the Beast 
supplemental to shame.  Check it out!  

6. Summary

I like the supplemental section, but the movie (L) itself puts me off.
Fortunately, I havn't sell off my Japanese LD ...

Tzung-I
tzung@hugo.att.com	 
Newsgroups: rec.video.releases,rec.arts.disney