DVD DETAILS

There are more than one DVD version of this film. We have details on the following DVDs:

American region 1 DVD
DVD COVER
  • Front
    front cover
  • Back
    back cover
DISC
  • Distributor
    Columbia TriStar
  • Region Code
    1
  • Running Time
    1.39.13
  • Rating Category
    PG-13
PICTURE
  • Aspect Ratio
    2,35:1
  • Anamorph
    Yes
  • Subtitles
    English
SOUND
  • Language(s)
    Cantonese
    English
  • Format
    Dolby Digital 5.1
EXTRAS
  • Audio commentary with Jackie Chan (English)
  • Music video (4:11)
  • Making of (30:05)
  • Jackie Chan bio
Hong Kong region 3 DVD
DVD COVER
  • Front
    front cover
  • Back
    back cover
DISC
  • Distributor
    Universe Laser & Video Co.
  • Region code
    All
  • Running time
    1.59.34 mins.
  • Rating Category
    IIA
PICTURE
  • Aspect Ratio
    2,35:1
  • Anamorph
    No
  • Subtitles
    English
    Chinese (Traditional)
    Chinese (Simplified)
SOUND
  • Language(s)
    Cantonese
    Mandarin
  • Format
    Dolby Digital 5.1
EXTRAS
  • Making of (30:02)
  • Interviews
  • Press Conference (2:45)
  • Music Video (4:07)
  • Cast info
  • Trailers:
    - Gorgeous
    - King of Comedy
    - Hot War
    - Rush Hour
ABOUT THIS DVD

The image is relatively nice, with almost no specs or grain, but there's an overall fuzziness to it that really annoys. An anamorphic transfer is sorely missed. Colors are fine, but contrast is a tad uneven. Subs are clear, white with black edge. The sound is passable, without being impressive. The original sound design clearly isn't up to par, but that's not the DVD's fault.

The primary addition to the DVD in terms of special features is the 30 minute long "Making of" program. It's filled with interview bits and behind the scenes shots from most of the locations. Everybody seems to be having a good time, and there's plenty of joking around between cast and crew. Even Chan and Shu Qi join the game! They look like they could be brother and sister, the way they run around and tease each other. Very cute! We're also treated to some excellent footage of the actors training with dolphins (and Chan continuously throwing Shu Qi into the pool!), and there's even a little segment where we follow the music video shoot. The program never gets into any details, but it's fun and entertaining stuff, and don't be surprised if you find yourself watching it more than once.

The music video featuring the theme song is obnoxious. Instead of making a montage that cuts between shots from the film and the artist singing the song, a different approach has been used. What we get is three pictures in one, each only filling a quarter of the screen, and often two of them are identical (?!). That's really an exceptionally ugly idea.

Next up, we have a short montage from the press conference for the theatrical release of the film. Inoffensive stuff, but there's no subs, no Shu Qi and no real reason to watch it.

The disc also contains interview bits with Jackie Chan and the director, which appears to have been shot during the press conference. They each respond to 10 questions that appear as menu items on the screen. It's pretty straightforward stuff, nothing too interesting, but at least the feature is subbed. There's also couple of biographies and some trailers included on the disc.

David Bjerre

DVD COMPARISON

There are two distinctly different versions available of "Gorgeous" on DVD.

First there's the Hong Kong version, which features a 120 minutes cut of the film. The transfer in non-anamorphic. Exclusive to this version are some interviews and footage from the press conference.

The American version on the other hand features a shorter version of the film. This transfer is anamorphic, and though it's missing the interviews and the press conference footage, it contains a audio commentary track with Jackie Chan (in English).

Unfortunately there's no getting around the fact you'll need both the American and the Hong Kong DVD to cover all the bases regarding "Gorgeous".

The Hong Kong DVD

The American DVD

DVD comparison