As Tears Go By Blu-ray Review
Score: 45
from 2 reviewers
Review Date:
Wai's Blu-ray release: visually smudged, flat audio but an upgrade from DVDs. RECOMMENDED.
Disc Release Date
Video: 50
As Tears Go By Blu-ray features a soft, artistic image with variable grain; vivid but controlled colors; clean print. Lacks crispness but faithful to Wai's vision.
Audio: 55
The Blu-ray's DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio offers the best sound, with clear dialogues and depth despite limited surround activity, outperforming other tracks and previous formats with minimal balance issues.
Extra: 6
The Blu-ray features only three 1080p trailers - As Tears Go By, Assembly, and Perhaps Love, presenting a scant offering with no additional content.
Movie: 71
As Tears Go By," Wong Kar-wai's debut, blends crime and budding romance, showcasing his nascent directorial style and emotional depth on Blu-ray with minimal extras.
Video: 50
Wong Kar Wai's "As Tears Go By," presented in its original theatrically correct aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with the AVC/MPEG-4 codec for its Blu-ray release, showcases the director's quintessential visual style through a 1080p transfer. The video quality, while not achieving the sharpness and vibrancy seen in contemporary high-definition releases, delivers a softness that is both pleasing and deliberate, reflecting the nuanced artistic intentions behind each scene. This effect ranges from good to very good in detail, depending upon the director's desired appearance for specific moments within the film. The overall image may present a challenge to those expecting the crisp, detailed textures found in modern cinema, but offers a richness in visual storytelling that is emblematic of Wong Kar Wai’s early work.
The color grading of "As Tears Go By" on Blu-ray is notable for its faithful representation of the film’s intended palette. The use of fluorescent lighting during key scenes provides vivid, yet not overwhelming, enhancements to the drama unfolding on screen. Colors vary from the cool tones of blue and green to a significant, deeper red, signaling danger efficiently and evoking emotional responses subtly intended by the director. Furthermore, the Blu-ray transfer maintains a clean presentation, absent of specks or debris, which is particularly commendable given the challenges often faced by Hong Kong cinema's archival practices from the era. Contrastingly, issues such as dulled edges and an inconsistent grain structure do detract from the viewing experience at times, hinting at a somewhat uneven transfer that lacks the uniform crispness some might anticipate.
Despite its minor inconsistencies and deviations from more recent high-definition standards, the Blu-ray video presentation of "As Tears Go By" remains commendable for capturing and conveying Wong Kar Wai's distinct cinematic flavor. While comparisons with the Criterion release of "Chungking Express" may highlight relative shortcomings in terms of image sharpness and grain texture, this release still stands as a respectful homage to the director's vision and style. Lovers of art house cinema and fans of Wong Kar Wai will find much to appreciate in this visual presentation, even though it may leave those accustomed to the perfection of contemporary Blu-ray presentations slightly wanting.
Audio: 55
The Blu-ray release of "As Tears Go By" presents a modest auditory upgrade from previous formats, specifically offering three distinct audio tracks: Cantonese DTS-HD Master Audio (MA) 5.1, Cantonese Dolby Digital 5.1, and Mandarin Dolby Digital 2.0. The standout is undoubtedly the DTS-HD MA 5.1 option, which elevates the listening experience significantly. This lossless track shines in its handling of the film's score, encapsulating the listener with the rich tones of traditional Chinese instruments and a dynamic range of sound effects that add depth to action sequences. The quality of restoration work appears evident, with a notable absence of hissing, pops, or cracks that plagued earlier DVD releases, suggesting a significant effort in audio improvement.
However, the audio mix is not without its flaws. Balance and utilization of the sound space present challenges; the rear channels often feel underutilized, failing to comprehensively envelop the viewer in key moments that would benefit from a more immersive experience. Dialogue levels occasionally fluctuate, leading to moments of inconsistency where voices either project too aggressively or fade into the background. Despite these issues, the surround sound activity, although limited, and overall clarity of dialogue in the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track clearly surpasses its Dolby Digital counterparts in depth and clarity.
In comparison to similar foreign cinema releases, "As Tears Go By" stands out for its audio presentation on Blu-ray, particularly for enthusiasts drawn to the film's musical and action components. While the mix might not reach the heights of Hollywood productions with grander soundscapes, it represents a marked improvement over previous versions and likely the best this film will sound on home formats for some time. Given the limitations and occasional missteps in balance and surround channel use, the effort to restore and enhance the audio for this release is commendable, providing fans with a more polished auditory experience that better complements the film's visual storytelling.
Extras: 6
The Blu-ray extra for "As Tears Go By" offers a sparse but crisp collection, limited to high-definition theatrical trailers for three films. While the inclusion of trailers for "As Tears Go By," "Assembly," and "Perhaps Love" in 1080p offers a glimpse into the filmography and visual style surrounding its release, it's a straightforward yet underwhelming approach for those seeking a deeper dive into the making and legacy of the feature itself. The clarity and quality of these previews stand out, but the absence of more enriching content such as behind-the-scenes features, commentary, or interviews leaves a wanting space for enthusiasts looking for comprehensive insights into the film's production or cultural impact.
Extras included in this disc:
- Trailers: Three theatrical trailers including "As Tears Go By," "Assembly," and "Perhaps Love" in high definition.
Movie: 71
"As Tears Go By," Wong Kar-wai's directorial debut, lands on Blu-ray in a release that boasts clarity and depth, essential for enthusiasts of Hong Kong cinema and the auteur's early work. It juxtaposes the raw, emotional turmoils of its characters against a backdrop of crime, blending themes of loyalty, love, and the quest for redemption. The film, while not devoid of flaws, showcases a burgeoning director's exploration of narrative and visual storytelling, marking the nascent stages of themes and styles that would define Wong Kar-wai's celebrated career. The crime element, although standard with glimpses of innovation, anchors the film, highlighting the struggles and aspirations of two brothers ensnared in triad life. Their journey is replete with choices that reflect their differing values and the inevitable consequences they must face.
On another spectrum, the film unfurls a poignant love story that, despite its brevity, significantly impacts its cinematic identity. This storyline serves as an early canvas for Wong Kar-wai's signature exploration of romantic melancholy and nostalgia. The nuanced performances of Andy Lau and Maggie Cheung, especially, add layers of depth to their characters' fleeting romance, showcasing early instances of the director's knack for evoking powerful emotion through nuanced storytelling. The cinematography, while not as pronounced as in Wong Kar-wai's later works, hints at his evolving visual flair. Noteworthy scenes—a tender moment at the pier and a climactic close-up—reveal his propensity for conveying complex emotions through innovative camera work, offering a preview of the directorial style that would later become synonymous with his name.
Mega Star's Blu-ray presentation does justice to this seminal work, despite its singular bonus feature—a vintage trailer—leaving aficionados yearning for more in-depth extras. However, the film's inclusion of optional subtitles widens its accessibility, allowing a broader audience to experience a pivotal piece in the oeuvre of one of Hong Kong cinema's most influential figures. "As Tears Go By" emerges as both a critical component for completists of Wong Kar-wai's work and a gritty, engaging narrative for newcomers eager to delve into the depths of Hong Kong's cinematic landscape.
Total: 45
Wong Kar-wai's debut, "As Tears Go By", arrives on Blu-ray amidst a mixture of anticipation and skepticism. The transfer to Blu-ray has been a subject of much debate. The visual presentation, while maintaining the distinct style of Wong Kar-wai that fans have come to appreciate, may leave newcomers feeling underwhelmed. The film's image, criticized for appearing somewhat smudged, lacks the vibrancy seen in many contemporary offerings from Eastern cinema. This aspect could detract from the overall viewing experience for those expecting the sharpness and color depth often showcased in high-definition releases. The audio, although superior to previous releases characterized by hiss and poor voice reproduction, still falls short of the dynamic range expected from Hollywood productions. The scarcity of extras, with little more than trailers available, might disappoint enthusiasts looking to explore further into the making or influence of the film.
On a more positive note, for fans who have navigated through various poor-quality imports of "As Tears Go By", this Blu-ray release is a considerable upgrade. The picture quality, despite being described as soft, is a significant improvement over earlier editions, and the enhanced audio adds an appreciated depth to the viewing experience. The effort to source this version from what is suspected to be the latest remastered Hong Kong edition has paid off, providing a version of the film that feels more complete and satisfying than what has been available until now.
In conclusion, while "As Tears Go By" on Blu-ray may not meet the high expectations set by the luminance of Wong Kar-wai's directorial style in terms of auditory and visual prowess, it undoubtedly marks an essential addition for collectors and fans of Asian cinema. The release overcomes many of the historical challenges in finding a quality version of this debut film, making it a recommended purchase for those who have been following Wong Kar-wai's career or for anyone keen to explore the roots of his cinematic journey. The Blu-ray may not cater to all tastes due to its visual and audio limitations and scant extras, but it stands as a pivotal release for enthusiasts looking to own a piece of Wong Kar-wai's filmography in its most complete form yet.
avforums review by Mark BotwrightRead review here
Video: 60
The colour scheme is well realised, with the fluorescent lighting that tinges the picture during the tense gang confrontations having a vivid nature, yet not overpowering to the point of becoming sickening....
Audio: 70
When needed, the rears offer little to truly add effect and all too often simply pump the equivalent of white noise in artistic terms into the space....
Extras: 10
...
Movie: 70
The central crime element is a fairly standard affair with only brief instances of real flourish, though nothing to mach the stellar works of Lam and Woo from around the same era....
Total: 60
Whichever way, it is still an image that looks somewhat smudged and doesn't truly shine on Blu-ray as other films from the East can due to their vibrancy....
Blu-ray.com review by Dr. Svet AtanasovRead review here
Video: 80
Detail and clarity, however, are pleasing � depending on how the director wanted a particular scene to look, detail ranges from good to very good....
Audio: 80
Surround activity is practically non-existent, but the clarity of sound is far better with the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track and the actual dialog is very easy to follow....
Extras: 10
Unfortunately, aside from three theatrical trailers -- one for Assembly, one for As Tears Go By, and one for Perhaps Love -- there is nothing else to be found on this Blu-ray disc....
Movie: 80
The camera movement, arguably the most easily recognizable feature of Wong Kar-wai's style, isn't crucial to the narrative, but it still separates this film from other similarly-themed films that emerged...
Total: 80
Fortunately enough, Mega Star's Blu-ray disc, herein reviewed, eliminates all of the concerns I had in the past -- the transfer for As Tears Go By is strong and the audio upgrade certainly noticeable....
Director: Kar-Wai Wong
Actors: Andy Lau, Maggie Cheung, Jacky Cheung
PlotIn the bustling underworld of Hong Kong, a small-time gangster finds his life in a constant state of turmoil. As he navigates the treacherous waters of organized crime, he is torn between his duties to his gang and his desire for a more peaceful life. His loyalty is tested when his protégé and best friend, a hot-headed gang member, continuously finds himself in trouble, forcing the protagonist to step in and resolve the conflicts. The protagonist's world is further complicated when his cousin from Kowloon comes to stay with him, seeking refuge from her own troubles. Despite the danger that his lifestyle poses, he attempts to keep her safe and oblivious to his criminal activities.
The arrival of his cousin brings a glimpse of normalcy and the possibility of love into the protagonist's chaotic life. Her presence challenges him to reconsider his path and the possibility of leaving the criminal world behind. However, his attempts to protect her and steer his protégé on the right path are met with the harsh realities of loyalty, betrayal, and violence that dominate his world. As he struggles with these conflicting desires, the protagonist is forced to make choices that could alter the course of his life and the lives of those around him, highlighting the fragile nature of relationships and trust in the face of adversity.
Writers: Jeffrey Lau, Kar-Wai Wong
Release Date: 02 May 2008
Runtime: 102 min
Rating: Not Rated
Country: Hong Kong
Language: Cantonese