MAGNOLIA has released Director John Woo's epic, "RED CLIFF" on blu-ray. Originally released outside the states in two parts, theatrically, both releases totaled close to five hours in running time. For American audiences, however, Woo supervised a "theatrical cut," severely edited, running 2 1/2 hours. So, how do the two compare? Well, the original "five hour" epic is certainly far too long. Left to his own, Woo could let a scene run on and on, and many do. Still, there are various themes that are better fleshed out in the longer version. The newly edited version, while tighter, has a variety of scenes wherein viewers are likely to be confused, sensing something is missing. 

"RED CLIFF" is apparently a famous battle in Chinese history, taking place about 208 AD. The film revolves around Chancellor Cao Cao's quest to seek out and destroy the rebel armies led by warlords, Sun Quan and Liu Bei, with his massive imperial army.  The armies of the two rebel leaders join up, ready to face nearly 800,000 soldiers belonging to Cao Cao, on the bank of the Yangtze River, known as Red Cliff.  The battle at Red Cliff lives up to the great battle scenes of past cinematic epics, easily besting "BRAVEHEART" in both scale and finesse. Unlike many battle scenes in recent films, the actions occurring on screen are comprehensible and magnetic, as opposed to relying on music-video style editing to generate energy. Woo is fascinated in displaying the clever tactics of the different leaders at work, both requiring a sacrificing  of countless lives for the ultimate victory. And, some of the tactics at play here, are certainly more impressive in scale and ingenuity than the famous "Trojan Horse" victory of the Greeks. With that said, however, the weather predictions of one leader, foreseen examining the humidity buildup beneath a turtle, is certain to cause many eyes to roll, as happened with this reviewer. For those who appreciate the examination of battle from a tactical perspective, "RED CLIFF," like "GETTYSBURG," is extremely entertaining.

MAGNOLIA has provided the correct 2.35:1 aspect ratio for this VC-1 encoded 1080p blu-ray.  Colors are consistently vibrant, bringing a real sense of majesty to the battle scenes, in particular, with costumes and production design taking on even more significant value than in most other films. Detail is incredible in virtually every scene. The level of quality within darker scenes can vary at times, due to colors veering too far off into a pastel hue for fleshtones. Still, the majority of the film's 148 minute running time is just short of reference quality standing!

MAGNOLIA has provided a DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix.  Although a English Dubbed version is available in DTS-HD MA 5.1, like most dubbings, it pales in comparison to the Mandarin DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix, offered with/without an english subtitles option. Subtlety and "big" effects allow for one of the most energetic and immersive listening experiences on blu-ray. The dynamic range is impressive throughout, and the experience of battle scene kinetics has really raised the bar, with what's been showcased here, within layers of sound, music, bass and dialogue.  REFERENCE QUALITY!

MAGNOLIA has provided a variety of extras, including: "THE MAKING OF RED CLIFF,"(standard resolution)a nearly 2 1/2 hour long documentary detailing almost every aspect of the film's production. Some of the footage is worthwhile, but there is plenty worth skipping.

"A CONVERSATION WITH JOHN WOO" (standard resolution)offers the director's perspective on the research leading to the film's accuracy.

A promo, storyboards and trailers are also included.