Zoo. No English Subtitles on Japanese DVD. Out August 5th 2005.

I didn't even know ZOO's DVD release date (I get a lot of my Japanese film news from Twitch -- it's true). ZOO was a Toei Video production, though it got a token/limited theatrical release around Japan. I could be wrong, but I don't believe there's ever been a Toei DVD with English subtitles -- they're not going to start with ZOO. When I find out about foreign screenings or releases, you'll know first.



I think unlike a lot of short film compilations where one stands out above the rest, each of the five shorts in ZOO will have their fans. Maybe this is because they all come from the mind of one author (Otsuichi). Speaking of which, I'm really looking forward to Ranpô Jigoku.

Should've read Ranpo (or Rampo...depends on which romanization system I guess. Which is most common, Jasper?)

Just remembered a story about Toei's Battle Royale that I'm not sure has ever been told (will I get in shit?). The main reason it never got picked up in the US wasn't because the asking price was too high, but because someone (one person) at the company was worried about the company being named and possibly held partially accountable in any Columbine-type lawsuits. There you have it...

stauffen says that you mentioned a while back that no subs would appear on the disc. we can always hope. i would like you to pass on out "disappointment" that japanese companies dont put english subtitles on more stuff - yes, they may get licensed for elsewhere : but surely theres a benefit on getting those most determined to see the film a subbed edition so they can help promote it abroad. also, companies may think theres a disasdantage in subbed japanese discs, but theres also the opportunity for companies for sell to the 99.9% of those domestic customers who dont pick up imported discs... and theres a good chance that subtitled discs bought from abroad are what inspires both remake-writes buyups and the kind of discussion around a film that makes companies think theres a good license / remake opportunity there...

Yes, I've brought up all those points in the past. Each company has its own "story", none of which I can remember that well. If I hear a good one, I'll post it here.

To be fair, there are domestic DVDs that do have English subs, but it probably hovers at around 5% of releases (?)

I'd be happy if more Japanese DVDs had Japanese subtitles, which are very handy for movies with dialects, antiquated forms, or just bloody fast dialogue.

sure, i have bought some domestic japanese discs with english subtitles. i would have bought more, and have been able to be a part of a stronger promotion of japanese films if more of them had those subs...
in the end a company only has a story as to why they dont add them for reasons which all can be explained away - so how strong and substantial a reson can they possibly be. i am sure they would all have a story as to the benefits of having subs included if they did that also... like "we sold the remake rights for $20m" rather than "we sold the video rights for $500k"... not that i want remakes, i just want english subs on those discs!!

ZOO has moved to the top of my " most interesting!" list

Well, there's always the Thai DVD, which supposedly has English subtitles. I've just ordered it and should recieve it next week.

the thaicdexpess listing does say english subs, the ethaicd listing doesnt mention english subs : let us know when theres a firm confirmation, weve wanted this movie for a while, its amongst the list i am drawing up of films that have been passed by...

I will indeed.

I think it'll most likely have the subs, because I've noticed that EThaiCD often misses things for their specs (such as audio and subtitle options, extras, and aspect ratio stuff), and sometimes mixes DVD specs with other DVDs.

I asked EThai to double check and they say definitely no subs.

Well, they're wrong, cause I just watched it with English subtitles...and I got the DVD from EThai. Better still, I'd imagine this to be a port of the Japanese DVD, because it looks and sounds great!

Well, damn. That's the best bit of wrong news I've gotten in ages ... off I go shopping ... how's the film?

Crap, didn't see a response here.

You really can't go wrong with a good omnibus film. I thoroughly enjoyed what Zoo has to offer. I couldn't name a weak short in the bunch, but I will say that Seven Rooms and Zoo were my favorites.

Definitely worth checking out!

How legal are these thai dvds exactly? Almost all thai releases of non-thai movies seem like ports of other dvd? Do they really have the rights?

Anyway, could someone please be so kind and rip the english subs from the Thai disc. I was thinking about getting the R2J but I can't find subs anywhere.

Forget about (ripping) the subs, I gave up and ordered the thai disc. Got it yesterday, great film, Kazari to Yôko was my favourite episode.

I just watched this tonight and I totally agree with Jason when he says it stands out from most anthology pieces. While there's no single stand out, blow your mind moment the whole thing is just really good. There's a unity of tone to it despite the different approaches that is a nice change from most anthologies, too. I think I like the middle one - SO Far - the best of the lot, it uses ghost imagery to put a really interesting spin on marital breakdown from a child's perspective. Gives the kid from Yokai War a role with a bit more meat to it, too.

It's got more of a Twilight Zone feel to it than a horror feel - these are much more morality tales than anything meant to frighten - and the production values are just excellent across the board, particularly when compared to series like Tales of Terror From Tokyo of the Kazuo Umezz Horror Theater that boast much higher profile talent behind the camera but then cripple them with miniscule budgets ... this one totally stands up to theatrical product.

Definitely worth the cost of the Thai disc ...