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Better Tomorrow (A) AKA Ying hung boon sik (1986)
Brothers by blood. Enemies by chance. Killers by nature.Director: John Woo
OVERALL: Draw-
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Extras:Hong Kong Trailer (4:04, in Cantonese with optional English subtitles)
International Trailer (4:04, in English)
Talent Bios:
- actor Chow Yun-Fat (13 pages)
- director John Woo (14 pages) -
Subtitles:English (optional)
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Aspect Ratio:1.85:1
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Picture Format:Anamorphic
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TV System:NTSC
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Soundtrack(s):Cantonese Dolby Digital 2.0 Dual Mono
Mandarin Dolby Digital 2.0 Dual Mono
English Dolby Digital 2.0 Dual Mono -
Case type:Keep Case
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Notes:Ensure you purchase the Anchor Bay disc with the Mono Cantonese soundtrack. The disc was originally released by Anchor Bay with a faulty Cantonese Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack.
The transfer is much better that most other releases.
Also available in the A Better Tomorrow I and II boxed set. -
Special thanks to Rewind user Εsmund_Utvik for providing these specifications.
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Have you spotted a mistake in these specifications? If so, let us know via our forums. -
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Extras:"Codes of Bullets: Part 1" featurette (9:09)
Interview with actor Kent Tsang
"Movie Stills" photo gallery
Photo slideshow
"Original" theatrical trailer
"New Edited" trailer
Bonus trailers for "A Better Tomorrow 2" and "Bullet In The Head" -
Subtitles:Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), English
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Aspect Ratio:1.78:1
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Picture Format:Anamorphic
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TV System:NTSC
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Soundtrack(s):Cantonese DTS 5.1
Cantonese Dolby Digital 5.1
Cantonese Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono
Mandarin Dolby Digital 5.1 -
Case type:Special Case
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Notes:Digitally remastered.
The featurette is available in Cantonese and in Mandarin with optional Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles.
The interview is in Chinese with optional Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles.
The trailers are in Chinese without any subtitles.
Menus are available in Chinese and English. -
Have you spotted a mistake in these specifications? If so, let us know via our forums. -
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Extras:Original Trailer (4:11)
Media Asia Promo Trailer (2:41) -
Subtitles:Chinese, English, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Thai
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Aspect Ratio:1.85:1
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Picture Format:Non-Anamorphic
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TV System:NTSC
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Soundtrack(s):Cantonese Dolby Digital 5.1
Mandarin Dolby Digital 5.1 -
Case type:Keep Case
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Notes:It is reported to have a bright and grainy picture, as well as disappointing audio. The image is not subtitle-friendly.
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Special thanks to Rewind user Buggsuperstar for providing these specifications.
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Have you spotted a mistake in these specifications? If so, let us know via our forums. -
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Extras:DISC ONE "A Better Tomorrow"
* The Film
"Codes of Bullets: Part 1" featurette (9:09)
"Movie Stills" photo gallery
Photo slideshow (1:01)
Original theatrical trailer (4:28)
New edited trailer (1:54)
Bonus trailers
- "A Better Tomorrow 2" (1:33)
- "A Better Tomorrow 3" (1:37)
- "Bullet in the Head" (1:52)
- "The Killer" (2:10)
DISC TWO "A Better Tomorrow II"
DISC THREE "A Better Tomorrow III" -
Subtitles:Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), English
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Aspect Ratio:1.78:1
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Picture Format:Anamorphic
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TV System:NTSC
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Soundtrack(s):Cantonese DTS 5.1
Cantonese Dolby Digital 5.1
Cantonese Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono
Mandarin Dolby Digital 5.1 -
Case type:Digipak
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Notes:Digitally remastered.
Only available in the "A Better Tomorrow Trilogy" boxset containing "A Better Tomorrow", "A Better Tomorrow 2" and "A Better Tomorrow 3" in a digipack case in a box.
Includes a handwritten letter by John Woo in Traditional Chinese and translated to Simplified Chinese.
The featurette is available in Cantonese and in Mandarin with optional Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles.
Menus are available in Chinese and English. -
Have you spotted a mistake in these specifications? If so, let us know via our forums. -
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Extras:"Codes of Bullets: Part 1" featurette (8:00) [in Cantonese, no subtitles]
Biographies & Filmographies (Russian text)
- Chow Yun Fat (9 pages)
- John Woo (9 pages)
Movie stills slideshow (0:45)
Theatrical trailer (4:01)
Bonus trailers
A Better Tomorrow 2 (5:28)
A Better Tomorrow 3 (4:33)
Bullet in The Head (0:58)
Hard Boiled (3:14)
Once a Thief (1:15)
The Killer (0:49) -
Subtitles:Russian
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Aspect Ratio:1.85:1
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Picture Format:Anamorphic
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TV System:PAL
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Soundtrack(s):Cantonese DTS 5.1
Cantonese Dolby Digital 5.1
Russian Dolby Digital 5.1 -
Case type:Keep Case
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Notes:DTS track is half bit-rate. Russian menus.
Back cover incorrectly indicates the disk is R5 coded.
Both 5.1 mixes change certain SFX but the original soundtrack is intact. -
Special thanks to Rewind user Jim_Mcdonaugh for providing these specifications.
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Have you spotted a mistake in these specifications? If so, let us know via our forums. -
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Extras:Theatrical Trailer (4:11)
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Subtitles:English (burned-in)
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Aspect Ratio:1.85:1
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Picture Format:Non-Anamorphic
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TV System:PAL
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Soundtrack(s):Cantonese Dolby Digital 2.0 mono
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Case type:Keep Case
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Notes:Thanks to visitor Robert Sharp for confirming that this release is non-anamorphic and that it's Region 0. Picture quality is dreadful and dirty.
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Have you spotted a mistake in these specifications? If so, let us know via our forums. -
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Extras:Interviews
John Woo (1:49)
Ti Lung (1:13)
Press conference footage (3:54)
Cast biographies
Chow Yun Fat
John Woo
Ti Lung
Leslie Cheung
Bonus trailers
A Better Tomorrow 2
A Better Tomorrow 3
Hard Games
Deleted scenes (1:23) -
Subtitles:German
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Aspect Ratio:1.85:1
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Picture Format:Anamorphic
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TV System:PAL
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Soundtrack(s):Chinese (Cantonese) Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo
German Dolby Digital 5.1
German Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo -
Case type:Keep Case
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Have you spotted a mistake in these specifications? If so, let us know via our forums. -
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Extras:Photo Gallery
Theatrical Trailer
Bonus Trailers -
Subtitles:Dutch
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Aspect Ratio:1.33:1
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Picture Format:Non-Anamorphic
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TV System:PAL
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Soundtrack(s):Cantonese Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo
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Case type:Keep Case
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Have you spotted a mistake in these specifications? If so, let us know via our forums. -
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Extras:Theatrical Trailers (4:02)
English Bonus Trailers
- A Better Tomorrow II (3:23)
- A Better Tomorrow III (4:33)
- Hard Boiled (3:11)
- The Killer (3:42)
- A Bullet in the Head (3:54)
- Once a Thief (1:16) -
Subtitles:Danish, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish (optional)
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Aspect Ratio:1.85:1
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Picture Format:Anamorphic
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TV System:PAL
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Soundtrack(s):Cantonese Dolby Digital 2.0 mono
English Dolby Digital 2.0 mono -
Case type:Keep Case
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Notes:Also available in the 3-film 3-disc "John Woo Collection Volume 1" Which includes "A Better Tomorrow", "A Better Tomorrow II" and "A Better Tomorrow III".
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Special thanks to Rewind user Εsmund_Utvik for providing these specifications.
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Have you spotted a mistake in these specifications? If so, let us know via our forums. -
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Commentaries:Audio commentary with Hong Kong cinema expert Bey Logan
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Extras:Theatrical trailer (3:49)
Bonus Trailers
- Election (1:37)
- Shaolin Soccer (1:28)
- Memories of Murder (2:35)
- Azumi (1:19) -
Subtitles:English (optional)
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Aspect Ratio:1.85:1
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Picture Format:Anamorphic
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TV System:PAL
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Soundtrack(s):Cantonese Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo
English Dolby Digital 2.0 Dual Mono -
Case type:Keep Case
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Notes:The Cantonese track is not the original sound mix. As well as being remixed into stereo, almost all of the music score has been replaced by "Hollywood-sounding" music (including music from Speed and Forrest Gump), and some music has been added where there isn't meant to be any in the first place. The track also adds/replaces some of the sound effects. The English dubbed track also has incorrect music but uses different pieces to the Cantonese track.
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Have you spotted a mistake in these specifications? If so, let us know via our forums. -
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Extras:DISC ONE
* The Film
DISC TWO
Behind-the-Scenes featurette (10:40)
John Woo Text Interview (10:50)
Chow Yun Fat Interview (18:14)
Ti Lung Interview (2:43)
Cast & Crew Bios
Artwork/Production Stills
International Trailer (3:37)
Original Hong Kong Trailer (4:15) -
Subtitles:English (optional)
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Aspect Ratio:1.75:1
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Picture Format:Anamorphic
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TV System:PAL
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Soundtrack(s):Cantonese Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo
English Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo -
Case type:Keep Case
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Notes:Reviews suggest the transfer is very poor in terms of picture, audio and subtitle quality. See the review link for further details.
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Read a review of this disc by thedigitalfix -
Have you spotted a mistake in these specifications? If so, let us know via our forums. -
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Extras:DISC ONE
* The Film
Audio commentary with Hong Kong cinema expert Bey Logan
Theatrical trailer (3:49)
Bonus Trailers
- Election (1:37)
- Shaolin Soccer (1:28)
- Memories of Murder (2:35)
- Azumi (1:19)
DISC TWO
"Crossing: John Woo" documentary (47:14)
1993 Interview with John Woo (10:51)
1993 Interview with Chow Yun Fat (18:14) -
Subtitles:English (optional)
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Aspect Ratio:1.85:1
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Picture Format:Anamorphic
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TV System:PAL
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Soundtrack(s):Cantonese Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo
English Dolby Digital 2.0 Dual Mono -
Case type:Steelbook
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Notes:The Cantonese track is not the original sound mix. As well as being remixed into stereo, almost all of the music score has been replaced by "Hollywood-sounding" music (including music from Speed and Forrest Gump), and some music has been added where there isn't meant to be any in the first place. The track also adds/replaces some of the sound effects. The English dubbed track also has incorrect music but uses different pieces to the Cantonese track.
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Special thanks to Rewind user PF Vega87 for providing these specifications.
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Have you spotted a mistake in these specifications? If so, let us know via our forums. -
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Extras:Theatrical Trailer
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Subtitles:Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, English
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Aspect Ratio:1.85:1
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Picture Format:Non-Anamorphic
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TV System:NTSC
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Soundtrack(s):Cantonese Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo
Mandarin Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo -
Case type:Keep Case
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Special thanks to Rewind user Toge for providing these specifications.
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Have you spotted a mistake in these specifications? If so, let us know via our forums. -
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Extras:DISC ONE "A Better Tomorrow"
* The Film
"Code of Bullets part 1" featurette
Movie Stills Photo Album
Photo Slideshow
Original Movie Trailer
New Edited Movie Trailer
Bonus trailers: A Better Tomorrow 2 and A Better Tomorrow 3
DISC TWO "A Better Tomorrow II"
DISC THREE "A Better Tomorrow III" -
Subtitles:English, Korean
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Aspect Ratio:1.85:1
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Picture Format:Anamorphic
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TV System:NTSC
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Soundtrack(s):Cantonese DTS 5.1
Cantonese Dolby Digital 5.1 -
Case type:Special Case
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Notes:Only available in a Box Set in a shape of a book along with "A Better Tomorrow 2" and "A Better Tomorrow 3". The Box set also includes a set of 5 postcards and a booklet.
Extras have Korean subtitles. -
Special thanks to Rewind user Black Cat for providing these specifications.
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Have you spotted a mistake in these specifications? If so, let us know via our forums. -
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OVERALL: Draw
The Hong Kong IVL and Chinese Zoke Culture releases for both the original mono sound and optional remixed DTS sound (although purists should note the sound effects have been changed in the 5.1 mixes).
The UK UE from Optimum Releasing has additional extra features including an audio commentary but the Cantonese sound mix on the feature has been tampered with so much that it cannot be recommended for the serious fan, although fans may want it for the extras alone. See the notes for this disc for more info. -
CUTS:
- R0 America- Anchor Bay Entertainment - No cuts - export version prepared by German distributor Atlas International (93:55), runs slightly shorter than the Hong Kong original due to different credits sequence.
- R0 China- Zoke Culture - No cuts (95:12 NTSC).
- R0 Hong Kong- Mega Star - No Cuts (90:49 NTSC).
- R0 Trilogy Hong Kong- IVL - No cuts (95:12 NTSC).
- R0 Russia- Cinema Prestige - No cuts (90:05 PAL).
- R0 Special Widescreen Edition United Kingdom- MIA - No Cuts (90:03 PAL)
- R2 Germany- Laser Paradise - Yes, one scene is cut (87:39 PAL).
- R2 Holland- Worldwide Cinema - No Cuts
- R2 Scandinavia- Scanbox Entertainment - No cuts (90:08 PAL)
- R2 United Kingdom- Optimum Releasing - No cuts (90:08 PAL).
- R2 Special 2 Disc Collector's Edition United Kingdom- MIA - No cuts (90:02 PAL).
- R2 Ultimate Edition United Kingdom- Optimum Releasing - No cuts (90:08 PAL).
- R3 Hong Kong- Deltamac / Fortune Star - No Cuts
- R3 Trilogy South Korea- Spectrum - No cuts (95:12 NTSC).
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Do you own a release not listed? Then please visit our forums and let us know!
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Comparison added by Adrian_Busby on 06/11/01
Comparison last updated by Eric_Cotenas on 08/06/21UPDATE LOG:
14/04/2011: Fixed review link.
Please ensure you read our disclaimer.
17/04/2011: Fixed various typos.
16/08/2011: Minor change to title.
09/06/2012: Addition of the R0 Russian, R0 Chinese and R2 German edition.
14/04/21: Added Scandinavia, UK Optimum single. ASINs, capsaholic.
08/06/21: Updated Anchor Bay.
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