OVERALL: R3

Korean release for the complete version, original language in DTS and correct aspect ratio. Note however, that the 5.1/DTS tracks suffers from poor sound effects mixing. Collectors might also want the original mono audio and alternative shot. R1 and R2 German have the mono option to offer, while the R0 Hong Kong includes the alternative shot.

GENERAL NOTES:
The film exists in at least three versions:
- the Cantonese-language version in which Ya-Lang (Chan) is knocked out with smoke.
- the Mandarin-language version in which Ya-Lang is knocked out with a blow to the back of the head (the Mandarin track on some earlier DVD releases had sync issues with this sequence);
- the Korean cut which features a couple additional scenes between Chan and his love interest not included in either Chinese edition.
- the English export version; however it is not clear what the English version originally contained since the English and Cantonese soundtracks on 88 Films' release were composited to the visual track of the Mandarin version.

Also available from:
- Simitar (US)

CUTS:

• R0 Hong Kong- Ocean Shores - Yes, Hong Kong Cut but this version is re-edited by the distributor and is missing a further 3:49 compared to the R3 Spectrum release:
  1 - Yi Lang's comment about having to start his punishment again = 8s
  2 - After the monk claims the ghosts are going under his clothes, they all continue fighting against the ghosts whilst Yi Lang wonders what's going on = 3m 38s
  3 - The end abruptly cuts off - 3s.
  (Thanks to chen lung for these details)
• R0 United Kingdom- Eastern Heroes - Yes, Hong Kong Cut (93:43 PAL) but this version is re-edited by the distributor and is missing 50s compared to the R3 Spectrum release:
  1 - 'Lo Wei Productions' introduction is slightly trimmed = 1s.
  2 - First few seconds of Yi Lang walking at the start during his punishment = 2s.
  3 - Long shot of monks entering the Soliature Halls for nightduty = 1s.
  4 - Yi Lang's friend signaling him to line up with the other monks = 3s.
  5 - Yi Lang claiming his innocence in the cell = 0.5s.
  6 - All the brothers walking towards Yi Lang in the sleeping room = 1s.
  7 - The Grand Master saying "Hey!" to the monk running away from the ghosts they have just discovered = 1s.
  8 - Start of scene when Wu Lin Leader and Fung-Er are entering Shaolin Temple = 1s.
  9 - In the 1st Yi Lang vs Fung-Er fight, when she swings hers arms, there is a little more before the next shot of Yi Lang's back = 2s.
  10 - Luk punching the Wu Lin candidate quite a few paces = 2s.
  11 - Lo Han monk fighting Yi Lang with the pole = 36s.
  (Thanks to chen lung for these details)
• R1 America- Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment - No cuts - Hong Kong Cut (94:13)
• R2 France- Seven - Yes, shorter French version (~83 minutes)
• R2 Germany- Splendid Film - No cuts - Hong Kong Cut (94:52 PAL).
• R2 Masterpiece Edition Germany- Splendid Film - Yes, at least 2 minutes are missing from the beginning (90 min PAL).
• R2 Ultrabit United Kingdom- Hong Kong Legends - No cuts.
• R3 South Korea- Spectrum - No cuts - Hong Kong Cut (97:54 NTSC).
• R4 Ultrabit Australia- Hong Kong Legends - No cuts - Hong Kong Cut (94:31 PAL).

Do you own a release not listed? Then please visit our forums and let us know!

Comparison added by Goran_Andersson on 23/08/05
Comparison last updated by Eric_Cotenas on 06/03/23

UPDATE LOG:

05/05/12: Addition of the R2 German and R4 Australian editions.
06/03/23: revised notes (thanks to Scott_Napier).