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Shall We Dance (Japanese Version) Actors: Kôji Yakusho, Tamiyo Kusakari, Naoto Takenaka Director: Masayuki Suo Number of Items: 1 Format: Color, Closed-captioned Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested) Studio: Walt Disney Home Video Product Group: DVD Release Date: 2005-02-01 Buy from Amazon |
 "Dancing Should NOT be Limited"I both agree and disagree with some of the reviews comparing and/or anticipating the Japanese vs. the American versions of SHALL WE DANCE. We have watched this enchanting film several times and have been waiting, hopefully, to own it on DVD. It is a palatable look at another culture. As soon as the American version was released on DVD, we acquired it, watched it and found ourselves pleased and, admittedly, relieved. Relieved that the American film could be seen through different eyes--the same idea, but a different perspective. And that the makers of the film did not attempt to "Copy" the original. Both are worth a look. "International Version"For years, I've loved this movie, but recently discovered that this version is the "International Version," cut to 118 mins, from it's original 136 min. original version. Apparently, Director Suo was told by Miramax that a foreign movie over two hours wouldn't be popular. :< Overall, Director Suo has done a wonderful job re-editing this for an international audience, and I like the opening narration much better than the Japanese one. Although snippets of character interactions have been deleted, it doesn't hurt the film. Also, the American price of $20 for the DVD vs. $45 for the Japanese version doesn't hurt either. One sore point of the DVD is the lack of any special features, like original movie trailers, or some of the extras on the Japanese disc (a deleted scenes music video, interviews, etc.). "0 for the DVD release"It's pretty insulting that Miramax has had the movie trimmed to 118 minutes for the DVD. "Shall We Dance?" had already been released in the U.S. The American remake made tens of millions of dollars. Fans of the original had to wait for the remake just to see this DVD. And the remake's being advertized in the DVD's only special feature. So the DVD was made to sell two movies. This release was done for synergistic advertizing, and that's it. As far as I can tell, a wonderful Japanese story has given its all, so to speak, to fill the coffers of its American rights owners. It's been put in the position of having to advertize another film. And still it can't get released in its proper form, at its proper length. I would love to have a DVD of this gem, but not this DVD. A crassly-made, hacked-up version of the film and not a single relevant, non-remake-shilling special feature? Why bother buying this? At this point, I practically know all the scenes in the original "Shall We Dance?" by heart. Not to mention that the movie has been on cable recently. If it comes on again, my choice seems obvious. Miramax should either change its ways or accept that it has nothing to offer ... and sell the rights to the movie to someone else.  "An Excellent Movie! Why not the complete version?"The original movie merits 5 stars. Unfortunately before it was released in the U.S. market about 18 minutes were cut. This is the same version that was released in theaters and, for most people that is enough. However, if you're a completist and have a region free DVD player I would recommend buying the Japanese version from Amazon Japan. Just click on Japan at the bottom of this page. The Japanese edition also has English subtitles for the movie but not the many extras. "Fans made it happen :)"Way to go, all :) Enough of us demanded it and here it was. Of especial excitement to me was the widescreen format (I'd only seen it on VHS)--seeing the waitress in the restaurant was the only obvious addition through this format, but very cool nonetheless! Way to go... Walt Disney Home Video?! Hmm, well, alright! |
