Star Wars Episode I (Chinese subtitles), VCD, Deltamac Hong Kong, 2000
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Star Wars Episode I was released on VideoCD in the Asian markets in 2000. At the time, this was the only Digital version available, as the DVD release was still unannounced and would not show up until 2001. The SD (Standard Def) picture resolution of VideoCD was not really an improvement on the common VHS, and the sound was still only Dolby Pro Logic Surround, but having a DIGITAL version of the film was very enticing to many of us. Thus, when Episode I was announced on VideoCD, it was a big deal among home theater enthusiasts worldwide, and the Asian VideoCDs were bought by many international customers.
There are at least three official releases from Asian countries that I am aware of: This Hong Kong version from Deltamac, the Thai version from CVD, and a Malaysian version from VideoVan. Interestingly, the Hong Kong release also comes in a different, smaller case, carrying the exact same UPC and product number. As far as I can tell the discs are exactly the same. You can see that set here. I am unsure whether these were both released at the same time, or that the smaller box is a subsequent reissue. The files on the smaller set are dated March 2000, but that does not conclusively prove the year of release. Just looking at product images on the net, this set is often mistaken for the Malaysian version as the form factor is very similar. However, the Hong Kong box has the Chinese Star Wars logo on the front and both Chinese and English synopses on the back, which clearly sets it apart from the Malaysian set. In person there's no mistaking them, as where the Malaysian "box" is just a flimsy sheet of cardboard wrapped around the disc cases, the Hong Kong version comes in an actual box made from sturdy cardboard. Inside you'll find two CD jewel cases housing the 2 discs that make up this set. This Hong Kong release features the film in the 4x3 cropped image format, with original English sound and Chinese subtitles. Accompanying the English title card, a colourful Chinese Star Wars logo swooshes in to join it (see the below screenshots). It's a nice touch! The alien languages still carry the embedded theatrical English subtitles in addition to the electronic Chinese subs, so for whatever reason Deltamac didn't work from a textless master for this release. (The Thai VideoCD used a textless master.) Maybe they were trying to keep the release "English friendly"? |
Copyright notice (English)
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Copyright notice (Chinese)
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20th. Century Fox Home Ent. logo
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Fox fanfare
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A long time ago...
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Chinese title swooshing in..
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Chinese title has arrived!
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Cropped opening crawl
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Dioxis!
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Careful, Sebulba (Note dual subs.)
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Senate cameos
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No bridge
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Puppet Yoda
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End credits
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Authoring house logo
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