By Hook or By Crook (1980) Deltamac Vs Joysales?

[kaleyboy]

I have the deltamac version, but I'm thinking of upgrading to the joysales version. Does anyone here know if there's a big difference in terms of both picture and subtitles quality? Are the joysales subtitles as poorly timed as the deltamac ones? If so, I might just remaster the subtitles on my existing deltamac copy. This is one of my favourite comedies from the 80's.

[Space]

I never saw the Deltamac version but I got the Joy Sales DVD a few weeks ago (for a good price on ebay, new). The subtitles are well-timed, I didn't notice much of an issue there.

The video quality is good, though I would love to see a remaster on the Celestial level (if only).

Wu Ma's finest hour and a Sammo completist's essential for anyone who hasn't seen it.

[kaleyboy]

Thanks for the info. I'd love to see a proper remaster too, but I won't hold my breath.

[make believe]

I've held off on this one for a long time because I hear Dean Shek's usual grating antics gets a lot of screen time in this one. Is it worth sitting through for the action portions?

[kaleyboy]

If you just want action, those scenes are few and far between. I'd say this more of a comedy, albeit a most excellent one.

[Space]

I've held off on this one for a long time because I hear Dean Shek's usual grating antics gets a lot of screen time in this one. Is it worth sitting through for the action portions?

I don't mind Dean Shek, but this is one of his best roles, along with His Name is Nobody.

Actually, after watching the latter film, I came away with more appreciation for him because Karl Maka does a good job of humanizing Shek with a couple scenes he took from the Lone Wolf and Cub manga issue, "Half mat, one mat, a fistful of rice" about a former assassin who turns to busking and tries to dissuade Ogami Itto from killing.

[ShaOW!linDude]

I've held off on this one for a long time because I hear Dean Shek's usual grating antics gets a lot of screen time in this one. Is it worth sitting through for the action portions?

I have this but haven't watched it in ages. What I remember is that the action really doesn't happen until the end and a good portion of it is more along the lines of slapstick. Sammo does get to shine for a bit but not as much as I'd hoped. IMPO: Space is correct......this is really for completionists of Sammo's movies.