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E D I T O R I A L
Sunday, December 3: Redesigning A Better Tomorrow
It's been about four months since I began this site, which means it's time to reevaluate the whole thing.
First up, a few cosmetic changes, chiefly noticeable in the top border. It may not look very pretty, but it is strictly temporary. I built this site using Microsoft FrontPage, but with the changes I want to make, I've realized it's time for me to learn new programs (namely, Adobe PhotoShop and Macromedia Dreamweaver). My goal for the site's appearance is that it looks decent, navigates easily, and loads reasonably quickly. It may take me quite a while to implement a new look for the site, however.
A more substantial shift has to do with the content. The idea I had in mind when I created the site was to provide information not available elsewhere (with so many fine HK sites available, why duplicate what's already out there?), along with DVD reviews from a different perspective.
The at-a-glance upcoming release information for Region 1 is unique, I believe, because it provides key information about each title on one page. I hope it is helpful to others, like me, trying to decide how to spend their limited budget. I plan to spend more time researching information from a variety of sources regarding upcoming titles in order to provide more details on each title.
For researching specific titles, nothing beats the Hong Kong Movie Database; for researching specific DVDs, the Asian DVD Guide is equally invaluable [ED: sadly, this resource went off-line at the end of May 2001]. Both sites feature links to reviews. In addition, there are several review sites that I love to read on a weekly basis (check the Links page for my favorites). Each site has a different perspective. So what's my perspective?
As a longtime movie fan but a recent HK convert, I watch HK movies with wide-eyed enthusiasm. But I also carry a bias against -- among other things -- action movies that splash violence across the screen for the sake of shock, heartwarming dramas that treat common life lessons as stunning revelations, and romantic comedies that lack any spark or chemistry.
More recent films (DVDs released within the past year or so) will receive briefer reviews. Since not as many sites concentrate on recent DVDs, I plan to buy more recent releases and highlight them on the site. At the same time, I'll continue reviewing "classic" titles (everything released more than a year ago) and try to isolate reasons why the film holds up (or doesn't, as the case may be). My rating system (buy, rent, or pass) will remain the same - that's the essential question for me when it comes to DVDs.
Eventually I hope to write more feature stories (not having to do with release information or reviews of individual titles), but time will tell whether that will happen or not.
Everything is subject to change, of course (that's one of the pleasures of running your own web site). Any suggestions or criticisms as to design and content are always welcome. My education in Hong Kong films continues apace. Thanks to those kind souls who have helped me along the way.
As usual, please feel free to send feedback, criticisms, etc.
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original content copyright 2001 peter a. martin all rights reserved