14 May 2008

I'll freely admit we're a little late with this one, given that it's out in just two weeks, but did feel the need to give it a push. As fans of the revenge dramas of Park Chan-wook (Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, Oldboy, Lady Vengeance) we've been eagerly waiting the arrival of his next film, as I'm have many of you. But those of you expecting a continuation of the dark tone of his previous films may be in for a surprise – Park, in need of a break from revenge dramas, has instead opted for madcap fantasy as his genre of choice.

Originally released under the intriguing title of I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK (Saibogujiman kwenchana), Park's latest centres around Yong-goon, who is admitted to a mental hospital believing that she is a cyborg that draws its charge from a transistor radio. Here she meets fellow inmate Il-soon, who believes he can steal other people's traits and is convinced he's gradually fading away to become a dot. Having befriended Young-goon, he steals 'the sleep flying method' to help her move freely about and the ability to yodel so that he can sing to her when she feels low. But he also steals her sense of 'sympathy' and feels her sadness for her. When Young-goon refuses to eat, living off a diet of batteries, she decides it's his job to get her on her feet again.

Weaving drama, comedy and fantasy together to create a dream-like fable, I'm a Cyborg splices together the screwball romance of Amelie with Tim Burton's visionary set designs, the characters of One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest and the body count of The Terminator' to create a charming, tender and visually arresting film that cements the director's reputation as one of the most gifted and imaginative filmmakers working today.

I'm a Cyborg will be released on 26th May 2008 on UK DVD and blu-ray disc by Tartan with an anamorphic widescreen picture and Dolby 2.0 stereo, Dolby 5.1 surround and DTS surround soundtracks. DVD extras will include:

• Tartan UK exclusive interview with Park Chan-Wook at London's Barbican Centre;
• ‘Making of' documentary;
• Deleted scenes;
• Trailers;
• Music Video.

I'm a Cyborg will retail at £19.99 on DVD and £24.99 on blu-ray.