This film holds a special place in my heart, as this was the first martial arts DVD I ever bought and due to this movie I've bought loads more.
Initial
You may recognize a few names on the case. The first being Woo Ping, who directs this movie, the guy who did the action for the Matrix, and Crouching Tiger. The second is Donnie Yen, one of the stars of the movie, he has been in Highlander Endgame and Blade 2. He in fact did the action scenes for Blade 2. Of special interest is the fact that he is still under contract with Miramax to do a further 2 movies with them. (The initial contract was for 4 movies). This is a Hong Kong movie, and you can have dubbed audio, or subtitles.
Movie
The story is about a Robin Hood type character that steels off a corrupt governor to help the poor. The story really begins when a father and son become involved in their battles (father played by Yen). To be honest the story is not important, it plays second fiddle to some of the most breath taking action sequences you will ever see, the end sequence being the most amazing. Even though a lot of wirework is used, it does not deter from a great action movie. The whole cast show off their skills, even a kid, who can be no older then 10. Watch and be amazed.
Picture
People may remember HK films having dirty sources, with dodgy sound, but thanks to HKL (now established as the best releaser of HK films), you may be forgiven thinking this is a Hollywood film. The picture is beautiful and vibrant, helped by the anamorphic picture. HKL have done a great job, and helped HK films into the new millennium.
Sound
You get Dolby 5.1, in either its original language, or English dub. Of special interest may be the dub. Dubbing can never be perfect, but this DVD will give you the best one you are likely to hear. If you prefer subtitles, don’t worry; subtitles are good, clear and accurate (no spelling mistakes here). Back to the sound, this DVD will not test your system like say "Independence Day", but it does a nice job.
Extras
You get trailers, not only to this film, but other releases by HKL, very nice, it may seem just like self advertising, but I like it. You get an interview with star Donnie Yen in English (I think he is originally from USA). You also get an interview with Woo Ping. You also get a photo gallery, quite mundane though. Most interestingly you get biographies of star and director, not a reading one though, it was one that is read out to you. This a nice touch, as it goes over things like where they were born, their break through movies, failures and a lot more, about 30 minutes each - nice.
Overall
This is a fantastic movie, with a superb transfer; extras are slightly thin, but hey better than nothing (you do let them off though, because the quality of the film is excellent). No more crappy eighties VHS, DVD has done wonders here. Buy it, and open your eyes to world of cinema.