Once a Thief

John Woo's cinematic gem "Once A Thief" has been brought to the home entertainment arena by Kam & Ronson Enterprises, boasting an original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 on a Blu-ray disc, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and presented in 1080p transfer. This release marks an ambitious attempt to deliver the film in high-definition, sourced from materials that show their age, yielding a presentation that's notable for its efforts yet hampered by inherent limitations. During scenes basked in daylight, one can appreciate a commendable level of fine object detail that brings out the nuances of the bustling action, yet the quality noticeably dips in dimmer lighting conditions. This inconsistency extends to the color reproduction; while generally pleasing, the palette isn’t uniformly lush or deeply saturated, though it remains far superior to the smudged hues of previous standard definition releases.

The video quality exhibits some challenges, including mild to moderate edge enhancement and sporadic noise reduction efforts, both of which detract from what could have been a pristine viewing experience. However, these issues do not overly detract when the film is projected digitally, suggesting that although not perfect, the transfer offers a stable and enjoyable viewing experience. Minor film artifacts are present but do not significantly mar the visual presentation. The nuanced interplay among characters during key sequences, previously lost in older formats, now garners the clarity it deserves, allowing fans to appreciate the finesse of Chow Yun-Fat and Leslie Cheung's performances, especially in meticulously choreographed scenes such as the mansion raid.

While acknowledging its shortcomings due to the dated source material and resulting inconsistencies, this Blu-ray release undoubtedly represents a significant improvement over any former editions. It aspires to be seen as a definitive presentation of "Once A Thief," especially considering the treatment of cult Hong Kong cinema from the '80s and '90s by various distributors. Its technical specifications, including being Region-A locked, necessitate compatible hardware but promise an enriched viewing experience for aficionados and newcomers to John Woo's work alike.

This review focuses solely on the audio presentation of the Blu Ray edition of "Once a Thief," which includes three distinct audio tracks: Cantonese Dolby TrueHD 7.1, Mandarin Dolby Digital 5.1 EX, and Thai Dolby Digital 5.1 EX. Additionally, it comes equipped with optional subtitles in English, Traditional Chinese, and Thai for the main feature, presenting a versatile option catering to a wide audience. Upon a technical examination, the Cantonese Dolby TrueHD 7.1 stands out for its clarity and crispness in dialogue delivery. However, it's not without its flaws, as there is a noticeable unevenness in sound dynamics across various scenes.

The inconsistencies evident in the audio presentation seem to align somewhat with the video quality, suggesting an overarching challenge in the disc's production values. Noteworthy is the lack of balance in dynamic ranges, particularly evident in action sequences where the volume levels of shootouts are disproportionately high compared to the subdued presentation of the musical score in other scenes. This issue may be somewhat attributable to the film's extensive use of overdubbing, which inherently impacts audio fidelity. Nonetheless, it's important to mention that no significant audio defects such as pops, cracks, hissings, or dropouts were detected during playback, indicating a level of quality control in the disc's production.

The Mandarin Dolby Digital 5.1 EX and Thai Dolby Digital 5.1 EX tracks, while not explored in as much detail, presumably offer a comparable experience with potential variances due to their different sound formats. The provision of multiple language options enhances accessibility but does not mitigate the main issue of inconsistent audio dynamics present in the Cantonese track. Collectors and enthusiasts should be aware of these sound presentation nuances when considering this Blu Ray release for their collections.

The extra presentation on the Blu-ray of "Once a Thief" offers a concise but compelling set of features that will appeal to fans and newcomers alike. Notably, it includes the original movie trailer and a valuable interview with actor Kenneth Tsang, which provides intriguing insights into the film. Although the extras list is brief, the quality of the content contributes to a better understanding and appreciation of this classic film. It's essential to note that all supplemental features are compatible with North American PS3s and SAs, enhancing accessibility. The only downside might be the lack of subtitles, which could limit the audience's full engagement with the content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: The original trailer for "Once A Thief". In Cantonese, not subtitled.
• Interview: A candid video interview with actor Kenneth Tsang. In Cantonese, not subtitled.

John Woo's "Once A Thief," presented on Blu-ray by Kam & Ronson Enterprises, encapsulates the essence of early 90s Hong Kong cinema with its characteristic blend of action, comedy, and romance. The film features iconic performances by Chow Yun-Fat, Leslie Cheung, and Cherie Chung as a trio of professional thieves entangled in a daring heist that pits them against treacherous odds. The narrative, while straightforward and engaging with cliched characters, thrives on its atmospheric execution, making it an exemplar within Woo's filmography. This release offers viewers the film in Cantonese with the option of English, Traditional Chinese, and Thai subtitles, ensuring a broad accessibility to an international audience.

As an addition to the Blu-ray, the inclusion of a video interview with actor Kenneth Tsang, along with the original theatrical trailer, provides further insights into the movie's production and its place within the broader context of Hong Kong action cinema. Despite its predictable plot, "Once A Thief" stands out for its adept fusion of stylistic elements that have come to define John Woo's approach to filmmaking during this era. Fans and newcomers to Woo's work will find the film to be a pertinent showcase of the director's ability to craft engaging narratives that transcend conventional genre limitations.

While revisiting Woo's oeuvre, it becomes apparent that "Once A Thief" and its contemporaries have aged notably well, offering a distinct flavor not commonly found in today's Hong Kong cinema. This Blu-ray presentation serves not only as a testament to John Woo's enduring influence on the action genre but also as a vital piece for collectors and aficionados seeking to experience or re-experience the unique charm of Woo's cinematic world. Whether one considers "Once A Thief" among Woo's finest works or not, its Blu-ray presentation is an essential addition for those passionate about the golden era of Hong Kong action films.

The Blu-ray release of "Once A Thief" stands out as a significant enhancement over its previous Standard Definition DVD counterparts, providing a substantial visual and auditory improvement that has long been awaited by fans of the classic. While it might not reach perfection in every aspect, the uplift in quality is undeniable, making it an easy recommendation for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. However, potential buyers should be aware that the disc is Region-A locked. This necessitates owning a native Region-A or Region-Free player for those situated in Region-B territories, which might limit accessibility for some international viewers.

Notably, the release’s technical specifications offer a largely satisfying experience. The transition to Blu-ray ensures that "Once A Thief" can be enjoyed with a level of clarity and fidelity that was previously unattainable on older formats. This upgrade is not just a marginal improvement but a substantial leap forward that reinvigorates the visual appeal of the film, complementing its narrative and stylistic elements. Despite these advancements, the Blu-ray is not devoid of imperfections, with certain areas possibly leaving room for further enhancement. Nonetheless, these minor shortcomings do not detract significantly from the overall viewing experience.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray release of "Once A Thief" is a commendable effort that rectifies many of the flaws found in earlier SDVD versions, presenting the film in a light that more accurately reflects its original allure. Although it may fall short of absolute perfection and requires specific playback capabilities due to region locking, the quality improvement makes it a worthy addition to any collection. For fans of the genre and the film itself, acquiring this release is highly recommended, as it offers the best way to experience the movie's cinematic nuances and storytelling richness.