In the Line of Duty IV Blu-ray Review

In the Line of Duty IV" has been meticulously transferred to Blu-ray in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 with an MPEG-4 AVC encoding, topped off with a 1080p resolution, courtesy of Eureka Entertainment. Enthusiasts are treated to two renditions of the film; the original Hong Kong theatrical version and an export version, maintaining a comparative duration of approximately 96 minutes, with a trifling extension in the latter. Both editions have undergone a commendable 2K restoration, aiming for visual fidelity.

Upon inspection, these restorations echo the treatment seen in "In the Line of Duty III," exhibiting notable improvements in terms of delineation, clarity, and depth when displayed on larger screens. The darker scenes display a commendable degree of nuance, although there remains some scope for enhancement. The grain exposure and density levels are preserved authentically, steering clear from any digital tampering that might detract from the intended cinematic texture. Nevertheless, the grading process applied across these versions introduces a peculiar color imbalance, most pronounced in the handling of blues and greens. This inconsistent color grading leads to an unnatural color temperature across several sequences. Noteworthy is the aberrant greenish tint affecting footage set in Seattle, adversely impacting dynamic range and visual depth – indicative of a deviation from the source material's original color palette.

Furthermore, while image stability is robust with no significant signs of damage or wear, the color correction mishaps highlight compromised primaries—especially noticeable in the depiction of blues and reds, exhibiting faded appearances and diminished vibrancy. Occasional moments showcasing a more balanced color scheme, particularly post-transition to Hong Kong settings, hint at the potential for a faithful representation had the grading been more accurately executed. Despite these color-related shortcomings, the overall transfer garners appreciation for its technical proficiency and absence of physical defects. It's an earnest effort hamstrung by questionable color grading choices, meriting a cautious commendation with a score of 3.25/5.00, with the note that this is a Region-B locked release requiring compatible playback equipment.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray release of "In the Line of Duty IV" offers a dive into the auditory essence of this classic, featuring two primary audio tracks; both are provided in LPCM 2.0 format, with options in Cantonese and English. The inclusion of optional English subtitles with the Cantonese track enhances accessibility, catering to a broader audience while respecting the film's original dialogue nuances. However, the experience toggles between a mix of authenticity and a hint of disappointment, given the audibly uneven nature of the overdubbing across tracks, which tends to subtract from the immersive experience one might hope for from such a digitally re-mastered piece.

Delving deeper, the Cantonese LPCM 2.0 track, while superior, does not escape critique. It carries more weight compared to its English counterpart, offering a slightly richer auditory experience. Yet, it's shackled by the limitations of its era, resulting in audio that occasionally feels outdated. This doesn't fully detract from the film's intrinsic value but does beg for a modern touch that could have elevated the auditory fidelity significantly. On the flip side, the English LPCM 2.0 track struggles with further constraints, particularly in dynamics and depth—an area where it markedly underperforms. The translation is competently handled, ensuring that the essence of the film is fairly communicated to those reliant on subtitles.

In conclusion, while both tracks replicate the original sound fidelity with a reasonable degree of success, they inevitably reflect their age and the technological limitations of the time. This bravely mirrors the authenticity one would expect from such a release but also leaves room for pondering what might have been achieved with a touch more refurbishment. Nonetheless, for purists and enthusiasts alike, this auditory journey through "In the Line of Duty IV" remains an essential and fundamentally sound exploration of the film's enduring legacy.

The extra presentation of the Blu-ray release of "In the Line of Duty IV" delivers a comprehensive suite of supplements that cater specifically to the enthusiasts of Hong Kong action cinema and the admirers of Donnie Yen's martial arts prowess. Notably, the array of archival materials—comprising original theatrical trailers from Hong Kong and the UK alongside a franchise trailer—set the stage by encapsulating the film's international appeal. The highlight lies in the insightful interviews with Donnie Yen, where he delves into the peculiarities of Hong Kong action films and his distinctive action style, offering a personal glimpse into the making of this cult classic. Furthermore, the inclusion of three diverse audio commentaries significantly enriches the viewing experience, presenting a fusion of critical analysis, production anecdotes, and firsthand reflections on the action choreography and actor interactions. Complemented by a reversible cover featuring vintage poster art and a collector's booklet with new essays and technical credits, this release stands as an essential acquisition for aficionados.

Extras included in this disc:

• Hong Kong Trailer: Original Hong Kong theatrical trailer in Cantonese, with English subtitles.
• UK Trailer: Original UK trailer in English, not subtitled.
• Line of Duty Franchise Trailer: Trailer in English, not subtitled.
• Donnie Yen Interview: Insights into Hong Kong action films and Yen's involvement in "In the Line of Duty IV".
• Donnie Yen: Style of Action: Yen discusses his working methods and action style in Cantonese, with English subtitles.
• Commentary One: New audio commentary by critics Mike Leeder and Arne Venema.
• Commentary Two: New audio commentary by critic Frank Djeng.
• Commentary Three: Archival audio commentary by actor Michael Wong and Stefan Hammond.
• Cover: Reversible cover with vintage poster art.
• Booklet: Collector's booklet with new writing by James Oliver and extracts from "A Different Brilliance – The D & B Story".

Eureka Entertainment brings Yuen Woo-Ping's "In the Line of Duty IV" (1989) to Blu-ray, marking a significant entry in the franchise, albeit the most commercial and according to some, the weakest link. The movie thrives on its established formula of amalgamating cops with contrasting styles to unravel a critical case, yet struggles with character management and narrative coherence, rendering portions amateurish in execution. The film's reliance on meticulously choreographed action sequences is evident, but the lack of strong character development compared to earlier entries significantly dampens its impact.

Set against the backdrop of a trans-Pacific crime syndicate involving corrupt CIA agents, "In the Line of Duty IV" traverses from Seattle to Hong Kong, weaving a tale of mistaken identity, pursuit, and revelation. The action choreography shines, with Donnie Yen and Yuen Yat-Choh delivering commendable performances that align with Yen’s later acclaimed works. However, the dynamic between characters feels contrived, showcasing a clear misalignment in acting styles and thereby detracting from the movie's overall cohesiveness. Cynthia Khan's attempt to fill Michelle Yeoh's shoes is notably underwhelming, as she fails to command the same presence, further highlighted by the absence of a strong supporting cast.

The restoration quality on this Blu-ray release is satisfying, presenting both the original Hong Kong theatrical version and the export version in 2K, with negligible differences in length. Regrettably, the editing suffers from abruptness and inconsistency, suggesting an overly action-focused cut that compromises narrative flow. Despite these technical shortcomings, the release is commendable for its preservation efforts and for offering fans access to alternate versions of this martial arts cinema piece.

In the Line of Duty IV," released by Eureka Entertainment, showcases Cynthia Khan in a role that conspicuously echoes the void left by Michelle Yeoh, marking a pivotal, albeit controversial, transition in the franchise. While Khan’s performance is earnest, it is overshadowed by the film's overall execution, which has been a topic of contention among enthusiasts and critics alike. The film suffers from a series of directional missteps that noticeably impact its coherence and immersion. Notwithstanding these elements, it's imperative to acknowledge the action sequences that manage to captivate and entertain, preserving the spirit of the franchise to a certain extent.

The technical presentation of the Blu Ray release merits a discussion, particularly concerning the much-anticipated 2K restoration. Herein lies a critical point of divergence in viewers' expectations versus reality. The restoration process, aimed at revitalizing the film's visual allure, unfortunately falls short due to awkward grading decisions. These choices not only detract from the authenticity of the original cinematography but also impart an incongruous aesthetic to the overall visual narrative. Such alterations have sparked debates about the fidelity of restoration practices and their effects on classic cinema's legacy.

In conclusion, while "In the Line of Duty IV" remains an integral component of its franchise and delivers commendably on the action front, its Blu Ray presentation is hampered by both directional flaws and a contentious 2K restoration. The effort to modernize and enhance the film's visual experience appears to have compromised its genuine essence, leaving audiences with a rendition that may not fully resonate with purists and newcomers alike. Despite these setbacks, the release prompts valuable discourse on the balance between preservation and modernization in film restoration.