Drunken Master II Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Drunken Master II" offers a 1080p VC-1 transfer in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, and unfortunately, the results are deeply disappointing. Despite showing marginal improvement over previous home video releases, including the notably poor 2001 US DVD, the transfer is marred by severe technical shortcomings. The skintones range from lifeless to overly flushed, and the overall color palette remains muddy and monochromatic. Contrast levels appear artificially boosted but still fail to deliver any significant improvement, resulting in lackluster and indistinct visuals. Moreover, the fifteen-year-old print shows heavy wear with countless flecks, scratches, and inconsistent grain.

Detail quality suffers significantly due to the aged condition of the original print. The transfer struggles with considerable dirt, grain, and noise reduction that blurs fine textures. While daytime scenes occasionally exhibit decent sharpness and clarity, any scene in low light deteriorates dramatically. Though major issues like artifacting, aliasing, and edge enhancement are absent, these positives are overshadowed by the overwhelming dirt and grain on the film. Technical flaws like a jagged white blotch during a scene confirm the subpar nature of the transfer.

Overall, fans expecting a definitive high-definition presentation will find this Blu-ray release of "Drunken Master II" profoundly unsatisfactory. Noise reduction, muddy visuals, and inconsistent grain impact the viewing experience negatively. It is an injustice to such a beloved film and does not meet the expectations of contemporary home video standards. The lackluster presentation makes this Blu-ray a poor investment for its high price tag.

The audio presentation of "Drunken Master II" on Blu-ray proves to be a mixed bag for discerning fans and audiophiles alike. Disappointingly, the release offers an English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround track without the option of the original Cantonese audio, which has seemingly been lost to time. This leaves us with Jackie Chan's English dubbing as the only means to hear his performance directly. Despite its lossless nature, the TrueHD track struggles to breathe new life into the film’s audio, delivering clear but often overblown and unnatural dialogue. The heavy bass does little to differentiate between action scenes, with punches and kicks merging into a unified thud.

While technically free of debilitating mishaps, the mix lacks finesse and dynamic range. Dialogue, although prioritized, risks being drowned out by the action's overbearing sounds, and directionality feels both sparse and formulaic. Rear speaker activity is minimal, contributing little to create an immersive experience. This results in a largely flat and uninspired soundstage that feels more like sonic wallpaper than a carefully crafted audio environment. Subtitles are available in multiple languages including English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Polish.

In summary, while the Blu-ray’s English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track doesn't suffer from severe technical faults, it fails to captivate or enhance the viewing experience due to its limitations in nuance and realism. The overall mix is a letdown, lacking depth, dimensionality, and polish—a missed opportunity given the film's potential for an engaging auditory presentation.

The Blu-ray edition of "Drunken Master II" falls short in supplemental content, offering listeners only a single dated promotional interview with Jackie Chan. Despite the film's widespread acclaim and historical significance in martial arts cinema, the inclusion of just one extraneous feature is both minimal and disappointing. Fans were hoping for more insightful commentary or special features, especially considering the involvement of prominent figures like Bey Logan in similar past projects. The given feature, "Behind the Master," is a brief and somewhat frustrating promotional snippet made during the film's later US release, which adds little value to the experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Behind the Master: An Interview with Jackie Chan: A brief promotional piece with Jackie Chan discussing the film, but lacking substantial content or clarity.

"Drunken Master II," also known as "The Legend of Drunken Master," showcases Jackie Chan at the height of his physical and comedic prowess. Released in 1994, this film is a directorial collaboration between Chia-Liang Liu and Jackie Chan himself. As an unofficial sequel to the 1978 classic "Drunken Master," it revisits the character of Wong Fei-Hong, a martial arts student who specializes in Zui Quan (Drunken Fist). The film combines jaw-dropping stuntwork, intricate fight choreography, and Chan's signature physical comedy to create a captivating viewing experience.

The plot, though admittedly straightforward, revolves around Wong's struggle to protect Chinese artifacts from being smuggled out of the country by a group led by a malevolent Brit, while also dealing with familial expectations set by his stern father. The narrative provides a basic but effective framework for a series of high-energy action sequences. These scenes are not for the faint-hearted; they showcase Chan facing off against various adversaries, including a high-kicking menace played by Ken Lo and a counter-intelligence officer portrayed by Andy Lau. Add a scene-stealing performance by Anita Mui as Wong's stepmother, and you have a film that balances comedy, drama, and breathtaking martial arts.

Perhaps the most memorable aspect of "Drunken Master II" is its action choreography. Unlike many modern films relying heavily on CGI and wirework, this movie emphasizes practical effects and real stunts. Chan's commitment to physical performance is evident in every frame, especially during the climactic fight scenes that demand multiple re-watches. The film’s meticulous choreography leaves an indelible mark on martial arts cinema, influencing later works like Stephen Chow’s "Kung Fu Hustle" and Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill." Overall, Chan's performance and the film's relentless pace make "Drunken Master II" a standout entry in action cinema, a must-watch for any martial arts aficionado.

The Legend of Drunken Master ranks high among Jackie Chan's most celebrated works, showcasing his unparalleled martial arts prowess intertwined with impeccable comedic timing. The film solidifies his reputation as a master of physical comedy and inventive fight choreography. However, the Blu-ray release severely disappoints in both video and audio quality. With subpar resolution and lackluster sound, it fails to do justice to the vibrant, action-packed sequences Chan is renowned for. Additionally, the disc's sparse special features add no value to the package, lacking in both quantity and quality.

Despite the film's brilliance, this Blu-ray edition does not justify its premium price tag. The absence of substantial high-definition features makes it difficult to recommend purchasing this version, especially for collectors and cinephiles who expect top-notch presentation. For those with previous home video editions, this offers nothing new or superior that warrants an upgrade.

In conclusion, while The Legend of Drunken Master is undoubtedly worth watching for its exceptional display of Chan's talents, this Blu-ray edition falls short in delivering a quality viewing experience. Its mediocre technical execution and minimal additional content suggest waiting for a better release or simply renting the film. This current edition fails to honor the vibrancy and dynamism of a true Jackie Chan classic.