The Inspector Wears Skirts III Blu-ray Review

"The Inspector Wears Skirts III" is offered on Blu-ray by 88 Films with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer at a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. This release boasts a 2K remaster sourced from the original negatives, which brings notable improvements to the visual presentation. The color palette is one of the highlights, delivering well-defined primaries and impressive vibrancy, particularly in outdoor scenes. However, viewers may notice variances in color temperature and slight fluctuations in color suffusion throughout the film. The grain structure is predominantly heavy, but it does not significantly impact resolution. Any age-related imperfections are minimal and do not detract from the overall experience.

The bright new 2K master provides vivid contrast that stands out, despite some occasional clipping. Black levels are solid and stable, maintaining a consistent balance. Colors generally maintain a slightly faded appearance, though this only modestly tempers the vibrancy of hues. Flesh tones remain accurate and natural. Unique visual moments include the villains' suits illuminated under natural light aboard the boat, which appear especially vibrant. Issues arise primarily from the grain structure, which can be noisy and exhibit a digital quality at times. Instances where grain adheres to moving actors or overwhelms the frame are apparent, indicating an inconsistent encode that affects the fine detail reproduction.

Overall resolution is moderate with steady sharpness but limited texture, a characteristic that stems from the available resolution and grain management. While the remaster presents an improved viewing experience, it is clear that some technical limitations persist, specifically related to grain definition and encoding fidelity.

The audio presentation of "The Inspector Wears Skirts III" on Blu-ray features an LPCM 2.0 Mono track in Cantonese, offering a sound experience characteristic of many Asian productions. This track, while somewhat boxy, benefits from a noticeably fuller midrange and low end compared to other Asian material recently reviewed. Despite the inherent constraints of the original audio format, the film provides a commendable level of clarity, with dialogue delivered cleanly and distinctly. It should be noted that some actors are dubbed, which can result in slightly loose sync during playback. For those who prefer it, optional English subtitles are available.

In terms of dynamic effects, such as gunfire, the reverberation provides decent but not overwhelming force, fitting within the limitations of the mono format. The fidelity is appropriate for its era, comparable to other titles in the series, though it may present a slightly puffy low-end that affects dialogue clarity at times. The film remains available only in its original language with subtitles, which might not alter the viewing experience significantly but is worth mentioning for potential viewers seeking audio alternatives. Overall, the audio presentation is reliable and satisfactorily supports the film's nostalgic mood.

"The Inspector Wears Skirts III" Blu-ray extras showcase a thoughtful collection that complements the main feature with interesting insights and additional content. The highlight is the audio commentary by Frank Djeng, accessible under the Setup Menu, offering a comprehensive analysis that fans and cinephiles will appreciate. Djeng's expertise in cinema, particularly Hong Kong action films, adds depth and context. The inclusion of a deleted scene offers a glimpse into the creative process and provides additional character development. The Hong Kong trailer offers nostalgic value for long-time fans, preserving the original cinematic appeal. The packaging is noteworthy, with a double-sided poster and a slipcover, catering to collectors who value presentation.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scene: A snippet offering further insight into narrative development.
• Hong Kong Trailer: The original promotional trailer from Hong Kong.
• Audio Commentary by Frank Djeng: An expert-led commentary accessible via the Setup Menu.

Inspector Wears Skirts III attempts to blend comedy and action, but struggles to strike a coherent balance between the two. While the series previously leaned into comedic elements, this installment exaggerates the humor with skits that come across as disjointed and unfunny. The plot, revolving around Inspector Kan (Stanley Fung) and Madame Wu (Sibelle Hu) navigating their new marriage dynamics, delays significant action until the climactic final act on a casino cruise ship. Unfortunately, the humor often stems from uncomfortable and outdated gender stereotypes, detracting from potential comedic efficacy.

The film’s comedic approach relies heavily on slapstick and awkward gender dynamics, creating a sitcom-like atmosphere that quickly devolves. Attempts to depict strong female characters are overshadowed by exaggerated femininity and clumsy interactions that fail to empower. The absence of Golden Harvest’s signature choreography is palpable, contributing to a lack of compelling action scenes until the very end. The lack of cohesive direction results in episodic scenes that undermine any narrative depth.

Inspector Wears Skirts III might aim for humor and empowerment but falls short, resulting in scenes that oscillate between being slapstick and uncomfortable without achieving genuine comedic impact or narrative coherence. The film closes with a feeling of missed opportunity, sacrificing engaging action and insightful humor for a flawed exploration of gender roles and awkward comedic attempts.

"The Inspector Wears Skirts III" on Blu-Ray is an intriguing mixture of slapstick comedy and sporadic action, emblematic of its late 80s cinematic roots. The third installment of this series attempts to weave humor with action but often defaults to exaggerated comedic elements, bordering on slapstick. It's evident that the film strives to entertain through its situational comedy style, which may resonate with some viewers while potentially alienating others seeking more balanced narratives.

Technically, the Blu-Ray release offers a competent presentation, balancing vibrant visuals with acceptable audio quality. The picture clarity is generally solid, though slight inconsistencies may occasionally emerge. The soundscape complements the visual elements, albeit at times lacking the depth expected from contemporary remastering efforts. One of the standout features of this edition is Djeng’s commentary. It provides a treasure trove of insights and adds substantial value for fans of the series, delving into both the technical and creative facets of the film's production.

In conclusion, "The Inspector Wears Skirts III" delivers a predictable yet entertaining mix of comedy and action typical of its era. Though its humor might seem abrasive to some, it finds redemption in its energetic and informative commentary track. Prospective buyers may find it a worthy addition to their collection, especially if they have a penchant for nostalgic, comedic escapades. Overall, it’s a competent Blu-Ray iteration that maintains the charm of the original while providing valuable context through its supplemental content.