The Killer Blu-ray Review

The much-anticipated Dragon Dynasty release of "The Killer" on Blu-ray, under Vivendi's curation, has brought forward a blend of excitement and disappointment. The film, a cherished gem among Hong Kong cinema enthusiasts, received a 1080i transfer using an AVC codec in the original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. However, this decision, as with the prior release of the 36th Chamber of Shaolin, has been met with bewilderment due to what appears to be the reliance on secondary source materials, potentially converted from PAL. This process has resulted in a presentation that sadly does not meet the expectations for a high-definition remastering. The visual softness is so pronounced that at times it falls short of what one might expect from a well-upconverted standard-definition DVD, making it a considerable letdown for fans hoping for a definitive high-definition experience.

The color presentation in "The Killer" Blu-ray is adequate but does not showcase the vibrancy typically associated with high-definition content. Although the print is relatively clean and shows minimal damage, the overall visual clarity and detail are significantly compromised. This lack of sharpness leads to a haziness that detracts from the viewing experience, with contrast levels particularly underwhelming. Dark scenes suffer from severe crushing, making details indiscernible, while bright scenes battle with overexposure, notably in sequences with excessive lighting, such as candlelit church scenes. These issues highlight a fundamental misstep in the Blu-ray authoring process that urgently needs addressing.

In conclusion, while some may argue that this release represents the best home video presentation of "The Killer" to date, such statements only serve to underscore the inadequacies of previous editions rather than serving as genuine praise for this Blu-ray. The technical execution falls short of delivering the high-definition experience that fans rightly anticipated. The decision to use a 1080i resolution from what seems to be an inferior source has led to compromised visual fidelity, leaving much room for improvement in future Dragon Dynasty releases. Vivendi's approach to these iconic films has been disappointingly cautious, urging a reevaluation of their strategy to truly honor these cinematic treasures.

In evaluating the audio presentation of "The Killer" on Blu Ray, we find ourselves with a somewhat mixed bag that ranges from merely acceptable to somewhat disappointing, particularly given the storied status of the film within its genre. The release offers a choice between a DD 2.0 Cantonese track and a DD 5.1 English dub. A close inspection reveals that while the DD 5.1 English track makes an admirable attempt at utilizing the surround sound capability, especially during the film's numerous frenetic action scenes, it ultimately falls short of delivering a truly immersive auditory experience. The quality is serviceable yet lacks the richness and depth one might hope for in a high-definition release.

Conversely, the DD 2.0 Cantonese track, though hindered by its inherently limited sound field, offers a somewhat purer auditory experience in terms of fidelity. It presents clear, discernible dialogue and sound effects without any notable audio anomalies. However, it's significantly let down by an absence of a robust low-end response—a feature that could have greatly enhanced the film's many explosive moments and underscored its dramatic intensity. This deficiency underscores the missed opportunity for a lossless audio track, which could have elevated the film's power and presence considerably.

From an audio perspective, the recommendation leans towards the original Cantonese 2.0 track for those seeking an authentic experience aligned with the film's original soundscape, albeit with tempered expectations regarding its dynamic range and immersive qualities. Despite its limitations, it remains the more genuine of the two options, lending a semblance of fidelity to this revered cinematic work. However, it is evident that regardless of the choice made, both tracks fall short of leveraging the full potential offered by contemporary audio technologies to reinvigorate such a classic film for today's audiences.

The extra features on "The Killer" Blu Ray edition cater admirably to aficionados of the genre and John Woo's directing prowess. Central to the extras is a comprehensive new interview with John Woo, allowing for an in-depth exploration of the film within his career. Complemented by two engaging American Cinematique Q&A sessions, these discussions extend beyond "The Killer" to cover "Hard Boiled," offering rich behind-the-scenes insights. While the featurette on the filming locations and the assortment of John Woo trailers might echo the familiarity of promotional content, they nonetheless offer fascinating glances into the film's production values. The inclusion of five deleted scenes provides fans a glimpse of what might have been, featuring alternate takes that augment the main narrative. These components collectively enrich the viewing experience by providing context, background, and a deeper understanding of Woo's creative process.

Extras included in this disc:

• New Interview with John Woo: Provides context of "The Killer" within Woo's broader work.
• American Cinematique Q & A Sessions: Addresses "The Killer" and "Hard Boiled" with engaging discussions.
• The Killer Locations Featurette: Explores the filming locations.
• Collection of John Woo Trailers: Includes five trailers showcasing Woo's filmography.
• Five Deleted Scenes: Offers alternate takes and scenes from various versions of the film.

John Woo's "The Killer," a seminal piece in his illustrious Hong Kong career, now graces the Blu-ray format, albeit its presentation sparks a mixed sentiment. This 1989 cinematic endeavor, marking a pivotal phase in Woo's evolution prior to his Hollywood breakthrough, etches a vivid tableau of action, emotion, and moral complexity. Through the lens of a hitman named Ah Jong (portrayed with stoic charisma by Chow Yun-Fat), the film weaves a narrative steeped in remorse and redemption. Jong's accidental blinding of the innocent Jennie (Sally Yeh) propels him into a maelstrom of violence and sacrifice, attempting to secure her a future through one last act of criminality. Therein lies "The Killer's" essence—Woo's adroitness at marrying melodramatic human conditions with frenetic violence.

The film unfurls with relentless momentum, adeptly juxtaposing tender moments of burgeoning romance against a backdrop of unyielding action sequences. Its opening sequence within a nightclub sets a precedent for the visual and thematic intensity that follows, culminating in a climactic showdown in a church—a locale symbolic of Jong's quest for solace amidst chaos. This visual feast, punctuated by exaggerated squibs and a symphony of gunfire, attests to Woo's predilection for cinematic flamboyance, albeit grounded in character-driven narratives. Notably, "The Killer" distills Woo's nascent but evident flair for orchestration of action—a precursor to the extravagance characteristic of his subsequent American ventures.

Technically, the film eschews gratuitous camera gymnastics for a more restrained approach that underscores its action with emotional gravity. Despite its simplistic emotional delineation—where characters are ensnared in archetypal predicaments—Woo astutely subverts genre conventions, foregoing a saccharine resolution for an end that starkly echoes reality's unpredictability. "The Killer" stands as a testament to Woo's dexterity in navigating the dichotomy of stylistic excess and nuanced storytelling, solidifying its position as an unnervingly poignant opus in the annals of action cinema.

The Blu-ray release of John Woo's critically acclaimed film, "The Killer," by Vivendi under the Dragon Dynasty label, has been met with significant disappointment. A director of Woo's caliber, known for his exceptional contributions to the action genre, and a film that has established itself as a touchstone in cinema history, warrants a far superior treatment than what has been delivered. The myriad of issues plaguing this release not only undermines the film’s legacy but also dampens the enthusiasm of a dedicated fan base eagerly anticipating a release that matches the stature of the film itself.

The transfer quality, supplemental materials, and overall attention to detail, or lack thereof, are indicative of a rushed and underwhelming effort. This is particularly disconcerting given the technological capabilities of Blu-ray as a medium. One would expect a release of this nature to be handled with the utmost care, showcasing the film's dynamic action sequences and rich visual palette in the best light possible. Instead, what has been presented falls short of expectations and fails to honor the film's influence and importance in the genre.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray release of "The Killer" is a missed opportunity to celebrate a seminal work of cinema with the reverence it deserves. For a film that helped redefine action cinema and solidify John Woo's status as a masterful director, the lackluster effort by Vivendi is disheartening. It is imperative for future releases, especially those pertaining to films of significant cultural and cinematic value, to receive the treatment and respect they rightfully deserve. This instance serves as a cautionary tale of how not to handle such endeavors.