Wheels on Meals Blu-ray Review

Eureka Entertainment has delivered yet another stellar restoration with "Wheels on Meals," this time providing a brand new 2K remaster for a 1080p/AVC-encoded Blu-ray presentation. Maintaining the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 widescreen, the video transfer is visually exquisite. Detail retention is exceptional, surpassing even some 4K restorations like "Drunken Master." Textures are crisply drawn out with no evidence of digital manipulation, preserving an authentic grain structure. The vibrant color palette, highlighted by the sunny, lush Spanish setting, contributes to its demo-worthy attributes. Black levels offer a solid foundation, with night scenes rendered perfectly, enhancing primary color pops.

The Blu-ray's encoding in MPEG-4 AVC results in a fantastic depth, clarity, and fluidity, which remain consistent even on large projector screens. Though there are a few isolated instances of mild black crushing, where subtle nuances are occasionally lost, these flaws do little to detract from the overall quality. The color grading is impressively convincing with healthy primary colors and nuanced ranges that contribute to a stable and pleasing image. Image stability is outstanding throughout, making this an essential upgrade for fans of Sammo Hung and Hong Kong cinema. The presentation easily secures its place as one of Eureka's finest restorations to date.

"Wheels on Meals" offers an impressive array of audio options that will satisfy both purists and casual viewers. This Blu-ray release includes the original Cantonese LPCM Mono track, a Cantonese DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, a Cantonese LPCM 2.0 'Alternate Soundtrack', plus three dubbed tracks: English LPCM Mono (Classic Dub), English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (Classic Dub), and English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (2006 Dub). While true fans may shy away from the dubbed tracks, preferring the authenticity of the native audio, there's undeniable charm and humor to be found in some of the classic dubs, despite occasional inconsistencies and flat moments.

The standout choice for audio here is the Cantonese DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. Despite slightly muted tones when compared to the original mono, the track delivers well-balanced sound across a broader spectrum. This creates a more dynamic and natural listening experience, albeit still reflective of the film's age with its characteristic slapstick fight sounds. Users interested in a purer audio experience might initially gravitate towards the original mono track but will find that the 5.1 mix provides a substantial upgrade in overall enjoyment by modernizing the soundscape without stripping it of its nostalgia.

For completists or those seeking novelty, the Cantonese LPCM 2.0 'Alternate Soundtrack' presents an exclusive mix using original Mandarin dialogue topped with elements from the International release's soundtrack. However, its appeal may be limited to hardcore fans, as casual viewers might find minimal added value. Meanwhile, the English dubs—especially the comically charming Classic Dub—offer a nostalgic trip down memory lane, complete with amusing accents that add character albeit at the expense of some dialogue clarity and continuity. Across all tracks, however, the preservation of dynamic ranges and the absence of age-related imperfections indicate a well-crafted audio presentation worthy of this classic martial arts film.

This Blu-ray edition of "Wheels on Meals" stands out not only for its high-quality remastering but also for a comprehensive suite of special features that enrich the viewer's experience. Interviews form the bulk of extras, including engaging sessions with key figures like Sammo Hung, Yuen Biao, and Benny 'The Jet' Urquidez, offering rich insights into their careers and filming experiences in Spain. The inclusion of outtakes, particularly the Extended Japanese Credits and unique action footage, provides additional entertainment. Trailers for various releases further contextualize the film’s international appeal. This meticulous and thoughtfully curated set greatly enhances appreciation for this martial arts classic.

Extras included in this disc:

• On Giant's Shoulders: An interview with Sammo Hung focused on the Spain shoot.
• Archival Interview with Sammo Hung: Discusses his career and collaboration with Jackie Chan.
• Born to Fight: Yuen Biao talks about his work with Chan and Hung.
• Jet Fighter: Benny 'The Jet' Urquidez shares his fighting philosophy and film experiences.
• King of the Ring: Keith Vitali reflects on his career and filming in Barcelona.
• The Inside Track: Stanley Tong discusses international audience reactions and working with Chan.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: In Cantonese with optional English subtitles.
• International Trailer: In English, not subtitled.
• Japanese Spartan X Trailer: In Japanese, not subtitled.
• Startan X Alternate Japanese Release Credits: Outtake footage with some action moments.
• Booklet: A Collector's booklet featuring a new essay by James Oliver.

"Wheels on Meals" (1984) reunites the formidable trio of Jackie Chan, Yuen Biao, and Sammo Hung for a martial arts comedy that showcases their incredible physical prowess and chemistry. Directed by Sammo Hung, the film transports the trio from Hong Kong to the vibrant streets of Barcelona. They play cousins running a fast-food van who become entangled with a beautiful pickpocket, Sylvia (Lola Forner), whose true identity as an heiress renders her the target of a criminal plot led by the film’s antagonist played by Benny 'The Jet' Urquidez.

The narrative serves largely as a vehicle for a series of exhilarating action scenes and stunts, featuring everything from car chases to complex fight choreography. Jackie Chan delivers standout performances, especially in the gripping final showdown with Urquidez. This climactic battle is lauded for its intensity and technical brilliance, highlighting Chan at his fearless best, complemented by Urquidez’s lightning-fast kicks that lend the film a memorable, high-stakes confrontation.

While the action undeniably shines, the film suffers from inconsistent writing and disjointed editing. The humor often feels forced, with characters exchanging banal dialogues that detract from the overall cohesion. Despite these narrative shortcomings, the pure spectacle of martial arts and physical comedy make "Wheels on Meals" an engaging watch for fans of the genre. The unique Barcelona setting and superb fight sequences, punctuated by the iconic final fight, affirm the film's enduring popularity among martial arts aficionados.

Eureka Entertainment's Blu-ray release of "Wheels on Meals" masterfully revives one of Jackie Chan's most celebrated films. Directed by Sammo Hung, this action-comedy is renowned for its seamless blend of martial arts choreography and comedic elements. The film, often considered an exemplary entry in Chan's illustrious career, showcases spectacular fight sequences, especially in the climactic scenes. The intricate stunts, including a memorable food delivery on a skateboard, exemplify the painstaking effort that went into every frame.

The new 2K remaster from Eureka is commendable, enhancing the picture quality to provide an excellent visual experience. This restoration is arguably one of Eureka's finest, capturing the vivid action with remarkable clarity. Alongside the superior visuals, a variety of impressive audio options enhance the overall viewing experience, catering to both purist and modern preferences. Additionally, the Blu-ray includes a series of insightful, interview-based extras that offer fans behind-the-scenes perspectives and enrich their understanding of the film's production.

This release of "Wheels on Meals" is an essential addition to any Hong Kong martial arts aficionado's collection. Combining top-tier restoration quality with a treasure trove of special features, it stands out among previous Eureka offerings. Often hailed for its inventive choreography and captivating action sequences, this film remains a cornerstone of Jackie Chan's filmography and is guaranteed to delight both long-time fans and newcomers. Highly recommended.