Enter the Dragon 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Warner Bros.' new 4K UHD Blu-ray of Enter the Dragon undergoes a remarkable visual restoration, presenting the classic martial arts film in its best form yet. The film, shot anamorphically on Eastman stock 35mm, benefits immensely from a new 4K digital restoration, optimally scanned in 16-bit resolution. Delivered in native 3840 x 2160p resolution within its original 2.39:1 aspect ratio, the presentation is enhanced by WCG and HDR10 (although Dolby Vision is absent). This meticulous process yields an unparalleled level of detail, notably evident in facial textures and clothing. For instance, the rivets on a Navy helicopter at the 86-minute mark are distinctly sharper in this 4K edition compared to the previous 1080p release. Despite variations in some scenes, such as Saxon's golfing scene which remains soft, the overall improvement in sharpness and detail is noticeable.

Color grading and contrast receive substantial upgrades in this UHD release. The HDR10 pass significantly boosts color richness and intensity, with vivid hues readily apparent from the opening scene of monks in brilliantly saturated robes. Skin tones exhibit enhanced shading with beads of sweat glistening more realistically. The HDR application further refines contrast, showcasing more distinct highlights and detailed shadows without overt brightness—achieving a Max Frame Average Light Level of 216 nits. Grain structure is better preserved and presented uniformly across scenes, contributing to a consistent filmic texture without digital noise reduction or manipulation. However, notable compression artifacts occasionally manifest, predominantly during sequences like the transition scene involving a junk boat departing Hong Kong. Such instances aside, this edition markedly elevates the film's visual fidelity above previous releases.

The sophisticated new encode employs the HEVC/H.265 video codec, averaging in the high 40mbps range—a step below some prior releases but still effective for most of the content. Both the Special Edition and Theatrical cuts appear on the same BD100 disc rather than employing seamless branching, placing additional pressure on disc space and resulting in occasional minor macroblocking and black crush in dimly lit scenes. Despite these pockets of compression issues, Enter the Dragon shines with a vivacity unseen in earlier iterations, transforming this classic into a visually striking experience suitable for both long-time fans and new viewers alike.

The new Dolby Atmos mix for the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Enter the Dragon" significantly enhances the original audio experience, delivering a remarkably immersive and dynamic soundscape. The remix effectively broadens the soundstage, integrating a substantial amount of low-level ambience and off-camera sounds while maintaining the integrity of the original score by Lalo Schifrin. The music now benefits from increased definition and a natural depth, which complements the thematic elements of the film beautifully. This improved audio track capitalizes on sharp sound directionality and effective use of low-end frequencies, making fight scenes more impactful and engaging without adding unnecessary modern effects.

Dialogue clarity is generally excellent, though occasionally it appears a tad lower than the rest of the atmospheric and musical elements. This is likely due to the inherent limitations of ADR dubbing from the post-production phase. Nonetheless, dialogue remains clean and free from hiss. The overhead channels are selectively employed for added immersive effects, such as aircraft flyovers and ambient noises, enhancing the viewer's engagement without overwhelming the classic material.

For purists, Warner Bros. has thankfully included the original mono mix in DTS-HD MA 2.0 format, which offers a balanced presentation true to the film's historical release. This track retains the film's original essence while cleaning up prevalent issues like crackle and hiss. Although it lacks the expansive depth and power of the Atmos track, it remains a valuable option for those wanting an unadulterated audio experience. Both audio presentations—Atmos and mono—are superbly done, ensuring that all audiences can appreciate the film in their preferred format.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Enter the Dragon" disappointingly recycles existing extras from previous editions, retaining only two key supplements: an audio commentary and an introduction by Linda Lee Cadwell. The archival commentary features producer Paul Heller and writer Michael Allin, but it is notably dry and disjointed due to Allin participating via phone. This track offers some technical insights but introduces no new information. The video introduction by Bruce Lee's widow, Linda Lee Cadwell, runs just over two minutes and provides a brief yet comprehensive explanation of the film's restored scenes and their significance. While the retention of these features may appease some, the lack of any new content is a missed opportunity for this classic's 50th anniversary release.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction by Linda Lee Cadwell: Bruce Lee’s widow provides context on the restored scenes.
• Audio Commentary: Producer Paul Heller and writer Michael Allin discuss technical aspects and trivia.

"Enter the Dragon," Bruce Lee’s seminal 1973 film, continues to captivate audiences into its 51st year. Directed by Robert Clouse and produced by Warner Bros., the movie is a superb concoction of martial arts action, '70s blaxploitation, and espionage elements akin to a James Bond film. The plot follows Lee, John Saxon, and Jim Kelly as they infiltrate a criminal warlord’s island under various personal and professional agendas. Lee's mission entails dismantling a drug and prostitution ring, a quest entwined with avenging his sister's death. Despite sharing the narrative spotlight with Saxon and Kelly, Lee’s magnetic presence and unparalleled martial arts skill dominate the screen.

Bruce Lee's fight choreography in "Enter the Dragon" stands as a testament to his mastery, blending lightning-fast movements with serene control. His performance eschews the wire-fu and overly choreographed sequences of earlier martial arts films for more naturalistic, brutal, and fluid combat. The film’s allure is further enhanced by its vibrant '70s aesthetic, marked by funky scores from Lalo Schifrin and the exotic settings of Han's island fortress. Although not free from flaws—Clouse's occasional misstep like filming Lee’s fight scenes in slow motion—the overall direction delivers several unforgettable set pieces, notably the ultimate showdown against Han in a hall of mirrors.

Starring alongside Lee, Saxon provides a morally complex gambler and Kelly adds significant '70s cool as a jive-talking ladies' man. This broad ensemble approach contributes to the film's enduring appeal across various demographics. Despite any shortcomings in its acting or script depth, "Enter the Dragon" remains an archetype of the martial arts genre. With its groundbreaking portrayal of Eastern martial arts philosophy infused into a gritty narrative about crime and revenge, it catapulted Bruce Lee into international stardom and established an indelible cultural legacy.

"Enter the Dragon" represents a monumental landmark in martial arts cinema, and Warner Bros. has honored its 50th anniversary with a stellar 4K Ultra HD release. This set encapsulates the film's timeless appeal through its masterful restoration, showcasing an impressive HDR10 presentation complemented by a highly immersive Dolby Atmos soundtrack. The visual fidelity breathes new life into Robert Clouse's iconic direction, while the audio track highlights every punch, kick, and dramatic moment with pristine clarity. The 2.39:1 HEVC aspect ratio and the Dolby Atmos (Dolby TrueHD 7.1 Core) track elevate the viewing experience significantly beyond previous releases.

However, this release is not without its shortcomings. Most notably, Warner Bros.' decision to exclude many previously available special features is a significant drawback. This means die-hard fans who already own older editions for their abundant extras might need to retain those versions in addition to this 4K disc. That said, the studio's treatment of the main feature guarantees a film experience that stands head and shoulders above any previously offered home media editions.

"Enter the Dragon" remains an enduring classic that brilliantly showcases Bruce Lee's unparalleled charisma and martial prowess. This 4K UHD edition serves justice to the film's historic legacy, making it an essential addition to any cinephile or martial arts enthusiast's collection. Despite the lack of comprehensive supplementary materials, the exceptional video and audio quality ensure this release is highly recommended for both new viewers and long-time fans alike. The film is available as a standalone release and as part of the Warner Bros. 100th Anniversary Studio Collection, further solidifying its place as a quintessential piece of cinema history.