Wild Search Blu-ray Review
伴我闖天涯 Ban wo chuang tian ya | Eureka Classics
Score: 63
from 2 reviewers
Review Date:
Wild Search offers a pleasing blend of romance and action in a solid Blu-ray transfer, though it's more sentimental than energetic action fans might prefer.
Disc Release Date
Video: 58
The Blu-ray release of 'Wild Search' from Eureka Entertainment features a 1080p, AVC encoded presentation in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. While the image maintains a filmic look with stable colors and no print damage, the source master reveals issues with odd framing and noisy grain, impacting overall visual coherence.
Audio: 73
The Blu-ray of 'Wild Search' offers a commendable audio presentation with Cantonese LPCM Mono at 48kHz, 24-bit, showcasing excellent clarity, sharpness, and dynamic handling of action scenes, while English subtitles are clear, albeit swift for slower readers.
Extra: 51
The Blu-ray extras of 'Wild Search' are standard for Eureka Classics, with highlights including an insightful new audio commentary by Frank Djeng on the film's production, an archival interview with Roy Cheung, and a comprehensive 70-minute interview with voice-over artist Simon Broad, supplemented by a detailed collector's booklet.
Movie: 66
Ringo Lam's Wild Search intriguingly fuses action and melodrama, its cinematic intensity offset by conventional romance, with Andrew Law's cinematography emphasizing dynamic shootouts yet overshadowed by the film's emotive, albeit inconsistent narrative—a daring, genre-blending showcase for Chow Yun-Fat.
Video: 58
Ringo Lam's 1989 film "Wild Search" debuts on UK Blu-ray courtesy of Eureka Entertainment's Classics line, presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio with a 1080p AVC-encoded transfer. While the release offers a generally filmic quality, thanks to natural medium-sized grain and absence of print damage, inconsistencies remain. Despite not being listed as restored, the transfer exhibits no signs of digital interference or additional sharpening, suggesting some underlying image care. However, the source master shows its age and limitations. The master leads to challenging issues around framing, which compromises critical visual content—particularly toward the upper frame—a disappointing flaw that hinders the presentation's integrity.
Further technical scrutiny reveals issues in image delineation and depth, resulting in underwhelming darker sequences and variable grain density that become apparent on larger screens. Although color stability is maintained, there are deficiencies in saturation and balance, contributing to an uneven viewing experience. The presentation also suffers from minor stability concerns with intermittent shakiness and disparate frame transitions noticeable throughout. While the release appears devoid of major debris or damage, these inherent issues emphasize the need for a more comprehensive remastering process to enhance its home viewing quality.
In summary, this Blu-ray edition of "Wild Search" delivers an authentic film-like look, albeit with discernible shortcomings due to its outdated source material. Potential purchasers should be aware of the Region-B locking requirement, necessitating a compatible player for access. Overall, while the disc's presentation captures a degree of authenticity desired by purists, its visual setbacks may deter home theater enthusiasts seeking pristine visual fidelity.
Audio: 73
The Blu-ray release of "Wild Search" offers two standard audio tracks—Cantonese: LPCM Mono (48kHz, 24-bit) and English: LPCM Mono (48kHz, 24-bit). The Cantonese track is notably crisp and sharp, delivering clear dialogue that remains easy to follow. The soundtrack impressively handles action sequences, with gunfire and car chases executed with dynamic intensity, despite the absence of low-frequency effects (LFE). The single speaker origins are perceptible, but the depth and character of the audio quality suggest a well-crafted sound experience.
Optional English subtitles accompany the main feature, characterized by excellent translation though they move quickly, potentially challenging slower readers. The English dub is provided but retains a lesser preference compared to the authentic Cantonese mono track. Audio clarity persists throughout, with a commendable performance during fast-paced scenes underscoring Lowell Lo’s jazzy synth-backed score. The technical execution ensures a polished listening experience that belies its LPCM Mono origins.
Extras: 51
The extras on the Blu-ray release of "Wild Search" deliver a comprehensive dive into the film's production and broader cultural context. The commentary by Frank Djeng stands out, providing in-depth insights into the filmmaking process and the significant era from which the film emerged, alongside detailed exploration of its stars' evolving careers. The archival interview, "Roy Cheung on Fire," offers a candid discussion with actor Roy Cheung on his collaboration with director Ringo Lam, detailing his character preparation and relationship with fellow star Chow Yun-Fat. "The Doyen of Dubbers" presents an engaging conversation with Simon Broad, who shares his prolific experience as an English-language dubber in Hong Kong. The disc also includes a collector's booklet featuring new essays by David West.
Extras included in this disc:
- Commentary: New audio commentary by Frank Djeng focused on the film's production and star careers.
- Roy Cheung on Fire: Archival interview discussing Roy Cheung’s background and collaborations.
- The Doyen of Dubbers: Interview with Simon Broad on his career as a dubber moderated by Frank Djeng.
- Booklet: Collector's booklet with new writings by David West.
Movie: 66
"Wild Search," directed by Ringo Lam, presents a compelling blend of action and romance that showcases the versatility of Hong Kong cinema. Often misinterpreted as a softer film due to its romantic elements, it nonetheless maintains Lam's renowned forte for action, underscored by the chaotic yet grounded shootouts that open the film. The intersection of tense shootouts with a heart-wrenching family drama where Detective Lau, played by Chow Yun-Fat, finds himself caring for a young girl after her mother's tragic death, demonstrates an intricate narrative weave. This three-year-old, portrayed with remarkable charm, becomes the pivot around which themes of corruption, illegal arms trade, and turbulent courtship revolve.
The interactions between Lau and Cherie Chung's character, Cher, provide a deep dive into the human aspects of the film. Set against a backdrop of corporate and criminal intrigue, their budding romance brings forth elements often unseen in typical action fare, merging gentle romantic comedy beats with scenes of intense action. This weaving together of disparate genres is handled with deftness typical of Hong Kong cinema, although it creates moments where pacing seems inconsistent. Such tonal shifts might unsettle viewers who expect an undiluted action flick or a straightforward romance but ultimately find harmony in their divergence.
Despite its narrative ambitions, "Wild Search" occasionally falters in balancing the sentimental trajectory with its action sequences. Chow Yun-Fat shines in his role, albeit presenting an atypical vulnerability that diverges from his usual action star persona. His nuanced performance highlights a complex character straddling lines between a protector and a lover amidst dramatic familial obligations and threats from external foes. While not entirely seamless in its genre transitions, "Wild Search" remains an engaging feature that leverages its cast's charisma and Lam's directorial prowess to navigate its ambitious blend of genre elements.
Total: 63
Ringo Lam's 1989 film "Wild Search" showcases a unique fusion of romance and action, diverging slightly from the director's more straightforward action ventures. Known for his signature style in films like "City on Fire," Lam crafts a narrative in "Wild Search" that is enriched by atypical genre elements, including an endearing performance by a young child actor, adding an unexpected charm to the film. Although the film may not prioritze adrenaline-pumping sequences, it provides a fresh exploration within its genre, standing out as a notable piece for those seeking variety beyond traditional action tropes.
The Blu-ray release by Eureka Entertainment is distinct in its presentation and packaging. While the transfer of the film offers an opportunity to relive Lam’s work, it is not without flaws, being sourced from an older, somewhat unstable master. This may be a consideration for collectors and enthusiasts who value optimal visual fidelity in their media collection. The additional features included in this release, however, enhance the overall experience, offering a deeper dive into the film's context and creation.
In conclusion, "Wild Search" on Blu-ray presents a compelling film that may not cater to purists of Lam's action-centric catalog but provides an engaging viewing experience nonetheless. For those open to a blend of tender storytelling amidst fleeting action moments, this release offers a refreshing perspective. Potential buyers may benefit from testing the Blu-ray prior to purchase due to the noted quality of its source material. Ultimately, Eureka's release affords a nuanced exploration of Ringo Lam's versatility in storytelling.
avforums review by Mark CostelloRead review here
Video: 70
a very solid presentation From its opening scenes, we’re given a very authentic and filmic looking image – the medium size grain is natural looking and I didn’t spot any instances of it frozen across the...
Audio: 70
Obviously, there’s no real LFE to provide a thunderous underpinning, but the depth and character of the track belies its single speaker origins. ......
Extras: 50
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Movie: 70
at me were what was needed slap bang in the middle of a tale of corporate corruption, illegal arms smuggling and Chow Yun Fat being so damned cool he even manages to make his polar neck/shirt/cardigan/over-sized...
Total: 70
Ringo Lam, he of QT’s favourite City on Fire and countless other heroic bloodshed classics, delivers a very pleasing blend of romance and action with 1989's Wild Search, featuring the coolest three-year-old...
Blu-ray.com review by Dr. Svet AtanasovRead review here
Video: 60
Usually, the missing information is in the upper part of the frame, but there are likely some other balance issues as well....
Audio: 90
During the action footage dynamic intensity was quite nice as well, though I would not be surprised if eventually the audio is remastered and dynamic balance becomes slightly better....
Extras: 60
The Doyen of Dubbers - in this new video interview, voice-over artist Simon Broad discusses his journey from New Zealand to Hong Kong and prolific career as an English-language dubber in the local film...
Movie: 70
It is not that its story isn't good, but once Chow Yun-Fat and Cherie Chung's characters connect the action and the romance begin competing and as a result erode its integrity....
Total: 60
This recent release from Eureka Entertainment is sourced from an old and shaky master, so if you decide that you want to have it in your collection, find a way to rent and test it first....
Director: Ringo Lam
Actors: Chow Yun-Fat, Cherie Chung, Roy Cheung
PlotIn a bustling Hong Kong, an officer from the Royal Hong Kong Police, dedicated yet haunted by past experiences, finds himself embroiled in a complex case after a daring arms deal goes awry. The failed transaction leaves one suspect dead and a young girl, the victim’s daughter, orphaned and alone. As the officer delves deeper into the investigation, he discovers the girl’s mother, who quickly becomes a person of interest due to her tangential involvement in the deal. Despite initial skepticism about her role, he begins to see her more as an unwilling participant rather than a criminal, igniting both professional and personal compulsion to protect her and unravel the truth. Their fates intertwine amid a backdrop of mounting tension and danger.
As the investigation intensifies, they are drawn into a web of deception and betrayal involving dangerous criminals and corrupt officials. Their tentative trust is continually tested as they navigate increasingly treacherous situations. As they dig deeper, they must confront not only external threats but also personal demons that threaten to jeopardize their fragile alliance. Intrigue grows as they race against time to uncover the broader conspiracy and find justice for all parties involved. The narrative unfolds with growing intensity, showcasing themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the complex nature of law and morality. The two must navigate myriad adversaries while constantly grappling with their evolving relationship in a world thrust into disarray by greed and violence.
Writers: Yin Nam
Release Date: 03 Jun 1989
Runtime: 98 min
Rating: N/A
Country: Hong Kong
Language: Japanese, Cantonese, Mandarin, English