The Inspector Wears Skirts IV Blu-ray Review

"The Inspector Wears Skirts IV" on Blu-ray is presented with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, showcasing impressive visual fidelity. This release is labeled as utilizing a 2K remaster from the original negatives, which immediately sets a higher expectation than its predecessor. The transfer is notably more consistent, with fewer variances in density and color temperature, particularly enhancing outdoor scenes with vivid vibrancy and a dynamic palette. Occasional instances of wan appearance are present but are notably less pronounced compared to the previous film. Age-related wear is minimally perceptible, with only minor nicks and flecks.

The presentation maintains excellent brightness and robust contrast without diminishing black levels, ensuring an engaging viewing experience. However, inconsistencies in color saturation across scenes are apparent, where the vibrantly presented colors transition to slightly flatter tones. Despite this, color density remains passable with natural hues, albeit with occasional yellowing. The grain structure is stable, yet introduces subtle digital compression artifacts. While these do not significantly detract from the overall definition, particularly in close-ups, they become apparent during wide shots. A particularly steamy sequence presents challenges due to fog, impacting resolution.

Overall, "The Inspector Wears Skirts IV" delivers a clean scan that upholds pleasing texture and maintains a natural appearance throughout most scenes. The print quality is spot-free, contributing to a refined viewing experience. While some visual inconsistencies are noted, the release stands as a noticeable improvement over its predecessor, providing satisfying video quality that complements the film's dynamic action sequences effectively.

"The Inspector Wears Skirts IV" on Blu-ray offers LPCM 2.0 Mono tracks in both Cantonese and English. While both tracks maintain similar audio fidelity, the Cantonese track is distinguished by a somewhat more dynamic midrange and low end. This minor enhancement, however, does not overcome the pervasive dubbing issues, which result in occasional synchronization lapses. Despite these challenges, dialogue remains clear and comprehensible, ensuring viewers can follow the narrative without distraction. Optional English subtitles are available to accommodate non-Cantonese speakers.

The audio presentation in its original Cantonese is often recommended, despite some concerns. The mono mix delivers a clean soundscape, though it occasionally creates a cluttered auditory experience due to exaggerated low-end responses from both gunfire and dialogue. This can produce an uneven and 'puffy' sound that may detract from the intended auditory clarity. Nonetheless, for purists wanting the original language track, these factors are worth navigating to achieve an authentic listening experience.

Overall, while the audio tracks for "The Inspector Wears Skirts IV" capture the film’s core elements effectively, listeners must be prepared for typical mono mix intricacies. Despite minor sync issues and occasional low-frequency muddiness, the clear dialogue track offers an engaging viewing experience for enthusiasts of classic cinema who seek to retain the film's original tonal qualities.

The Blu-ray release of "The Inspector Wears Skirts IV" offers a sparse selection of extras, yet they are delivered with professionalism and detail. The audio commentary by Frank Djeng stands out as a valuable feature, showcasing his deep knowledge and engaging insights into the film, reflecting his extensive experience in discussing Hong Kong martial arts cinema. Despite Djeng's prolific participation in similar projects, his commentary remains fresh and informative. Additional content includes a Hong Kong trailer and a stills gallery, presented in high definition, which complement the main feature by offering visual extras that allow fans to delve deeper into the film's aesthetic. The physical presentation of the disc is appealing, housed in a keepcase complete with a folded double-sided poster and a slipcover, enhancing its collectibility.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Frank Djeng: Engaging insights from an experienced commentator.
• Hong Kong Trailer: Original promotional material available in HD.
• Stills Gallery: A curated collection of images presented in HD.

"The Inspector Wears Skirts IV" fails to capture the magic of its predecessors, ultimately concluding the series with a discordant blend of action and ill-conceived humor. Despite its faltered attempt at rejuvenating the franchise with a "next generation" theme, it offers some engaging action sequences, notably those reminiscent of Jackie Chan’s style, though Chan himself had no direct involvement. The film opens with an impactful shootout, setting a promising tone that occasionally surfaces throughout the runtime. Cynthia Khan's performance stands out, her fight choreography sharp and well-edited; unfortunately, these moments are sporadic, interspersed with uneven comedic bits that dilute the experience.

The narrative is largely inconsistent, offering a mix of slapstick comedy and extreme scenarios that border on poor taste. The storyline revolves around rebuilding the SKIRTS team but is marred by lengthy comedic skits with minimal relevance to the overall plot. The film’s tonal disarray extends from absurd themes like rocket boots to questionable humor involving laxatives and forced violence, making for uncomfortable viewing. Despite these flaws, a hostage situation towards the end reinvigorates the film, albeit briefly, adding tension and a semblance of purpose before wrapping up with a tension-filled action sequence.

While it attempts to pay homage to its leading women, the movie's underwhelming narrative execution and reliance on bizarre humor ultimately hinder its potential impact. It surpasses its predecessor in certain aspects but still struggles with coherence and tone, ending the series with moments of energy overshadowed by disjointed storytelling. "The Inspector Wears Skirts IV" stands as a curious finale, memorable more for its divergence than success or innovation within the genre.

"The Inspector Wears Skirts IV" offers a satisfying closure to the series with an engaging mix of action and humor. This fourth installment pushes the boundaries with more consistent action sequences, improving upon its predecessors. Despite some peculiar character developments, the film manages to captivate audiences by maintaining a steady pace of entertaining moments throughout. The storyline may feel stretched at times, but it serves as a testament to the filmmakers' desire to keep the series vibrant and entertaining.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation delivers solid audio-visual quality that enhances the viewing experience. The picture maintains a clear and detailed presentation, showcasing sharp visuals with balanced colors. The sound design effectively complements the visuals, providing an immersive experience that accentuates action scenes effectively. Furthermore, Frank Djeng's insightful commentary adds valuable context and depth for viewers interested in exploring the film further.

In conclusion, "The Inspector Wears Skirts IV" is a commendable effort to conclude the series on a high note. While there is an evident effort to keep the franchise alive through this installment, its strength lies in its ability to deliver consistent action and entertainment. Fans of the series will appreciate its efforts to tie up loose ends while new viewers can enjoy it independently for its engaging sequences. Overall, this Blu-ray edition is a worthwhile addition for action-comedy enthusiasts, offering entertainment bolstered by robust technical merits.