Project A 2 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD video presentation of "Project A Part II," released by 88 Films, offers an impressive visual experience with its HEVC / H.265 encoded 2160p transfer in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. While the transfer generally impresses with its clarity and crispness, there are minor deviations in color timing, occasionally skewing towards yellow, with Dolby Vision/HDR introducing a more brownish hue. Despite some rare moments of degraded image quality—such as a noticeable dip in sharpness around the 22:30 mark—the film maintains a consistent overall resolution and detail that capitalize on the 4K medium's capabilities. This occasional lack of focus highlights the increased resolution's stark visibility but remains largely intermittent and not overly distracting.

The enhanced Dolby Vision-powered video deliver sharpness and clarity that stand out, particularly in close-ups revealing intricate facial details and in wide shots showcasing cityscapes with exceptional definition. The grain structure here is notably thicker than in its predecessor, "Project A," yet it remains unobtrusive while preserving the authenticity of the source material. There are instances where diffusion filters impact some scenes, but these quirks are inherent to the original film itself.

Color balance is skillfully executed, achieving a natural appearance and life-like flesh tones with primaries providing a satisfying pop. The dynamic range supported by accentuated brightness infuses the images with vibrancy while maintaining a natural look, optimizing the visual depth. Consistently solid black levels further contribute to the success of this transfer, offering a stable and effective presentation that upholds the film's intended visual expression. This distinct blend of technical prowess and attention to visual detail ensures that "Project A Part II" continues to engage its audience.

The audio presentation of "Project A Part II" on 4K UHD Blu-ray offers a diverse array of audio options primarily centered around multiple Cantonese tracks. It includes a Dolby Atmos Cantonese track and several Cantonese DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono tracks: Original Mono (Hong Kong Mix), Remixed Mono (Hong Kong Mix), and Mono (Japanese Mix). Additionally, there's a Mandarin Remixed Mono track and an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono track for the Export Cut. These options provide viewers with a range of listening experiences, with the Cantonese Remixed Mono track featuring a notably sharper high end compared to the Original Mono.

While the Dolby Atmos track provides a balanced portrayal of the film's soundscape, it does not stand out as a benchmark for audiophile-quality listening due to the inherent limitations of the source material. However, it successfully leverages the surround channels, particularly with scoring and effects, enhancing the cinematic experience by enveloping the viewer in action sequences. Despite minor fidelity issues and minimal low-end presence, the surround elements are employed effectively, enriching both score and action by utilizing spatial channels.

Dialogue clarity remains consistent, although synchronization with on-screen lip movements is occasionally loose, presenting a classic quirk of dubbing practices. The presence of optional English subtitles aids in comprehension, ensuring that language barriers do not hinder the enjoyment of this dynamic audio experience.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Project A 2" provides an impressive array of special features, maintaining a balance of nostalgia and technical depth. Both the Hong Kong and Export versions are presented in stunning 4K with Dolby Vision, offering a comprehensive viewing experience. The engaging audio commentary by Frank Djeng and FJ DeSanto enhances the Hong Kong cut, providing rich insights. Notably, the extras include interviews that offer a deeper dive into the film's production ethos, featuring industry stalwarts like Chan Wai-Man and Anthony Carpio. The archival documentary "Someone Will Know Me" enriches understanding with insider perspectives on Chan’s stunt team. Complemented by various trailers and a stills gallery, this package sufficiently caters to fans and cinephiles alike, making it a compelling collection.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insights by Frank Djeng and FJ DeSanto on the Hong Kong cut.
• An Interview with Anthony Carpio: English-subtitled interview (HD).
• The Big Boss: Interview with Chan Wai Man, subtitled in English.
• Someone Will Know Me: Archival documentary with English voiceover.
• Full Screen Jackie Chan Recording Session: Brief recording session footage.
• Hong Kong Trailer
• Export Trailer
• Tai Seng Trailer
• Stills Gallery

"Project A Part 2" continues the martial arts spectacle with Jackie Chan at its core, further cementing his unique brand of outrageous stunts mixed with breezy humor. With Chan's star on the rise since the original "Project A," this sequel valiantly attempts to replicate its predecessor's success. However, the absence of Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao may contribute to a subtle reduction in its comedic impact. The film ventures into a complex narrative, weaving Dragon Ma's story through a nexus of corrupt officials and a rebellion against the Manchu, while aiming for a textured, ensemble feel by introducing significant female characters played by Maggie Cheung and Carina Lau.

Technically speaking, "Project A Part 2" features jaw-dropping stuntwork, particularly notable in its exhilarating finale, where Chan pays tribute to silent film star Buster Keaton with remarkable sequences like running down a collapsing wall. While some scenes become exercises of patience due to their convoluted nature—such as an overtly crowded comedic sequence at Yesan's home or the meandering ballroom segments—the film’s resolve to entertain shines through in its action-packed moments that characterize Chan's signature style.

The sequel’s audacious vignettes lack the tight plot cohesion of the original, often diverging into land-centric storylines that detach from the maritime theme established previously. Despite this, the film survives on its creative bursts in fight choreography, from spinning-machine combat to ingenious confrontations involving everyday objects. Chan's dedication to humor and bravado—such as engulfing real hot peppers mid-brawl—provides undeniable entertainment value. "Project A Part 2" may not surpass its predecessor in narrative finesse, but it thrives on adrenaline-fueled exploits and quirky charms that remain quintessentially Chan.

The 4K UHD Blu Ray of "Project A 2" presents a mixed bag in terms of both cinematic and technical aspects. Jackie Chan delivers his trademark engaging performance, ensuring that the film remains compelling despite a script that at times struggles with coherence. While this sequel may not completely capture the youthful exuberance of the original "Project A," it boasts a series of exhilarating stunts that highlight Chan's unparalleled physical prowess and creativity.

On the technical side, the 4K UHD presentation is generally effective, but it does fall slightly short compared to the first installment’s release. The film exhibits a notable graininess which might deter some viewers preferring more pristine visuals, though this is largely mitigated with the included 1080p discs. Moreover, the accompanying supplementary material, although not as extensive as the previous offering, remains an engaging addition. Collectors will also appreciate the additional non-disc extras which provide an enticing value proposition.

In summary, "Project A 2" on 4K UHD offers an engaging viewing experience, especially for fans of Jackie Chan's unique blend of action and humor. While it may not fully replicate the magic of its predecessor, its solid array of stunts and decent video quality offer enough appeal. Given the noted issues, it remains a recommended watch for enthusiasts who can appreciate both its cinematic charm and technical craftsmanship.