Paradox Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Paradox" by Well Go USA encapsulates the expected visual quality of their releases, featuring a 2.39:1 framed AVC encoded 1080p transfer. The film, reportedly shot using Arri Alexa cameras and finished with a 2K DI, exhibits a well-detailed and sharp image that balances an urban grittiness with a glossy allure. Although the transfer experiences the common banding issues inherent to many Well Go USA releases, clarity and fine detail remain standout features, particularly in close-up shots where facial textures and clothing intricacies are vividly rendered.

The movie’s color grading transitions seamlessly between typical greyish hues and a bronzed tone that adds a golden glow to skin tones. Outdoor scenes in Thailand take full advantage of natural lighting, with aquamarine blues and sunlit environments captured stunningly. However, some scenes exhibit a slight blue or purple tint - though overall, the color palette remains fresh and natural. Black levels perform adequately, though it is in these darker scenes where banding becomes most noticeable, especially during fades and sudden shifts in lighting. Despite these minor imperfections, "Paradox" manages to deliver a visually engaging experience that aligns with Well Go USA's consistent quality benchmarks.

The audio presentation of "Paradox" on Blu-Ray impresses with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks available in both Cantonese and English. While the overall amplitude and mix consistency are notable across both tracks, the Cantonese version excels particularly in surround activity and fidelity. Ambient sounds in bustling urban scenes are meticulously placed, fostering an immersive experience. However, the Cantonese dialogue track does occasionally exhibit loose sync, potentially due to multilingual interactions during the shoot, yet the high quality of audio fidelity largely compensates for this minor flaw.

The English dub, while lacking the authentic voice acting prowess of the original language track, still holds up in terms of sound clarity and environmental audio effects. The consistent rendering of dialogue and ambient noise, such as traffic and crowd sounds, adds to the film’s engaging atmosphere. Despite the occasional synchronization issues mentioned in the Cantonese version, both tracks ensure that viewers are enveloped in the sonic landscape of "Paradox," making the Blu-Ray a commendable audio experience overall.

The Blu-ray extras for "Paradox" offer an engaging and comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at the film. Despite the brief duration of each featurette, they collectively provide a deeper understanding of the storytelling process, character development, and the intricacies of action scene choreography. The direction-related segments also shine a spotlight on the creative minds behind the project. The trailers section offers a mix of teaser and main trailers, with a peculiar observation that the teaser is slightly longer than the main trailer, both of which automatically lead into other Well Go USA trailers at disc boot-up. As a helpful note, viewers will appreciate the seamless playback of all extras, eliminating the need for manual navigation.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Story: Insight into the narrative elements of "Paradox."
• The Characters: Overview of character development.
• Action Scenes: Behind-the-scenes of action sequences.
• The Director and Action Director: Focus on directorial vision.
• Teaser Trailer: Promotional teaser.
• Main Trailer: Official full-length trailer.

"Paradox" (2017), marketed as a stand-alone film, is actually the third installment in the "Kill Zone" (SPL) series. The movie continues the franchise’s tradition of gritty storytelling with heavy doses of action and complex moral undertones. The plot follows Hong Kong police officer Lee Chung Chi (Louis Koo), who embarks on a relentless quest to find his kidnapped daughter, Lee Wing Chi (Hanna Chan), navigating through a labyrinth of organ traffickers, corrupt police officers, and seedy criminals in Thailand. The inclusion of actors from previous SPL films, albeit in different roles, adds a familiar yet fresh dynamic to the narrative. The action sequences, choreographed by Sammo Hung, are notable for their brutality and realism, standing out even though the film leans more towards dark crime drama than pure action fare.

The film delves deep into themes of corruption and moral ambiguity. Unlike typical hero-centric tales, "Paradox" is unafraid to portray its characters in varying shades of ethical gray. This is exemplified in the tragic arc of Lee Chung Chi, whose initial familial turbulence involving his daughter's teenage pregnancy is compounded by her abduction. As he doggedly pursues her captors, he joins forces with local detective Chui Kit (Wu Yue) and his partner Tak (Tony Jaa), each battling their own personal struggles. The narrative is surprisingly philosophical at points, questioning fate and coincidence, especially as it unfolds that Wing Chi's kidnapping was a result of her being in the wrong place at the wrong time—a theme underscored by several intensely dramatic scenes.

While "Paradox" intricately ties multiple plot lines—ranging from organ harvesting to political corruption and filial piety—the film sometimes suffers from an overabundance of coincidences and subplots, which can border on convoluted. Despite these complexities, the movie maintains an engaging intensity, propelled by Wilson Yip's direction and the emotionally charged performances of its cast. The end result is a gripping crime thriller that surprises with its unpredictable narrative twists and keeps viewers on edge with its unapologetically brutal action scenes.

"Paradox," the third entry in the "Kill Zone" franchise, steers away from its predecessors' formula, weaving a bleaker and more tragic storyline. This shift in narrative focus, away from just martial arts spectacle, introduces an intriguing twist that will captivate audiences. Louis Koo delivers a compelling performance, elevating the film's overall quality despite its modest ambitions. The inclusion of high-energy sequences choreographed by Sammo Hung injects an undeniable vitality, ensuring it remains thrilling throughout.

Technically, the Blu-ray from Well Go USA excels. The visual presentation, framed in a 2.39:1 AVC aspect ratio, boasts sharp clarity and detail. Audio options are robust, with Cantonese and English DTS-HD MA 5.1 tracks providing an immersive auditory experience, rounded out by dual DD 2.0 tracks for both languages. For those who need them, subtitles are available in English and simplified Mandarin. Although the special features are somewhat sparse, the exceptional video and audio quality more than compensate.

Like the other two "Kill Zone" films, "Paradox" doesn’t come with any major connection to the previous entries besides some shared actors. However, it stands as an exciting addition to the franchise. The transition to a more somber and intricate story line, combined with strong performances—particularly from Louis Koo—enhances its appeal. Despite the limited bonus content on the disc, this Blu-ray offers a compelling visual and auditory experience. "Paradox" is a fun action thriller that showcases the best of Asian cinema, making it highly recommended for enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.

Technical Specifications: Starring: Louis Koo, Tony Jaa, Yue Wu, Ka Tng Lam Directed by: Wilson Yip Written by: Nick Cheuk, Lai-Yin Leung Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 AVC Audio: Cantonese: DTS-HD MA 5.1, English DTS-HD MA 5.1, Cantonese, English DD 2.0 Subtitles: English, Mandarin (Simplified) Studio: Well Go USA Rated: NR Runtime: 100 minutes Blu-Ray Release Date: May 8th, 2018