The Project A Collection 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "The Project A Collection" on 4K UHD Blu-Ray offers a visually engaging experience that showcases both films' stylistic evolution. The original "Project A," filmed in 1983, reflects the filmmaking constraints of its time, with a visual approach reminiscent of the 70s despite its 80s release date. Shot predominantly with wide-angle lenses and maintaining long takes, the film eschews elaborate shot composition in favor of authenticity, enhancing the veracity of its acclaimed stunts. This choice adds a raw aesthetic charm that complements Jackie Chan's physical storytelling. By contrast, "Project A Part II," filmed in 1987, demonstrates a more refined cinematic touch, with improved film stock quality and richer colors, aligning more closely with its era’s visual standards.

The 4K UHD presentation significantly elevates the viewing experience through Dolby Vision HDR grading, amplifying the vibrant period costumes seen throughout both films. This enhanced color spectrum fully utilizes modern display capabilities, rendering greens, purples, reds, and blues with striking clarity and vibrancy. Both movies exhibit a characteristic film grain that maintains the original texture and authenticity, enveloping the visuals in a nostalgic yet polished finish.

While neither film achieves the pinnacle of cinematographic beauty often associated with high-budget productions, 88 Films' meticulous work on the UHD transfers is evident. Details remain scant regarding whether these films were remastered from their original 35mm negatives, yet the sharpness and detail witnessed in these updates imply such a possibility. The combined aesthetic and technical enhancements ensure that the "Project A" films are delivered in their most pristine form to date, offering both long-time fans and new viewers an impressive visual journey.

The audio presentation of "The Project A Collection" on 4K UHD Blu-Ray offers an impressive array of sound options, including newly-commissioned Dolby Atmos mixes and DTS-HD MA mono mixes for both "Project A" and "Project A Part II". The latter also includes alternate Japanese version mixes to the mono version. These mixes cater to both purists and audiophiles looking for a contemporary auditory experience.

The DTS-HD MA mono mix delivers an authentic soundscape for those who prefer the original audio. It excels with its crisp and complex layering, ensuring clarity, particularly during intense action sequences. Dialogue remains distinct and prioritized, preserving the films' narratives amidst vibrant sound environments.

In contrast, the Dolby Atmos mixes are crafted with phenomenal precision. They maintain fidelity to the original mono mixes while expanding into a multi-dimensional 3D soundscape. "Project A" is slightly more adventurous with its use of rear speakers, while "Project A Part II" holds a conservative approach. Both films, however, adeptly use front-stage sound expansion into height speakers, creating a symphonic, half-dome envelope of sound. The subtle yet precise employment of effects, particularly in rear height speakers, offers an immersive and at times startling auditory experience. The mixes surpass typical surround setups by utilizing their capacity to project sounds far beyond the confines of traditional speaker layouts, elevating the listening experience substantially.

Overall, the audio in this collection presents a remarkable dual offering: it ensures purists have access to pristine original mixes while providing an unparalleled immersive experience for those equipped with Atmos-enabled systems. The Dolby Atmos implementation stands out for its nuanced execution, thus enriching the cinematic engagement.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Project A Collection" by 88 Films is a comprehensive package that offers a wealth of extras for aficionados of Jackie Chan and Hong Kong cinema. This set stands out with its inclusion of multiple film versions, enriching the viewing experience. Notable supplementary content includes insightful commentaries by Frank Djeng and FJ DeSanto, both standalone and together, enhancing the understanding of both films’ cultural and cinematic contexts. The Taiwanese cut and shorter international version provide fresh perspectives on the iconic narratives. The disc also boasts an array of interviews with key figures such as Mars Cheung and Yuen Biao, adding historical context to these cult classics. The deluxe packaging is complemented by a 100-page booklet, double-sided posters, and collectible art cards, making it an essential collector's item.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Frank Djeng and FJ DeSanto: Provides expert insights into both films.
• Lunar New Year Introduction by Jackie Chan: A brief 3-minute introduction by Chan himself.
• New Interview with Stunt Double Mars Cheung: An in-depth 14-minute discussion with Cheung.
• Project Collector with Paul Dre: A look into Jackie Chan memorabilia.
• Outtakes: 24 minutes of deleted scenes and bloopers.
• Interview with Anthony Carpio: A 25-minute interview delving into the film's production.
• Someone will Know Me – Archival Documentary: Featuring Jackie Chan and his stunt team.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Project A Collection" showcases the defining moments of Jackie Chan's illustrious career, presenting films that cemented his unique standing in martial arts cinema. Chan's distinctive combination of audacious stunts and lighthearted comedy finds an ideal platform here, as "Project A" and its sequel are monumental in his filmography. The first film, a pioneering effort, irrevocably elevated Chan’s brand of action-comedy, featuring meticulously rehearsed yet naturalistic fight sequences that drew comparisons to cinematic legends like Buster Keaton and Harold Lloyd. Not just content with martial derring-do, Chan’s charm comes to life in this version, complete with nostalgic commentary that underscores his evolution as both an actor and a director.

In "Project A Part II," Chan demonstrates his growth, not just as a performer but as a storyteller. Released four years after its predecessor, the sequel intensifies everything fans loved about the original. While it lacks the dynamic trio of Chan, Yuen Biao, and Sammo Hung, Chan carries the film with deft precision in choreography and action set pieces, exhibiting one breathtaking stunt after another. The cinematography achieves newfound complexity, enhancing the narrative's mature tone, while never veering away from the high-spirited escapism viewers cherish. The physical comedy and innovative action scenes surpass expectations—integrating elements like blooper reels and theme songs sung by Chan—ensuring these films are both technical marvels and pure entertainment.

The packaging of the 4K UHD release matches the grandeur of its content, featuring a comprehensive collector’s book and original poster replicas. Such meticulous attention to product design complements the stellar remastering of this iconic franchise, making this set an essential acquisition for those seeking to explore one of cinema’s most beloved action heroes. Packed with depth and flair, this collection is an invaluable tribute to Jackie Chan’s legendary artistry.

88 Films has excelled with the release of "The Project A Collection" in 4K UHD, presenting a comprehensive package that caters to both casual viewers and hardcore Jackie Chan enthusiasts. The films are expertly graded in Dolby Vision, delivering stunning visuals that highlight Chan’s captivating action sequences in glorious detail. Complementing this visual treat is the newly-commissioned Dolby Atmos audio mix, which provides an immersive sound experience, enhancing the films' dynamic action and comedic timing.

The packaging is as commendable as the content, marking this release as a collector's item. Included with the 4K UHD discs are 1080p copies, which not only serve those without 4K setups but also feature additional supplementary material, offering fans an enriched exploration into the films' backgrounds and production. While the 4K discs exhibit some heavy grain, it adds to the authenticity of the original film stock, preserving the gritty charm of these iconic works.

In conclusion, 88 Films’ dedication shines through in every facet of this release, from exceptional restoration to enriching content. For anyone seeking to experience Jackie Chan's rise to international stardom, this collection is indispensable. With both technical brilliance and thoughtful inclusions, "The Project A Collection" stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Chan's filmography, making it a recommended purchase for any enthusiast.