High-Octane Thrills Meet Hilarious Spills

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MOVIE REVIEW
The Project A Collection: 4 Disc Deluxe Limited Edition [4k Ultra HD +Blu-ray]
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Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Martial Arts
Year Released: 1983 / 1987, 2024 88 Films 4K
Runtime: 1h 45m / 1h 41m
Director(s): Jackie Chan, Sammo Kam-Bo Hung
Writer(s): Jackie Chan, Edward Tang, Yu Ting
Cast: Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, Yuen Biao, Dick Wei, Bill Tung, Carina Lau, David Lam, Herman Kwan, Isabella Wong, Lee Hoi-Sang, Maggie Cheung, Mars, Ray Lui, Regina Kent, Rosamund Kwan, Tai Bo
Where To Watch: available October 15, 2024; pre-order your copy here www.88-films.myshopify.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Jackie Chan's action-packed PROJECT A series takes us on a thrilling ride through 19th-century Hong Kong with a unique blend of daring action and infectious comedy. In the dual roles of co-director/co-writer and star, Chan crafts a world where high-seas adventure meets urban chaos. As Dragon Ma, Chan is the quintessential hero, navigating tumultuous waters and bustling streets with equal parts. He's joined by a dynamic ensemble cast, including the likes of Sammo Hung, Hak Suen Lau, and Biao Yuen, who help Dragon Ma take on the formidable pirate leader Sanpao, played by Dick Wei with a deliciously villainous flair. The series promises and delivers a full-throttle cinematic journey packed with perilous escapades and moments that will have you chuckling in your seat.

From the outset, PROJECT A grips the audience with its ambitious scope and dynamic execution. Chan's roots in the Peking Opera School are evident in every meticulously crafted fight sequence, particularly in standout scenes like the energetically staged bicycle chase that morphs a mundane pursuit into an exhilarating showdown of agility and wit. The movie marries its thrilling action with a respectful nod to silent film legends, exemplified by Chan’s homage to Harold Lloyd during the notorious clock tower stunt. This particular act showcases the sheer physicality of Chan’s performance and his unwavering commitment to the art of stunts despite the inherent risks.

Beyond its spectacle of stunts and laughs, the film engages with its robust character dynamics, injecting soul into the narrative. The camaraderie among the primary trio enriches the plot, elevating it above conventional action narratives and infusing it with a warmth that complements the film’s high-stakes backdrop. Chan’s directorial hand ensures that the storyline remains taut and compelling, though straightforward with its anti-piracy theme, focusing sharply on the protagonists’ valiant efforts.

PROJECT A: PART II shifts gears from seafaring to street-level conflicts as Dragon Ma confronts corruption in Hong Kong’s alleys. This sequel expands the narrative’s complexity, introducing Chun, a corrupt police inspector whose machinations add a new layer of intrigue. Although the absence of Hung and Yuen is felt, the sequel compensates by delving deeper into urban corruption and politics, providing a grounded yet equally energetic continuation of Dragon Ma’s crusade.

However, while PROJECT A: PART II aims to replicate the magic of its predecessor, it falters slightly in its climax. The showdown lacks the intensity and choreographic finesse of the first film’s pirate confrontation, resulting in a battle that, despite its ambition, doesn’t quite hit the mark. The absence of Hung’s choreographic input is particularly noticeable, leading to action sequences that, while still impressive, do not resonate with the same impact.

Despite these hitches, PROJECT A: PART II succeeds as an engaging sequel that weaves more decadent plot threads and deepens its exploration of elements like loyalty and justice. Chan’s performance remains a high point, delivering the humor and dramatic heft that fans expect.

PROJECT A and PROJECT A: PART II highlights Jackie Chan’s martial arts and comedy talents and underscores his adeptness as a filmmaker. These films set a new benchmark in the action-comedy genre, offering a blend of martial arts choreography and genuine comedic moments. Although the sequel may not surpass the original in sheer spectacle, it is an essential piece of Chan’s filmography. It offers a compelling narrative that ensures these films are a must-watch for dedicated action enthusiasts and casual viewers looking for an entertaining cinematic experience.

LIMITED EDITION FEATURES
Rigid Slipcase featuring new art by “Kung Fu” Bob O’Brien
Six double-sided collectible art cards
Double-sided foldout posters for both films
100-page Illustrated collectors’ book featuring Labor of Love: Jackie’s PLAN A Worked Out by Thorsten Boose Project A, No Plan B: A Look into how Project A I & II defined the Jackie Chan 1980s style by Paul Bramhall PLUS Someone Will Know Me an interview with Assistant Director Roberta Chow
Double-sided artwork for both sleeves featuring new art by “Kung Fu” Bob O’Brien & original Hong Kong posters

FEATURES INCLUDE
PROJECT A
Brand new 4K Remaster of the Hong Kong Cut [106 mins] from the Original Negatives presented in Ultra High Definition (2160p) in original 2.39:1 Aspect Ratio with Dolby Vision encoding (HDR10 Compatible)
Brand new 4K Remaster of the Extended Taiwanese Cut [115 mins] from the Original Negatives presented in Ultra High Definition (2160p) in original 2.39:1 Aspect Ratio with Dolby Vision encoding (HDR10 Compatible)
Cantonese & Mandarin-language options in Dolby Atmos and mono with newly translated subtitles and English Mono Dub [Mandarin Inserts during extended scenes in Taiwanese Cut]
New] Audio commentary by Frank Djeng and FJ DeSanto [Hong Kong Cut]
[New] Solo audio commentary by Frank Djeng [Hong Kong Cut]
[New] Interview with Jackie Chan’s Best Stunt Double, Mars Cheung
Dancing With Danger — Interview with Stunt God Mars
Master Killer — Interview with Grandmaster Lee Hoi-san
The Elusive Dragon — Interview with Yuen Biao
The Pirates Den — Interview with Dick Wei
Can’t Stop the Music – Interview with Composer Michael Lai
[New] Project Collector with Paul Dre and Matt Routledge
Plan B — Writer Edward Tang on Project A
Out-takes
Japanese Version Ending
The Making of Project A
Lunar New Year Introduction
Hong Kong Trailer
English Trailer
Stills Gallery

PROJECT A PART II
Brand new 4K Remaster of the Hong Kong Cut [107 mins] from the Original Negatives presented in Ultra High Definition (2160p) in original 2.39:1 Aspect Ratio with Dolby Vision encoding (HDR10 Compatible)
Brand new 4K Remaster of the Export Cut [98 mins] from the Original Negatives presented in Ultra High Definition (2160p) in original 2.39:1 Aspect Ratio with Dolby Vision encoding (HDR10 Compatible)
Cantonese-language options in mono and Dolby Atmos and Mandarin mono with newly translated subtitles [Hong Kong Cut]
English Mono Dub [Export Cut]
[New] Audio commentary by Frank Djeng and FJ DeSanto [Hong Kong Cut]
[New] Interview with Anthony Carpio
The Big Boss — Interview with Chan Wai-Man
Someone Will Know Me — 1988 documentary focusing on three Jackie Chan Stunt Team members.
Japanese Ending
Full-Screen Jackie Chan Recording Session
Hong Kong Trailer
Export Trailer
Tai Seng Trailer
Stills Gallery

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[photo courtesy of 88 FILMS, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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