I have to say I haven't been excited in recent years for the release of many films, but 88 Films have really got my excitement bubbling again (at time of writing, Jan 2019)! Restoring a host of Shaw Brothers classics to begin with, they have now released a number of Jackie Chan's classic Lo Wei films with 2k/4k clean-ups, original language options, and in glorious widescreen... And I couldn't be happier!
While not loaded with extras, the disc is presented beautifully - from the artwork on the slipcase, to the film itself. Stunning in colour, and as crisp as could be for a Hong Kong film from the 70's. Keep in mind, film reels in Hong Kong weren't really looked after well until the mid 90's, proving to be too late for some. Thankfully, 88 Films include the original film trailer on the disc. I urge you to watch this first (on all their releases) before getting into the film as the difference will impress you even more.
As for the film itself - I've still got the UK video tape release from the early 80's, and as like every other kung fu film from then it was presented in the square 4:3 ratio. This made us lose a lot visually of what we should have been seeing, often convincing reviewers and critics to slam Hong Kong film for poor cinematography - something 88 Films has helped prove, was not the case!
Dragon Fist, as with many other Lo Wei releases, is actually beautifully shot. The widescreen presentation provides some wonderfully colourful, well shot scenes, and allows us to take in the full glory of Jackie's brilliantly choreographed fight scenes. While not perfect, fans can see where the skill of a young master Chan was going as a fight director and actor. His battles shift from one-on-one fights to group fights, highlighting the skills of each martial artist on-screen and entertaining with some very impressive moves. Eagle-eyed viewers will catch when Jackie artfully doubles others for more intricate moves and stunt work, though it never detracts from what's going on.
Pearl Lin is equally as impressive as her co-stars, and almost steals the show each time she lets loose on-screen. Kung Fu movie legend Yen Shi Kwan (Fearless Hyena; Once Upon A Time In China) is as impressive as always, although rests for a lot of the film letting his henchmen James Tien and Eagle Han Ying fight for him.
Originally shot in Mandarin and before Jackie's success with Snake In The Eagles Shadow & Drunken Master, this under-rated classic was redubbed in Cantonese and released a few years later with Chan now a massive star! 88 Films provides (both in mono and 5.1) all options for how you want to hear it, with Mandarin, Cantonese and the early 80's English dub.
Overall: Heavy on the drama with rarely a laugh to be had, Dragon Fist is a fantastic piece of kung fu cinema with some fantastic fight scenes and performances from all that is just waiting to be rediscovered.
