5 comments about Cleopatra Jones.

1. As bad as a man as Shaft is, he wouldn't play with Cleopatra Jones if he thought for one minute she was on her last nerve, and it was shredding fast.
   
   Tamara Dobson portrays a special agent who is busting up a drug pipeline from Turkey to the United States that is operated by Mommy (Shelley Winters). I hope I don't ruin the ending for you, but keep in mind the movie isn't titled, Mommy.
   
   I always found the film a parody of James Bond and the other tough white heroes back in the day who would gently set the lady aside before punching out the villains, with the hero capturing her heart in the end. Cleopatra Jones disarms the bad guys with her charm, but is also cooking up some knuckle sandwiches to take them out with when the time is right.
   
   Dobson does a great job in a role that may have been nearly impossible to pull off well. Such over-the-top characters have to be difficult to portray - there is a fine line between acting well or making the character the buffoonish Rambo - but Dobson does a great job.
   
   The DVD cover is a pretty poor updated version to the original artwork. The movie is from 1973, not 2003 and the artwork should make that point.
   
   If you are looking for a movie that packs a punch, run quickly away from the usual suspects and get Cleopatra Jones.



2. Simply one of the best, fun and campy, cult films of the 1970's. Even today 2007, this movie is alot of fun. Rest in peace Tamara Dobson, you were and always will be "a whole lotta woman!"



3. The movie was okay. If you like movies from the 70's, then this is another flick to add to your collection. Tamara Dobson is definitly
   one tough sista.



4. I am a fan of blaxploitation flicks, and this one is a classic film. Tamara Dobson is beautiful in this film, and does a terrific job. Everyone in this film did an excellent job. RIP Tamara Dobson.



5. I was a little girl my dad used to take me to the movies and she's the bomb. Plus I got the poster after they took the movie off. To put something else on. Rest in peace Tamara Dobson you #1.

5 comments about Steven Seagal Collection: 4 Film Favorites - Under Siege / The Glimmer Man / Above the Law / Fire Down Below.

1. I have loved Steven Seagal since seeing Above the Law many years ago. I had never heard of him until I watched Siskel and Ebert and they gave that film "two thumbs up." I have been a fan ever since. So when I saw this film combo I had to get it. I was not disappointed. These are some of my favorites. Thanks!



2. My husband enjoyed these DVDs. They all kept him on the edge of his Lazy Boy throughout the whole movie!



3. Being a fan of Steven Seagal, it's not in my nature to disregard something as impassive as a collection of his films, but as for this 4-movie, 2-disc compilation, I'm a bit disappointed.
   
   "Under Siege" and "Above the Law" are necessities of any Seagal assortment: "Under Siege" is both his highest-earning film and the feature he's best-known for, and "Above the Law" is his first movie ever made. In addition, they are both among his most acclaimed pictures (as a matter of fact, they're practically the only ones that weren't trashed by critics).
   
   "The Glimmer Man" and "Fire Down Below", however, are a completely different matter: they're the last films that Seagal starred in before his contract with Warner Bros. ended, and are among the most critically-maligned features of his pre-DTV career.
   
   Since this is a representative package, I wonder what the latter two films are doing in this collection; seeing as the discs were compiled by Warner Bros., I can't understand why "Hard To Kill", "On Deadly Ground", or "Under Siege 2" weren't chosen from the WB library to complete the set, since those films are generally recognized as better Seagal-starring pictures.
   
   In addition, the special features of all of the films are limited: theatrical trailers and production notes are included, but no interviews, behind-the-scenes featurettes, or commentaries are afforded to this album.
   
   What we have here are the barest of essentials: two great Seagal films, two so-so ones, and that's it. While any Seagal is better than none, an alternative box-set also released by WB featuring "Under Siege", Under Siege 2", "Above The Law", and "Hard To Kill" beats this collection out on anything except price.



4. This DVD bundle includes 4 of Segal's best movies. They are the same transfers from the crappy early Warner DVD's. Though, at least here you get them cheaper. It brings Under Siege on one side, you flip the DVD and you have Glimmer Man on the other side of the disc. On the second disc you have Above The Law, you flip that disc and you have Fire Down Below. They all come in 1:85,16X9 widescreen anamorphic. The picture quality is average on most of them. They are all in 5.1 surround except Above The Law which is in Mono.
   
   {Above The Law} (1988)- R- Disc 1 Side 1
   The Story of the movie is a bit confusing for an action movie. As a matter of fact a review said " it contains 50 percent more plot than it needs, but that allows it room to grow in areas not ordinarily covered in action thrillers"(Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times=1988) and its true the movie is in a way unoriginal but it manages to be fresh by keeping the audience thinking and observing who is working for whom. The movie commences in Vietnam with the character of Nico Toscanni, he is recruited by the C.I.A to assist as an observant. Then we see the character as a cop investigating a drug ring. And it seems that everyone Nico busts comes out of jail quickly. Instead of being defended he is asked to back off. So it is obvious something is up...but what? The rest I leave to you to find out. Its a clever story that even though it's been used in various action movies of the 80's and 90's it still brings in a an extra punch. A must own by any Seagal enthusiastic
   
   MY PERSONAL RATING: 3 ½ OUT OF 5
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
   {Fire Down Below} (1997)-R- Disc 1 Side 2
   
   Segal plays Jack Taggart, an agent of the Environmental Protection Agency; and like "On Deadly Ground" Segal has a thing for protecting people from rich industrialist, that only have one thing in mind...to make more money. Taggart arrives in a small town in Kentucky, he posses as a carpenter, interested only in fixing peoples porches and houses. But as we all know Segal is undercover and is ready for some action. In this small town in eastern Kentucky, Someone is dumping toxic waste down the mountains...now that's a big no-no. Taggart begins to question people of the town, if they know of anyone that is involved with the dumping; no one of course can help because they are being watched, and even if they could they're too chicken....So you know what that means..That's right, Seagal is goanna have to save the day from cowards that cant stand up for themselves.
   MY PERSONAL RATING: 3 ½ OUT OF 5
   --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Under Siege-(1992)-R- Disc 2, Side 1
   
   Seagal plays Casey Rayback...he is a cook for battleship USS Missouri. Rayback has to prepare a meal for a special surprise party for The Captain (Patrick O'Neal) but the surprise is the new arrivals, which seem like musicians and caterers but in fact are invaders that are planning to overtake the ship to steal its arsenal of nuclear Tomahawk cruise missiles. The overtaking went as planned, the people on board are taken as hostage.But...they didn't plan on the cook. Aside from being a cook he is an Ex petty officer/Navy seal who has been given medals many times and is an expert in martial arts and his specialty is counter-terrorism...oh boy..The bad guys chose the wrong ship to overtake. The movie is filled with great lines, and some quirky humor. This is Seagal while he still was the champ. Worth owning, for sure.
   
   MY PERSONAL RATING: 4 OUT OF 5
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------
   The Glimmer Man-(1996)-R- Disc 2, Side 2
   In Glimmer Man Seagal plays Jack Cole, an Ex government intelligence operative known as "The Glimmer Man," because he could move so quickly and quietly that his victims would only see a glimmer before they died. in fact that is so BS, Segal moves slower than his previous movies here, his gut is beginning to grow and his acting is stale and wooden. anyhow back to the movie, Cole is assigned to work with An L.A. police detective named Jim Campbell (Keenen Ivory Wayans) they are both on the look for a serial killer known as the "Family Man" he is given that name because...well he kills families; and aside from killing them he tortures and crucifies them after their deaths. After a string of murders the killer gets personal, he kills Coles wife..and you know what that means...that's right...its payback time, but it seems that this killings are beginning to get weird, there is a copycat making the murders look like "the Family Man"....now the question is Who is the killer, the "family man or the copycat?
   
   Along with these psychos we have a local crime boss doing dealings with the Russians, somehow it's all connected and don't expect a clever twist because there really isn't. I give them credit for adding some suspense here and there, but Segal doesn't belong in this movie, he feels out of place. The only good actors in this movie are Keenen Ivory Wayans and Brian Cox.
   MY PERSONAL RATING: 2 ½ OUT OF 5
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------
   EVEN THOUGH SOME OF THE MOVIES LIKE GLIMMER MAN AND FIRE DOWN BELOW ARENT THAT GREAT, ITS STILL A SWEET DEAL FROM WARNER BROS. 4 FILMS ON ONE DVD SET, COME'ON WHAT MORE CAN YOU ASK FOR.
   
   OVERALL SET RATING: 5 OUT OF 5



5. This is a great set of really enjoyable movies. If you buy this, you will be vastly entertained. That simple.

5 comments about Jet Li's Fearless (Unrated Director´s Cut).

1. OK, let's see if I can sum up this problem/issue real quick here.
   
   Universal was to finally release the International Director's Cut of Jet Li's Fearless to R1 on July 8th 2008 as a 2-disc set containing three versions of the film. The new Director's Cut on Disc 1, and the original US Unrated and Theatrical versions on Disc 2.
   
   However, one minor...or should I say one COLOSSAL, mistake has occurred in QC at Univeral here. The very reason for this release...the Director's Cut, is not on Disc 1 as advertised. (Although the disc is labeled as such.) Instead, we get two discs with identical content, which, from what I have heard, is the exact same transfer of the contents from the original R1 release from years ago.
   
   So yes, Disc 1 and Disc 2 are exactly the same. Fortunately, there is a contanct webpage that you can tell Universal your situation and give them your contact information including your address and phone number so that they can send you a self-addressed envelope so that you may return Disc 1 for a replacement.
   
   Here's the URL:
   http://www.universalstudios.com/contact_form.php?email_id=10



2. I enjoyed the film the first time around, so I risked buying this version even after reading all the bad reviews posted here. I ordered this from Amazon and received it today. The first disc is the correct Director's Cut of the film. I don't know if the studio finally rectified the issue or not, but this maybe a good sign because I've read through the Amazon reviews and I'm the first to report that he received the correct discs. I'm only interested in purchasing one copy of this, so the next person who buys this from Amazon can further verify whether the problem has indeed been fixed or if it's just luck of the draw.



3. Like many people who had posted reviews here, I too received the incorrect DVD (i.e. the US theatrical version, not the original Director's Cut). As suggested by the helpful individuals here, I emailed Universal Studios Home Entertainment and got a response: they asked me to email them my home address so that they can send a postage paid envelope to mail back the defective DVD (Disc 1). Universal promised to mail the correct one within two to four weeks. I received it in about two weeks, and after having viewed this new disk, I am relieved and satisfied with their prompt response at rectifying the situation.
   
   In terms of the movie itself, the correct Director's Cut is in every respect better than the US theatrical version. Approximately 35 minutes of original footage were cut from the US version -- both a disservice and disrespect to the American audience, who I imagine would have appreciated the relevant backstory and details that make this epic even more powerful and nuanced. For example, the extended scene where a boy was beaten by the neighboring villagers (that the US version deleted) really adds to Huo Yuanjia's mental, emotional, and physical recovery, as do other shorter deleted scenes. In fact, this version provides a much more chronological perspective that unfolds naturally and gives us a better idea of what happened to other minor characters, such as Huo's boyhood rival. In the end, I was able to appreciate this movie even more. As a side note, I wonder why there had been such a big media push to promote "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and so much less given to this vastly superior movie.
   
   As previous reviewers have mentioned, please visit: http://www.universalstudios.com/contact_form.php?email_id=10 in order to notify them of your incorrect DVD as I did, so that a replacement can be sent. Finally, please encourage anyone else interested in this movie to only purchase and see the original Director's Cut; maybe one day, "Fearless" will be restored in US theaters the way it was meant to be shown.



4. As I was lucky enough to receive the correct copy of this dvd, I'll forgo the misprint snafu and rate the directors cut simply by the film.
   
   Let me first state that I loved the original theatre release of Fearless. I would easily put in my top 10 favorite films of all time. However, this cut does what seems to be impossible these days - it takes a great film and vastly improves on it. When you watch the extra footage that has been added in, you aren't thinking "Well, I can see why they left that out..." The film moves just as quickly as the first film, however as a previous poster states, the film feels much more epic. You get a greater sense of the main characters reasoning, and what drives him to act the way he does. You also get a greater sense of his redemption by the film's end.
   
   Also, it seems to me that since the director's cut is unrated, you get a few more broken bone and blood spitting scenes that were cut from the theatrical release to ensure a PG-13 rating. This can be a good or bad thing, depending on your taste in violence in Wushu flicks. Personally, I thought it fit well with the character's hubris during that part of the film.
   
   Finally, this being an Olympic Year, and with the games being held in Beijing, the scenes with Michelle Yeoh hit home just a little bit harder than they would in any other year. With China wanting to show its best side for these games, this movie shows one of the many reasons why this is the case. I found myself seeing a totally different perspective of both the movie and the games with the coincedence of the disc's release time, and it made me appreciate both just a little more.



5. Fearless is one of the best martial arts movies ever made. However, this DVD does not contain the Director's cut of the film. In fact, I contacted Amazon Customer Service and was promised a refund on the purchase price of "Fearless-the Director's Cut." I was informed, after Amazon received my DVD, that I would not receive the refund. Amazon definitely needs to pay significantly more attention to customer service consistency.

5 comments about Invasion U.S.A..

1. I would say this is the great Chuck Norris movie, no wait, the greatest movie of all-time except for one thing. And that is that all Chuck Norris movies are created equal and better then the movies like the Godfather, Schlinder's List, Back Door Sluts 9, and Braveheart combined. Chuck Norris is a much better actor then Tom Hanks and Marlon Brando because he knows karate. Hell Chuck Norris invented Karate as well as Judo, Kung Fu, and Hamster style Jap Slapping. Do yourself a favor and buy this movie so you can call yourself a man. And if your a woman buy this movie and pray Chuck Norris comes to your house and gets you pregnant.
   
   This message was approved by Chuck Norris.



2. AVENGING FORCE is on VHS.
   
   Avenging Force
   
   Region 2 has a full screen DVD.



3. I bought this movie because my daughter was in it. It was filmed in Atlanta Georgia and she was 7 years old at the time. I wanted her to have a copy to keep for the grandchildren if we ever have them.



4. This was a pretty good movie, it has alot of Chuck Norris Humor in it. If u looking for the movie when he just does MArtial Arts this aint the one it does very little, but alot of explosions and shooting. Pretty good tho



5. This movie proves once and for all that Chuck Norris was the force that ended the Cold War. It's clearly a documentary, or at least largely based on real events.
   
   It is full of explosions, awkward dialogue, and nonsensical terrorist action (magic bazookas! attacking minorities at dance clubs!). And, of course, Chuck "savior of humanity" Norris.
   
   There is some sort of backstory involving Hunter and Rostov, but it's probably irrelevant to the movie - otherwise, they would have put it in, right? Also, a thousand men just happen to slip past the radar of our government. Completely believable.
   
   Perhaps you will also find yourself constantly saying "tell Rostov it's time to die!" as I do, after watching this amazing piece of cinema history. Why it didn't win any awards is beyond me.

5 comments about D.O.A. - Dead or Alive.

1. This is a fun film - something Bond can't do these day. Bootilicious babes who can kick a** in tiny bikinis - imaging merging Ursula Andress with Michelle Yeoh and a couple of hunky hunks - that's DOA.
   
   Not Academy Award material-lah but just fun.
   P/S Corey Yuen should direct a Bond flim. It would be a as bootilicious as Dr No and Thunderball. I miss the Pussy Galore in films today.



2. This is one of the best movie based on a video game! I have no idea why people are being negative about? How offer comes a decent movie made for the loyal fun of a video game?
   
   Yes, there is not much of a story, but hey, who cares! Just go with it! Don't overthink thing.
   
   For those who just want a fun thrill ride with some hot babes, then definitely pick this up!



3. I got this knowing this was a light-story,martial arts,made from game movie like Mortal Kombat or Street Fighter. I put these all in the same category as while they don't have the greatest actors or story lines the fight scenes were pretty good. I also feel they kept the characters how they are in the game for the most part intact thats not to say there are not some differences with the game/movie characters. I think the one thing most hilarious in the movie was Eric Roberts as the main villain this is one role I just couldn't see him doing well. You well obviously get your dose of T&A shots not in the nude though mostly skimpy clothing or underwear. The extras aren't much just a trailer of the movie and a little behind the scenes video of how they made the movie. So if you liked the mortal kombat movies or the street fighter movie just choice won't be a bad selection for you...



4. DVD was entertaining and special effects and stunts were done well. Babes were hot and kicked a** which is always fun and an acknowledgement that women can be attractive and also accomplished. Looking forward to seeing a sequel for this flick. Would have been improved with the addition of more sizzling Asian babes. Also, I appreciated the quick filling of this order by Amazon.



5. Just like all the other reviewers say, the story is NOT going to win any oscars.
   
   
   The first 15 minutes or so had me thinking the movie would suck because the fighting/intro to the characters seemed really cheesy to me. There were also a couple other teeth-gratingly cheesy moments in this movie to boot.
   
   
   As the movie went on, the action actually started to really impress me and it lost that cheesy feeling it gave me near the beginning. I also really liked the women (of course) in the movie to, with my favorite fight being the one between Helena and Christie.
   
   
   So yea, if you want a movie with good combat and gorgeous women check DOA out.

5 comments about Blind Fury.

1. Rutger Hauer is great. It's a pretty simple story line but he
   is so believeable in any role. And he's very amusing with just
   a lift of an eyebrow. It's worth watching anything with him
   in it.



2. Some movies stick in your memory, regardless of your critique of dialog, editing, etc. For me, this is one of those films. Maybe it's the idea of a man blinded after a life of sight, who triumphs over himself and the rest of the world. It an "inside" movie, with lots of "outside" action -- a certain kind of person will be very affected by it -- and most others will enjoy it anyway!



3. This is one of my favorite Rutger Hauer movies! Both of my sons liked it too! Rutger puts in a good performance. This is really a b-grade movie, but nicely done, even if some of the action scenes are a little over the top. The interaction between Hauer's character and the boy in the movie is actually quite good. Grab a bowl of popcorn, kick back and enjoy!



4. This is really rather poor. Rutger Hauer does a pretty good blind man but his magical sword powers are way over the top. What this reminded me of was the Clint Eastwood "Every way..." films where Clint continually humilates and beats the living daylights our of a gang of hells angels. The trouble is those films weren't taking themselves very seriously. I got the impression that this was.
   
   There are a few a nice humerous exchanges between Hauer and the young lad, but overall this was a disappointment. I strongly recommend renting first. If you must buy, only buy if its very cheap.



5. He was perfect for this part and then to have Shô Kosugi as the hired gun at the end......that's right!!!!

5 comments about Shanghai Knights.

1. Very underated Jackie movie. It is funny and has great action. (Nothing much else to say, I just wanted to put in my 5 stars worth.)



2. A great movie for fans of both Jackie Chan & Owen Wilson. Really funny and full of action.



3. It's not as funny as Shanghai Noon. You can see it's obviously a spin-off of Shanghai Noon. That effort fails completely.
   
   If you like Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson you still want to watch this.



4. As an old Jackie Chan fan I was of course pleased to see him finally make his breakthrough in Hollywood with "Rush Hour" and "Shanghai Noon" some years ago, and I think highly of both movies.
   
   But whereas the Rush Hour franchise has run on for too long, the tale of the two accidental western heroes is (as of yet) unspoiled. "Shanghai Knights" is funny, well produced, well acted, well actionpacked, generally well made, and, in my opinion, better than its predecessor "Shanghai Noon".
   
   The jokes work, the action works, the plot works. In short: it works.
   
   Highly recommendable.



5. While I'm not saying the movie is forgettable, I am saying that I did forget having seen it until I re-watched it today. Now I remember good portions of it from before.
   
   In all it's a comedy / martial arts piece with Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson. It's a worthy sequel to the original. Plenty more action, comedy and loose women, so-to-speak. The pillow fight seemed completely extraneous, and yet quite amusing. Though, it was apparently the most dangerous scene in the movie on account of the feathers being inhaled and not wanting to come out... Weird!
   
   The picture quality's great. The sound track is good. Actually the soundtrack is kind of weird, and yet rather amusing at several point if only for the choice of songs...
   
   Yup, I'm still a Jackie Chan fan after this movie. In fact, the Shanghai Noon / Shanghai Knights and Rush Hour series are some of his better movies. The Myth and The Forbidden Kingdom are damn good too.

5 comments about Shogun Assassin.

1. Very good movie from the original Lone Wolf & Cub films...
   ...a must for Samurai fans !!!
   this dvd edition is the best !!



2. I must blame myself for not noticing the disk details indicated the only language listed was English, and no sub-titles. If you truly love Japanese cinema you probably watch it with the english sub-titles on and listening to the original Japanese dialog. It's a simple matter of wanting to hear the sound track the original director created, the actors voices, and all the sounds he put there.
   This starts out with a American child's voice doing a voice-over that attempts to bridge the massive cuts this American release inflicted on the story.
   To painful to watch I stopped it after the first 15 minutes. Now to decide, to chuck it, or donate to the thrift store?



3. I actually saw this in a theater when it was originally released to the US. It is apparently a kid show from Japan. It is amazingly bloody and violent! But heck, It is hilarious. The guy and his kid in the cart kill people so good they can't even fall down without a shove. Plus, the woman ninjas proving their abilities cuts up a warrior like a vege-matic. This movie is an honest to gosh classic. I am ordering a DVD immediately! Watch it and tell me Monty Python didn't steal (in a nice way)the Black Knight scene in Holy Grail from this movie.



4. Shogun Assassin (1980) is a remarkable movie that hasn't aged a
   single day, since its release, amazingly. Starring ( the late)
   Tomisaburo Wakayama, playing a samurai with the intriguing actress
   Kayo Matsuo, the action unfolds in a paradoxical mix of tranquility /
   love with brutality / horror.
   
   First, Ogami the samurai begins a long trek with his 5 year old son
   in a baby carriage, across rivers, forests, crop fields, and deserts
   to an unknown destination, showing extraordinary endurance and
   determination all that time.
   
   Next, over the course of many miles, Ogami "Lone Wolf" has to defend
   himself against wicked platoons sent to finish him off, fighting off
   as well, Ninjas, on a mission to kill for which failing is not an
   option, under the penalty of Hara Kiri.
   
   The film is very stylish, the music professional, perhaps slightly
   overdoing it with the synth numbers reminiscent of "Safety Dance"
   from Men Without Hats, back in 1982, apparently using the same brand
   music instrument. The presentation is a great wide-screen.
   
   The surrealism of this picture, in some ways in the tradition of
   Salvador Dali, is the case, and somewhat reminsicent of "The Passion
   of Darkly Noon"- another work that contains frequent, intense horror.
   The only difference are the lethal scenes with blood packs going off
   as a result of samurai hand to hand combats.
   
   The benefit of a DVD release, is that the viewers won't have to hear
   gasps, screams, shock, yelling that otherwise would apply in a public
   theatre, such is the graphic nature of the special effects and the
   overall "Mad Max" feel to it.
   
   The action is apparently set circa 1300 to 1500, when gun powder
   still wasn't widely used, perhaps set even earlier than that, due to
   the lack of crossbows and arrows.
   
   The actors chosen are intentionally ethnic Japanese in order to
   better represent accurately the microcosm of this story to the
   viewers.
   
   The overall impact of this movie, is that it does constitute a dream
   of sorts, a superb surrealism taking spectators in another space and
   time, with a crystal clear film to DVD transfer. The downside is that
   more than 1 viewer may ahbor the graphic combat scenes. The sets are
   very credible, admirably chosen from a stylish, appealing aspect.
   
   It should be noted that the work has 3 sequels to it.



5. Shogun Assassin is a visual treat of stylish battles and mass killings. The over the top action does an excellent job of covering the simple story and plot. I only wish there was a bit more depth to the characters.
   
   A samurai warrior named Lone Wolf angers a shogun. Together with his very young son, he evades the shoguns deadly forces. The action scenes are the bread and butter. They consist of lots of sword play. The gore is highly exaggerated with spraying streams of blood. The battles are fierce but not overly long. The soundtrack definitly had its moments.
   
   Fans of action and gore are mostly going to appreciate this the most. The transfer is very good. The picture and sound are on point. Pick this up if you're feeling blood thirsty.

5 comments about The One-Armed Swordsman.

1. Jimmy Wang Yu starred in many Shaw Bros. swordplay films in the 1960s, but it was THE ONE-ARMED SWORDSMAN (1967), directed by the prolific Chang Cheh, that put him on the map as the leading action star of Hong Kong cinema at the time and shifted the direction of HK sword films to a harder-edged, bloodier style with a greater emphasis on martial arts. It was the first film of its type to stress the training aspect of swordplay and gives the hero a half-burned manual which teaches him left-hand sword techniques after his right arm had been chopped off in a jealous pique by his master's beautiful but impetuous daughter. Having gone into hiding with a loyal farm girl (whose father had been a swordsman and was the original owner of the manual), Wang Yu goes back into action, after the requisite training period, to aid his former master when his school comes under attack from evil swordsmen led by Long-Armed Devil and Smiling Face.

   The villains have a lethal device on their swords which locks on to the sword of their opponent and enables them to deliver the killing blow with a dagger held in their right hands as they fight. Only Wang Yu's broken sword (left to him by his dead father, who was killed when he was a boy) can counteract the effects of the sword-lock.

   Wang Yu had the proper dark and brooding quality for such a role and he is well served by the violent, bleak tone of the film. He returned to the role in one official sequel, the nonstop slaughterfest, THE RETURN OF THE ONE-ARMED SWORDSMAN (1968), and later went to a rival studio to star in ONE-ARMED BOXER (1971). Shaw Bros. countered with THE NEW ONE-ARMED SWORDSMAN (1971), starring David Chiang in the title role, which had less intensity and more spectacle.




2. OK if you have never seen this movie and are interested in classic kung-fu movies, by all means get this release, the quality is great. My complaint is that the Weinstein company lied about the special features. I already owned a great region 3 copy of this film, and was surprised to see that the new American release had commentary by Quentin Tarantino, which is stated on the package. I know that he is a big Shaw bros fan and was interested in hearing his insight on the film. I could care less about the film scholars opinions as they don't really state anything a fan wouldn't already know. Well the DVD does NOT have commentary by him, and my purchase was completely pointless. This review is to mainly to warn others out-there like myself who are huge fans that might also be considering purchasing this version for that reason.



3. The Weinstein Company has to be commended for finally releasing "The One-Armed Swordsman" completely restored on DVD. The video and audio restoration that went into this release is truly amazing. This 1967 Martial Arts Classic is presented in it's 2.35:1 Widescreen format and is enhanced for 16x9 televisions. This is without a doubt the best version of "The One-Armed Swordsman" I've ever seen. The video transfer is just spectacular and the colors are sharp and vibrant. The sound is clean and crisp albeit in mono. The sound options include original Mandarin or English dubbed version and choice of Subtitles. The special features I found most interesting were the Interview with Jimmy Wang Yu and the Stills Gallery and Trailer Gallery. Sadly the commentary of Quentin Tarantino listed on the rear cover under the special features section of the DVD is missing. Martial Arts fans will be amazed by the incredible quality of this release and the non-stop blood filled action. The One-Armed Swordsman is filled with magnificent swordplay,incredible Kung Fu and it's a definite must see for any fan of the Kung Fu genre. Outstanding Martial Arts Movie, Highly Recommend !!
   
   DVD Bonus Features:
   * Feature commentary by film scholars David Chute and Andy Klein
   * Interview with Star Jimmy Wang Yu
   * Interview with film scholars David Chute and Andy Klein
   * The Master: Chang Cheh
   * Stills gallery
   * Trailer gallery
   * Commentator biographies



4. What a film! The One-Armed Swordsman is the story of a humble student who in a terrible "accident" loses his right arm and is then forced to make tough decissions on where his life will go from there. Jimmy Wang Yu is fantastic as our lead and uses incredibly great facial expressions and body language to support the emotional beats thrown his way(best performance of his career in fact). The direction by the legendary Chang Cheh is some of his best as well with quite a few of the most beautifully shot scenes I've ever scene in the genre. The incredible thing about that is the film is almost exclusively shot on sets which when teamed with Chehs direction gives the entire film almost a surreal fairy tale quality. Now the effects are a little dodgy at times but when taking into consideration that this was released in 1967 it is easily forgivable (and makes them actually pretty good overall). The choreography and fights also aren't much to get overly excited about but that's never really been Wang Yus strongest trait anyways (that's why fighting with one-arm works well to help discuise his already shaky skills)... this one puts great acting, story, and themes at the forefront making it a classic movie for all viewers rather than just a must-see for genre fans alone. Much like Dragon Dynasty's other Shaw Bros. release "King Boxer," the movie is truly a early work of art filled with so many influential elements (it helped create the entire one-armed martial arts sub-genre) that you watch it in awe whether it's your first or tenth time seeing it.



5. One Armed Swordsman is an excellent film that combines drama, great story telling, and action. It's rare to find any type of action film that keeps you gripped without introducing another fighting scene for the sake of it.
   
   The main character loses his right arm in an accident. He's forced to physically and mentally deal with being crippled forever. There is also another plot taking place that deals with revenge. This also adds a great deal to the story and is pulled off very well.
   
   The characters are well acted and Wang Yu's performance stands out the most. He delivers some very powerful scenes. There is also a good deal of character development. It's very hard not to feel the main characters plight and I found myself waiting impatiently for the villians to finally get theirs. The action scenes are pretty good, very well coordinated and some good gore. Another strength is the fighting happens for reasons. Multiple fight scenes aren't being used to cover up a poorly written plot.
   
   The transfer is done to perfection. This is a huge plus because it brings out the best in the scenery. Which is beautiful to say the least. And the well orchestrated music score. I also enjoyed the short documentary The Master: Chang Cheh which runs for almost 20 minutes. The commentary by Quentin Tarantino is not added but I'm not bothered by that at all.
   
   This was a great buy for me. And I'm sure anyone looking for a good film to watch most likely won't be disappointed.

5 comments about The Hunted (Widescreen Edition).

1. This movie should have been great. I don't know what happened in the editing process. Friedken just blew it and it is obvious in so many parts. You can see his hands all over it, in a good way but then it looks like it is just thrown together and there are some big old plot holes. Another problem I have with it is Benicio Del Toro cast as a redneck backwoods guy from West Virginia. I think he does a good job but he is totally miscast. If you are going to have a hispanic guy play the part then change the characters back story and make him from somewhere else. He didn't fit the character at all... but he did a good job and he is a good actor. Tommy Lee Jones is just great in everything he does and was really good in this as was Connie Neilson.
   
   All in all I liked the movie and wanted to like it more but it had some big flaws for a movie that has so much talent top to bottom.



2. Yes, we have seen this plotline before, but that didn't stop me from thoroughly enjoying the movie. Tommy Lee is at his laconic best and Benicio definitely has the eyes of a cold blooded killer. The tracking and knife fighting scenes were as authentic as it gets, and the setting provided a beautiful backdrop to the cat and mouse hunt that takes up most of the movie. The action is relentless and exciting. I strongly recommend this movie to anyone who enjoyed Rambo when it first came out. The highly skilled loner evading both a mob of law enforcement officers and a highly skilled tracker makes for a good viewing experience, especially in the hands of a world-class director like William Friedkin.



3. **** 2003. Directed by William Friedkin. Four years before Bug (Special Edition), his last film to date, Friedkin, in THE HUNTED, already took an interest in the case of a soldier suffering from a mental disorder. But when one knows that it was his teacher/father who had the duty to stop him, the movie acquires a very interesting dimension. Recommended.



4. Director William Freidkin, know for his terrifying THE EXORCIST and non stop action ride THE FRENCH CONNECTION, has made more films than most remember. The problem is that anything he makes must always be measured beside these two. But, if you take that away from the equation, you find that there are a number of other films he's made that are equally as impressive in their own right.
   
   That being said his latest, THE HUNTED, is a non stop action film that holds you from beginning to end. Proof? As I was watching it, I hit the display button on my DVD player to discover that the film only had 7 minutes left to go. And it felt as if it had only just started!
   
   The movie tells the tale of Aaron Hallam (Benicio Del Toro), a special ops agent working for the government in Kosovo. On a mission to take out a violent official, he witnesses so much death and carnage that he snaps. He accomplishes his mission but it takes its toll on him.
   
   Change of local and time and we find Del Toro now hiding in the woods of Oregon. When two hunters with high powered scopes attempt to take out a deer, Hallam takes them out instead, first toying with them and then delivering the final blow. Blending back into the woods, he leaves behind a bloody legacy.
   
   Moving forward we are taken to Canada where L.T. Bonham (Tommy Lee
   Jones) is tracking a wounded animal. Bonham is the type of person who could track any animal in any environment. Taking care of the animal, and the man who harmed it, he is approached by a US official who escorts him back to Oregon to help in the investigation of the murders.
   
   It seems that Bonham was the man who trained Hallam and the only man with a chance of finding him. Bonham is the only man with the expertise in killing and survival tactics to discover his location and to bring him in. Using theses skills (and having a tracer placed on him by the FBI) Hallam is captured and taken into custody.
   
   Hallam tries to get Bonham to talk to him, has been trying to get his attention for some time now, or so he claims. As he begins to blurt out information about covert operations, Bonham stops him with the warning that he could be killed if he does so.
   
   While Hallam awaits charges, a trio of government agents arrives to escort him to who knows where. Along the route the choose to take, Hallam escapes, killing all three. Now the hunt begins anew as Bonham starts once again to track down the renegade ops agent in an effort to put an end to the tragedy he began years ago.
   
   Action aplenty is the name of the game here, but not at the cost of story. A tension lies beneath the surface of the relationship between Bonham and Hallam, an unspoken series of words that says there is more going on here than meets the eye. The relationship between the two seems more like father and son than instructor and student. The use of Bob Dylan's "Highway 61 Revisited" with the story of Abraham's order to kill his son is put to good use in helping explain. For Hallam is Bonham's son, if not in the physical sense than in the spiritual one.
   
   There is no waste of time or film in this movie, as every scene, every shot carries you to the next level. It holds you tight, sometimes allowing you insights into the real person behind each character, sometimes setting you up in predictable sequences where you know the outcome and ending with a twist that might seem minor but tells more once you think about it.
   
   The DVD comes with extras such as documentaries on the production, stills and more.
   
   All in all, this is one good movie that stuns you when you realize how long it's been since it started. The acting is nothing less than would be expected of the leads, first rate and professional. And the directing. Let's just say that Freidkin has not lost his touch. And let's hope that in seeing this film, viewers wander back to check out all of the other films he's done over the years. They won't be disappointed.



5. The Hunted is one of William Friedkin most underated pictures.The Director who defined Film as an art with classics like French Connection or The Exorcist brings us the story of a burnt out soldier who starts a killing mission.His instructor is the one who is chosen to hunt him down.The film is a well structured action cracker full of violent knife- duels and very tight action pieces.It doesn't use wire-tricks or CGI.The DVD itself has a very informative commentary by Friedkin and short making of featurettes.Highly Recommended.