'Jackie Chan's First Strike' (BD) [Blu-ray]
(Jackie Chan, Anita Mui, Françoise Yip, Bill Tung, Marc Akerstream, et al / Blu ray / PG-13 / (1996) 2015 / Warner Bros.)
Overview: First time on Blu ray! This installment of Chan's Police Story series has our hero trying to locate a missing nuclear warhead.
Blu ray Verdict: The fourth installment in Jackie Chan's terrific Police Story films (although the western release obscured the connection, but more on that later) is basically Chan's take on James Bond. And it is tremendous fun, in many respects one of his best all-round movies. While having some incredible action, it also has a reasonably good plot and acting,two things which even the most die-hard Chan fan will probably admit his films don't often contain.
The film has been unfairly criticized for having little martial arts, but it has more than, say, 'Crime Story' or 'The Tuxedo'. This film aims at more diversity in it's action, and ranges from a ski-chase (ending with Chan jumping on to a helicopter than falling into ice-filled water with VERY little protection) to a running battle with a giant (this scene actually has Chan running on water!) to a warehouse fight where Chan uses a ladder with amazing skill.
The film moves a little slower than you might expect but the story holds the attention and the last half-hour is incredible non-stop action,climaxing with a terrific car stunt. The centerpiece is an underwater fight with martial arts moves. It somewhat degenerates into clowning but is never less than terrific to watch. A shame that Chan injured himself and therefore (as with 'Rumble In The Bronx') could not have a final battle, but never mind! This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.
www.WarnerBros.com
Own it on Blu-ray Digital HD October 6th, 2015!