What's Happening?
Shout Factory is set to release a collection of John Woo's renowned action films on 4K Blu-ray, including the A Better Tomorrow trilogy and Hard Boiled. These films, originally from the golden age of Hong Kong cinema, have been remastered from the original camera negatives and will feature Dolby Vision and HDR-10 compatibility. The A Better Tomorrow trilogy will be available for preorder at $100, releasing on November 18, while Hard Boiled will be released on November 4 for $65. The collection includes newly translated English subtitles, audio commentary tracks, and exclusive interviews with film critics and directors. Additionally, the long-lost workprint of A Better Tomorrow 2, featuring 30 minutes of extra footage, will be part of the collection.
Why It's Important?
The release of these films in 4K Blu-ray format is significant for film enthusiasts and collectors, as it offers a chance to experience classic action movies with enhanced visual and audio quality. John Woo's films are celebrated for their innovative action sequences and have influenced Hollywood cinema. This release not only preserves the cultural heritage of Hong Kong cinema but also introduces these classics to a new generation of viewers. The inclusion of additional content and interviews provides deeper insights into the filmmaking process and the historical context of these movies.
What's Next?
With the release of these remastered films, Shout Factory is expected to continue expanding its collection of Hong Kong cinema classics. The distributor has secured rights to the Golden Princess film library, which includes 156 movies, indicating more releases in the future. This could lead to increased interest in Hong Kong cinema and potentially more collaborations between Asian filmmakers and Hollywood studios.
