With only the Dimension Films release previously available, fans were crying out for a comprehensive version of this classic. Luckily Eureka hasn’t disappointed; it’s a good job, as the film is still a riot 20 years after its release.
The story of Supercop, Chan Ka Kui (Jackie Chan) teaming up with Michelle Yeoh’s Inspector Chien-Hua to take down drug kingpin Chaibat (Ken Tsang), zips by in an instant. Unlike Jackie’s earlier work, there are no extended fight scenes, rather small pieces of exquisitely choregraphed action, mixed with car chases, gun fights, and explosions. As Chan mentions in an interview on the disc, this film was consciously made with the west in mind.
Its strongest aspect, however (and a rare one for a Hong Kong film of this era) is the balance in tone. There are nods to the Police Story series, courtesy of the great Maggie Cheung as May and the late Bill Tung as Uncle Bill, coupled with the right amount of comedy – the relationship between Jackie and Michelle is spot-on, whereas a serious edge is provided by Yuen Wah’s sadistic second-in-command.
The disc provides a plethora of extras, with the usual commentaries from Frankie Djeng and Mike Leeder, the US version (complete with unforgivable starting montage – avoid!) and interviews with Jackie, Michelle, director Stanley Tong and stuntman Ken Lo. It also contains two great features with Arne Venema, firstly scouting Hong Kong for the real locations behind the Police Story films, and then discussing the video game, Jackie Chan Kung Fu Master, unfortunately not released in the West for being too violent. It looks awesome though!
Eureka’s release captures a brilliant time for action filmmaking – no CGI and actors and filmmakers on top of their game, especially Michelle Yeoh, who steals the show. She’s tough, driven, and elegant – no wonder Hollywood has since embraced her with open arms!
POLICE STORY 3: SUPERCOP hits Blu-ray on September 26th, courtesy of Eureka Entertainment
