Big Trouble in Little China [Blu-ray]
Starring: Kurt Russell, Kim Cattrall, Dennis Dun, James Hong, Victor WongDirector: John Carpenter
Studio: 20th Century Fox
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen
Running Time: 100 minutes
DVD Release: August 4th 2009
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DVD Review
Studio: Tcfhe Release Date: 08/04/2009 Run time: 99 minutes Rating: Pg13
User Reviews
My second favorite John Carpenter film arrives with nice extras ported over on exceptional looking Blu-ray - Rating: 5/5
John Carpenter had good stuff to sell unfortunately the public wasn't buying. "Big Trouble in Little China" like "The Thing" (my favorite Carpenter film)didn't connect with audiences at the time but has discovered renewed popularity on home video. Kurt Russell appears in his fourth Carpenter film ("Elvis", "Escape from New York", "The Thing" and later he would appear in "Escape from L.A." which parodies the first film and all the films that imitated its post-apocalyptic style. Interestingly Carpenter was inspired to make "Escape" after watching a then little known movie called "Mad Max")with a John Wayne swagger, macho attitude and parody of that type of hero.
The Blu-ray looks excellent. Colors pop and detail is remarkably sharp. Fox has clearly learned a thing or two after the debacle of the over processed "Patton". Dialogue comes across loud and clear.
Most of the extras are ported over for this special edition including the entertaining Carpenter/Russell commentary track. In fact, I'm hoping that "Star Man" (my third favorite Carpenter film)will finally have the commentary track that was on the British edition when it arrives on Blu-ray. I'm also hoping that Sony will take the same care that Fox has here.
A very pleasant surprise, "Big Trouble in Little China" arrives looking terrific and Fox has wisely chosen to port over most of the extras from the Special Edition from a decade ago. Highly recommended.
"This is Going to Take Crackerjack Timing Wang." - Rating: 4/5
I've been a fan of the Pork Chop express ever since i first saw Big Trouble In Little China.
"China's in the heart jack, wherever I go she's with me."
"It's all in the reflexes."
"This is Going to Take Crackerjack Timing Wang."
"Have ya paid your dues, Jack?" "Yes sir, the check is in the mail"
Video Quality 4 out of 5
This a 2.35:1-framed transfer and offers viewers the opportunity to see John Carpenter's film with unparalleled clarity that easily surpasses its previously-released dvd ounterparts. Big Trouble in Little China occasionally looks a bit rough around the edges but is otherwise presented on Blu-ray with an overall satisfactory appearance. Lo Pan's makeup and costumed attire make up the bulk of the flashy colors to be found throughout.
The overall color palette is not one that's meant to pop off the screen with a dazzling array of hues, but what is here tends to look rather good. Detail appears as above average throughout matching the theme of the transfer as a whole, there's nothing here that's truly worth noting, but the Blu-ray is consistent in its delivery of a stable, good-looking 100 minutes worth of high definition goodness.
Some viewers may be put off by a layer of grain that spikes heavily at times but often remains fairly unobtrusive. Blacks aren't too problematic, and flesh tones appear as a fairly neutral shade throughout. Big Trouble in Little China fans should be more than pleased with 20th Century Fox's presentation.
Audio Quality 4 out of 5
Big Trouble in Little China features the usual DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack and this one impresses greatly in context and livens up considerably once the film's action gets underway. Music sounds rather full but is generally limited to the front and it plays clearly enough. Sound effects tend to fill up the front half of the soundstage and move nicely from side to side. The barrage of gunfire in chapter eight sounds loud and distinct with shots seeming to emanate from each of the speakers. Generally speaking, though, the bass checks in on occasion to spruce things up.
A rather powerful outburst in chapter 13 is representative of the lows scattered about the soundtrack. Much like the video presentation, Big Trouble in Little China's lossless soundtrack is an above-average effort that should satisfy the discriminating listener and longtime fans of the film.
Special Features 4 out of 5
The audio commentary brings together friends John Carpenter and Kurt Russell in a fun-filled, laugh-filled reminiscence about making the movie. Russell is in stitches through much of the track laughing uproariously as the two talk about what their intentions were for the film and agreeing the tone for the movie was likely ahead of its time.
The user may choose to listen to the music score on an isolated DTS-HD MA 5.1 track.
All of the bonus features are presented in 480i.
There are eight deleted scenes which must be viewed individually. There is no "Play All" button for them.
The extended ending available for viewing involves two additional moments cut from the theatrical release.
A vintage featurette serves as the EPK for the film is a compilation of interviews with the director, the stars, special effects coordinator Richard Edlund, and the costume designer.
John Carpenter and his band contribute a music video for the movie's title song.
Special effects coordinator Richard Edlund is interviewed about his work on the movie. The viewer is given the option of having visual stills projected into a small window while he's talking or having them displayed full screen.
There are three theatrical trailers which can be selected for viewing. Two U.S. trailers and one Spanish trailer.
There are six TV spots which can be viewed individually or in one bunch.
A gallery of stills from the film and behind-the-scenes may be selected for viewing either automatically or the viewer may step through them more quickly.
In the end Big Trouble in Little China was perhaps a little bit too ahead of its time, a satiric, seriocomic adventure film that is entertaining in spite of its imperfections. The result are wicked action scenes and hair raising comic moments.
For fans of the film, the verdict is clear, you have to own this blu-ray version, even if it means you will have to buy a blu-ray player. For everyone else, I can only say get this disc or you will be missing out on one of the most unique and enjoyable action-comedy-movie highlights Hollywood has ever produced, now looking better than ever.
Amazing Transfer and Great Special Features! - Rating: 5/5
Big Trouble in Little China has been my favorite movie ever since I was a kid(I'm now 25). I've watched it hundreds of times on VHS, DVD, and now Blu-Ray, and I can say without a doubt that the transfer onto Blu-Ray is perfect! The colors are vivid, and I didn't notice any drop in quality throughout the entire viewing.
I actually bought an HDTV and a Blu-Ray player just because this movie came out on Blu-Ray. Lets just say that my $1,500 investment was worth it. There isn't any change to the movie, which some were reporting, but the special features give you a different take on how the movie could have gone.
Extended Ending: Jack sees the Lords of Death driving by as they're leaving the Wing Kong Exchange, and decides to follow them. They park on a pier and are drinking beer when Jack decides to plow into them, knocking them into the water. It's a great scene, but I'm glad they didn't put it in the movie. The other changes are them showing the Chinese Wild Man getting in the back of the truck and Egg Shen saying something to Jack as he leaves. Both are interesting but unnecessary.
Deleted Scenes: This is where it really gets interesting. There are scenes where Kurt Russell is hamming it up even more than usual. He has a great line "Too much dried Seahorse", in one. He also has an extended Henry Swanson scene that is hilarious. Kim Cattrall must thank the editor and John Carpenter, because her deleted scenes were terrible. Her acting is atrocious, and I'm thankful they didn't leave them in. They're still fun to watch, though. All in all, there are about 15 deleted scenes, including the last one which contains about 7 or 8 shorter ones. They are worth the purchase alone. It gives you an idea of how fine of a line they tread in the parody vs. reality department. If half of the deleted scenes would have made the final cut, the movie would have been a lot campier and goofier than it already is. Even though I loved most of the deleted scenes, I'm glad they didn't go that route.
Overall, this DVD is amazing. It isn't as expansive as the 2 Disc Collector's Edition, but it is well worth picking up. The movie looks perfect, the deleted scenes and new ending are interesting, and the featurette is great too. I haven't watched the movie with the commentary yet, but I'm sure that is good too.
It's all in the reflexes.. - Rating: 5/5
Just another reason to love Kim Cattral, she has never been afraid to do the offbeat
stuff.
Kurt Russell is perfect for this movie and plays the part to a T.
Wish they had done a follow-up for Jack Burton and the Pork Chop Express
I agree with another poster, Hope the blu-ray is a better transfer.
I have seen some like "The Princess Bride" where the transfer was not done
well and ended up grainy in in several scenes
One of my favorites, great movie.
Quite simply the greatest movie of all time. - Rating: 5/5
Over the top statement? You bet your [...] it is. So is this movie. It takes elements of sci-fi, fantasy, kung fu, and even western movies and mashes them up into the most satisfying concoction. Drink up!
"Here's to the Army and the Navy and the battles they have won. Here's to America's colors, the colors that never run. May the wings of Liberty never lose a feather."
