Project A

No complaints about the picture or sound quality on this Region 2 disc from Hong Kong Legends. While perhaps not a demo disc, the restored 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen presentation and Dolby Digital sound mix means the film looks and sounds as good as it probably ever will, considering its age and the somewhat 'fire and forget' circumstances of its production.

HKL have gone all out with the supplements for this "special platinum edition" of Project A. Altogether over four hours of material is presented, split across two discs.

First and foremost is a full length commentary from ever-reliable HKL stalwart Bey Logan, who continues to impress with his encyclopedic knowledge of, and passion for, Hong Kong popular cinema. His commentary is pitched at the right levels, with something for both neophytes - "veteran fans will know this but..." - and experts - "Here's a good Hong Kong cinema trivial pursuits question: In which film does Dick Wei play the good guy...". Other than a couple of times when Logan refers to the 18th/19th century when he appears to be meaning the 19th/20th, which I felt should have been re-edited, no complaints.

Next up are a set of short interviews and featurettes: segments with co-stars Yuen Biao (different to the one on HKL's Zu Warriors DVD) and Dick Wei, martial arts master Lee Hoi-San, stunt expert Mars, and composer Michael Lai.

The package is rounded off with a comprehensive retrospective documentary and location tour, hosted by Logan, which clocks in at 75 minutes; a useful essay, Triple Dragons; on the parallel careers of Chan, Hung and Biao from their Peking Opera days to the present, and the standard trailers and stills galleries.

Until a disc with Jackie Chan commentary, outtakes and deleted scenes, that apparently exists somewhere in the vaults, surfaces - an event I would not advise holding your breath for, since HKL clearly do their best and don't go in for "double dipping" - this DVD will do nicely, thank you.