Heart of Dragon
Region: 1 [One Disc]
DVD Release: Fox/Fortune Star
Slipcase: No
Rating: R (14A in Canada)
Contents:
- Feature Film (90 minutes)
- Audio Tracks (as defined on case)
- Cantonese (Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround)
- English (Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround)
- Cantonese (DTS)
- English (DTS)
- Subtitles (as defined on case)
- English
Picture: The presentation is presented in a letterbox widescreen format, which preserves its theatrical aspect of 1.85:1.
Like other releases from Fox/Fortune Star in North America, the picture on Heart of Dragon is fantastic. Especially in comparison with the original VHS release from Tai Seng a couple years before. Of course like I always say the true picture quality comes down to what its being viewed through.
Audio: Once we get past the crackly old Golden harvest logo we all know and love, the film itself is very clear, and has a nice surround sound effect. The music in this version has been left alone. One noticeable difference in this version is inthe heart warming scene where we see Dodo walking through the streets on Hong Kong in search for a job, the song playing (Sui ho seung yi by Su Rui) includes the lyrics.(The original Tai Seng version was music only)
Subtitles: Clear, on the picture white with black outline
Dubbing: The dubbing, like most, is pretty terrible. If you want to really enjoy the film, leave the Cantonese audio. If you want the dialogue to sound like a grade school project made by untalented students, put on the English. Consider yourself warned!
Commentary: None
Bonus Content: There is not a lot offered in the way of bonus content. There are two unused fights included as bonus. The first involves Jackie fighting some “doctors” in a hospital. It’s a very cool fight, but does seem a little odd. The second is a fantastic fight between Jackie and his buddies against some gangsters in an outdoor parking lot. It’s a little rough for sound, but a nice addition. Also the second fight includes the wonderful Chi Ling Chiu (The Tailor in Kung Fu Hustle).
Included on the DVD are two trailers for Heart of Dragon, an original and a newer Hollywood style trailer. As well as trailers for other Fox/Fortune Star releases. City Hunter, Hong Kong 1941, Naked Killer, Magnificent Warriors, and Magnificent Butcher.
Personal Thoughts: The recent, and apparently limited run of Fox/Fortune Star DVD releases in North America was a real treat! We got great movies, on a great quality DVD for a great price (about $10 US). Heart of Dragon was no exception, though almost a bare bones release, its still a must have. It has a great presentation, and Heart of Dragon is actually one of the few releases that have any sort of added bonus outside of trailers. It may not stack up to other releases in other regions, but for anyone who lives in my part of the world, it’s a real gem!
Final Verdict: BUY
Rating: 8.25 out of 10.0
