Hero | Blu-ray (88 Films)
On July 5, 2022, 88 Films is releasing the Blu-ray (Region A/B) for 1997’s Hero, one of the newer films that carried the Shaw Brothers label.
The film is directed by legendary martial arts choreographer Corey Yuen (Raging Thunder, My Father is a Hero) and stars Takeshi Kaneshiro (Wu Xia, House of Flying Daggers), Yuen Biao (Circus Kids), Yuen Wah (Kung Fu Hustle) and Valerie Chow (Chungking Express).
Ma Wing Jing and his older brother Ma Tai Chueng arrive in Shanghai to make their fortune at the end of the Qin Dynasty. Be-friending a powerful mobster Wing Jing is given his nightclub in return for saving Tam Sei’s life. Unfortunately, another Gangster wants the territory a well. Corruption and violence rule the streets as Wing Jing and Tam Sei must battle not only the rival gangs but the corrupt police officials as well (via Letterboxd).
Bonus Materials
- Slipcase featuring artwork by Kung Fu Bob!
- High Definition (1080p) Presentation in 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio
- 2.0 DTS-HD MA English Soundtrack
- 2.0 DTS-HD MA Mandarin Soundtrack with newly translated English Subtitles
- Audio commentary with Asian cinema experts Mike Leeder and Arne Venema
- Hong Kong Trailer
- English Trailer
This title will soon be available at The Goodie Emporium, a U.S.-based online store that currently has many Import Shaw Brothers/Golden Harvest/martial arts DVD/Blu-ray movies in-stock – with New titles being added regularly!
I liked this movie a lot! Unfortunately, the HK DVD by Universe was heavily edited for violence and Corey Yuen’s action was butchered. It took me a long time to track down the UK DVD which had this movie in it’s uncut glory. Takeshi Kaneshiro was great in the action scenes and you could tell he learned a lot from the Yuens. Yuen Tak was a great villain as well.
That’s good to know, man! I never knew the HK DVD was edited that badly. Wow.
Both the US Tai Seng and HK Universe releases were heavily cut for violence. I’m not sure if the 2007 HK re-release from Intercontinental Video that was part of the Celestial Shaw Brothers re-masters maintained the cuts, but either way it’s great that this one is on the horizon!
I was so happy when they made a region A release for Hero. I ordered from Goodie Emporium and I look forward to my copy in the mailbox!
Andrew, appreciate you giving Goodie Emporium a shot. =)