Black Cat 1 & 2 | Blu-ray (Vinegar Syndrome)
Later this month, Vinegar Syndrome is releasing the Blu-ray for 1991’s Black Cat and 1992’s Black Cat 2. The two films are directed by Stephen Shin (Great Conqueror’s Concubine 1 & 2) and collectively star Jade Leung (Satin Steel), Simon Yam (Final Run) and Robin Shou (Cyprus Tigers).
Official details:
Black Cat (96 min): After brutally killing an abusive trucker at a rest stop, tough as nails drifter Catherine soon finds herself facing life in prison due to her violent outbursts. But, when a daring escape from the courthouse leaves her all but dead, Catherine awakens to find she’s been given another lease on life, the only catch: she must train to become an assassin for the CIA under the codename Black Cat. With the tutelage of fellow agent, Brian (Simon Yam), Catherine must learn to give up any chance of a normal life if she wishes to remain alive. Known to many as “the Hong Kong version of La Femme Nikita,” Black Cat manages to separate itself from its predecessor thanks in part to the intense martial arts sequences captured by director Stephen Shin (Easy Money), as well as a stellar performance from the lovely but deadly Jade Leung (Satin Steel, Enemy Shadow).
Black Cat 2 (91 min): After undergoing a series of medical experiments in order to become a more efficient assassin, Catherine struggles to maintain what little of her human side is left. Deemed compromised by her higher-ups, Catherine is given one more chance when she is partnered with a young hot-headed agent, Robin (Robin Shou). Catherine must use her newly enhanced skills in order to stop a violent assassin before he claims his next victim. Black Cat 2 sees the reunion of director Stephen Shin with Jade Leung returning as the title character. However, this sequel manages to up the ante on the original by combining sci-fi elements with over-the-top action sequences, including an end fight scene that is sure to make your head spin.
Features:
- 2-disc Region A Blu-ray Set
- Newly restored by Vinegar Syndrome from existing studio masters
- Includes both Cantonese and English language tracks for both films
- Commentary track for Black Cat by author and historian Samm Deighan
- Brand new interview with actress Jade Leung (14 min)
- Brand new interview with martial arts director Benz Kong To-Hoi (13 min)
- “Copycat? Black Cat and Its Influences” (17 min) – a video essay by author and historian Alexandra Heller-Nicholas
- Black Cat trailer in Cantonese & English
- Black Cat 2 trailer in Cantonese & English
- Still galleries for Black Cat & Black Cat 2
- Reversible sleeve artwork
- Newly translated English subtitles
Watch the promotional from Vinegar Syndrome below:
I feel sorry for anybody who thinks the cover is an accurate portrayal of either film!
The first one might not have been that great but part 2? That was completely unwatchable! Vinegar Syndrome might as well have a box set with all of Jade’s Black Cat knock offs!