Review of Killer, The (Special Collector´s Edition)

Introduction

John Woo used to make really good films, rather than the Hollywood dross that his name has been tarnished with now. The John Woo of old wasn`t the one you might know from Broken Arrow, Face/Off and Mission Impossible 2. Elements of him remain in these films, but they have something missing.

The Killer is often bandied around as one of his best, and stars Chow Yun-Fat who`s probably now best known for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. I`m not getting into the plot as you can read that all up above. It`s been endlessly debated in a lot of places for a long time.

Video

A rather nice 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer which knocks every other DVD of this film in existence into a cocked hat. Fans have been desperate for Hong Kong Legends to get their mitts on this one, and they won`t be let down! There is some softness on show, but detail levels are good on the whole, and colours are pretty good too. The odd bit of grain around from time to time, but on the whole very pleasing to the eye.

Audio

A pair of DD5.1 soundtracks to choose from, Cantonese or English. I went for Cantonese as ever. The English dub is quite laughable, but the English subtitles are a bit better.

These aren`t the most impressive of remixes though, there`s little surround action (the opportunity is there for plenty) and it`s mostly a front-based mix. There`s also a lack of bass, and a lack of clarity at times. It`s probably still better than any other DVD of this film that`s ever been in existence though.

Features

We start with the almost standard commentary track from Bey Logan. He is his usual full of information self, and is the next best thing to having a Woo or Chow Yun Fat commentary. A Woo commentary was available on the long since deleted Criterion DVD.

Next up we have deleted scenes, each with a page of text introducing them. Five scenes are available in total, all in non-anamorphic 1.85:1. I believe that these are the same ones on the Criterion DVD.

Interviews come next, all in widescreen. Three are on offer, featuring Kenneth Tsang, Sally Yeh and cinematographer Peter Pau. Each clocks in at about the quarter hour mark, and they are well worth watching.

The trailers bring up the rear as ever, with 2 for this film and several for other titles from Hong Kong Legends.

Conclusion

The best DVD of The Killer in existence at the moment. The best video transfer, arguably the best audio transfer (even though it`s not perfect), and a few extras too. Ok, we`re missing the Woo commentary that`s in existence, but we still get an informative track from Bey Logan. Hardcore fans may feel a bit let down that this wasn`t a Hong Kong Legends platinum title, but I don`t think that should stop you from buying this DVD.

Fantastic gunplay, bullets flying everywhere, action mayhem and a great performance from Chow Yun Fat. Whilst it may not be the utter masterpiece many make it out to be, it`s still a very watchable film that will keep you engrossed from beginning to end.

Highly recommended.