Before he became known as the master of the bullet-riddled heroic tragedy, John Woo sharpened his trademark themes and kinetic action choreography with this whirlwind wuxia spectacle. Unaware they are caught in a deadly game of deception, a pair of rambunctious swordsmen (Wai Pak and Damian Lau) join forces to help a nobleman (Lau Kong) in his quest for vengeance. Paying thrilling homage to his mentor, martial-arts innovator Chang Cheh, Woo delivers both bravura swordplay set pieces and a bloodstained interrogation of the meaning of brotherhood and honor in a world in which loyalty is bought and sold.
BLU-RAY SPECIAL EDITION FEATURES
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2K digital restoration, with 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio and uncompressed monaural soundtracks
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Alternate English-dubbed tracks
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Audio interview with director John Woo
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New interview with Grady Hendrix, author of These Fists Break Bricks
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Trailer
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New English subtitle translation
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PLUS: An essay by scholar Aaron Han Joon Magnan-Park
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New cover designed and illustrated by Alphaville
FILM INFO
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Hong Kong
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1979
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106 minutes
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Color
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2.39:1
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Cantonese
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Spine #1174