Jackie Chan had gained notoriety through the 70’s impressing the masses with his unique style of martial arts and ability to choreograph a scene incorporating comedy, kung fu, and all sorts of props. However, none of his early films could prepare him for the mainstream success he had received from 1978’s Drunken Master. The film is still highly regarded and was the catalyst that has made Jackie Chan Asia’s biggest action star, and made him the most recognizable face in China. Throughout the 80’s Jackie Chan became more well known for his action comedies and his death defying stunts which he would always perform himself.
Despite being the biggest film star in China for almost two decades it wasn’t until 1995s Rumble in the Bronx that Jackie Chan had established an audience in America. Since then we have seen Jackie take on comedic roles, dramas, as well we continue to watch him risk life and limb for our entertainment. But it had been nearly twenty years since Jackie had filmed a traditional martial arts film, Young Master. So in 1994 Jackie Chan returned to the big screen as Wong Fei Hung in the sequel to Drunken Master; The Legend of the Drunken Master. While the original film is an undeniable bar setter can the follow up ever compare to such a classic?
Film
While The Legend of the Drunken Master isn’t in fact a direct sequel to the original, many of the story elements are the same and Jackie Chan returns as the fabled Wong Fei Hung. As in the original Wong Fei Hung is portrayed as adventurous and mischievous but extremely talented. However his cockiness and inability to receive advice hold him back from unlocking his true potential. Through a series of misadventures Fei Hung discovers a plot from a group of British to smuggle Chinese artifacts whilst terrorizing the local population. Only after getting himself thrown into trouble with the British consul does Fei Hung smarten up and realize his true potential whilst training in the arts of Drunken Boxing, a deadly but dangerous form of Wushu. Wong Fei Hung battles through numerous foes while honing his skills to take down the corrupt British, but has to battle himself as he begins to consume too much alcohol and becomes sluggish.
Typically women aren’t seen as action junkies, nonetheless martial art’s junkies. I guess I break the meld in that department, and with movies like this out there, how can anyone blame me? As a huge fan of all things Jackie Chan (but namely his Chinese works) I urge all of you who know him for his Hollywood accolades to check out an amazing kung fu film like this. The story of The Legend of the Drunken Master is more typical of a Hollywood film than Jackie’s early works, as there is a developing plot line, but does well to stick to its roots. In my eyes the perfect film to watch for someone not familiar with Jackie’s earliest films as the action is nonstop and intriguing while at the same time there is an interesting storyline. You can truly begin to appreciate kung fu as an art, and in the meantime see Jackie Chan’s world famous choreography first hand while taking on the likes of real life kick boxing champion Ken Lo, among others.
But what truly makes this film unique is the use of Zui Quan (Drunken Boxing) a very real and ancient form of martial arts. The form can be very humorous to watch, and Jackie Chan truly makes it his own, staggering about with extreme balance and coordination whilst appearing as a drunkard.
At the end of the day The Legend of the Drunken Master is the perfect mixture of story and action. It truly has a classic martial arts film motif and will quickly grow on those of you who have not had the pleasure to enjoy it.
Video
Presented in 1080p 2.35:1 aspect ratio and encoded in VC-1 The Legend of Drunken Master hits Blu-ray with poor results. I remember paying $30 for the DVD when it came out, and would have gladly paid that again for an improved high res transfer. Sadly the transfer we are given here looks almost identical to the DVD release. As soon as the film begins you can tell you are in for a disappointing ride. Facial detail is blurred to the point of almost looking like Vaseline was smeared over the lens. Color presentation is just as lacklustre with vibrancy barely besting its DVD brother. There are a few scenes where the transfer can look fairly good, but these are quickly marred by the next ugly looking shot.
Seeing how this is one of my favourite Jackie Chan movies, it was really disappointing to see a film of this calibre receive such a subpar transfer.
Audio
Dimension has included a 5.1 Dolby True HD and while it may sound good on paper, the quality is simply lacking. The first thing you will notice is that we are only given the dub version of the audio presentation which is unfortunate and lazy. Dialogue quality is fairly front heavy with the odd music cue opening up all the channels. The fight scenes are equipped with your standard punch and kick sounds and they do get the job done, however the lack of clarity and rear channel support is unacceptable.
Like the video the audio presentation is simply lacklustre and the exclusion of the Chinese track is simply lazy.
Special Features
- Interview - A short interview with Jackie Chan pretty much patting himself on the back for the action sequences in the film. While it is much deserved he did come off as bragging in the interview.
Final Thoughts
I have been waiting for Jackie Chan movies to make their way onto Blu-ray since the day the format was announced (and no Rush Hour 3 doesn’t count) and sadly my expectations and anticipation have been answered with great disappointment. Ultimately The Legend of the Drunken Master is disappointment for fans, and Dimension (a branch of Disney / Buena Vista) should be embarrassed with such a release.
