China O'Brien 1 & 2 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

China O'Brien 1 & 2 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 3, 2024

Cynthia Rothrock fights her way into the American marketplace with 1990’s “China O’Brien” and “China “O’Brien II,” and Vinegar Syndrome looks to celebrate this achievement in action cinema with a new double feature UHD release.

Click here for a review of China O'Brien

Click here for a review of China O'Brien II

China O'Brien 1 & 2 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

See above for reviews.

China O'Brien 1 & 2 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

See above for reviews.

China O'Brien 1 & 2 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film historian Frank Djeng and John Charles.

• "Cynthia Rothrock is China O'Brien" (19:01, HD) is an interview with the actress, who was under contract with Golden Harvest in the 1980s, and the company was looking for a way to break into the American marketplace. Receiving scripts for the original film and its sequel, an effort was made to shoot the pictures at the same time, causing some confusion. Rothrock explores her training routine, trying to maintain her energy, especially in the high altitudes of Utah. Stunt exposure is recalled, and a production disaster is identified, which resulted in the death of a crew member. The differences between Hong Kong and American productions are identified, including choreography, with the final film a mixture of styles. The interviewee highlights on-set experiences and opportunities, and she reflects on her time with director Robert Clouse, who favored action over acting. Rothrock analyzes her character and her career at the time, receiving a starring role, which was meant to lead into a Sylvester Stallone action epic (which was eventually canceled), preventing her from making more "China O'Brien" sequels.

• "A Worthwhile Journey" (32:39, HD) is an interview with the "The Martial Artists of China O'Brien," including Richard Norton, Keith Cooke, and Chris Casamassa. The interviewees share their early interest in martial arts and acting, looking to Bruce Lee as inspiration. A discussion of Cynthia Rothrock is presented, with the men sharing deep respect for the actress and her martial arts achievements, eager to work with her as her star was rising in the industry. Memories of producer Fred Weintraub are offered, including his protection of meatball distribution on the set. The production of "China O'Brien" and its sequel are recalled, identifying action concepts and the speed of the shoot, keeping things moving with numerous stunt events. Times have changed, with safety a little lax on the endeavor, and Norton is grateful for a more responsible industry these days. Life after "China O'Brien" is detailed, with the interviewees going off into various projects, including, for Casamassa, stunt double work for George Clooney on "Batman and Robin."

• "Melanie Good is Stripper Assassin" (11:12, HD) is an interview with the actress, who was a college student in Utah, finding some modeling test shoots making it to publication. Brought in for "China O'Brien II," Good had no clue what she was doing, trying her 18- year-old best to keep up with all the information flying at her. The interviewee also details trouble with blanks, as one of the crew was hurt during Good's scene.

• "Casting China" (11:31, HD) is a video conference interview with casting director Catrine McGregor, who was as a new mother when working on the project, bringing her baby through the process. The interviewee details her professional journey and her duties during production, tasked with bringing people in who could fight and follow direction. Praise for Cynthia Rothrock is offered, and the cast is highlighted, explaining individual appeal.

• "Composing China" (10:42, HD) is a video conference interview with composers David Wheatley and Paul Antonelli, with both men recalling their history in music and move to filmmaking. A collaborative relationship was formed between Wheatley and Antonelli, eventually finding their way to the "China O'Brien" saga. Memories from the recording sessions are also shared.

• "The Making of a Martial Arts Movie" (39:08, SD) is a 1993 behind-the-scenes look at the creation of "China O'Brien."

• Interview (26:20, HD) is a video conference conversation between actors Cynthia Rothrock and Richard Norton, originally recorded for Rothrock's YouTube channel.

• Interview (12:00, HD) is a chat with actress Cynthia Rothrock, who answers questions about the making of "China O'Brien," originally recorded for her YouTube channel.

• Image Gallery (2:11) collects poster art, film stills, and BTS snaps.

• And Trailers for "China O'Brien" (2:15, SD) and "China O'Brien II" (2:05, SD) are included.

China O'Brien 1 & 2 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"China O'Brien" and its sequel aren't the greatest examples of martial arts cinema, but these releases do a fine job with A/V offerings and supplementary content, which paint a distinct portrait of the production experience.