7.9 | / 10 |
Users | 4.4 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 4.1 |
A rough-and-tumble trucker helps rescue his friend's fiance from an ancient sorcerer in a battle beneath Chinatown.
Starring: Kurt Russell, Kim Cattrall, Dennis Dun, James Hong, Victor WongSupernatural | 100% |
Martial arts | 88% |
Adventure | Insignificant |
Comedy | Insignificant |
Fantasy | Insignificant |
Action | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.36:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
Music: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Russian: DTS 5.1
French: Dolby Digital 5.1
Portuguese: Dolby Digital 5.1
Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1
English: Dolby Digital 2.0
Thai: Dolby Digital 2.0
English SDH, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Cantonese, Korean, Mandarin (Traditional), Russian, Thai
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
D-Box
Region free
Movie | 4.5 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 2.0 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
I never drive faster than I can see.
The John Carpenter-Kurt Russell tandem proved one of the most successful of the 1980s, the
pair
coming together for a trio of films that have become bona-fide cult classics within both their
respective genres and in filmdom as a whole. Both the thrilling Escape From New York
and
the chilling The Thing set the
stage for the hybrid Big Trouble in Little China, a quirky special effects film that mixes
hard-hitting action with pitch-perfect verbal and physical humor. Though Big Trouble is
the
least of the aforementioned Carpenter-Russell conglomeration, it's still a wonderful movie that
simply earns an "A-" rather than the "A+" awarded the other two. Withstanding the test of
time,
particularly in a world now dominated by story-less and effects-heavy Action pieces and gross-out
Comedies that lack both charm and appeal, Big Trouble in Little China is like an old
friend, a
favorite pair of pants, or that tasty and ice-cold beverage on a hot summer day that's always
welcome, comfortable, and refreshing.
Must be some really good elevator music.
Big Trouble in Little China dishes up a nice-looking 1080p transfer of a film that's about a quarter-century old. This 2.35:1-framed transfer offers viewers the opportunity to see John Carpenter's film with unparalleled clarity that easily surpasses its previously-released home video counterparts. Though certainly not dazzling eye candy like The International, Big Trouble in Little China occasionally looks a bit rough around the edges but is otherwise presented on Blu-ray with an overall satisfactory appearance. Lo Pan's makeup and costumed attire make up the bulk of the flashy colors to be found throughout. The overall color palette is not one that's meant to pop off the screen with a dazzling array of hues, but what is here tends to look rather good. Detail appears as above average throughout; matching the theme of the transfer as a whole, there's nothing here that's truly worth noting, but the Blu-ray is consistent in its delivery of a stable, good-looking 100 minutes worth of high definition goodness. Some viewers may be put off by a layer of grain that spikes heavily at times but often remains fairly unobtrusive. Blacks aren't too problematic, and flesh tones appear as a fairly neutral shade throughout. Big Trouble in Little China won't win the award for best looking Blu-ray of 2009, but fans should be more than pleased with 20th Century Fox's presentation.
Big Trouble in Little China features the usual DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack from 20th Century Fox. Though not a demo-worthy soundtrack, this one impresses greatly in context and livens up considerably once the film's action gets underway. Music sounds rather full but is generally limited to the front; it plays clearly enough though it definitely doesn't match the lifelike clarity of the best lossless soundtracks available. Sound effects tend to fill up the front half of the soundstage and move nicely from side to side. The barrage of gunfire in chapter eight sounds loud and distinct, with shots seeming to emanate from each of the front three speakers. The back channels don't get in on the fun in every scene, but the occasional discrete effect and supportive ambience define their role in this track. Generally speaking, though, the front speakers carry the bulk of the material. Bass checks in on occasion to spruce things up; a rather powerful outburst in chapter 13 is representative of the lows scattered about the soundtrack. Much like the video presentation, Big Trouble in Little China's lossless soundtrack is not going to go down as one of the best of the year, but it's an above-average effort that should satisfy the discriminating listener and longtime fan of the film.
This Blu-ray release of Big Trouble in Little China offers fans a small collection of extras, including a few "truisms" from the film that pop up from time to time in the form of a fortune cookie message while navigating the menu. First up is Commentary track with Director John Carpenter and Actor Kurt Russell. An affable track, the participants discuss, with an obvious lighthearted flair, the film's promotion and advertising budget, the characters and the performers that bring them to life, as well as a wide range of additional topics that should please fans. Also included is an isolated score presented in DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless audio. Vintage Featurette (480p, 7:28) provides audiences a brief look into the making of the movie, comprised primarily of clips from the film and interview snippets with cast and crew. Richard Edlund Interview (480p, 13:25) is a multi-angle interview feature with the film's effects producer. Eight deleted scenes (480p), an extended ending (480p, 3:05), a Big Trouble in Little China music video (480p, 3:28), three trailers (480p, 2:47, 0:55, and 2:42), six TV spots (480p, 4:43), and a behind-the-scenes still gallery (1080p, 17:33) conclude this brief collection of extras. This disc is also D-Box enabled.
The fan favorite Big Trouble in Little China remains one of the quintessential Action-Comedy pictures to come out of the 1980s, the film made possible through the talented Carpenter-Russell twosome that almost always manages to churn out an upper-echelon picture. Though not as daring as Escape From New York or frighteningly intense as The Thing, Big Trouble in Little China works wonders through its precisely-measured doses of action, humor, and magic. Supported by a fine supporting cast and another solid Carpenter score, Big Trouble in Little China will continue to please audiences looking for lighthearted adventure for decades to come. 20th Century Fox's Blu-ray impresses. Sporting a strong 1080p transfer and an equally good lossless soundtrack, the disc is only hindered by a rather uninspired collection of extras. Nevertheless, this Blu-ray release of Big Trouble in Little China comes recommended on the strength of the film and the technical presentation.
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1986
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1986
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1986
1986
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1984
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