Black Cat I & II Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Black Cat I & II Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf March 22, 2024

Vinegar Syndrome returns to an era of high-impact Hong Kong action and limited legal entanglements with the double-feature release of 1991’s “Black Cat” and 1992’s “Black Cat 2,” which brings open riffs on “La Femma Nikita” and “The Terminator” to action fans everywhere.

Click here for a review of Black Cat

Click here for a review of Black Cat 2

Black Cat I & II Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

See above for reviews.

Black Cat I & II Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

See above for reviews.

Black Cat I & II Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Black Cat

• Commentary features film historian Samm Deighan.

• Interview (14:12, HD) is a chat with actress Jade Leung, who lists herself as an "actor and an action star." The interviewee explores her love of playing varied characters, enjoying the process of changing with different roles. Leung won the part in "Black Cat" after answering an ad from the production company, which was on the prowl for a fresh action star. New to acting, Leung was offered an education in action choreography and performance nuance, leaning on her co-star, Simon Yam, for help. With such inexperience, mistakes were made, and stunt challenges are recalled, including a day spent in a freezing Canadian river. Lueng also explores her time in "Black Cat 2," learning to demand more out of her characters.

• Interview (13:28, HD) is a discussion of "Black Cat" with martial arts director Benz Kong To-Hoi. Born into a family of acrobats, the interviewee learned flexibility and daredevil instincts on the job, also making a contact in Sammo Hung. Receiving a call from director Stephen Shin for "Black Cat," the choreographer was tasked with creating "contemporary action" for the picture, working closely with star Jade Leung, who was new to acting and weapons handling, requiring some trickery to eliminate her amateur status around powerful guns. Leung's tests of stamina are highlighted, along with the production's time in Canada, which required a greater level of safety for the actors. Technical challenges are also identified, highlighting crazier offerings of danger.

• "Copycat? 'Black Cat' and its Influences" (16:42, HD) is a video essay by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas.

• Image Gallery (1:54) collects poster art and film stills for "Black Cat."

• And an English Trailer (4:34, SD) and Cantonese Trailer (3:50, HD) are included.

Black Cat 2

• Image Gallery (2:32) collects poster art, lobby cards, and film stills for "Black Cat 2."

• And an English Trailer (4:34, SD) and Cantonese Trailer (3:50, HD) are included.

Black Cat I & II Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

A/V elements are compelling for "Black Cat," and a small selection of extras help the package, especially contributions from those who actually participated in the productions, offering some insight into these bizarre movies.