6.2 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.5 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
This time China O'Brien has trouble with a dealer who puts a prize on her head because she had spoiled an important drug deal of his. But all the world's criminals will not be enough to catch up with China, one of the masters of the martial arts.
Starring: Cynthia Rothrock, Richard Norton, Keith Cooke, Frank Magner, Harlow MarksMartial arts | 100% |
Crime | 56% |
Action | Insignificant |
Video codec: HEVC / H.265
Video resolution: 4K (2160p)
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (2 BDs)
4K Ultra HD
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 2.5 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 0.0 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
In “China O’Brien,” the small town of Beaver Creek was saved due to the efforts of an ex-cop and her pals, who managed to rid the area of criminal influence. However, peace could never last for long, forcing the eponymous character to return to action in “China O’Brien II.” Co-writer/director Robert Clouse doesn’t have the benefit of hindsight with the sequel, which was shot at the same time as the first “China O’Brien,” tasked with creating two defined adventures for star Cynthia Rothrock and her martial art moves. Perhaps a little break between chapters was necessary, as Clouse delivers a similar study of supercop action in “China O’Brien II,” only the follow-up is less interested in the needs of pace and a tiny bit sloppier in execution. There’s still the central appeal of Rothrock in motion, kicking and punching bad guys, but the helmer almost seems to be winging it at times, which slows the movie to a full stop before physical activity wakes it up again.
Screencaps are taken from the Blu-ray.
"China O'Brien II" arrives with a UHD release, listed as "presented in Dolby Vision HDR and newly scanned and restored from its 35mm original camera
negative." Detail offers a good look at frame particulars, exploring the vastness of the Utah locations and the decorative additions of living spaces. Skin
surfaces are textured, and costuming remains fibrous. Clarity is almost too good for one shot in a shower, where viewers can see that a recently
disrobed character is wearing a swimsuit. Colors are alive, offering powerful primaries as the feature explores period clothing and deep blue skies.
Greenery is distinct. Skin tones are natural, with a few moments of hotness. Blacks are deep throughout the viewing experience. Highlights are tasteful,
doing well with the light of day action. Grain is heavy and film-like. Source is in good condition.
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix provides decent musical elements, with scoring supporting the feature's moods with clear instrumentation and emphasis. Dialogue exchanges are defined, working with tech limitations of the shoot. Sound effects are basic but appreciable.
There's no supplementary material on this release.
"China O'Brien II" slowly, very slowly, makes its way to a major climax involving a war between China's forces and Baskin's team in Beaver Creek. The urgency of the conflict isn't felt, but there's a chance to watch Rothrock, Norton, and Cooke participate in action choreography, working hard to sell the punishment as the cops strive to clear the town of criminal scum. China is even handed some superpowers, managing to throw a creep through a wall, and Clouse gets campy, giving one baddie razor fingers to slice up his opponent, while another goon is dressed like Indiana Jones, attempting to rid Beaver Creek of goodness with help from his trusty bullwhip. It's all very goofy, but not unpleasantly so, providing a glimpse of a potentially crazier sequel that's much more appealing than the frustratingly motionless effort offered here. Clouse deserves a few points for a weirdly downbeat ending, but surprises are mostly missing in "China O'Brien II," which doesn't play an expected game of escalation, preferring to go slapdash instead.
(Still not reliable for this title)
1990
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1993
1978
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