Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.5

Enter the Dragon Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Dr. Svet Atanasov June 30, 2020

Robert Clouse' "Enter the Dragon" (1973) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion. The supplemental features on the disc include new programs with voice performers Michael Kaye and Vaughn Savidge; new program with uthor Grady Hendrix; archival audio commentary by producer Peter Heller; and more. In English, with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. Region-A "locked".

In the United States, Enter the Dragon was previously released on Blu-ray by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. For an in-depth analysis of the film, please see Kenneth Brown's review of the 40th Anniversary remastered edition of the film here.

Enter the Dragon Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Enter the Dragon arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion.

This release features the slightly longer 103-minute 'special edition' version of the film, which has an extra scene and dialog not present on the 1973 theatrical cut (99 min). This version of the film was restored in 2K. (The 2K restoration of the theatrical cut can be found on Disc Four). Below you can read out comments on the theatrical version of the film, which looks identical to the 'special edition' version.

The release offers the second best overall presentation of a Bruce Lee film in Criterion's seven-disc box set. In terms of density consistency and depth some very minor improvements can still be made, but the 2K restoration is color-graded very carefully and as a result it produces some of the best ranges of fine nuances in the entire box set. I spent some time comparing it to Warner's 2013 release of Enter the Dragon and I think that in quite a few areas highlights are noticeably better managed as well. I also like the overall temperature of the color scheme, which is warmer than the one seen on the 4K restoration of Game of Death and with healthier ranges of supporting nuances. Unsurprisingly, the 2K restoration actually ensures a more convincing dynamic range than the 4K restoration. (Obviously these are different films with different visual styles, but I am comparing their presentations because the 4K restoration should have produced a superior technical presentation. It does not. The opposite is true). There are no traces of problematic digital adjustments. Image stability is excellent. Finally, the entire film has been cleaned up and now looks spotless. In summary, I think that the 2K restoration of Enter the Dragon is very strong and in various ways actually quite a bit more convincing than at least one of the new 4K restorations that are included in Criterion's box set. My score is 4.75/5.00. (Note: This is a Region-A "locked" Blu-ray release. Therefore, you must have a native Region-A or Region-Free player in order to access its content).

Enter the Dragon Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There are two standard audio tracks on this Blu-ray release: English LPCM 1.0 and English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. On my disc, there is an option to turn on/off optional English subtitles. However, I tried three different players and was unable to get the subtitles to show up. (At the moment I only have a check disc, so I will double-check once I received a market copy of this release).

The monaural track features primarily Bruce Lee's voice in the extra scene, while Lee's voice was dubbed in the 5.1 track. I viewed the entire film with the 5.1 and thought that was really quite strong. It opens up a lot of the action footage very well, plus dynamics are more diverse. Clarity and stability are identical to those of the Mono track. (You can read additional comments about the Mono track in our review of the theatrical version of the film).

Enter the Dragon Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Risk and Reward - in this new video program, producer Andre Morgan discusses his work for the Golden Harvest company and the popularization of martial arts films in America. There are also interesting observation about Bruce Lee's image in America. The program was created for Criterion in 2020. In English, not subtitled. (17 min, 1080p).

• Bruceploitation - in this new program, author Grady Hendrix explores the many Bruce Lee imitators that emerged during the '70s and '80s. The program was produced for Criterion in 2020. In English, not subtitled. (11 min, 1080p).

• Bruceploitation Promos - a collection of trailers for some popular bruceploitation films. In English, not subtitled. (14 min, 1080p).

• Match the Lips - in this new program, voice performers Michael Kaye (the English voice of Bruce Lee's Chen Zhen in Fist of Fury) and Vaughn Savidge recall their work on creating English dubs tracks for martial arts films. The program was produced for Criterion in 2020. In English, not subtitled. (12 min, 1080p).

• The Grandmaster & the Dragon - in this archival documentary, Wing Chun grandmaster William Cheung recalls his relationship with friend and training partner Bruce Lee. The documentary was produced in 2009. In English, not subtitled. (55 min, 1080i).

• Commentary - this archival commentary was recorded by producer Peter Heller in 2003.
  
  1. Shaolin spirit
  2. Renegades
  3. The Island
  4. Human fly
  5. Strength to survive
  6. Fighting back
  7. Final offense

• Leaflet - an illustrated leaflet featuring an essay by critic Jeff Chang as well as technical credits.

Enter the Dragon Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

On Disc Seven from the Bruce Lee: His Greatest Hits box set you will find a brand new 2K restoration of the slightly longer 'special edition' of Enter the Dragon. This version of the film can also be viewed with a 5.1 lossless audio track, which I think is really, really good. Finally, there are a couple of outstanding new programs, such as Bruceploitation with Grady Hendrix and Match the Lips with voice performers Michael Kaye and Vaughn Savidge. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.