Project A Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		3.5

Project A Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Jeffrey Kauffman October 12, 2024

Note: This version of this film is available on Blu-ray as part of The Project A Collection from 88 Films.

Another informative and mile a minute commentary by Frank Djeng included in this set mentions how Jackie Chan wasn't quite "Jackie Chan" yet when the Project A films came along, and in fact it was those very films which helped to finally cement Chan's very unique status in the martial arts universe. Chan's completely distinctive blend of outrageous stunts combined with breezy comedy (both physical and verbal) found a near perfect outlet in Project A, and the film's overwhelming success proved that Chan's sense about how he should be presented on screen was completely correct. If there is a bit of that oft mentioned sophomore slump at play with the follow up film, the two offerings together are great examples of how Chan managed to connect with his relatively early audiences, establishing a template of sorts that would carry him through countless other productions. As of the writing of this review, only the first film has had a previous release on Blu-ray in Region A, but 88 Films is bringing out two sets simultaneously, this standalone 1080 set, and another 4K release which also includes 1080 discs and some significant non disc swag that is not included in this particular release, which may make it the default choice for some who might not even have 4K setups.

As mentioned above, Project A had a previous 1080 release in Region A courtesy of the often "budget line" Echo Bridge Entertainment. Martin Liebman's Project A Blu-ray review provides plot information and Marty's assessment of that disc's technical merits.

Project A Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Project A is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of 88 Films with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 2.39:1. Despite the 4K release offering a pretty hefty insert booklet, there's no technical information included, and the back cover offers only a kind of generic "brand new 4K remaster" as a descriptor. One way or the other, this is a marked improvement over the old 1080 presentation by Echo Bridge, which Marty was obviously not a big fan of. Aside from the slight but noticeable correction in aspect ratio, both color timing and especially clarity are markedly improved in this new version. The palette is nicely suffused throughout and some of the primaries, notably reds and blues, are especially impressive. Fine detail on the rather luxe period costumes is also excellent. Grain resolves naturally throughout.

Project A Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Project A bursts onto Blu-ray with a veritable glut of audio options, including both Cantonese and Mandarin in Dolby Atmos or DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono. A DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono English dub is also included. You can't really go wrong with any of these, though sync is almost hilariously loose on whatever language you choose, so much so that lip movements can be completely off from both the sounds emanating from them as well as the various lengths of lip movements vs. spoken material. The Atmos tracks may admittedly not be models of actual overhead activity, but they provide a rather fulsomely immersive rendering of the score in particular and the side and rear channels can intermittently spring into engagement during the action scenes. All of this said, all of the tracks are anchored front and center pretty noticeably. I'd rate the Cantonese as the most forceful of the tracks, and in fact the mono track in particular struck me as almost too loud. The English track is pretty wet and can show a more brash high end. Optional English subtitles are available.

Project A Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Hong Kong Version (1:45:45) and Extended Version (1:55:22) are available under the Play Film menu.


• Audio Commentary by Frank Djeng and FJ DeSanta accompanies the Hong Kong cut.


• Audio Commentary by Frank Djeng accompanies the Hong Kong cut.


• Dancing with Danger (HD; 15:26) is an interview with "stunt god" Mars Cheung. Subtitled in English.


• Master Killer (HD; 22:03) is an interview with grandmaster Lee Hoi-san. Subtitled in English.


• The Elusive Dragon (HD; 18:07) is an interview with Yuen Biao. Subtitled in English.


• The Pirates Den (HD; 13:57) is an interview with Dick Wei. Subtitled in English.


• Can't Stop the Music (HD; 17:27) is an interview with composer Michael Lai.


• Project Collector with Paul Dre (HD; 16:17) is a fun tour of an avid collector's collection.


• Plan B - Writer Edward Tang on Project A (HD; 15:11)


• Outtakes (HD; 24:03)


• Japanese Version Ending (HD; 2:24)


• The Making of Project A (HD; 11:45) has a bunch of silent candid footage that plays to cues from the soundtrack.


• Lunar Year Introduction (HD; 3:32) offers Jackie Chan. Subtitled in English.


• Hong Kong Trailer (HD; 4:00)


• English Trailer (HD; 2:22)


• Stills Gallery (HD)

Project A Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Project A is a hugely enjoyable film and a major high point in Jackie Chan's still relatively early filmography. 88 Films is offering a really nice release with secure technical merits and some appealing supplements. Some curmudgeons may wish they wouldn't have authored the disc with that relentless march theme playing over and over, but that's what the mute button is for. While this is a great looking and sounding release on its own, my advice is fans of this film may well want to check out 88 Films' simultaneously released 4K UHD set even if they don't yet have 4K setups, since that release also includes these 1080 discs and also offers a ton of other non disc swag that my hunch is will be very enticing. Recommended.