Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		3.5

Running on Karma Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Jeffrey Kauffman January 27, 2025

Perhaps as a result of having spent most of my adult life in the "kept weird" locale of Portland, Oregon, it didn't strike me as particularly odd several decades ago when I was in a laundromat and an unruly little girl was met with a cautionary "Be good, Karma!" by her mother, especially since the pungent aroma of patchouli had arguably already alerted me to a certain "type" I might be sharing the facility with. Lots of people of course talk about "good karma" and/or "bad karma", irrespective of any misbehaving children, without really thinking much about what "karma" actually refers to. A primer of sorts is offered in the appealing if often quite gonzo Running on Karma, a film which among other oddities offers Andy Lau is a body suit that has to be seen to be believed (and perhaps not even then).

Running on Karma received a Blu-ray release around a decade and a half ago (!) by Hong Kong's Kim and Ronson label, and Svet Atanasov's Running on Karma Blu-ray review of that release should provide ample plot information for anyone interested.

Running on Karma Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Running on Karma is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Eureka! Entertainment's Masters of Cinema imprint with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.85:1. As usual, Eureka doesn't really provide a ton of technical information on the release, with their insert booklet offering only their standard "viewing notes" and calibration advice, though at least in this instance there's a brief mention of "a brand new 2K restoration" on the back cover. There's a lot to like about this presentation in terms of nicely rendered detail levels (can you spot where the "rubber meets the road" and/or skin on Lau's body suit?). Detailing on the ghostly apparitions that make up Big's "visions" can understandably be a bit opaque, but all of the "normal" aspects ranging from costumes to greenery in locations offers generally secure detail levels. I have a feeling there may be less consistent satisfaction with the color timing of this restoration, which struck me as at least occasionally variant. A lot of the transfer boasts healthy densities and a natural looking palette, but there were a number of moments that had a kind of subtle but noticeable green undertone. This version also looks a bit brighter than the old 1080 Hong Kong Blu-ray. I have to say based solely on screenshots, I think I prefer the look of the now ancient Kim and Ronson disc in terms of color and contrast.

Running on Karma Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Running on Karma features a Cantonese LPCM 2.0 track that has some really nicely wide imaging (you can hear panning from the get go with the Fortune Star masthead) and a nicely robust midrange and low end that can support some of the more raucous elements of Big's work as a striptease artist and/or body building competitor. Dialogue is rendered cleanly and clearly throughout. It's probably worth noting that the Kam and Ronson disc from years ago had a Dolby TrueHD 7.1 option. Optional English subtitles are available.

Running on Karma Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Audio Commentary by Frank Djeng & F.J> DeSanto


• Audio Commentary by Frank Djeng


• Reap the Whirlwind (HD; 24:52) features Gary Bettinson offering his thoughts on the film.


• Making Running on Karma (HD; 18:39) is an archival featurette with some fun candid footage. Subtitled in English.


• Original Theatrical Trailer (HD; 1:18)

Eureka also provides a nicely appointed insert booklet with writing by David West. The sleeve has an inner print and packaging features a slipcover.

Running on Karma Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Frank Djeng and F.J. DeSanto seem perhaps a bit more willing to overlook some of the tonal shifts in this film than Gary Bettinson, and I have to say I probably lean a little toward the Bettinson side of things in terms of being able to go with the flow as Running on Karma weaves its way through everything from slapstick comedy to supernaturalism to star-crossed romance to a rather generous does of Buddhism, which is probably the film's most interesting aspect, even if it can be (probably deliberately) obfuscated by all the goofy elements, including that "pumped up" body suit for Lau. Technical merits are generally solid, and the supplements very appealing. Recommended.