Another Sammo Hung classic comes to blu-ray with ODD COUPLE, a goofy martial arts flick that has some seriously great fight scenes.
Release Date: August 9th, 1979 (theatrical)
March 21st, 2022 (blu-ray)
Run Time: 1 hour 35 minutes 56 seconds
Region Code: B (locked)
Picture: 1080p (2.35:1 aspect ratio)
Sound: Cantonese LPCM 1.0
Run Time: 1 hour 35 minutes 56 seconds
Region Code: B (locked)
Picture: 1080p (2.35:1 aspect ratio)
Sound: Cantonese LPCM 1.0
English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Subtitles: English
Slipcover: Yes (limited to first pressing)
Digital Copy: No
Starring: Sammo Hung, Lau Kar-wing, Bryan Leung, Dean Shek, and Mars
Written by Wong Pak Ming and Lai Wai Man
Subtitles: English
Slipcover: Yes (limited to first pressing)
Digital Copy: No
Starring: Sammo Hung, Lau Kar-wing, Bryan Leung, Dean Shek, and Mars
Written by Wong Pak Ming and Lai Wai Man
Directed by Lau Kar-wing
Rating: BBFC: 12 (contains moderate violence)
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Poster
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What's It About?
Two ageing masters of the spear and sword engage in an epic mountaintop battle every ten years, but the outcome invariably ends in a draw. Realising that neither one of them will ever outclass the other, they each agree to take on a younger student and train them to champion their cause, thus putting an end to their longstanding rivalry. (from the blu-ray case)
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Film Review
The film opens with a quick lesson on the different kinds of melee weapons (swords, spears, etc) while also introducing us to our two main characters, the King of Sabres and the King of Spears.
This has to be one of the goofiest Kung fu flicks I have ever seen. There is not one character that doesn't spend the whole film mugging for the camera or acting like a fool. I don't normally have a problem with this, but it is kind of annoying. Once you notice it, you will never be able to watch the film the same way again. It does get pretty serious during the end fight scenes, but that is the norm for these types of films. Some of the comedy works, but there are scenes that just don't and they kind of bring the film down with them.
The fight scenes more than make up for the constant mugging. These are some of the best weapons based fight scenes I have ever seen. Some will say that 8-DIAGRAM POLE FIGHTER or LEGENDARY WEAPONS OF CHINA are the best weapons based films, but ODD COUPLE beats them. We are given a quick explanation of what the different weapons are just so we know them when they show up. It's a nice touch that helps out audience members who may not know that much about the different weapons used in the film.
ODD COUPLE is a fun film. Sure, the mugging is overdone, but the fight scenes help soothe the sickness of the mugging. The fights are exciting and plentiful and I liked all the weapons.
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Video/Audio
This is another winner for Eureka. Taken from a 2K remaster, ODD COUPLE looks very strong. Couples are vibrant. Grain is light while detail is nice. I didn't find any fault with the picture quality.
Audio comes in the form of an LPCM track for the Cantonese audio and a DTS-HD MA track for the English track. Both are strong, but I preferred the Cantonese track to the English track. It felt like it was closer to what was heard in 1979. The English track felt too "modern". That is not to say that the English track is bad. It's good, but the Cantonese track is more to my liking.
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Extras/Packaging
Commentary by Frank Djeng and Bobby Samuels
Commentary by Mike Leeder and Arne Venema
Master and Student (26m 55s, SD, 1.78:1) Archival interview with director Lau Kar-wing
Natural Born Killer (22m 22s, SD, 1.78:1) Archival interview with actor Leung Kar-van
Theatrical Trailer (4m 28s, HD, 2.35:1)
Home Video Trailer (1m 39s, SD, 2.35:1)
The two interviews are informative and entertaining. The commentaries are where it's at in terms of the special features package presented here. I can not say enough good things these commentators. Frank Djeng is always informative from the perspective of a Chinese person. You add Bobby Samuels, a man who has worked with some of the biggest Hong Kong stars including Sammo Hung, and you have yourself one great track from a more personal take. Mike Leeder and Arne Venenma also work in the industry, but I have always looked at them as historians. They live in Hong Kong so their perspective is coming from that and from working in the industry. They also know their shit.
The blu-ray comes housed inside of a very nice slipcover adorned with newly commissioned artwork from Darren Wheeling. The 14mm clear blu-ray case features reversible artwork with the Darren Wheeling artwork on one side and the film's original theatrical poster on the other side. On the inside you will find a 28-page, full color booklet with an essay by James Oliver, cast and crew credits, behind the scenes photos, posters, and blu-ray credits. The back cover features a nice tribute to the late Dean Shek Tin, who died last year.
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Overall
ODD COUPLE is a fun flick that has a bit too much going on for it's own sake, but it is entertaining and exciting. The blu-ray, from Eureka, is another winner for the company. Picture and sound are fantastic and the special features are worth the time. This is a must own for martial arts fans.
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Film
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Packaging
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