DVD Cultures clash and tempers flare as two cops from different worlds quickly discover that can't stand each other. With time running out they must join forces to catch the criminals.
Details
It is the last day of British rule in Hong Kong and Consul Han is preparing to take up a new post in America. His final act before leaving is to dismantle the powerful Junyao crime gang, humiliating them in the process and leaving them vowing revenge. That revenge soon follows him across the Pacific, as Han's young daughter Soo Young is kidnapped on American soil in a move designed to hurt him where it matters most.
Desperate to get his daughter back, Han turns to his trusted friend, Inspector Lee, a disciplined and fiercely loyal officer with a reputation for getting results. The FBI are far from pleased about the outside interference and assign fast-talking, hot-headed LAPD detective James Carter to keep an eye on him and, ideally, keep him out of the way.
Naturally, things do not go to plan. What begins as a babysitting job quickly becomes an explosive culture clash, as the unlikely pair find themselves racing across Los Angeles, trading barbs, dodging bullets and slowly uncovering the real motive behind the kidnapping.
Picture & Sound
The image transfer is superb. With many of the scenes taking place at night the picture is pin sharp with no artefacting or graininess evident. The daylight scenes are just as good with a sharpness that only DVD can deliver.
The sound stage is colossal with explosions, bullets and music galore around the soundstage. The channel separation is superb and makes it a perfect demonstration disc giving any system a serious workout. Many films neglect the rear channel, especially when it comes down to the musical score, but there are no disappointments here.
Dialogue remains clear even when the soundtrack is in full flow, which is no small feat in a film that rarely sits still. Bass has plenty of punch during the bigger set pieces, and the mix stays energetic without turning into mush.
Menu & Extras
The menus are simple but effective, offering quick access to scenes and the main extras without unnecessary fuss. It's functional rather than flashy, but perfectly serviceable.
The standout extra is the audio commentary by director Brett Ratner, which provides a decent insight into the production and the balancing act between comedy and action. Also included is an isolated score track with commentary by composer Lalo Schifrin, which is a particularly nice addition and allows you to appreciate the energy and style of the film's music in isolation.
There are a handful of deleted scenes and the original featurette, "A Piece of the Action", which offers a behind-the-scenes look at the stunts and production. Cast and crew biographies are included too, along with the original theatrical trailer.
Rounding things off are two music videos - "How Deep Is Your Love" by Dru Hill and "Nuttin' But Love" by Heavy D - plus the short film "Whatever Happened To Mason Reese?".
Overall
Jackie Chan has thrived on the low budget Hong Kong action films and it is good to see him appearing in more Hollywood blockbusters. It is just a pity that he is not more involved with his brilliant fighting skill as the film is basically for Chris Tucker's benefit.
The combination of Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker is just right, it is even better than the Lethal Weapon partnership of Gibson and Glover and I'm sure many sequels will follow. With Tuckers perfect comical lines and timing plus Chan's fighting techniques it is fantastic comedy/action film not to be missed.
Special features
- Audio Commentary by Director Brett Ratner
- Isolated Score with Commentary by Composer Lalo Schifrin
- Deleted Scenes
- Original Featurette - "A Piece of the Action"
- Cast and Crew Biographies
- Original Theatrical Trailer
- Short Film - "Whatever Happened To Mason Reese?"
- "How Deep Is Your Love" Music Video By Dru Hill
- "Nuttin' But Love" Music Video By Heavy D
- DVD-ROM Enhanced
