Included in one of the better Asian western films is the action comedy from 1986 entitled Millionaires' Express aka Shanghai Express. Now Arrow Video have given Millionaire Express a deluxe Blu-ray release Arrow Video is known for.
Ching Fong-tin (Sammo Hung), a former outlaw with a wild scheme to make amends with the citizens of his struggling hometown of Hon Sui: explosively derail a brand new luxury express train en route from Shanghai so that its super-rich passengers will have no choice but to spend money in the town. He’s not the only one with eyes on the passengers’ deep pockets, however; a gang of ruthless bank-robbing bandits are on the way, looking for a priceless map being guarded by a trio of Japanese samurai. Bullets and fists will fill the air in equal measure, but will Hon Sui Town be left standing?
Sammo Hung as the star and the director desired to bring the viewer of this film a comedy of western proportions. Now when I think western comedy, I think Support your local Sheriff and Gunfighter, Cat Ballou, Frisco Kid, Blazing Saddles, The Villlain. These are massively funny films that any western comedy would live in the shadows of.
Most of the time when you think of a martial arts films, you think of the action! But sadly in Millionaires' Express the fight scenes are on the skimpy side. But if you ever saw The Villain starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Kirk Douglas this film reminds me a lot of it. Millionaires' Express is Looney Tunes meets The Old West! Yes, it's that crazy and that much fun. Sammo Hung's Millionaires’ Express is an epic western comedy and fans of this genre should check this one out.
The film has been transferred in 1080p in 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The film transfer features a new 2K restoration by Fortune Star. The soundtrack is a PCM 1.0 Mono on these discs. I must say that this restoration is very good. The colors are bright and vibrant, with a nice level of film grain. The picture is sharp with no signs of damage to this print.
Now a nice looking restoration is not all that is included on this Blu-ray set. Arrow Video is known for their bonus features. But on this Blu-ray they went above and beyond! Adding tons on features. Take a look at what is included in this 2 disc limited edition Blu-ray set.
Disc One Features
* High Definition (1080p) presentations of the original Hong Kong Theatrical Cut and the Extended International Cut
* Original lossless Cantonese mono audio on both cuts, plus English mono audio for the Extended Cut
* Optional English subtitles for both versions
* Commentary on the Theatrical Cut by Frank Djeng
* Commentary on the Extended Cut by Mike Leeder & Arne Venema
* Select scene commentary by star Cynthia Rothrock, moderated by Frank Djeng
* Three video interviews with Cynthia Rothrock
* A New Frontier and Express Delivery, two archive interviews with Sammo Hung
* Way Out West, an archive interview with Yuen Biao
* On the Cutting Edge, an archive interview with star Yukari Oshima
* Alternate English opening and closing credits
* Trailer gallery
Disc Two Features
* High Definition (1080p) presentations of the English Export Cut and the recent Hybrid Cut (combining footage from the Theatrical and Extended Cuts for the longest possible version)
* Original lossless English audio for the Export Cut, and lossless Cantonese mono for the Hybrid Cut
* Optional English subtitles for the Hybrid Cut
Physical added features
* Double-sided fold-out poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Sam Gilbey
* Illustrated collectors' booklet featuring new writing on the film by Jonathan Clements and David West
* Reversible sleeve featuring original and new artwork by Sam Gilbey
As you can see there is so much features here! Four versions of this film (All featuring the new 2K restoration!). Simply amazing! But than to added all the commentaries, interviews, features, booklet, poster and reversible sleeve art. It blows you mind how much is included in this set! For fans of Asian cinema this is a must own Blu-ray set!
So if you love Asian Westerns Arrow Video's Blu-ray of Millionaires' Express is going to be one Blu-ray you will want to add to your collection. Head over to Amazon and order your copy today.
"Out of 4 Film Reels (4 being the Best) Arrow Video's Blu-ray of Millionaires' Express receives..
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