China O'Brien 1 and 2 4K UHD (1990-1991) Eureka Entertainment

[saltysam]

Originally Posted by cooey

Mine arrived today. Still don't like the slipcase artwork....but I'm just grateful to have these on disc; still can't quite believe it's on UHD too!

Yep possibly one of the blandest slipcovers i've ever come across.I'd have thought a good chunk of the target market for these would have lapped up a retro cover.

[Ben_C]

Watched the first one this evening, and enjoyed it quite a bit. Predictable and straightforward stuff, very much like an extended A-Team episode, as I’d seen mentioned on here. Good to see Richard Norton as a good guy for a change, can’t remember seeing that too often.

I thought the colour timing looked pretty warm at times, with some pretty rosy looking faces on occasion, but that may well have just been how it was.
Looking forward to watching the second one, presumably it’ll be more of the same, which will be a good thing.

[Sky_Captain]

Some bizarre packaging decisions here.

What use is that China O'Brien 2 artwork, on the reverse of the sleeve?

Okay, I could see some weir...collectors buying two copies, to display both covers, but neither match thematically.

[Telemachus]

It feels like a dumb question to ask but these are Golden harvest films, are these shot in sync sound or at least dubbed by the actual actors? Also I watched the preview, it seems like some other movies ripped this premise: Walking Tall, The Last Stand. Was China O'Brien the first to do this type of film?

[cooey]

Originally Posted by Sky_Captain

Some bizarre packaging decisions here.

What use is that China O'Brien 2 artwork, on the reverse of the sleeve?

Okay, I could see some weir...collectors buying two copies, to display both covers, but neither match thematically.

I think in terms of art for display it’s quite a poor package all round

[Markgway]

Originally Posted by Telemachus

It feels like a dumb question to ask but these are Golden harvest films, are these shot in sync sound or at least dubbed by the actual actors?

Sync sound like all Harvest's US-lensed productions.

Also I watched the preview, it seems like some other movies ripped this premise: Walking Tall, The Last Stand. Was China O'Brien the first to do this type of film?

Eh?! Walking Tall was made in 1973!

[Telemachus]

Originally Posted by Markgway

Eh?! Walking Tall was made in 1973!

Lol the Rock one from 2004

[Markgway]

Originally Posted by Telemachus

Lol the Rock one from 2004

Which is a watered-down remake of the one from 1973!!

[Telemachus]

Originally Posted by Markgway

Which is a watered-down remake of the one from 1973!!

Then that must be the original film that started this genre, I didn't realize the Rock one was a remake

[Markgway]

Walking Tall (1973) Official Trailer - YouTube

[cooey]

Whoop whoop

[CSM101]

Just watched these. I love how realistic the politics of running for sheriff are in this movie. That’s how it was done in the late 80’s. The movies look and sound excellent. I’m acquiring a nice little Rothrock collection. I may still pick up the VS set (I’m weird that way) but there’s no urgency, unless it moves really quickly. This is a very lovely set and reasonably priced.

[lilboyblu]

I'm sure the HDR on the VS release will be nice, but I do love the fact that Eureka also included Dolby Vision.

[samlop10]

Was wondering why I couldn’t see my post in this thread anymore and turns out I mistakenly posted this in the standard blu release :

Originally Posted by samlop10

Watched the first one and the picture is phenomenal. It puts to shame some bigger-studio releases. The HDR adds quite a bit of depth to the image with very nice detail in both bright and dark highlights/areas. The picture is a bit soft from the source but fine detail is still appreciable and apparent. The colors look great, especially China’s outfits throughout the film. They look quite vibrant and saturated without looking unnatural. You can immediately see this in the opening fight scene in the alley. Print damage is minimal with nothing worth noting. Compression is top-notch, looking very cinematic with plenty of film grain that is resolved quite nicely (the booklet lists David Mackenzie and FiM, so no surprise there). 4.5/5

Audio can sound a bit garbled in the louder effects (like a bonfire, for example), but this is likely a limitation of the source. Still serviceable and the score, songs, dialogue and fighting sound effects sound good overall. 3.5/5

Lots of charm in the film here. Cynthia Rothrock carries the film quite nicely. It’s a very entertaining B movie with great hand-to-hand combat and a noteworthy motorcycle-through-a-window crash shot during the climax.

Highly recommended if you like B movie martial arts action films, especially of the 80s era (technically released in 1990, but it feels very 80s).

[Ruemorgue10]

Originally Posted by Markgway

Walking Tall (1973) Official Trailer - YouTube

This was my first time watching China O'Brien and my mind immediately went to Walking Tall.

[Mr. Chaverria]

Originally Posted by Markgway

Walking Tall (1973) Official Trailer - YouTube

Ah, yes. Buford Pusser. Never saw that one. Though know about it. I love Joe Don Baker, dude just stands out to me.

====

Watching the UHD now. I got it when it was released but just now getting to it.

Never seen these, always wanted to cuz I love her Hong Kong work. Man, I'm not used to seeing Rothrock shot by an American. It's kind of weird to me. Not bad but just, a Hong Kong director of that time would frame it differently in certain ways. I'm not even talking about the action just even the regular stuff. I chuckled cuz some shots showed off her bum in a way that HK never did. Hahaha.

I have to say, the UHD is gorgeous. It looks better than a lot of other films of that period even by the big studios. Maybe a tad red in the face at times though.

Early on, in the Beaver Creek Inn. One guy shoots into the air and nothing comes down. That made me laugh. I expected dust or something but it came off funny to me.

Man, her and Norton are a gorgeous pair. Talk about two beautiful people. Oooof. I ordered the Vinegar Syndrome UHD set too. So I'll be getting that soon.

[Mr. Chaverria]

Thank you for mentioning this on your commentary, Frank Djeng. God, I love the internet for the gems we can find:

Cynthia Rothrock Kentucky Fried Chicken Ad (1983) - YouTube