This is kinda a PSA post, because in my experience even some hardcore fans of the classics didn't know that these movies are available in awesome Blu-ray Remasters. The catch is that a lot of them are region locked to Region B. Awesome for the Europeans but for American fans we have to jump through a couple of hoops. If you don't want to deal with region locked titles there are a lot of Region A options as well and more coming as time goes on. But here's a brief introduction on how to get started buying and watching these awesome releases.
First you'll need a Region Free Player
There are no official region free players but there's plenty after market modified players sold on amazon. I bought mine for about $130 but you might be able to find one cheaper. Mine has worked perfectly and I basically use it as a Hong Kong movie box I always have plugged in.
Get acquainted with the labels/distributors
The two main labels that put out most frequently are Eureka Films and 88 Films. Both Region B companies and they sometimes even licensed the same movies and try and one up each other with their releases. They're competition might make it confusing at times to know which one to buy, but basically weigh the pros and cons of which you like better. For example:
The "In the Line of Duty" "franchise" is being released piece meal by Eureka Films
VS
88 Films are doing one boxset with all 4 films
I'm waiting for 88 film's box set for a couple of reasons but my main reason is the next topic-
Caring WAY too much about box art
Let me tell you. Some of these covers are DOPE AF.
Sometimes I make my whole purchase decision based on the box art. Sometimes I have no choice but to get some art I don't like but usually I have my cake and eat it too.
I think my two favorite artist are
Kung Fu Bob and Sean Longmore
The cool Special Features and Frank Djeng Appreciation Society
These release have decent extras included, typically old interviews and sometimes newer featurettes. But by far the best thing these releases have to offer is Frank Djeng audio commentary.
Who is Frank Djeng? Well he used work for Tai Seng Entertainment where he remastered over 100 films earning the nickname "Master of Remaster" he co-host the Comic-Con Superhero Kung Fu Extravaganza Panel. I know most of this from the top of my head because that's how he always introduces himself at the start of the commentaries. Bottom line is these commentaries are very informative and fun to listen to. He explains all the double entendres and cultural reference that are lost on me. I've seen some of these movies like 20 time but it only take one Frank Djeng watch to blow my mind and appreciate it in completely new ways.
Region A or Region Free Releases
Arrow Video and Vinegar Syndrome release some in Region A. There are some awesome titles you should look at.
All 4k films are Region Free. For Example:
Eureka's Police Story Box Set plays on any 4k Player.
And 88 Film's 4k release of Dragons Forever plays on any 4k player
More and more of these are getting released in both Region A and B or on 4k so you can jump in and buy some without worrying about getting a region free player. But I recommend buying one now so you don't miss out on some really cool box sets. A lot of 88 Films releases sell out very quick.
Dar's Recommendations
If you're like me and you got in to Hong King action with Jackie Chan then there's probably A LOT of stuff you have missed. I'll skip most of the classic Jackie stuff and I'll post some of the stuff me or my friend have bought that have made me really happy we branched out.
Shawscope Vol 1(Region A) and 2. These amazing sets are perfect for someone like me who have seen a handful of the more famous Shaw Brothers movies, but I needed a broader education on their classics. The scope of the studio's talent and production pipeline was absolutely nuts. Also it has some really good special features that does a good job of contextualizing the films.
Righting Wrongs(Region A) is one of those grandmaster action classics that alluded a lot of us fans who came in through Jackie Chan movies. This is a relatively dark story about vigilante justice with over the top action. Yuen Biao puts on a clinic and Cynthia Rothrock is always awesome to watch. This is one of those that has another release in Region B with WAY better box art imo(Pictured on the right).
Millionaire Express(Region B) This is an epic action ensemble headed by Sammo Hung. This may be my favorite movie I've bought of these. Just absolutely epic action comedy stuff featuring pretty much everyone who is famous in Hong Kong(except for Jackie). This one has a upcoming Region A release from Arrow and the cover is pretty dope. Pictured on the right.
Here's a trailer for the Eureka release:
View: LISgv3LcenQ
There's honestly too much to post(and this OP is already MEGA LONG) but I'd love to hear everyone else's recommendations too. My friend and I have a googlesheet of our purchases. Which can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1EmnYF7VYG8Mxzg3mTsJzg6VQ08I4zvM9qfDVE4NCoOk/edit?usp=sharing
