Bullet in the Head is now available on 4K from Shout! Studios, Hong Kong Cinema Classics.
John Woo is getting a major revival in the form of physical media released through Shout! Studios label of Hong Kong Cinema Classics. The newly released Bullet in the Head joins the lineup of seminal classics to get a fantastic 4K release.
Why Bullet in the Head matters
A scene from John Woo’s Bullet in the Head, now available on 4K
As John Woo’s first film of the 90s, Bullet in the Head showcases the filmmaker’s talents through spectacular action and deep-rooted themes of greed, friendship, loyalty, and betrayal. Starring Jacky Cheung, Waise Lee, and an early role from film icon Tony Leung (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, In the Mood for Love), the stellar ensemble carries the film’s dark elements and serious tone with ease. Clearly influenced by American films about the Vietnam War, like Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now and Michael Cimino’s The Deer Hunter, Woo explores the horrors of war and their effects on the seemingly unbreakable bond of three friends.
Video quality
The new release features a 4K scan of the original camera negative. It’s a perfect edition that captures the beauty and blood of Woo’s vision. The color is sharp, the images are clean and detailed, and it has all the elements of a solidly performed 4K transfer.
Sound quality
Featuring newly translated subtitles specifically for this release, the audio transfer is fantastic. With John Woo, you know there will be plenty of bullets, and every gunshot is delivered with a deafening crispness.
Packaging and presentation
Images from the film decorate the new edition’s cover, accurately depicting the tone and themes of the film. The title is presented in both English and its original Chinese lettering.
The slipcover’s art is the same as the physical case’s cover art, with the label’s title, “Hong Kong Cinema Classics,” presented cleanly across the top. The traditional Shout! logo is also present on the spine.
Slipcover? Yes
Original artwork? No
The special features
NEW – 4K Scan From the Original Camera Negative
NEW – Optional English Subtitles Newly Translated for This Release
NEW – Audio Commentary with Film Critic Frank Djeng
“Festival” Cut of Bullet in the Head
Alternate Boardroom Ending
NEW – “Brilliance with a Bullet” – Interview with Director/Writer John Woo
NEW – “Head Case!” – Interview with Actor Waise Lee
NEW – “Army of One” – Interview with Producer Terence Chang
NEW – “Apocalypse Woo” – Interview with Editor David Wu
NEW – “Tumultuous Times” – Interview with Production Planner Catherine Lau
NEW – “Hong Kong Confidential” – Inside Bullet in the Head with Author Grady Hendrix
NEW – “Apocalypse How?” – Interview with Professor Lars Laaman
Trailers
Image Gallery
Is Bullet in the Head worth buying on 4K?
This is a defining film in John Woo’s filmography and one absolutely worthy of joining any cinephile’s collection. The 4K transfer and abundance of special features included make this an easy purchase, and with a price point of only $32.99, it’s easy on the wallet. I can’t recommend this purchase enough.
Is it worth a blind purchase? Yes. It’s a must-own for film collectors and a great entry in John Woo’s stunning filmography
Purchase your copy of Bullet in the Head on 4K from Shout! Studios, Hong Kong Cinema Classics here.
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