The Avenging Fist

This Region 2 DVD from Hong Kong Legends looks and sounds great. The 2.35:1 anamorphic enhanced widescreen image is bright, sharp and in pristine condition, while the Dolby Digital 5:1 Ex audio mix is full of detail. Right from the Blade Runner-esque opening, where CGI flying cars whoosh past to the strains of a Vangelis-like score, it's obvious that The Avenging Fist is going to be, not only a treat for eyes and ears, but also a pretty good showcase for the DVD medium.

Confusingly, there are differences in some of character names between the English dub and subtitles - Nova on the audio track is Kong on the subtitles, for example. Presumably only reviewers are likely to watch the DVD this way.

While there is not a commentary track, Hong Kong Legends have not skimped on the extras.

A 55-minute documentary, Dream Warriors: The Making Of The Avenging Fist, contains interviews with all the stars and filmmakers, except Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao, telling you pretty much all you want to know about the conception and execution of the movie. Then there is a short six minute interview with starlet Gigi Leung, who talks about her career as a model/singer/actress, favourite performers and interests in travel and animals. Finally, we have a short piece showing the film's preview, all glamour and glitz, and the de rigeuer trailer archive.

Mention should also be made of the menus, which capture the video game ambience of the film perfectly.

All told, this is another very nice DVD package from Hong Kong Legends. The film looks and sounds wonderful, while the extras, though average rather than excellent, round off the package nicely for the enthusiast, or collector.