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4K UHD Review: 88 Films’ The Project A Collection (Limited Edition Box Set)

A.W. Kautzer
The Project A Collection

The Project A Collection

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The geniuses at 88 Films are at it again.  Their 4K UHD Project A Collection box set is everything a collector and Jackie Chan fan could want and more!

The Films 

There is something infinitely fascinating about Project A and Project A: Part II if looked at from Jackie Chan’s entire career.  This series was made sandwiched between Chan’s masterpiece Police Story, which essentially is the film that defined Jackie Chan as Jackie Chan.  One can see the difference in style and approach in both films. 

Project A is still in the Lucky Stars mode of Chan relying on the work of Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao a part of the triumphed that made success after success.  The formula is here with Sammo playing the loose cannon co-lead.  Biao playing the by-the-books handsome co-lead.  Chan, of course, is the funny/fun co-lead.  The film works like a well-oiled machine of the expectations of each actor.  There’s wiggle room but for the most part, it’s written, performed, and executed in that trio mentality.  

Project A is essentially the Police Academy slobs vs snobs style of film with two police forces trying to deal with pirates controlling the waters around Hong Kong – clash at first but eventually combine forces to save the day.  The police forces are literally the “Water” Police led by Chan and the “Land” Police led by Biao.  There is a lot more complexity in the plot and there’s an earnestness in the film that Police Academy and most of these types of comedies of the era could ever muster. 

Much of the film is spent in that jocular storytelling style with the Waters and Lands going back and forth against each other.  The centerpiece of this is a bar brawl to end all bar brawls. The chaos like any of Chan’s filmography (especially the films he directs) is spectacularly funny, fun, and most of all wildly dangerous stunt work that feels real – because it is real.  Like any great martial arts or musical the set pieces are emotional outbursts when your words cannot do. 

Smartly though, the bar brawl isn’t the showstopper.  Chan leaves that for the finale set at the pirate’s secret lair that’s one of the fastest and ferocious final battles of the first half of his career.  There’s a sense of teamwork on display between Chan, Biao, and Hung that we would rarely see again in a Chan film.  

The biggest difference between Project A: Part II from the original is the atomic bomb that was Police Story.  Police Story is the defining Chan work that’s the apex of his career.  Everything after Police Story feels the influence.  Project A: Part II is a bolder film but also Hung and Biao are not present at all (well… both show up in the opening title sequence that gives a recap).  It’s been reset as a Jackie Chan film as we know it in the modern era.  The story even adds Maggie Chueng (from Police Story) as a literal damsel, and Bill Tung as his usual role of the Chief, shaping it to more of what we know of what a Jackie Chan film is.

That sharp line stylistically between the two films doesn’t deter from enjoyment of either or viewed as a double feature.  Project A: Part II is a blockbuster of the highest order; its sole aim is to please every audience member.  Chan along with the Jackie Chan Stunt Man Association designed everything in the film to be bigger and showier than the original.  The set pieces are designed around Chan as the solo lead with other performers in support of his work, unlike Project A which feels like it was designed for the TRIO of leads.  This very notion of a singular style rather than competing styles gives the film a less chaotic feel – like it were a competition between Chan, Hung, and Biao.  

Even the storyline has drastically changed with a more Police Story-esque tale of corruption within the Police ranks and Dragon Ma (Chan) having to set everything right.  Gone are the naval-based adventure plot points of pirates and hijacking.  However, there is a plot point that deals with the remaining pirates who didn’t die or get arrested in the first film.  The film further adds complications with another storyline with Mainland China, and a liberation movement in the early 1880s (in which the story takes place).  

The changes allow for some truly jaw-dropping stunt work from Chan and Co.  The way they seem to top every gag or set piece from the first film feels like what a sequel is to do, top its predecessor.  From the opening set pieces, there’s a danger to everything that feels even greater than Project A, even with its Clock Tower/Buster Keaton homage that almost killed Chan.  The finale set in various factories in and around HK Harbor is a mile a second display of death-defying stunt work that had this reviewer rewatching, pausing, and frame analyzing – though I had seen it at least ten times prior.  It is that style, that breathless pace, that separates Project A: Part II from the original.  

Though both are truly wonderful films, Project A: Part II stands a foot above the original because of Chan’s adjustments post-Police Story mega success.  

The Transfers

Project A

The Brand new 4K Remaster of both the Hong Kong Cut [106 mins] and Extended Taiwanese Cut [115 mins] from the Original Negatives presented in the original 2.39:1 Aspect Ratio with Dolby Vision encoding (HDR10 Compatible) is an excellent update to the already existing elements now in native 4K resolution.  The original shows no wear and tear on the print, a minor miracle considering the age and how elements were treated during this era in Hong Kong.  The image is a beautiful representation of the image’s filmic origins.  The color reproduction is beautiful, and the film’s contrast levels are astounding, as much of it was shot at night or at a low light level.  Even in these conditions, the image remains an excellent example of the subtlety and luster that the HDR brings to any transfer.  

Project A: Part II

Brand new 4K Remaster of the Hong Kong Cut [107 mins] and the Export Cut [98 mins] from the Original Negatives presented in the original 2.39:1 Aspect Ratio with Dolby Vision encoding (HDR10 Compatible) is an excellent update to the already existing elements now in native 4K resolution.  The original shows no wear and tear on the print, a minor miracle considering the age and how elements were treated during this era in Hong Kong.  The sequel’s image is an all-around uptick in image sharpness and color production.  That could be because there was more control exerted on the production level – as Chan shot the film primarily during the day or stage bound where controlling the light levels becomes much easier than on location.  This transfer slightly edges out the original because of these factors in terms of sharpness and all-around image quality.  

In summation, 88 Films has gone above and beyond to give us two 4K UHD transfers that are excellent presentations of the 35mm shot films.  

The Extras

They include the following;

PROJECT A

PROJECT A PART II

Project A [Disc 1 & 2]

NOTE: The Commentaries, Introduction, and Trailers are the only special features that appear on the 4K UHD disc. 

The all-new audio commentary by Frank Djeng and FJ DeSanto on the Hong Kong Cut of the film.  The track begins with DeSanto opening with his assessment of Project A being one of the films of all time and introduces Djeng.  Some of the details include the box office success of the film; the importance of the film as a transition film for Jackie Chan; a history of the era in which the film takes place (the 1880s); the formation of the Water Police – the film is based on; a discussion of the bar brawl and how it’s more comedic than violent; their first full experience watching the film; the work of Sammo Hung – and his possible assistance with the entire production as it was early in Chan’s directorial career; a larger discussion of the costuming and production design throughout and how accurate it is for the era; a larger discussion about the various set pieces – which they are many – with various tidbits like fighting styles, stunt work, stunt men, editing, time, et. al.; a larger discussion of the various voice actors that dubbed the stars; a discussion throughout about the various locations the production used; a discussion about the differences between the HK cut and the Extended cut – and just how different they are; discussion throughout the commentary track about the various actors and their work here and throughout their career – keep your notes app open you’ll want to write some of the films down; and much more.

The second all-new track is a solo audio commentary by Frank Djeng also on the Hong Kong Cut of the film.  The track begins with Djeng discussing that this is indeed a “supplemental” commentary track to discuss the various items he and FJ DeSanto did not get to cover during the first commentary track.  There is a lot of discussion and further deep dives into more technical and production-based aspects of the film.  Djeng does go over topics again but he approaches it from a deeper dive into those aspects that he and DeSanto had a brief conversation about.  For those who are accustomed to Djengs rapid-fire style delivery packing in every ounce of detail about the production … this is the track for you.  

Lunar New Year Introduction (3:32) – as many know, Lunar New Year (aka Chinese New Year for Chan and Co.) is a huge holiday.  This is an introduction/trailer showing off Project A as the holiday event of that year.  In Cantonese with English Subtitles.  

Interview with Jackie Chan’s Best Stunt Double, Mars Cheung (14:35) – this all-new interview with Mars Cheung begins with discussing his childhood (leaving school at an early age), his mother getting him a strict Sifu (aka martial arts master), and how this eventually led to the Peking Opera with Chan and the various others that came up there.  Cheung discusses the rise of Chan through the various films eventually leading to Project A; a detailed discussion of the various stunts and how they were accomplished – including the Clock Tower stunt; and much more. In Cantonese with English Subtitles.  

Dancing With Danger (15:26) – is an archival interview with stuntman legend Mars Chueng begins as the newer interview does with a discussion of his childhood (but not as detailed as the first) and the hard work that is done at the Peking Opera if you’re taken on as a pupil.  Chueng goes on to discuss various films from his career (Dragon Lord, Police Story 2, and others); his inspiration and the legacy of Bruce Lee; how the past and present state of stunt work; and much more. There is not a lot of overlap between this and the newer interview.  In Cantonese with English Subtitles.  

Master Killer (22:03) – is an archival interview by Grandmaster Lee Hoi-san begins with how he got his start with Ti Lung and David Chueng as they began to work.  Lee discusses learning Wing Chun very late – after already learning Kung-fu, Karate, Judo; various projects he was a part of and what specifically he did during those productions – including how much control the action director exerts on a HK Set; the use of Chinese weapons on screen – the difficulty in doing so; a detailed discussion of the role he took, the work done by Chan, Hung, and Biao, the stunts performed and why it took almost a year to film Project A; and much more.  In Cantonese with English Subtitles.  

The Elusive Dragon (18:07) – is an archival interview with actor Yuen Biao begins to discuss his early childhood and how he eventually started at the Peking Opera and the strict teachings they experienced.  Some of the other discussion points include his early work including work as a background player on Bruce Lee’s Fist of Fury and Way of the Dragon – his interactions and what he learned from Lee; how the group from Peking Opera began to work together as each of their fame grew (e.g., Hung, and Chan); a discussion of his work with Hung and their collaboration; a discussion of his work with Chan and their collaboration on Project A; and much more.  In Cantonese with English Subtitles.  

The Pirates Den (13:57) – is an archival interview with actor and stuntman Dick Wei that begins with Wei at home with his many many dogs.  Some of the discussion points include his beginning with legendary director Chang Cheh; his moving to Hong Kong; his work with Sammo Hung; how that work led to working with Jackie Chan which eventually led to Project A; a discussion of Eastern Condors – the difference between Jackie and Sammo as directors and approach to stunt work; a discussion about the work in Project A; and much more.  In Cantonese with English Subtitles.  

Can’t Stop the Music (17:27) – is an archival interview with Composer Michael Lai begins with how he started with music under the teachings of his father and how that turned into a career in Music that eventually led to work on TV and Score work with Jackie Chan on some of his biggest films.  Some of the other discussion points include his work as a child actor – and how he met Chan and produced the star’s first album; the collaboration with Chan in the construction of the score and the song that will play the closing credits; and much more.  

Project Collector with Paul Dre (16:17) – is an archival interview/tour of collector Paul Dre’s private collector of Jackie Chan memorabilia. Dre’s collection as a whole is impressive, to say the least.  The UK-based collector shows off the various items including but not limited to original HK/Golden Harvest poster; VHS sleeves; shirts; various other art pieces – all original and in perfect condition; custom toy figures; vinyl soundtracks; all of the various video releases in various formats; and more.  

Plan B — Writer Edward Tang on Project A (15:11) – in this archival interview the screenwriter discusses his part in writing Project A.  Some of the details include the various projects he worked on and their shortcomings including The Protector, Armor of God, and Police Story; his approach to writing for Jackie Chan; the work and research for Project A and the history behind the film; and much more.  

Out-takes (24:30) – a gold mine of footage here for any Jackie fan.  This is essentially the footage that Chan and Co. take and edit into three minutes of end-credit sequences.  The film’s score plays over the footage which is a combination of b-roll footage and actually production footage.  

Japanese Version Ending (2:24) – a different end title sequence than the original HK release.  

The Making of Project A (11:45) – b-roll video footage shot during the production shows Chan directing, acting, et. al.  The footage is presented silently with the score from the film playing over it.  One does wish they had the sound and it translated but that’s a minor quibble, especially for anyone who loves a rare look at the making of a Chan feature from his prime era (the mid to late 1980s).  

Hong Kong Trailer (4:00) – Cantonese with English Subtitles.

English Trailer (2:22) – Cantonese with English Subtitles.

Stills Gallery – a collection of 48 images that include poster art, home video art, production stills, and more.  

Project A: Part II [Disc 3 & 4] 

NOTE: The Commentaries and Trailers are the only special features that appear on the 4K UHD disc. 

The all-new audio commentary by Frank Djeng and FJ DeSanto on the Hong Kong Cut of the film and a continuation of the conversation the duo had on the first film’s disc.  The track begins with DeSanto again opening with his assessment that it’s one of the greatest film’s Chan ever produced and introduces Djeng.  Some of the details include the various titles the film goes under; the box office success of the film; the recap that plays as the credit sequence; the lack of Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao; the complexity of the storytelling – which is a huge difference in the original and this sequel; a discussion of how much bigger the film is budget-wise; the inclusion of Maggie Cheung, Rosamund Kwan, and Carina Lau – all superstars at the time and shows just how big of a production this was at the time; the pro-China themes – something that Chan has always been; the connection DeSanto has to Jackie Chan – including some great anecdotes throughout the track; a larger discussion of the various voice actors that dubbed the stars; a larger discussion of the costuming and production design throughout and how accurate it is for the era; a larger discussion about the various set pieces – which they are many – with various tidbits like fighting styles, stunt work, stunt men, editing, time, et. al.; a discussion throughout about the various locations the production used; a discussion about the differences between the HK cut and the Extended cut – and just how different they are; discussion throughout the commentary track about the various actors and their work here and throughout their career – keep your notes app open you’ll want to write some of the films down; and much more.  Djeng and DeSanto provide another fascinating commentary track and deep dive in the career of Chan and why this film is so important to his career.  

Interview with Anthony Carpio (25:25) – this all-new interview with the third-generation member of the Jackie Chan Stunt Team begins with how he got his start.  Some of the other discussion points include the various films he worked on; how the action choreography work is divided up on the set; how many generations of the JC Stunt Team there actually are and whether is there a division in work and responsibilities; a discussion of the production of Project A Part II – which he had already been on the team for a few years; the scale of the production and how long it took to create those sets; the various productions he worked on during that era when Chan was working with Golden Harvest; the relationship between Chan and Hung stunt team; and much more.  In Cantonese with English Subtitles. 

The Big Boss (19:40) –in this archival interview with Chan Wai-Man who plays the main villain opens with him being a true Hong Kong resident born and raised in HK.  Some of the other details include his early life and practice of martial arts; his career as a kickboxer in both the professional and black markets; how he transitioned from being a HK Police Officer to actor; the various films he did leading up to Project A Part II; a fascinating side discussion of Bruce Lee; and much more.  In Cantonese with English Subtitles. 

Someone Will Know Me (13:12) –this is a 1988 short subject documentary focusing on three members of the Jackie Chan Stunt Team; Mars Chueng, Chris Lee, and Rocky Lai.  The documentary was filmed during the Project A production.  Each performer is given their space to discuss working in the stunt world specifically working with Chan and the Chan Stunt Team and what that means.  The doc is done with English voiceover as the subjects speak.  

Japanese Ending (3:59) – much like the ending for Project A this is the end credits featuring all the stunt flubs that one expects from a Chan film. 

Full-Screen Jackie Chan Recording Session (2:33) – exactly as advertised it’s the footage from the end credit sequence full screen instead of window box during the credit sequence.  In a word, this is about as amazing as you’d think it is. Cantonese with English Subtitles. 

Hong Kong Trailer (3:09) – Cantonese with English Subtitles.

Export Trailer (2:14) – Cantonese with English Subtitles.

Tai Seng Trailer (1:41) – Cantonese with English Subtitles.

Stills Gallery – a collection of 36 production stills. 

The Final Thought 

88 Films have truly outdone themselves with The Project A Collection box set.  Highest Possible Recommendations!!! 

88 Films’ 4K UHD Edition of The Project A Collection is out now

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