NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDITION: Eureka Blu-ray (April 2022): Eureka have transferred Woo-Ping Yuen's Dreadnaught to Blu-ray. It is cited as being from "a brand new 2K restoration". It looks modest - a function of the original production. There are segments to impressive clarity occasionally there is an inherent softness. Colors look true and this is on a dual-layered disc with a max'ed out bitrate. The worry-free image is clean, there is some depth and the 1080P and it seems like an authentic representation. Quite good. 

NOTE: We have added 40 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Eureka offer three linear PCM mono track (24-bit) options. Firstly, in the original Cantonese, plus a 'Classic English DUB' and a 'Classic English Home Video DUB'. I stuck with the original but it's nice to have the options. Dreadnaught has plenty of aggressive fight sequences. It's all quite authentically flat and hollow with overemphasized whiplash effects - but that is something we nostalgically recall from the genre. The score is by composer Frankie Chan (The Odd Couple, Fallen Angels, The Fearless Hyena, Chungking Express, The Prodigal Son) that adds further to the charm of the comedic moments yet sounding more intense for the physical conflicts. Eureka offer optional English subtitles on their Region 'B' Blu-ray.

The Eureka Blu-ray offers a two new commentary tracks. The first has Frank Djeng (NY Asian Film Festival) and actor, martial artist Michael Worth. Frank has been doing a number of these commentaries and he offers so much in terms of the genre, the time it was made, the stars - notably Biao Yuen - and much more. Michael Worth also added some value as a knowledgeable fan and as someone working in the industry. The second commentary has Mike Leeder (editor of 100% Jackie Chan: The Essential Companion) and Arne Venem who have fun and focus on many details while working well together. There is an older 20-minute interview with actress Lily Li (Mousy's sister.) She discusses her training and time at Shaw Studios. There is a long trailer and shorter 'home video' trailer plus the package has a limited-edition collector’s booklet featuring new writing by James Oliver, a reversible sleeve and the LE O-Card slipcase.     

Woo-Ping Yuen's Dreadnaught is well above-average for its lovable genre. The film is action-packed with inventive scenes involving the innocent 'student' with a laundry-drying sequence right out of 'Cirque du Soleil' and humor - the acupuncture administering and subsequent brawl that is intricately choreographed. Dreadnaught is bizarre and fun - another great piece of the wushu/kung-fu 80's Hong Kong cinema. The Eureka Blu-ray keep coming out with these - to many fan's delight. Even outside the Shaw umbrella - we get a fully entertaining film experience plus the extras, two commentaries, booklet etc in a wonderful package. Absolutely recommended!

Gary Tooze