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

ADDITION: Eureka Classics Blu-ray (August 2023): Eureka Classics have transferred Chang-hwa Jeong's The Skyhawk to Blu-ray. It is cited as being "the original Hong Kong theatrical cut presented on Blu-ray from a brand new 2K restoration". While it can looks a shade thin and dull - the widescreen image was a delight on my system being consistent and clean with abundant, acrobatic action in endless scenes. While I wouldn't say it looks brand new - it does handily advance over its near 50-year age. 

NOTE: We have added 65 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Eureka Classics offers original Mandarin mono audio as well as a Cantonese and English audio options all in linear PCM dual-mono tracks (24-bit.) The Skyhawk has plenty of aggressive, choreographed, fight sequences. It's all quite authentically flat and hollow with overemphasized punch and whippy effects - but that is something we nostalgically recall from much of the genre. The score was by Joseph Koo (Lady Whirlwind, Fist of Fury, The Way of the Dragon)  sounding dramatic and clean with consistent dialogue in the lossless transfer. Eureka Classics offer optional English subtitles on their Region 'B'-locked Blu-ray.

The Eureka Classics Blu-ray offers two new commentary tracks; by Asian film expert Frank Djeng (NY Asian Film Festival) who did the commentaries on Mr. Vampire II and Vampire vs. Vampire in Eureka's Hopping Mad boxset. And also by action cinema experts Mike Leeder (editor of 100% Jackie Chan: The Essential Companion) & Arne Venema. We have heard Djeng's expertise on commentates for Eureka's Blu-rays of Magic Cop, Angela Mao: Hapkido & Lady Whirlwind, Knockabout, The Shaolin Plot and Dreadnaught. We have heard Leeder and Venema via excellent commentaries on Eureka's Blu-rays of The Skyhawk, Odd Couple and The Shaolin Plot - plus 88 Films Blu-rays of The Fearless Hyena, Dragon's Forever plus Vinegar Syndrome's Righting Wrongs. I haven't fully listened but they seem as competent and complete venturing to tangential films in the genre, the actors and overall details of the productions as well as diverse film culture comparisons to the West. Eureka include a 20-minute conversation with Martial Arts Cinema Academic Blade Po as well as a beat-up trailer. The package has a reversible sleeve design, a limited edition collector’s booklet featuring new writing by James Oliver and a limited edition O-Card slipcase featuring new artwork by Darren Wheeling (First Print Run of 2000 copies only). It is quite the impressive Blu-ray package.

The Skyhawk is a classic Golden Harvest kung fu ("Wushu") gem directed with restrained style by South Korean Chang-hwa Jeong. It is quite above-average. It has a protagonist based on the Chinese martial artist, physician, and folk hero character of Wong Fei Hung whose legacy has been portrayed in numerous martial arts films. Handsome stud Leo (Carter Wong) sets the pace before the title credits besting a gang of five attackers... but the real star is Tak-Hing Kwan who played 'The Skyhawk' upwards of 100 times in his career. Fans will easily identify Fatty aka Fei Fei (Sammo Hung) and a recognizable troupe of eccentric, scowling, baddies. It's a wonderful example of what made the genre so addictive. I am very happy the Eureka Classics Blu-ray with two commentaries, conversation with Blade Po, booklet and LE packaging. Another winner of delightful Hong Kong 70's charismatic actioner cinema. Absolutely recommended!

Gary Tooze