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

ADDITION: 88 Films Blu-ray (March 2020): 88 Films have transferred another Hong Kong actioner with Sammo Hung, Yuen Biao and the superstar Jackie Chan. Dragons Forever to Blu-ray. It is cited as being "remastered and restored in 4K". It starts with the Fortune Star logo. The first (of two) Blu-rays has the original, 94-minute, Hong Kong version of Dragons Forever on a dual-layered disc with a very high bitrate. It looks pretty sweet with consistent grain texture. Colors appear true and the image quality is very strong providing a film-like 1080P presentation. The second Blu-ray includes two versions; 94-minute recreated Export Version of the film commissioned by Golden Harvest for international audiences outside Asia with the full classic English DUB and optional English SDH subtitles. The video quality may be a tick lower than the other two versions - in terms of contrast and it can look marginally clunkier. This disc also has the full, 98-minute, CYCLONE Z cut of the film produced exclusively for the Japanese market. This Cantonese-language version includes two extra scenes and an ending with outtakes. Aside from the additional footage it strongly resembles the 1080P appearance of the disc one Hong Kong version with appealing grain and color depth. Overall the appearance of all three is remarkable and fans will appreciate seeing Dragon Forever (all three versions) in these rich HD presentations.   

NOTE: We have added 30 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, 88 Films use a DTS-HD Master track audio transfers. The Hong Kong version has the option of Cantonese mono, a 5.1 surround bump (both 24-bit) or a 2.0 channel, 16-bit, English DUB. The film has plenty of fighting effects and the bass carries depth while the high-end of the score by Chin Yung Shing (Five Elements Ninjas, The 8 Diagram Pole Fighter) can sound a bit tinny. This is in keeping with these HK productions from the 70's and 80's - so, nothing unusual. The recreated Export version has a 16-bit English DUB. The CYCLONE Z cut on the second Blu-ray has a 16-bit mono Cantonese-language version or a newly restored Cantonese 5.1 soundtrack option - both with newly translated English subtitles. There is some deft separation and notable depth at times in the surround tracks - almost exclusively audible in the acrobatic fighting sequences. This can add to the viewing experience but purists may opt for the original mono. All audio options are lossless (except the commentary.) All thee 88 Films versions offer optional English subtitles and their Blu-rays are both Region 'B'-locked.

The 88 Films Blu-ray offers a new audio commentary on the feature (disc one) presentation by Hong Kong cinema experts Mike Leeder and Arne Venema who go into great detail about the production, cast, locations and every facet Dragons Forever, which they first decry as an inaccurate title as it was the last film to have the trio together. These guys have fun and the commentary is also educational. Also on the feature disc are 5 new videos; a 25-minute interview with Benny “The Jet” Urquidez entitled Benny Forever. There are seven minutes of David Desser discussing Dragons Forever in a brief interview. Hong Kong Cinema Forever is a 6-minute interview with Mike Leeder. Working with the Dragons is a 6-minute interview with Jude Poyer. The Legacy of Dragons Forever is a short featurette with today's actors & martial artists including Troy Sandford, Chris Jones, Ross Boyask, Maria Tran, Mike Leeder, Jean-Paul Ly, Mark Strange, Mike Moeller, George Clarke, Jude Poyer & Steve Lawson all providing brief input. There are also four previously published interviews; Double Jeopardy spends 27-minute with Brad Allen. Beyond Gravity is a 13-minute interview with Joe Eigo, Kick Fighter is a 40-minute interview with Andy Cheng and Thai Breaker shows a match and has a 1/2 hour interview with Billy Chow. There are some deleted scenes, end credits from the Japanese version, 13-minutes of Outtakes and Behind the Scenes footage and both an English and Hong Kong trailer. The package has a reversible sleeve with attractive new artwork from R.P. “Kung Fu Bob” O’Brien. For the first production run there is a Limited Edition Gloss O-Card slipcase and a Limited Edition booklet with notes by Scott Harrison also featuring rare stills and lobby cards from the film.

Dragons Forever is a great fun/actioner - the kind that Jackie Chan seems to have franchised so wonderfully for decades. He has a career filled with this unique genre blend that remain desirable to fans over 30-years later. The 88 Films Blu-ray. is an amazingly complete package covering every detail a fan might wish to indulge in from the 3 versions, to the commentary, booklet and litany of video supplements. I also love that cover. Fans should be extremely pleased and we give this a very strong recommendation!

Gary Tooze