‘The Cat: Limited Edition’ Blu-ray Review (88 Films)
Stars: Gloria Yip, Waise Lee, Christine Ng, Yuk-San Cheung, Lam Chua, Phillip Chung-Fung Kwok, Siu-Ming Lau | Written by Gordon Chan, Hing-Ka Chan, Kuang Ni | Directed by Ngai Choi Lam
Asian cinema has long mastered the art of unforgettable horror, whether steeped in the supernatural or drenched in gore; these films always linger in the mind. In 1991, Ngai Choi Lam delivered The Cat, a wild sci-fi horror based on Ni Kuang’s novel Old Cat. Now, for its 33rd anniversary, 88 Films is giving it the deluxe Blu-ray treatment it deserves.
A cat from outer space teams up with a young alien girl and her knight, along with a novelist named Wisely, to fight an alien that possesses people.
The story follows an alien cat, a young girl, her knightly protector, and novelist Wisely as they battle a parasitic extraterrestrial. A strange fusion of The Blob and Disney’s The Cat from Outer Space, its absurdity is precisely what makes it so charming. For many ’90s kids and teens, The Cat became an instant cult classic. Debuting in the ’90s means The Cat is not overlayed with bad CGI, it is filled with practical effects; and I will tell you, for me, I prefer practical effects over CGI any day. Plus, the actors in this film play it to the hilt, and the cinematography is spectacular!
88 Films has transferred The Cat to Blu-ray in 1080p and is presented in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The audio track is a remastered original Cantonese monoaural soundtrack. There are also English subtitles. The transfer comes from a brand-new 2K restoration from the original negative, which means the picture quality is stunning. The colours are vibrant, he flesh tones are correct. The film looks sharp, and the audio is clear. This is yet another great release from 88 Films.
Special Features:
- Japanese Cut in Standard Definition with English Subtitles
- Audio Commentary By Frank Djeng (NY Asian Film Festival)
- Brand New Film Interview With Writer Gordon Chan
- Image Gallery
- Trailer
- Limited Edition Rigid Slip Case with new Artwork by Sean Lonmore
- Limited Edition 40 Page Perfect Bound Book
- Limited Edition Premium Artcard
When you say limited edition, look at this release! The hardback case and slipcover feature simply amazing-looking artwork. The booklet is filled with great material, and the on-disc features of the bonus SD version of the Japanese version of the movie, a wonderful audio commentary and the brand-new interview, really set this film apart from other sci-fi/horror releases.
This 88 Films release is more than a Blu-ray, it’s a work of art. The eye-catching artwork demands attention on any shelf, and once you pull it down to show a friend, expect a touch of envy… Yes, the packaging is that impressive! If you have been enjoying the 88 Films Blu-ray as much as I have been this new release of The Cat is a must-buy.
***** 5/5
The Cat is out now on limited edition Blu-ray from 88 Films.
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