‘On The Run’ Blu-ray Review (88 Films)
Stars: Yuen Biao, Pat Ha, Charlie Chin, Lo Lieh, Yuen Wah, Philip Ko Fei | Written by Alfred Cheung, Keith Wong | Directed by Alfred Cheung
Before Hollywood took notice of his athleticism, Yuen Biao delivered one of his finest performances in the hard-hitting action thriller On the Run. Now, thanks to 88 Films, US audiences can finally add this standout slice of Asian cinema to their collections, with On the Run receiving the deluxe Blu-ray treatment it truly deserves.
In the aftermath of his wife’s brutal murder, struggling cop Heung Ming (Yuen Biao) is forced to go into hiding after discovering corruption in the ranks. His only ally is a deadly assassin Chui (Pat Ha) as they each try to avoid arrest, and even death.
As you’d expect from a piece of classic kung fu cinema, On the Run is a relentlessly action-packed thriller. Alongside its leading stars, the film also boasts a strong supporting cast, including Charlie Chin (Twinkle Twinkle Lucky Stars), Lo Lieh (The Face Behind the Mask), Yuen Wah (Police Story 3: Supercop), and Philip Ko Fei (Dragon Blood).
88 Films have transferred On The Run to Blu-ray in 1080p and is presented in 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The audio track is a remastered LCPM original Cantonese monoaural track. Finally, there are newly translated English subtitles. As with all 88 Films Blu-rays, this film features a restored picture – in this case, a 2K restoration from the original camera negative. The colours are bright and vibrant, and the picture is crisp and clean. But a beautifully restored picture isn’t all this release has going for it, 88 Films have added some nice bonus features, including:
Bonus Materials:
- Audio Commentary with Kenneth Brorsson and Phil Gillon of the Podcast On Fire Network
- Audio Commentary with Asian Cinema Experts Frank Djeng and FJ DeSanto
- Running Away – An Interview with Alfred Cheung
- Predicting the Future – An Interview with David West
- Alternate Ending
- Hong Kong Trailer
- Reversible sleeve with original Hong Kong poster artwork
- O-Ring Rigid Slip Case with new artwork by Sean Longmore
With two excellent audio commentaries, interviews, and an alternate ending, 88 Films have put together a Blu-ray packed with genuinely worthwhile extras. But it’s the presentation that really won me over. The deluxe O-ring slipcase and reversible Blu-ray sleeve, both adorned with striking alternate artwork, are exactly the kind of thoughtful touches that make this release such a joy for collectors.
***** 5/5
If you love 88 Films Blu-ray releases, this new deluxe edition of One The Run is a must-add to your collection. Order yours at Amazon now.
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