‘Rosa’ Blu-ray Review (88 Films)
Stars: Biao Yuen, Lowell Lo, Kara Ying Hung Wai, Hsiao-Fen Lu, Paul Chun, Dick Wei, Fat Chung, James Tien, Tai-Bo | Written by Wong Kar-Wai, Barry Wong | Directed by Tung Cho ‘Joe’ Cheung
For physical media fans, nothing beats a fully loaded, super-deluxe Blu-ray box set – and 88 Films consistently delivers some of the best. They’ve already treated collectors to standout releases like Lady Assassin, An Amorous Woman of the Tang Dynasty, Detonation! Violent Riders, Jakoman and Tetsu, and SS Experiment Love Camp.
Now it’s time for another classic to get the deluxe treatment. This round, 88 Films turns its attention to 1986’s Hong Kong action-comedy Rosa.
Two ambitious graduates of the police academy bumble their way through their first big case.
The landscape of police comedies shifted forever with 1984’s Police Academy, sparking a wave of films built around lovable, bumbling cops. Rosa fits neatly into that tradition. As with most entries in the genre, some gags land better than others, but there’s plenty of slapstick to complement the action. Even with its rough edges, the film has an infectious, carefree energy that makes it an undeniably fun watch.
88 Films have transferred Rosa to Blu-ray in 1080p and is presented in 1.85:1 aspect ratio. There are two mono audio tracks to choose from: the original Cantonese track and the English dubbed track. There are also newly translated English subtitles available. The transfer is taken from a new 2K scan of the original negative, which means the film looks – and sounds – simply stunning. 88 Films never ceases to amaze with how good their scans look!
As with all 88 Films Blu-ray releases, there are some nice bonus features too, including:
Special Features:
- Audio commentary by David West
- Image Gallery
- Original Trailer
- Limited Edition Rigid Slip Case with new Artwork
- Limited Edition 40 Page perfect Bound Book
- Limited Edition Premium Artcard
In all honesty, the on-disc bonus features are a bit on the skimpy side. Additional interviews, retrospectives, etc. would have taken this Blu-ray from good to great. But I do love the artcards, the book and the slip case.
**** 4/5
If you have been enjoying these super deluxe Blu-rays from 88 Films as much as I have, well, Rosa is a great addition to the collection. Head over to Amazon and order your copy today.
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