Crime Story (First Print Edition Blu-ray) Unboxing

Crime Story (重案組 / Zhōng Àn Zǔ) is a 1993 Hong Kong live-action film directed by Kirk Wong and distributed by Golden Harvest and Fortune Star. The film stars Jackie Chan, Kent Cheng, and Law Kar-ying.

Background:

“Troubled Hong Kong CID inspector Eddie Chan (Jackie Chan) is assigned to oversee the safety of controversial businessman Wong Yat-Fei (Law Kar-Ying), who is then kidnapped. A major investigation is launched and leads to Taipei and back to Hong Kong but, unbeknownst to Chan – his new partner, Inspector Hung (Kent Cheng) is an accomplice to the crime, throwing the authorities off the trail.”

Plot Synopsis via 88 Films, October 2019

My knowledge of the Hong Kong film licensing business is very minimal but Crime Story was one of many films that were brought over internationally over time, mostly due to Jackie Chan’s involvement since his popularity grew during the 80s and 90s. Crime Story is supposedly an unofficial spin-off to the Police Story franchise (the first two films Jackie Chan starred and directed, both of which are actually available on Blu-ray in the UK & US by Eureka Ent. and Criterion).

Crime Story was released in the United States for theatrical screens, but like the other films brought over to the US from Asia, they were edited by US distributors. Eventually, as time goes by, the original versions were made available. Dimension Films released the film for the US in 2000, followed by a re-release in 2007 by Dragon Dynasty, and then finally Shout! Factory released a double pack Blu-ray release in 2013 with The Protector, another film that featured Jackie Chan also.

Meanwhile in the United Kingdom, Columbia/Tri-Star released the film in 1995, followed by Hong Kong Legends in 2003, and then finally 88 Films with this wonderful Blu-ray release. 88 Films focus on three different niches from the film industry; Italian films, horror films and also Chinese films, the latter of which has a sub-label called 88 Asia. The Jackie Chan films are not mentioned to be part of the 88 Asia brand on the packaging but they are mentioned when you load the disc for the first time. After releasing four Jackie Chan films in 2018, 88 Films revealed the second batch of titles from Fortune Star in 2019 with Crime Story being included as one of the four.

First Edition Contents:

88 Films follows a trend similar to Arrow Video and Eureka Entertainment where they offer a first print edition that includes an o-card slipcase and a couple of physical extras to go with the package.

For Crime Story, we have first print items made solely for this 88 Films release. The first print features a slipcover with really nice artwork done by R.P. “Kung Fu Bob” O’Brien and a booklet that shows off some rare stills and lobby cards from the film.

The SRP is £24.99 and has a 3000 unit print run. As of September 2020, the first print run has sold out and thus newer copies no longer include the O-card slipcase, and booklet.

Physical Contents:

• Limited Edition O-Card slipcase featuring unique artwork by R.P. “Kung Fu Bob” O’Brien
• Booklet

On-Disc Contents:

Distributor: 88 Films
Released: 28th October 2019

Crime Story received a 2K restoration from the original 35mm negative, which means the quality of the transfer will be better than the previous releases in the past.

The audio options available feature the main Cantonese language with newly translated English subtitles as well as the English dub. Both language options also feature remixed soundtrack and Monoaural audio. The Blu-ray disc is Region B locked and the subtitles are unlockable during playback.

Blu-ray Specs:

Languages	Cantonese, English
Audio	Cantonese DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Cantonese Linear PCM 2.0 English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 English Linear PCM 2.0
Video	1080p High Definition Native format 1.85:1 aspect ratio
Region	B
Subtitles	English, English SDH
Locked Subtitles	No
Discs	1

Blu-ray On-Disc Extra Features:

• Audio Commentary by Arne Venema & Mike Leeder
• Police Story on Crack! Mike Leeder on Kirk Wong’s Crime Story
• Assistant Director P’ng Kialek Remembers Crime Story
• Scenes from the Singapore Version
• Interview with Action Impresario Bruce Law
• Interview with Screenwriter Teddy Chan
• Interview with Director Kirk Wong
• Hong Kong Trailer

Unboxing Photos:

In addition, here’s a round-up look at Crime Story, Dragons Forever, Heart of Dragon, Miracles and The Protector together.

Final Notes:

Crime Story is available to own on Blu-ray from 88 Films for the United Kingdom & Ireland. The first print edition has sold out but a regular standard edition Blu-ray is available to order on 88 Films’ official website and on Amazon UK.