Review of Enter The Dragon

Introduction

This DVD was released a couple of years back to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the film’s release. Unfortunately, what was the legendary Bruce Lee’s first American film was also his last, as he tragically died just before Enter the Dragon’s release.

This is probably the greatest kung fu movie ever made. The storyline is a typical Hong Kong one of revenge and honour, but here it is carried out superbly. With a great cast of martial arts champions, the fight scenes have never been more realistic. From weightlifting champion and one of the villains of the film, Bolo, to jive-talkin’ American champ Jim Kelly, the cast is spot-on. Lee of course is superb, showing us all of his fabled skills, and also acting with frightening realism.

Video

A great anamorphic transfer from Warner, especially taking into consideration this film is over 25 years old and probably had a poor master. The picture is sharp and the colours are vibrantly oriental. Although the picture is not perfect, I think it’s perfect for this movie. A little grain here and there makes the Hong Kong 70’s atmosphere all the more realistic.

Audio

Warner again has handled this very well. Carefully remixed from the original mono into 5.1, this is one of the best examples of a case like this. The trouble they took shows: often in a case like this the atmosphere of the original is lost; here it is actually enhanced. The superb jazzy Oriental score is well showcased in this mix.

Features

That this disc is the definitive version of the film is confirmed with the extras contained. There is an original 1973 documentary and a new one, both excellent material at providing and insight into this film and into Lee. There is also a commentary by the producer and screenwriter, but this is not too impressive – not really scene-specific.
But perhaps what is most absorbing is the introduction by Bruce Lee’s wife, Linda Lee Cadwell. She gives a very personal view of the film and of her husband in this touching feature, providing many anecdotes into the shooting of the film, which is legendary itself. Did you know that Lee actually had to be slowed down on film – he was too fast for the cameras! And to finish it off, there is some interesting black-and-white archive footage of Lee in training.

Conclusion

This fantastic film has been made into a great DVD, with a transfer which can now be enjoyed without VHS degradation. There are some excellent extras and also a good 5.1 mix – so there’s all you could want on a DVD. Most importantly, this version is uncut, unlike the featureless, BBFC butchered R2, which doesn`t have the classic nunckuka scene.

As for the film, in my opinion this is the best martial arts movie ever made – fitting for Bruce Lee’s final triumph. Enter the Dragon is more than just a movie – it is a tribute to the 70’s, with its blaxploitation, funky clothes and kung fu frenzy. It was tragic that Lee died before seeing what a success this film became, and before he finally reached worldwide recognition having cracked the American market. But at least he cemented his place among movie legends with this groundbreaking martial arts mix of East and West.