Here I will be reviewing the 4K Remastered (Hong Kong version) of Supercop III. No, this is not an actual 4K or Ultra HD Blu-ray. It's a normal Full HD Blu-ray (1920 x 1080). However it's source is 4K. Does this matter much? To give a more detailed answer to that, I would have to purchase the normal Blu-ray and then do a proper and fair comparison. For now I would say it certainly makes a difference. The picture quality is super clean and crisp. Almost like it was shot today. The sound is very good as well. Although here and there the volume fades out a bit as if it is occurring in the distance and can seem a bit too clean. I usually don't pay that much attention to the extras but there is hardly something there of interest. Well, for example the interview with director Stanley Tong is in Cantonese but for some reason not subtitled. The movie itself is but not this interview. That to me is lazy. In any case I can recommend people to purchase this version if you want to own the film. Now to my thoughts on this third part in the highly successful franchise.
Some people claim this is the best title in the Police Story franchise. However I don't think that is actually fair to the others since for example this one differs in tone compared to the first two. ( For good measure I am going to exclude the spinoffs and the later films because they have very little to do with the original franchise.) All of the parts were quite serious and dark at times but the first two definitely also had more slapstick comedy usually involving Chan Ka-Kui (Jackie Chan) and May (Maggie Cheung). May is also present here but her part is relatively small compared to the previous two. Police Story III does feature comedy but significantly less than before. It also has more gun play and stunt work. Actually everything seems larger and more adventurous. Now this does come with a caveat. There are less fights to be enjoyed. But don't get your panties into a twist. The ones that are featured are very much worth it.
But the best new addition to the franchise is Michelle Yeoh. She and Jackie have real good chemistry and she like Jackie does most of her own stunts and combat. Considering the fact that she officially hasn't been trained in martial arts and stunt work that is quite impressive. Naturally she has received some form of training for her films. But would you be able to tell she is not a real martial artist? I doubt that. She does seem to have a real aptitude for martial arts. It's incredible fun to see her kick ass in the same vein Jackie does. If you didn't know any better she could be his equal. Of course she is not but she looks like it. Next to that she also has a very big screen presence. At times she completely takes the attention away from Jackie. Let's face it. She is a very beautiful and graceful woman. How can you look and not admire her? Her comedic timing also is very good. It's far more subtle and genuine than Maggie Cheung's antics.
Overall Police Story III is a real blast from start to finish. Actually it's a classic. One you can enjoy over and over again without ever getting bored.
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