Jackie Chan had attempted to break into Hollywood in the early ’80s, but no one knew how to use him. Although it was originally filmed for the Hong Kong market, Rumble in the Bronx hit theaters in the United States in February 1996, allowing him to dominate the world box office.
In the ’70s, Chan was cast in films that were little more than typical Shaw Brothers martial arts fare. It wasn’t until 1980 that Chan was able to break that mold. One particular film he used as a stepping stone was Magnificent Bodyguards (1978). Even though it’s pretty typical, it was still a history-making film, as it was the first Hong Kong production to use anaglyph 3-D.
Aside from its theatrical run, the only other time it was released in 3-D was on Japanese laserdisc, and it was dubbed in Japanese. Thanks to the brilliant minds at 88 Films, we have the ultimate edition, which includes the 2-D version, the anaglyph 3-D version, and a newly converted Real 3-D version. It doesn’t get much better than that.
88 Films Gives This Early Jackie Chan Film the Release It Deserves
Lord Ting (Jackie Chan) Chung leads a band of warriors on a perilous mission to escort a gravely ill man through the infamous Stormy Hills, a lawless wilderness rife with danger, betrayal, and death. As the treacherous journey wears on, the group faces relentless threats from both man and nature.
Yet an even greater peril may lie within their own ranks. Their mysterious charge appears to be hiding a secret that could doom them all.
Magnificent Bodyguards is a fairly predictable, by-the-numbers traditional martial arts film. Director Lo Wei keeps a tight leash on Chan, who never really gets the chance to show off what he would later be known for. What’s fun is the use of 3-D, whether watching the anaglyph or Real 3-D.
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The flying fists, feet, and staffs come off the screen in a way that keeps you smiling throughout the film’s runtime. 88 Films did an excellent job with the conversion and restoration, making this release a definite must-have.
The 3-disc set includes bonus features such as an audio commentary by Frank Djeng and F.J. DeSanto, a Mandarin trailer, an English trailer, a reversible sleeve, and more.
When so much work and love go into a release like this, you really feel how seriously the folks at 88 Films care about their work, and that’s definitely something special.
Magnificent Bodyguards is now available on Amazon!
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