With the sequel "The Legend of Zu" scheduled to open theatrically in the US in 2002, the time is ripe to revisit the extraordinary first film, "Zu Warriors From the Magic Mountain".

Blending Hong Kong action with western special effects, this Tsui Hark classic has been revived Hong Kong Legends-style for DVD, which is the best news that any film can get.

TECHNICAL FEATURES

Picture The mysterious dark world in which this fantasy adventure takes place is captured in clear detail by a painstaking restoration and transfer to disc that shaves years off this movie.

Sound In terms of effects, both the English dub and Cantonese 5.1 sound mixes are limited, but the bass levels are good.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Audio Commentary Not only is Bey Logan on hand to dissect the film, but he's joined by Tsui Hark himself for a fascinating insight into a film that introduced many new techniques to Hong Kong cinema. The optical effects deployed in this movie were new, although Hark reveals he was never happy with how they turned out. Hark has now extensive experience working in both Asia and Hollywood, and discusses what he's learned from both industries, as well as the truth behind him locking his cast and crew into a studio for three days!

The Wizard's Cave In the 'cave', you'll find four scenes, which provided a ludicrous wrap-around plotline for international audiences. The footage adds another half hour onto the film, and has never been seen in the UK before.

Interviews Two members of the cast, Meng Hoi and Moon Lee, appear in new interviews made for this DVD. Meng is able to give us a revealing insight into what being a pupil at the Peking Opera School involved, and on how he worked with Bruce Lee. Moon Lee has now retired from making films to promote Chinese dance, but recalls vividly her role in "Zu Warriors", which involved spending most of the shoot hanging about in a harness waiting for her scenes as a fairy.

Additional Extra Features Also on the disc is a trailer gallery, and previews of forthcoming Hong Kong Legends titles, including the exciting 'Platinum Edition' release of "Project A".

Region: 2
Chapters: 30
Ratio: 1.85:1 (anamorphic)
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1
Technical Features: Scene selection, animated menus, multiple languages and subtitles.

This DVD was reviewed on a JVC XV-S57 DVD player.