Blu-ray Review: Collector’s Edition of Bruce Lee’s ‘Enter the Dragon’

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CHICAGO – When critics talk about the most influential films of the ’70s, they too often forget a little flick that became a phenomenon, Robert Clouse’s “Enter the Dragon,” recently released in a gorgeous box set with a new HD transfer, new special features, and new collectible items. Bruce Lee’s most beloved work still influences the Martial Arts genre today and gave birth to an entire cultural shift as cinema, particularly action films, became more influenced by Asian styles. The Blu-ray is a beauty with new special features about the making of and importance of “Dragon” that even those who have seen the flick a hundred times on cable will find enlightening.

Rating: 5.0/5.0

I love being surprised by a Blu-ray. So many of them fall into relatively predictable patterns of talking-head featurettes, deleted scenes, and a trivia-filled commentary. When a release like “Enter the Dragon” comes along and it truly enriches the film instead of just offering anecdotes or tidbits, it’s why I love the form. Archival interviews with Bruce Lee about the making of “Enter the Dragon” on featurettes like “No Way as Way” are fascinating enough but the interview subjects, including people like Sugar Ray Leonard and George Takei, also offer deep analysis of the film in unexpected ways. A perfect HD remaster, unique physical collectibles, and a beautiful box that holds it all — this is one of the best gift sets of the year.

Enter the Dragon was released on Blu-ray on June 11, 2013
Photo credit: Warner Bros.

Synopsis:
Over three decades following his untimely death, Bruce Lee remains the movies’ supreme martial arts star. His masterful final film, Enter The Dragon, stands the test of time as the most beloved martial arts epic in film history. This box office hit takes Lee to the island fortress of criminal warlord Han, whose martial arts academy covers up opium smuggling and prostitution activities. To avenge the death of his sister, Lee infiltrates the stronghold and enters Han’s brutal tournament-a breathtaking visual feast of competitions fusing skills in karate, judo, tae kwon do, tai chi chuan and hapkido, staged by Lee himself. What a kick!

Special Features:
o Never Before Released Production Art
o Embroidered Dragon Patch
o Motion Lenticular
o No Way As Way
o The Return Of Han’s Island
o Wing Chun: The Art That Introduced King Fu To Bruce Lee
o Commentary By Paul Heller
o Blood And Steel: The Making Of Enter The Dragon
o Bruce Lee: In His Own Words
o Linda Lee Cadwell Interview Gallery
o Location: Hong Kong With Enter The Dragon
o Backyard Workout With Bruce
o The Curse Of The Dragon

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com