(A) As with most other New Line features, the picture looks great and features plenty of detail, high contrast and richly displayed colors. The only complaint is an ever-so-slight, overall pixelation problem that runs throughout the film. While many probably won't even notice it -- and it's certainly not distracting -- it is apparent if one looks carefully enough.
AUDIO:
(A+) The audio is excellent, and with a fun score, the inclusion of some rock 'n roll and hip-hop songs, and appropriate use of sound effects (from martial arts fighting sounds, to gunfire and explosions), the audio track is of demonstration caliber.
EXTRAS:
Scene selection/Jump to any scene.
Running audio commentary by director Brett Ratner.
Isolated scored with commentary by composer Lalo Schifrin.
Deleted scenes -- Nearly 3 minutes of scenes that didn't make the final cut.
"A Piece of the Action" -- A 40+ minute "making of" featurette.
Theatrical Trailer.
Cast and Crew filmographies and biographies (on-screen text).
"Whatever Happened to Mason Reese" -- Director Ratner's student film (with running audio commentary) about the former child star.
Music videos from Heavy D ("Nuttin' But Love) and Dru Hill ("How Deep is Your Love?").
Access scenes directly from the screenplay (DVD-ROM only).
"Say What?" -- Interactive game (DVD-ROM only).
In depth info on Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker (DVD-ROM only).
COMMENTS:
A surprising box office success, "Rush Hour" is easily the slickest looking production in which Hong Kong action legend Jackie Chan has starred. Even so, and despite the semblance of a moderately decent plot -- when compared to many of his other films -- this isn't a "real" Jackie Chan flick.
Sure, the action's there, along with his trademark amazing physical stunts, but in getting the Hollywood treatment, a great deal of the fun stemming from Chan and his "antics" has been lessened (that feeling is reinforced in watching the "behind the scenes" footage where director Ratner's subordinates are too involved in the production).
Yes, Chan still has his trademark way of scaling walls and fighting off hordes of bad guys, but the sheer number of such stunts is lower than in the past, and none of them are as eye-popping amazing as before. While those who've never previously seen Chan will probably find his stunts quite astonishing, seasoned fans will enjoy seeing him again, but might just be disappointed in the somewhat parred down material.
The supplemental material on the disc, however, is great, from the running audio commentaries (our favorites), to a "behind the scenes" featurette and the director's fun student film (and fun audio commentary for it). And don't forget to stick around for Chan's trademark out-takes and flubs during the end credits. All in all, this is yet another great New Line Home Video release.
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