Is ARROW'S The Way of the Dragon 4K ANY GOOD?  

They mention in the commentary track that the reason some of the shots are blurry was due to the camera lenses they were using & not really being able to set up the shots using a track or tripod. They were doing shots in the airport guerrilla style.

Hello Sir 👋. Impossible to be disappointed ! Arrow did another amazing job 👏 ! For fun, I watched the film on VHS before watching this outstanding version.....I felt my eyesight improved for 100% ! Thanks again for your videos. Take care Sir

Great review Stripey. Had the pleasure of watching 4k Way of the Dragon with a few mates at our local cinema on Monday. Was great to see it on the big screen. There was a good turnout too. It's amazing that 50 years later Bruce Lee is still pulling in the crowds!

We personally love “Fists Of Fury” as our favorite Bruce Lee movie.🙏🏻🎧🎦🍿

Got to be The Final Game of Death next, Stripey. Caught WoTD in the cinema in about 1981 and the out-of-focus shots were really noticeable, also noticeable was the fact that the censors had been rather scissor-happy. Some pretty jarring cuts! Still it was good to see Bruce on the big screen, also managed a Game of Death/Fist of Fury in June 1981 too. Awesome!

Really enjoyed this whole series of Bruce Lee deep dives mate! Great work! 👏💿🙌

Hello Stripey.i really enjoyed it videos and commentaries on Bruce Lee and his films. I have been following u 4 a well.I'm glad I'm not the only Bruce Lee fan 4 over 50+ years and I have never grew tired of his movies. It's far superior compared 2 the work that u have n modern films.I will eventually get the new Bruce Lee Golden Harvest Arrow box set. so keep doing the great work that u're doing. Keep his spirit alive. I'm always with u

Great video as always 😊 I love Way of the Dragon, I whistle the theme music so much 😅 I can imagine in the future they AI the out of focus shots to be in focus, AI can create what isn't there, on the new Dr Who blurays they say the next time they release it, it'll have AI restoration, making stuff shot on old video tape way sharper image Not for the purest AI 😅

Hi Stripey, Loved the video. I do wonder if we are maybe not too far away from a time when AI technology could be used to correct some of the out of focus shots, in remastering, and bring them into focus using computer technology. As there are in focus shots near the out of focus shots as a reference point, I hope it might be possible in the future.

Stripey, I'm happy with you just continuing to work your way through the Arrow Video Boxset in the disc order.

In 1993 Australia re-released 'Way' with a clean opening graphic and titled end credits, and unusual to see this movie not saying Way of the Dragon, and i still have that old VHS copy.

Yes and American Author that wrote the book The Legend of Bruce Lee , said that The Way Of Dragon He Thought the Author , said he thought that was Bruce Lee's Worst Movie , and that author said that Bruce Lee wasn't fully happy with that Movie ,and Bruce Lee was Only going to have it Released in South East Asia, and if I heard it correctly maybe i am wrong here ? And I heard that Bruce was a little disappointment With the Way Of The Dragon ,and that was maybe why He Started With the Making Of The Game Of Death , and that Game Of Death was made with the western audience in mind , and I also Heard or read that Bruce Lee , wanted to remake another The Way Of The Dragon for western audience , Bruce Lee he had lot plans no doubt .

Every time a new version was released I always hoped the soft focus bits would have been fixed, but I guess we just have to love with it. I did see someone else on RU-vid suggest that maybe they were filming these bits sneakily to avoid paying any fees for filming permits, so all they could get were these shots. It makes sense for some of them like the shaky outdoors scenes (looks like someone carrying the camera in a bag hanging low), but some of the bits indoors are blurry too.

Nice work on your review. I really enjoyed it. As far as what's next , I'm sure I'll enjoy whichever review you wish to do next. I hope the next couple weeks go as smoothly as possible for you. Take care.

Hi stripey hope your well .. another great video and love listening to your thoughts,got the box set the other day and excited to start watching it when I get the chance. Also got one of your awesome t shirts last week and looks awesome, will be wearing it on my holiday Wednesday. Anyway keep well and hope the funeral goes well… 🤙🏻 waving from Colchester 👋🏻

Concord sign was on the old Rank video. I still have the X-cert version from 1983.

Game of death, loving the videos mate 👍🏻

So love your content Stripey, BTW I often saw bruce's films at the beautiful Classic cinema in Westcliff, always felt special going there with the half moon shaped marble steps into the cinema. Still residing in Leigh On Sea so am in your part of the world.😀

Stripey thanks for this great review! Really enjoyed it!

I had this on Rank home video precert and my brother and I, both 80's kids, loved this film.

I am a big Bruce Lee fan and my love for martial arts. I have the Arrow box a great collection .Greetings from the Netherlands 👍

Game of Death would be a good choice for the next film to review. As a young kid, it was my favorite one. I was too young to notice a lot of the mistakes and the plot made it feel like Bruce Lee was still alive.

Game of death sir game of death… the hero of heroes.. 🙏

Even with the blurry scenes, this version is by far the best one I've ever seen. The colours just pop, especially skin tones & the red jackets that the waiters wear in the restaurant. I thought it was great. For your next ramble, please do The Final Game Of Death. Thanks for another top review Stripey, and my thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.

I always wondered why there never is a Chuck Norris interview on none of these way of the dragon releases

Good review as always Stripey. Of all his films Way of the Dragon is my favourite. Until I looked up the reviews online I thought seeing this film on the big screen I was having eye sight issues. I was relieved when I read that the film was somewhat out of focus and I wasn't having eyesight issues. To be honest until I watched this in the cinema did I notice some of the footage being out of focus. Watching all these years on DVD I didn't realise.

Hi Stripey thank you for another great review. I note Karlplayford 7345's comment and he might have hit on the solution to the focus issues. That's to say if Arrow could contact Cinncita Italia studios and ask them if they still have in their possesion original Techinscope equipment. The intapositve could possibly then be reprocessed using that actual equipment to help adjust the focus issue. Its a long shot but it might just work . James Flowers of Arrow should be made aware of this. Tadashi did all the camera work on the 1972 Game of Death footage - and he did a superb job using Dyalascope lenses. No muffed shots at all. Speaking of which....please and pretty please can you review the final Game of Death?. Hope the funeral goes well and you get the Etsy saga sorted. By the way, Amazonion also were doing a similiar thing to their sellers too. All the best.

how do the new commentaries compare to the old Criterion ones?

Thanks for another stellar review, dude. Picked up my tees yesterday, absolute quality, and I must say... cracking value. It's really obvious that you're not in it to make money, and it's not a good look for Etsy to be screwing you like that. Hope you and the good lady wife get it sorted, because I'll be back for more. As an aside, I tried one on in front of the Mrs, and her response (jokingly) was "How old are you... 12?" But isn't that the point, the images take me back to a time of discovery and excitement. Like everyone else here, Bruce was a superhero. There was nothing like him then... and he's still the mutts nuts now. We'll always be forever young because of this man, and for that and people like you (Stripey) keeping his memory alive... I am eternally grateful. 💯

A bit of trivia...I saw this when it first came to theatres when IO was 12. They ran it with a second feature...A replay of the Ali/Foreman Rumble in the jungle fight. WTF???

Can’t wait to see way of the dragon 🐉 quality has always been an issue. Loving your vids as always

Hey Stripey. I haven't watched it yet although i did check out the extras. I always felt Malissa Longo didn't think that much of Bruce. I read an interview with her before. She says good things but sometimes talks a little negative about him and the movie. Have a great weekend my friend. 👍

Another great review Stripey. Thanks 👊🏻☯️

hi stripey I sure did want a shirt 😢but it's ok I didn't even know when they were up for sale thank you so much for trying to make us bruce Lee fans happy peace ✌.

My second favourite after Fist of Fury. But has the best fight scene of all with Chuck Norris. Absolutely top notch review 👌 great work as always

Thanks, Spripey, great review!

Enjoyed your video and yes with the best will in the world I don’t think anybody could alter the out of focus scenes having said that Arrow version is the best available My choices for next reviews Game of Death Alternative versions Documentary the Blu ray of The Legend different version to vhs /dvd Best wishes to the family in this difficult time Thank you for clearing up Etsy Look forward to your next video all in good time 👍

Sorry for your loss.💔…game of death

I love way of the dragon return of the dragon. I was about 14 took my little sister who is about eight she fell in love with Bruce. It demonstrates his acting versatility. His character is entirely different in this movie than the other three a true actors actor.

Good review on the Way Of The Dragon 4K release from Arrow.

Great review as always Stripey. Firstly the original Game of Death is my vote for the next review. Secondly, have you managed to find any hidden Easter eggs on the discs. I know of two so far...

Perhaps Bruce Lee didn't have his contacts in when doing the daily. He really did have bad eyesight. And yes the rank video did have the concord production logo in. Great video mate really needs this collection.

Hi Arrow 4k of way of the dragon is the best it has looked for me. I've watched my other blu rays and DVDs and this arrow version is better. The out of focus issues are on every version there is. The old rank videos are worse for the out of focus issues because they are pan and scan. Overall IAM happy with this 4k of way of the dragon. Cheers.

Any ideas on what the chalk messages mean on the wall of colosseum fight between Chuck and Bruce ?

Do you think they will sale these , individually? I’ve seen WB’s release of Enter the Dragon, I’ve hesitated purchasing, but if I can get them all individually, I’ll do that.

Hi stripey Fantastic review. I really enjoy all your videos. You make my day👍 thank you my friend. Your next review should be the final game of death. Enjoy your day.

Is that Nil By Mouth is on your shelf? I went to watch the anniversary edition at BFI a few months back. Still one of the absolute best British films

Yeah it’s my number 1 Bruce movie it’s a beast !

mate you have to do final game of death next

Please review final GOD next! Its what Bruce was doing next after Way so its still chronological.

Love your guidance about these belived films. Max respect

Great review Stripey. Firm but fair 😉👌 So glad you mentioned Sound of Freedom. Been dying to watch that film. I follow Tim Ballard too. The guy is a real life hero. Mel Gibson, Tony Robbins all on board for that film. Disney tried to bury it, before they sold it to Angel Studios... Any way, hope you enjoy it Stripey.

Great review. Yes, The Way Of The Dragon has flaws on a technical level, but I guess back then , there was still some guerilla film making being employed to get the shots, especially on the budget. Agree though, its the best the film will ever look. There are even a couple of out of focus shots in Enter The Dragon, even on its US budget, so I can forgive Way for a few here and there. Great you mentioned John Saxon. I was lucky enough to meet him in 2006 at a Martial Arts show held in Birmingham. He is the nicest celebrity I have been lucky enough to meet. Had a nice chat with him and his wife who was helping on his stall. He signed a copy of his amazing photo book Twelve Weeks in Hong Kong, which is his documentation and photos of filming Enter The Dragon. He even signed a photo for my Mum for free. Still have the photo with him on my wall. For me, I'd like to see the review of the Final Game Of Death.. Best wishes for the coming week and thanks for the video..

Thanks for your review, as you know i was one of the people who asked you to review Way Of The Dragon as i'm not convinced that there's not a better "in focus" print out there? ,especially as i mentioned i recorded Way Of from Sly Movies and it's deffo more in focus, go figure? I agree 100% that it's colour and audio are superb. I'm annoyed that Arrow didn't use the original film negative as i'm sure that would have yielded better sharpness, not the airport scene, that's not possible unless AI is incorporated , maybe in the future? ETSY are arseholes good buddy , no two ways about it!!!! I hope you find an alternative company? Sending you positive waves and love for the funeral, be strong. The final Game Of Death is my request to you, i cried in certain parts, bet you did too? Personal Regards Roger B Egerton.

Final Game of Death please

Interestingly, Bruce Lee has chosen Tadashi Nishimoto to choreograph the whole film for him as this was their first time working together, and for Bruce he wanted Nishimoto to film his in the way of an classic Italian film, whether they were commedia all’italiana/Italian comedies, spaghetti westerns, or a poliziottesco (Italian crime films) (Nishimoto have seen a Vittorio De Sica comedy classic called “Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow” with Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni). As an Italian film geek, I’m quite surprised that Arrow included an interview with Marisa Longo in which she has worked for the film at the same time when she married Riccardo Billi, playing the bank manager who worked as a film producer (not to be confused with the one who appeared in several commedia all’italiana). Transfer-wise, I think it is by far the best it has ever looked, certainly outpacing Criterion in terms of colour balance and improved compression levels, even though both Criterion and Arrow are using the same source material, the commonly found internegative (nobody knows why the original camera negatives are still lost though). But the blurry/out-of-focus shots within the presentation of the film that many people especially Bruce Lee fans were complaining about were due to the fact that Nishimoto wasn’t able to focus or adjust the camera lenses properly (I’m pretty sure his cinematography skills during the time were waning). Somehow I think that’s how Hong Kong films were filmed at that time when you notice some blurry shots inserted throughout the film due to lack of high-quality cinematography skills. Speaking of the Japanese Cut, when you compare it to the Mandarin, Cantonese and the English tracks from the theatrical cut, the Japanese cut also utilizes the actual Bruce Lee battle cries when the fight scenes always started with Bruce Lee engaging a fight with only one exception where Bruce kicks a punching bag out of one of restaurant worker buddies. One interesting thing I found in common with the cinematic relationship between Hong Kong and Italy is that they were at the time when WOTD was filmed and released shot their films post-synced (up until the 1990s) and have their dialogues dubbed in post-production to certain international markets no matter what language they were be releasing in their local cinemas.

the japanese 4k version has been done from the original japanese negatives (but not restored, so often you see some stains) and I think it looks the most sharp (still blurry though) and natural colorimetry wise (even if the HUE might be too saturated sometimes) but Arrow version is not consistent colorimetry wise. sometimes it looks good sometime it looked washed out (scene outdoor against bob wall) bruce lee has a good tan in this movie and in arrow sometime bruce looks pale (outdoor vs bob)

Game of death

Please review Bruce Lee the man the legend!

Don't forget Rome shots were covert filming as they didn't have permission to film. My fave Bruce film to be honest.

Hey Stripey, please can u do a video on the making of Game of Death and Bruce Lee's original vision vs. the 1978 movie!!!!

I've watched some clips on yputube of bruce v chuck and it had been converted to 60fps, looks out of this world. Why we can't get more movies converted to 60fps minimum I don't know.

Thank you fella.

Stripey - you can set up a RU-vid shop

I only see the blu ray in there store

Beloved even

猛龙过江，是我最喜欢的一部李小龙电影，😃

Sorry for your loss. Thanks for take the time to do this video! I agree with you that this is the best Way of the Dragon will ever look. I even think I can notice more detail in this transfer versus the Criterion! Overall I'd give WOTD's transfer a 4 out of 5. I highly doubt it could look any better given what you discussed about the filming of this classic.

Hi mate great video again. The rushes they watched in Italy were seen with equipment that matched the (new techniscope) cameras. When they got back to HK the equipment wasn't calibrated to the cameras they had, therefore it looked a lot softer and they did realise when they got back. So the dailies would look great as long as the other equipment matched.

U should review enter the dragon 4k ultra hd and like put in scenes in their like compare to the blu-ray version

Don’t mind waiting for the final game of death.

anyone ever tell you that you sound a bit like Michael Caine???

maybe Bruce wasn't wearing his glasses or contact lenses when he viewed the reels ?

Stripey , the Concord logo originally had sound , the yin/yang pinged when they bounced off each other ! 100% . Can't find it anywhere with sound , get a lemsip pal !

Sorry for your sad news Game of Death alternate versions would be cool next

Way of the Dragon is the most recognised of the Bruce movies outside of Enter the Dragon. Why wouldn't they give it the same treatment as Big Boss and Fist of Fury? It looks better than ever, but it could have been better still.

Stripey. The Final Game of Death is my choice for review mate.

I did not know that Way of the Dragon Japanese Theatrical version is the only version out of all the English dubbed that maintained Bruce Lee's real fight yells!!!! That has to be the best one to watch then? Nothing cut in that version is there?

I’ve watched every single feature on that Arrow set so watch Game of Death 1978 Cantonese version review - review the exploitation 👀 Final GOD is amazing be a good review

For some reason I like Enter The Dragon and The Way Of The Dragon more than the rest of Bruce's movies ..

The way of the dragon picture is not as good as Boss and Fist because it was taken from the interpositive print, not the O.C.N print. Apparently the O.C.N was lost to the ravages of time.

Chinese Boxing !!

Cant exactly film again, a low budget movie.