Product Description

Directed by thrill master John Carpenter, this edge-of-your seat adventure stars Kurt Russell as Jack Burton, a tough-talking, wisecracking truck driver whose hum-drum life on the road takes a sudden supernatural tailspin when his best friend's fiancee is kidnapped. Speeding to the rescue, Jack finds himself deep beneath San Francisco's Chinatown, in a murky, creature-filled world ruled by Lo Pan, a 2000-year-old magician who mercilessly presides over an empire of spirits. Dodging demons and facing baffling terrors, Jack battles his way through Lo Pan's dark domain in a full-throttle, action-riddled ride to rescue the girl. Co-starring Kim Cattrall, this effects-filled sci-fi spectacle speeds to an incredible, twist-taking finish.

• Audio: English: 5.1 DTS HD Master Audio, Dolby Surround / Spanish & French: 5.1 Dolby Digital
• Language: Dubbed & Subtitled: English, French & Spanish
• Aspect Ratio: Widescreen: 2.35:1

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1084 in DVD
• Brand: Fox
• Released on: 2009-08-04
• Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
• Formats: AC-3, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen
• Original language: English, Spanish, French
• Subtitled in: English, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese, Korean, Thai
• Dubbed in: French, Spanish
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: 1.20 pounds
• Running time: 100 minutes

Customer Reviews

"This is Going to Take Crackerjack Timing Wang."
I've been a fan of the Pork Chop express ever since i first saw Big Trouble In Little China.

"China's in the heart jack, wherever I go she's with me."

"It's all in the reflexes."

"This is Going to Take Crackerjack Timing Wang."

"Have ya paid your dues, Jack?" "Yes sir, the check is in the mail"

Video Quality 4 out of 5
This a 2.35:1-framed transfer and offers viewers the opportunity to see John Carpenter's film with unparalleled clarity that easily surpasses its previously-released dvd ounterparts. Big Trouble in Little China occasionally looks a bit rough around the edges but is otherwise presented on Blu-ray with an overall satisfactory appearance. Lo Pan's makeup and costumed attire make up the bulk of the flashy colors to be found throughout.

The overall color palette is not one that's meant to pop off the screen with a dazzling array of hues, but what is here tends to look rather good. Detail appears as above average throughout matching the theme of the transfer as a whole, there's nothing here that's truly worth noting, but the Blu-ray is consistent in its delivery of a stable, good-looking 100 minutes worth of high definition goodness.

Some viewers may be put off by a layer of grain that spikes heavily at times but often remains fairly unobtrusive. Blacks aren't too problematic, and flesh tones appear as a fairly neutral shade throughout. Big Trouble in Little China fans should be more than pleased with 20th Century Fox's presentation.

Audio Quality 4 out of 5
Big Trouble in Little China features the usual DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack and this one impresses greatly in context and livens up considerably once the film's action gets underway. Music sounds rather full but is generally limited to the front and it plays clearly enough. Sound effects tend to fill up the front half of the soundstage and move nicely from side to side. The barrage of gunfire in chapter eight sounds loud and distinct with shots seeming to emanate from each of the speakers. Generally speaking, though, the bass checks in on occasion to spruce things up.

A rather powerful outburst in chapter 13 is representative of the lows scattered about the soundtrack. Much like the video presentation, Big Trouble in Little China's lossless soundtrack is an above-average effort that should satisfy the discriminating listener and longtime fans of the film.

Special Features 4 out of 5
The audio commentary brings together friends John Carpenter and Kurt Russell in a fun-filled, laugh-filled reminiscence about making the movie. Russell is in stitches through much of the track laughing uproariously as the two talk about what their intentions were for the film and agreeing the tone for the movie was likely ahead of its time.

The user may choose to listen to the music score on an isolated DTS-HD MA 5.1 track.

All of the bonus features are presented in 480i.

There are eight deleted scenes which must be viewed individually. There is no "Play All" button for them.

The extended ending available for viewing involves two additional moments cut from the theatrical release.

A vintage featurette serves as the EPK for the film is a compilation of interviews with the director, the stars, special effects coordinator Richard Edlund, and the costume designer.

John Carpenter and his band contribute a music video for the movie's title song.

Special effects coordinator Richard Edlund is interviewed about his work on the movie. The viewer is given the option of having visual stills projected into a small window while he's talking or having them displayed full screen.

There are three theatrical trailers which can be selected for viewing. Two U.S. trailers and one Spanish trailer.

There are six TV spots which can be viewed individually or in one bunch.

A gallery of stills from the film and behind-the-scenes may be selected for viewing either automatically or the viewer may step through them more quickly.

In the end Big Trouble in Little China was perhaps a little bit too ahead of its time, a satiric, seriocomic adventure film that is entertaining in spite of its imperfections. The result are wicked action scenes and hair raising comic moments.

For fans of the film, the verdict is clear, you have to own this blu-ray version, even if it means you will have to buy a blu-ray player. For everyone else, I can only say get this disc or you will be missing out on one of the most unique and enjoyable action-comedy-movie highlights Hollywood has ever produced, now looking better than ever.

Quite simply the greatest movie of all time.
Over the top statement? You bet your [...] it is. So is this movie. It takes elements of sci-fi, fantasy, kung fu, and even western movies and mashes them up into the most satisfying concoction. Drink up!

"Here's to the Army and the Navy and the battles they have won. Here's to America's colors, the colors that never run. May the wings of Liberty never lose a feather."

It's all in the reflexes
If you've never seen Big Trouble in Little China before, I might envy you. I envy you if you have a big taste for gonzo over the top fun with comedy, martial arts, and of course "Magic. The darkest magic." His soul swims in it, you know. I envy you if you're about to watch this movie for the first time. I was in college when this came out. I don't know how many times I went back, but it was a lot. It's one of the most quotable movies I know.

I don't envy you if you've never seen it and never will. You lead a very sad life. Or even worse, if you're going to see this and hate it. *shudder* I imagine such people really do exist out there... trudging through life, sore from all the time they have to spend pursing their lips at all the fun stuff they disapprove of.

Oh well. If not for them, who would the fun people have to pity.

For the rest of you sitting around, saying (in a manly voice that's nevertheless getting a little irate), "Somebody I don't care WHO tell ME what is going on!"... the greatest favor I can do is tell you to slap this in your machine, turn it up, and unplug your phone.