I saw the new 4K restoration of Hard Boiled in a theaters, so I can vouch that it holds up. But, if you’re only seeing the 4K at home here’s what you’re in for.
John Woo’s classic features set pieces in a smoky, steamy tea house, warehouse and hospital. The jazz bar fits the smoky motif too. Outside, the streets of Hong Kong are clear, day or night, as is the dock where undercover cop Alan (Tony Leung) faces Tequila (Chow Yun-fat) and the bad guys.
Woo gives a 40-minute interview and a new full commentary, plus his original one, so there are nearly 3 hours of Woo’s thoughts. Drey Taylor asks good questions in the new commentary and gets the story. Woo doesn’t remember every detail, but it was over 30 years ago so that’s fair.
Frank Djeng gives the historian commentary so you know he’ll fill in the details on every cast member and the production of Hard Boiled.
More interviews on the bonus disc include Anthony Wong discussing the delirious filming of Hard Boiled, Producer Terence Chang on encountering real gangsters and an early draft that would’ve featured Michelle Yeoh, two of the writers and Michael Gibbs on the score.
Grady Hendrix, Dr. Leon Hunt and Dr. Lin Feng providing analysis. Deleted scenes include a few more shots of the warehouse, boat and hospital. A scene from the Korean version shows the original tragic ending.