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Introduction

Goodbye Bruce Lee is an early example of the lower end of Bruce Li's output. An unashamed 'Game of Death' interpretation that is both mediocre and curiously entertaining at the same time. This film would have been quickly forgotten had it not been for Bruce Li's ascending cult status and the disc reviewed here is a welcome addition to the fan's collection for the sheer quality of product rather than the actual film.

The premise for this movie is that Lee Hsaio Lung (Bruce Li...billed here as Lee Roy Lung) is a look-alike martial artist/gymnast and offered the job of completing Bruce Lee's last project. When he agrees to the task we are treated(?) to a frankly ludicrous story of a stolen package of 'dirty' money, a kidnapped girlfriend and a lacklustre battle to the top of a huge pagoda staffed by various martial-loonies. This is not one of Bruce Li's best, but passes it's short running time with enough guilty pleasures to keep you smiling.

Picture quality

The front cover is recreated on the actual disc itself which contains a FANTASTIC anamorphic widescreen uncut print of the film which is one of the best transfers I've ever seen and quite an eye opener when you compare it to other dvd kung fu 'cheapies'. The film probably never looked this good on it's first release (1975). The colours are rich and vibrant and barely a scratch or spot in sight! You have to see how good this is! Arrow Films (UK) have done a masterful job and it's an unusual title for them to distribute as they tend to concentrate on european 'arty' films.

Audio quality

A very clean DD 2:0 mono track that sounds great and up there with the best that the likes of Hong Kong Legends releases.The theme song 'King of Kung Fu' by Candy never sounded better!

Extras

There are some nice menus with small frames of action going on while Candy gives us that oh, so catchy song again.

Theatrical Trailer, which I'm not sure if it is actually. I have seen a different one to this and it appears to have been created especially for the disc with the same great quality of the film.

Bruce Li Filmography. A basic listing of his films that has probably been lifted fom the IMDB.

Bruce Li Biography. A (very) brief rundown of the man's career that appears to have been purloined(and edited down) from a certain author's on-line fanzine that can be read on this very site!

Packaging

A nice shot of Mr. Li(in yellow jumpsuit-naturally!) in front of a collage of scenes from the film, while the rear has some nice small stills amongst the 'plot' and credits. Good job.

Summary

A truly great presentation of a (sadly) not-so-great film, neverthless a must buy for the Bruce Li fan and aficianados of bad movies.

Credits

Cast: Lee Roy Lung(Bruce Li), Lung Fei, San Moo
Produced by: R. Chow & Cahng Lung
Directed by: Lin Pin & Harold B. Swartz

Atlas International Films.

RATINGS

Film 4/10
Picture Quality 9/10
Sound Quality 8/10
Extras 610
Packaging 8/10
Overall Disc Score 8/10

A BRUCEPLOITATION REVIEW Copyright 2002 Carl Jones