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Let's face it...Bruce Lee changed the face of the modern martial arts film as we know it. Hell, if it weren't for him, you probably wouldn't even be coming to this site because none of the guys profiled here would have been as successful as they were after his untimely death. This new documentary by John Little focuses on Lee's fourth HK feature, the unfinished GAME OF DEATH.
Picture quality
The first hour or so of the documentary features rare footage of Lee, ranging from HK rooftop gang brawls to karate tournaments. Naturally, the quality varies but all excerpts are viewable. The interviews are crystal clear, as are the journeys through Lee's notes. The last half hour is the GAME OF DEATH footage. Presented in its original aspect ratio (2.35:1), the footage appears to be from two different sources. Occasionally there are flaws in the print, but given the rarity of the footage, it is acceptable. In fact, some of the G.O.D. footage here looks better than my HK disc of the film.
Sound quality
The disc is presented in Dolby Digital English 5.1. During the G.O.D. footage, several lines of dialogue are spoken in Chinese with English subtitles provided.
The Film
Ever wonder why Dan Inosanto has an "X" on his forehead in G.O.D.? Well, you will find out here. What can I say? This film is a complete and total revelation. It allows fans a glimpse of what G.O.D. would have looked like if Bruce Lee had completed it. It also shows fans that the guys who patched together the original G.O.D. were hacks. They had literally 30 minutes of the man in literally non-stop fights and chose to edit it down! Did you know Lee had two companions with him in these fights? Why not rehire those guys when they were fleshing out the story of the original G.O.D.? Guess that would have made too much sense.
As far as the 30 minutes of footage goes, it is pretty enlightening as well. I hate to say it, but Bruce Lee had a huge ego and it shows here. In the first two fights, his friends get whipped while he single handedly defeats the villains, only getting hit twice! His wife talks about how this film would have embodied his philosophy about martial arts. Apparently his philosophy was "I'm the best...EVER!" Had the film been finished it probably would have been along the same lines are WAY OF THE DRAGON with good fights and some bad humor (which is on display here).
Extras
The film has a generous 26 chapter stops. The back of the case promotes "Feature Length Commentary by Writer/Producer/Director John Little" which is not there. There is narration by Little, but seeing as this is a documentary, I would hardly call that a "special feature." The packaging also promises an "Ode to an Artist" music video, which is nowhere to be found on this disc. The only true extras are trailer and short filmography for Lee.
Packaging
I have never liked the WB boxes (cardboard sleeve that clips shut) and this one is no different. The cover features a generic Lee in yellow jumpsuit shot and the back contains a brief two-paragraph synopsis.
RATINGS
Film 10/10
Picture Quality 8/10
Sound Quality 8/10
Packaging 2/10
Overall Disc Score 8/10
Fnal Thought
No self-respecting Bruce Lee fan should be without this disc. As with the book he authored Bruce Lee: In His Own Words, Little has been given invaluable access to Lee's personal notes and writings. Through these items and personal interviews, this disc gives audiences a rare insight to the man almost thirty years after his death. Highly recommended.
Review by William.