Starring Jet Li as the real life Cantonese folk hero, Wong Fei-hung, a physical embodiment of traditional Chinese values and moral incorruptibility, the Once Upon a Time in China series is a martial arts epic that charts China’s transition into the modern-world as it gradually abandons its old traditions and begins to accept the inevitable encroach of Western cultures.
Once Upon a Time in China – In 19th century Canton, Wong Fei-hung battles ruthless imperialist forces determined to subjugate his country and enslave his people, leading to a climactic fight sequence still regarded as one of the best ever filmed.
Once Upon a Time in China II – Wong Fei-hung faces off against the White Lotus Cult, a dangerous xenophobic group seeking to drive all European influence out of China, as well as a corrupt military officer, played by Donnie Yen in his breakthrough role.
Once Upon a Time in China III – Wong Fei-hung travels to Peking and is forced to enter a martial-arts contest in order to prevent an assassination attempt against a prominent Chinese diplomat who wants to showcase traditional Chinese martial-arts, and restore national pride.
With action sequences choreographed by the legendary Yuen Woo-ping, the Once Upon a Time in China series is a glorious high-point in martial-arts filmmaking, and Eureka Classics is proud to present Tsui Hark’s original trilogy, as well as Once Upon a Time in China and America (which saw Jet Li return to the Wong Fei-hung role after a four year gap).
SPECIAL FEATURES
4 Blu-ray discs housed in a single case, with slim cardboard packaging featuring new artwork by Darren Wheeling
1080p presentations of all three films on Blu-ray, sourced from 4K restorations
Original Cantonese audio tracks
Optional English and Mandarin audio tracks
Optional English subtitles
Once Upon a Time in China and America [dir. Sammo Hung & Lau Kar-wing, 100 mins, 1080p HD from a 2K restoration] – the final chapter in the Once Upon a Time in China series, with Jet Li making a triumphant return to his most iconic role
Once Upon a Time in China and America – Original Cantonese, dubbed English, and original Mandarin synch-sound audio options
Once Upon a Time in China and America – Optional English subtitles
Once Upon a Time in China and America – “Making of…” documentary [30 mins]
Audio commentaries on Once Upon a Time in China I-III by martial-arts cinema expert Mike Leeder and filmmaker Arne Venema
The Legend of Wong Fei-Hung [48 mins] – a three-part featurette on the legendary folk hero
Memories of Once Upon a Time in China II – Interview with actor Mike Miller [49 mins]
Memories of Once Upon a Time in China III – Interview with actor John Wakefield [29 mins]
Archival interview with actor and Shaw Brothers veteran, Yen Shi-kwan [10 mins]
Archival interview with Jet Li [10 mins]
Archival interview with Donnie Yen
Archival Q&A with Jet Li [10 mins]
Archival interview with director Tsui Hark [23 mins]
Archival interview with actor John Wakefield [11 mins]
Trailers for all films
