Canada
United States
New Zealand
Australia
Ireland
Shout Select has released a two-part Jackie Chan Collection Blu-ray box set, showcasing the rise of the martial arts icon, from his early films to his death-defying career peak.
The first set, which was released in January, covers Chan’s work from 1976 – 1982, while the second set, which will be available on April 25, features Chan’s work from 1983 – 1993.
The sets offer a great starting point for novices and are also worthy purchases for die-hard fans.
Impact of Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan is a martial arts master who has acted in over 150 movies, making him one of the wealthiest and most globally recognizable stars of all time.
Although many American filmgoers know Chan best for his Hollywood blockbusters and family-friendly fare, his profound impact on global cinema cannot be denied.
With martial arts films having a moment in the spotlight in 2023, the release of the “Jackie Chan Collection” Blu-ray box sets is a timely reminder of the star’s enduring legacy.
Content of the Box Sets
The first set covers Jackie Chan’s early films from 1976 – 1982, including lively movies like Snake & Crane Arts of Shaolin and Dragon Lord, in which his modern fighting style and dramatic stunts are fully-formed.
The second collection features Chan’s work from 1983 – 1993, during which his style was cemented in classics such as Armour of God and Crime Story.
In addition to the movies, each set has a new feature length documentary on Chan’s career and impact during that era, as well as commentary tracks and analysis from film critics and scholars.
These features make the sets a must-have for fans who want to go deep in the genre.
Challenges in Assembling the Box Sets
According to Cliff McMillan, the producer of the box sets, the most challenging part of assembling the movies was getting all the different language tracks together.
Some of the movies had different dubs, and the licensors didn’t always have those dub tracks, so the company had to rely on experts to help them find the different tracks.
The work that went into restoring those films was warmly received when Shout! Factory TV, the streaming arm of the company, hosted an all-day Brawl-A-Thon before the release of each set to let fans get a first taste of the new restorations.
The restoration efforts by Shout! Factory have helped to preserve these classic movies for future generations to enjoy.
Creating Community Viewing Events
Gene Pao, the executive vice president of strategy and digital at Shout! Factory, said that the company uses events like the Brawl-A-Thon to inspire community viewing with fans.
When fans watch the movies together, they get excited, not only about being able to watch the movies, but also about reminiscing about how great the films are.
