If anyone were to ask my son who is favorite martial arts actor was, he would immediately shout out, “Jackie Chan.” That just goes to show you how big of a generation gap was created by the untimely death of Bruce Lee. I’m sure if he had lived, he would have remained the undisputed master of the genre and my son and I might even have had the opportunity to see the two mix it up in a movie. (Of course, we all know who would win…) I saw “Enter the Dragon” more times than I can count when I was a kid. I saw it in the theatre, on TV, on video and pretty much any other way possible. Bruce Lee was the man, and this was my favorite of all his movies. I even enjoyed the parody of the film in “The Kentucky Fried Movie”, which if you’ve never seen, you must.

The storyline was fairly simple, with Lee teaming up with John Saxon and Jim Kelly to infiltrate the lair of the criminal mastermind Han, played by Shih Kien. The idea is to get to him by entering a marital arts tournament hosted by Han and gather enough information to bring him down. But all simplicity of plot aside, there are a few key scenes that you don’t see coming, and the fighting in this film is phenomenal.

I’ve heard from more than a few friends that Bruce Lee wasn’t any better than any other marital arts actor. Thy claim he just became an icon because he died young, like James Dean. If they really believe this, I don’t think they ever really took the time to really watch one of his films. Granted, he was an amazing athlete that could fight circles around anyone, but he was also quite an accomplished actor. Could he have done Shakespeare? Probably not, but he carried himself onscreen with a quiet grace, and could emote more with a single glance than many of today’s actors can with an entire monologue. He carried this acting style over into his fighting technique which really added to the experience of watching him in action.

I’d get more into the movie, but I really could go on all day. What I’m really here to fill you in on is the newest Special Edition DVD release from Warner. I understand that this isn’t the first Special Edition release, but I unfortunately cannot compare them because I don’t have one handy. What I can tell you is that if you don’t currently own the movie on DVD, stop what you’re doing, get in your car and drive over to your nearest retail outlet and pick one up.

This 2-disc release offers up literally hours of additional material that us sure to get the heart pumping of any Bruce Lee fan. But before I get into all of that, I do want to mention that this new transfer looks absolutely stunning. You can still catch little blemishes and the like, but aside from that the image is almost pristine. Having only had the opportunity to see the film in recent years on TV or video, this is the first time since the theatre that I’ve seen it in glorious widescreen. What a difference (unless you don’t like widescreen… you fool… you fool.)

The first disc includes a feature length commentary by producer Paul Heller, and like most commentaries its gets a little off-track, but is still full of some great anecdotes about working with Lee. You’ll also find an all-new 30th Anniversary ‘Making of…” featurette called “Blood & Steel” which runs about 30 minutes, as well as “Bruce Lee: In His Own Words” which features interview footage. There’s an original 1973 featurette about the film, which is fairly short, but certainly worthwhile. Those somewhat familiar with Lee’s family life will recognize his widow, Linda Lee Caldwell is a series of newer interviews, who is quite outspoken and fascinating to listen to. Rounding out these features is some home movie footage of Lee working out, clocking in at about 2 minutes. And that’s just the first disc…

Disc 2 is where you’ll really find the treasures of the set. It has two feature-length documentaries about Lee, each running about an hour and a half. Both offer an in-depth look at Lee, but from different perspectives. The first, “The Curse of the Dragon” is narrated by George Takei and touches heavily on the circumstances surrounding his death, even going so far as to touch on the untimely death of his son Brandon. The second, “Bruce Lee: A Warrior’s Journey” focuses more on his life in general and features a ton of footage from what was to be Lee’s intended edit of “The Game of Death.” Both have a ton of interviews with those who worked with Lee, most notably Chuck Norris. I think its cool hearing from Norris, whose has made a career out of being the good guy hero. But I remember him playing a ‘bad guy’ in “Return of the Dragon.” The scene where he fights with Lee is one of the most poignant and memorable of any of either of their careers. If you’ve seen it, you know what I mean.

Again, I cannot attest to whether or not this is a more complete DVD release that Warners’ previous Special Edition, but I can tell you that as far as I’m concerned, it’s must have in your collection if you have even a passing interest in the work of Bruce Lee.

Directed by: Robert Clouse
Starring: Bruce Lee, John Saxon, Jim Kelly, Ahna Capri, Bob Wall Shih Kien
Extras: Commentary by Producer Paul Heller, “Blood and Steel: The Making of Enter the Dragon”, “Bruce Lee: In His Own Words”, 1973 Featurette, Interview Gallery Featuring Linda Lee Caldwell Vintage Home movie Footage: “Backyard Workout with Bruce”, Feature Length Biography “Bruce Lee: A Warrior’s Journey” featuring a Meticulous Reconstruction of Lee’s Intended Cut of “The Game of Death”, “Bruce Lee: The Curse of the Dragon” Narrated by George Takei, Multiple Theatrical Trailers and TV Spots
Specifications: Widescreen, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Studio: Warner Brothers
Release Date: 5/18/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: R (Martial Arts Violence and Brief Nudity)
Website

We'll give Enter the Dragon an A.