Stephen Chow (director and star of Shaolin Soccer) is at it again with his newest action-packed and comedic martial-arts adventure, Kung Fu Hustle. From wildly imaginative kung fu showdowns to dance sequences featuring tuxedoed mobsters, you've never seen action this outrageous and characters this zany! With jaw-dropping fight sequences by Yuen Wo Ping (famed action choreographer of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and The Matrix), Kung Fu Hustle will blow you away!

In a town ruled by the Axe Gang, Sing (Stephen Chow) desperately wants to become a member. He stumbles into a slum ruled by eccentric landlords who turn out to be kung fu masters in disguise. Sing's actions eventually cause the Axe Gang and the slumlords to engage in an explosive kung fu battle. Only one side will win and only one hero will emerge as the greatest kung fu master of all.

I'm quite a big fan of Stephen Chow, and while I'll readily admit to only having seen a few of his films, "Shaolin Soccer" still ranks as one of the most mind-blowing and amazingly-original films I have ever seen (if you haven't see that one yet, go out and do so RIGHT NOW). "Kung Fu Hustle" is his follow-up effort and Chow manages to incorporate many of the winning aspects of "Soccer" into this film - most notably, the goofy characters, the absolutely eyeball-popping fight scenes and some really creative computer graphics.

At it's most basic level, this film pits the inhabitants of skid row against the mighty mafia, but such a seemingly simple premise provides ample fodder for a very very original line-up of characters. My personal favourite is the dude who's pants are always hanging down (who also steals the film in "Shaolin Soccer" with his street singing, unfortunately trimmed out of that movie's North American release), but "The Beast" is also one of the more original bad guys I've ever seen.

With wacky dialogue, kooky characters and truly awe-inspiring fight scenes, "Kung Fu Hustle" is a great action comedy that is sure to delight all. Even if you think you're not much of a fan of Asian cinema, check this one out - you won't be disappointed.

Video: How's it look?
Presented in an anamorphic 2.35:1 widescreen transfer, "Kung Fu Hustle" looks unbelievable! Rich colours, sharp shadow, deep shadows make for a gorgeous picture devoid of any film noise or uglies. Superb job.

Audio: How's it sound?
I chose to watch the film in the Cantonese Dolby 5.1 surround mix (with English subtitles, of course) and was very impressed - booming soundtrack, perfectly-clear dialogue (not that I could understand it, but...) and really strong usage of the surrounds for effects (esp. in the fight scenes) - very nice compliment to the perfect picture quality.

Extras: What all's on the DVD?

• commentary with writer/director/star and a couple other cast members
• "Behind the Scenes of Kung Fu Hustle" featurette
• deleted scenes
• Ric Meyers interview w/ Stephen Chow
• outtakes & bloopers
• poster gallery
• trailers

Closing Thoughts
Hilariously entertaining kung fu flick + tons of extras = fantastic DVD from the fine folks at Sony!