Aspect Ratio: 1.85: 1 (Anamorphic Widescreen) Enhanced for 16x9 TVs

Audio: English (Dolby Digital 5.1)

Features: Interactive Menus; Scene Index; Theatrical Trailer; 4 TV spots; Cast & Crew Biographies/Filmographies; Soundtrack Promo Reel; Interactive Trivia Game; Wushu History; Wushu In Action Segment; English Subtitles

The Movie: While making his Hollywood debut opposite Mel Gibson in 1998's "Lethal Weapon 4," Chinese action star Jet Li has been wowing them over in Asia for nearly 20 years (he's the #2 action draw, after Jackie Chan). "Black Mask" was released in Asia in 1996, but has been dubbed and marketed for Stateside audiences in 1999. It tells the story of Michael (Li), a member of the biologically- enhanced commando unit called Project 701. He is forced to escape when the Government pulls the plug on the project. He changes his name and becomes a librarian, hoping to lead a normal, quiet life. Not to be, as the other 701s start killing of Hong Kong's biggest drug lords. Michael's police buddy Rocky becomes involved, and Michael dons a black mask to fight off the other 701s, including an ex-lover. Many, many fights later, Black Mask saves Rocky from death and terminates the other 701s.

The Picture: "Black Mask" looks terrific on DVD. The images are sharp, clear and defined (which is not bad, since most of the movie was shot in near darkness).

The Sound: Technically, the 5.1 soundtrack is on the money. "Mask" was dubbed into English and much of the dialogue is a hoot. My only complaint is the lousy, tacked-on rap music that accompanies "Mask." I personally felt that a techno score would have complemented this movie much better. But that's only me and my opinion!

The Extras: Ahhh, here's where Artisan has been excelling as of late. The "Black Mask" DVD is chock full of goodies. Aside from the usual trailers and bios, we get a nice look at the history of Chinese Wushu both in written form and then demonstrated througout "Mask" and its various fight scenes. The only thing missing here was a featurette, but as it stands, this one's super!

Conclusion: All in all, while not being one of Jet Li's best films, "Black Mask" makes for a fun movie and an awesome DVD. HIGHLY RECOMMEMDED for the DVD library. HI-YAHHHHH!!