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Gen-X Cops

List Price: Unknown [Buy now and save at Amazon]

Review by Aaron Beierle | posted April 3, 2000 | E-mail the Author
The Movie:
(DVD Release Date 4/18/00)

I'd been looking forward to seeing "Gen-X Cops" ever since it's announcement, especially since it's a film "presented by Jackie Chan". Although it has a different style than Chan's films do, I still found it to be a lot of fun, with some very good action scenes.

The plot revolves around the biggest criminal in the area, Akatura, who takes control of a massive chunk of explosives. A group of young cops have to go undercover to find out his plans and stop him. Pretty usual stuff, and the dialogue is not terribly strong, even for an action movie. There are some conversations that are supposed to be funny that go on way too long, but there was an occasional silly line that got a laugh from me.

Still, there are some positives I should point out. Technically, it's a fine looking production with wonderful cinematography and a fine score that energizes the film at the right points. It sometimes feels like there's a bit of space between action, but when it does happen, it's handled very well. The performances by the young actors are also excellent.

It's a little weak here and there, but I found myself very entertained by the film, and impressed with the quality of the action sequences.


The DVD

VIDEO: Tristar really can do no wrong when it comes to image quality. "Gen-X Cops" is presented in an excellent 2.35:1 widescreen image that has impressive sharpness and strong detail. Clarity is perfect throughout, and the image looks consistent throughout the presentation. Colors are natural as well, looking strong but never overly bold, and never presenting any problems such as color bleeding. Flesh tones remain natural, as well.

There's an impressive lack of the usual flaws. Except for a mark or two(literally, only a couple) on the print used, there's nothing wrong with this image. No shimmering, and no pixelation making for a totally natural and totally enjoyable viewing experience. Nothing new from the studio, who produces fantastic efforts each time out and "Gen-X Cops" is no different.

SOUND: Really nothing too intense - the techno-ish score sounds strong, but not enveloping. Some action moments (such as all the gunfire) sound a little thin, but all in all, not too bad. All in all, don't go in expecting a full-on intense experience from the sound, but there aren't any distracting problems with it, either. Viewers can either listen to the original Cantonese or English.

MENUS:: Pretty basic menus, with the characters in front of non-animated backgrounds.

EXTRAS: Here's where I was really impressed with this DVD. Although at first glance, there doesn't seem like much, when the viewer takes a closer look, there's a lot this disc offers.

Deleted Scenes: There are no less than 51 minutes and 30 seconds worth of deleted scenes. Some of which are rather interesting and would have worked well in the film, but the rest are in the catagory of, "it's a nice addition to the DVD". Still, it's a pretty amazing section - it's almost as if the production took all of the extra footage and put it together for the disc. I certainly wish more films would do that.

"Making Of" Documentary:I've always wanted to see a more detailed look of how films from this genre were produced, and Tristar provides that here with a documentary that lasts a little over 38 minutes in length(it's in Cantonese with English subtitles). I really liked the difference between this "making of" documentary and the usual "Hollywood" ones that are on most DVDs - this one certainly has its share of interviews, but it also does a fantastic job of taking the viewer close-up on the set to see some of the stunts as they're produced. The interviews are not only informative, but fun and energetic - the participants seem to have a genuine excitement about the movie. It's certainly one of the more fun "making-of" features I've had the pleasure to watch lately.

Trailers: Trailers for "Gen-X Cops" and Jackie Chan's "Who Am I?".

Also: Talent files(well, more like Talent File - there's only a short bio for Jackie Chan).

Final Thoughts: The movie itself has a few minor slow points and a couple of instances of silly dialogue, but it does succeed in being entertaining and offering some good action. Tristar's DVD is superb though, with great image quality and some fun and informative additional features - I especially liked the "Making Of" documentary. Those who love action films like this one will find a lot to like about Tristar's DVD. Recommended.

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