PTU: Police Tactical Unit – Special Collector’s Edition (Dragon Dynasty DVD Set)

 

Picture: B-     Sound: B-     Extras: B-     Film: B-

 

 

After three films, I was very unimpressed with Jonnie To’s work as a director, who may be a big fish in a small action pond that tends to be overrated, but only so impressive when all is said and done.  Finally, I found a film rather worthy of his reputation.  Though not a masterwork of any kind, PTU: Police Tactical Unit (2001) is a better than usual juggling of a police procedural, Gangster piece and murder mystery where we know the killer all the way.

 

When a young Triad leader is killed with no trace of who did it, the local town he inhabited goes nuts, meaning more work for the police and a surprisingly realistic, believable, offers good acting, a cast that melds together well and a consistent tale of how this might just work itself out, especially in a society different than that of the West.  Year Of The Dragon it ain’t, but it is easily the best fop the four To films we’ve seen to date, making us wonder if this is just a fluke.  Until then, enjoy this one now that it is finally on DVD.

 

The anamorphically enhanced 2.35 X 1 is easily the best looking and performing of any modern title Dragon Dynasty has issued on DVD to date, with fine detail, depth and color range for the format.  The source is clean with few problems and manipulations.  The Dolby Digital 5.1 mix is healthy and despite some flatness with some of the Cantonese dialogue version, is enjoyable.  Extras include a trailer gallery, three interview segments (To and stars Simon Yam & Maggie Shia) and another ace of an audio commentary by Bey Logan.

 

For more on our previous To coverage, go to this link for Exiled:

 

http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/6257/Exiled+(2006/Magnet

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo