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Chungking Express | 
 enlarge | Director: Kar Wai Wong
Actors: Brigitte Lin, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Faye Wong, Valerie Chow
Studio: Walt Disney Video
Category: Video
List Price: $9.99
Buy New: $4.50
You Save: $5.49 (55%)
New (1) Used (15) Collectible (1) from $1.53
Rating:  98 reviews
Sales Rank: 28892
Format: Color, Subtitled, Ntsc
Languages: English (Original Language), Japanese (Original Language)
Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Media: VHS Tape
Number Of Items: 1
Running Time: 102
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 7.3 x 4.2 x 1.1
ISBN: 6304267835
UPC: 786936018462
EAN: 9786304267837
ASIN: 6304267835
Theatrical Release Date: March 8, 1996
Release Date: August 25, 1998
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com
Chungking Express tells two stories loosely connected by a Hong Kong snack bar. In one story, a cop who's been recently dumped by his girlfriend becomes obsessed with the expiration dates on cans of pineapple; he's constantly distracted as he tries to track down a drug dealer in a blond wig (played by Brigitte Lin, best known from Swordsman II and The Bride with White Hair). Meanwhile, another cop who's recently been dumped by his girlfriend (Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, from John Woo's Hard-Boiled and A Bullet in the Head) mopes around his apartment, talking to his sponge and other domestic objects. He catches the eye of a shop girl (Hong Kong pop star Faye Wang) who secretly breaks in and cleans his apartment. If you're beginning to suspect that neither of these stories has a conventional plot, you're correct. What Chungking Express does have is loads of energy and a gorgeous visual style that never gets in the way of engaging with the charming characters. The movie was shot on the fly by hip director Wong Kar-Wai (Happy Together, Ashes of Time), using only available lighting and found locations. The movie's loose, improvisational feel is closer to Jean-Luc Godard's Breathless than any recent film--and that's high praise. Quirky, funny, and extremely engaging, Chungking Express manages to be experimental and completely accessible at the same time. --Bret Fetzer
Description
Tasty take-out isn't the only thing served hot at this little fast food place -- the lives and loves of its colorful customers also criss-cross over the counter! From a lovesick cop and a mysterious blonde to a free-spirited girl pursuing a secret love, spicy romance is the specialty of the house! For deliciously crowd-pleasing romance and fun, CHUNGKING EXPRESS delivers!
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| Customer Reviews: Read 93 more reviews...
 The Blu-ray version is AWESOME!!! January 2, 2009
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I really love this film. "CHUNGKING EXPRESS" is the ultimate pop art film that won a lot hearts when it was first released and continues to this day. And not only has the film jumpstarted the film careers of Wong Kar-wai, Christopher Doyle, Takeshi Kaneshiro and Faye Wong (despite having an awesome music career), "CHUNGKING EXPRESS" is one of those non-action Asian films that has continued to become a fan favorite for fans all over the world.
This film is now part of the Criterion Collection and when Criterion's name is on a film release, you know that you're going to get a quality release.
So, what did Criterion do for this release?
VIDEO & AUDIO:
Criterion is known to making their final masters to what the director's had in mind. In this case, presenting the director's requested aspect ratio of 1:66:1.
The new high definition transfer according to Criterion was created on a Spirit 2K Datacine from a 35 mm internegative and a 35 mm interpositive. Thousands of instances of dirt, debris and scratches were removed using the MTI Digital Restoration System and Pixel Farm's PF Clean. For a film that is nearly 15 years old, the goal for Criterion was not to give a crisp and clear picture but to make sure that the requested aspect ratio was successful and removing all the dirt and scratches that have plagued previous releases of the film.
Oh, and I just have to say that things that were cut out of the US VHS/DVD release are intact in this Blu-ray version. But as far as video quality goes, you will find the colors noticeable especially at the bar when you see the CD's in the jukebox spin and see the vibrant colors.
I have caught a few instances of color pulsing (due to the older print) and there were no artifacting. As for the audio, the original soundtrack was remastered by Tuu Duu-chih at 3H Sound Studios in Taipei under the supervision of Wong Kar-wai. According to Criterion, the audio restoration tools have been used to reduce clicks, pops, hiss and crackle.
The audio is what I loved about this release. While watching the film and knowing that the majority of the film is dialogue-driven and as expected during the music scenes, to hear the music really become prominent but what I didn't expect to hear, which put a smile to my face is the rear surround and hearing the people talking, the cars beeping and while the front speakers were busy with scenes such as the lady in the blonde wig with the Indian smugglers, you hear the whole life of the city come alive through the rear surround.
Suffice to say, I was quite happy to hear the audio channels used effectively in this dialogue-driven film by taking the city's ambiance and having it come alive. Well done! And for those passionate about the film, hearing the tunes of "Baroque", "California Dreamin'" and Faye Wong's cover of the popular Cranberries song ala "Dreams" is just so fun and how music, even a few songs really made this pop art film truly shine.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
In the past release, we had Quentin Tarentino's introduction to CHUNGKING EXPRESS", this time around with the Criterion release, we have the following:
* An audio commentary featuring Asian cinema critic Tony Rayns who has talked to Wong Kar-wai in regards to certain scenes and also, we learn about how Chinese culture influenced certain situations such as the use of dates and certain phrases in the film. Also, the reason why certain music was used and pretty much how commercials really influenced Wong Kar-wai for this film. A very informative commentary.
* A 1996 episode of the British television series Moving Pictures featuring interview swith Wong and cinematographer Christopher Doyle - This segment was made in 1996 thus the quality despite being in HD, is not too great. But nevertheless, it was very fun to watch this 15-minute segment and watching these interviews with Wong and Christopher. Really awesome details as the two walk into the places where the Midnight Express was shot and also the apartment actually was Doyle's apartment. Very informative.
* Then the US Theatrical trailer which was loved by American critics but unfortunately the film company didn't know how to market the film, thus it didn't do to well in America.
* A booklet featuring a new essay by critic Amy Taubin - For those familiar with Amy Taubin's work on "Sight & Sound", Taubin really gets into the film and definitely writes about the film and its characters in a unique way. Definitely an entertaing read for those who watched the movie. Do not read this booklet first if you haven't seen the film.
The Blu-ray is presented in a digibook type of case with a slip cover.
I've owned so many variations of this film already that I can't help but smile throughout the film and just seeing how beautiful it looks on Blu-ray and how good the sound quality was and hearing so many things all around me.
For those who were expecting a digital remastered version that will have a pristine, crisp and vibrant look as some older Blu-rays have managed to have, the Criterion Edition is beautiful but not spectacularly gorgeous but for those watching a Criterion release, the goal is not to change the film and change the colors.
Their goal was to present the film with the supervision of Wong Kar-wai and Christopher Doyle and how they wanted the film to be. If you watched the original DVD version or previous versions, this film has aged but with the Criterion edition, the video looks beautiful without the scratches and all the dust and looks cleaned up. Personally, I don't know if we'll see the film any better than this presentation. It's truly an awesome release on Blu-ray and absolutely love it!
I really hope that Criterion possibly considers releasing the third story via the film "Fallen Angels"on Blu-ray. Wong kar-wai created the third story for CHUNGKING EXPRESS" but because it would make the film to lengthy, he cut it out and carried it over to his next film, "Fallen Angels". So, knock on wood, I hope that Criterion considers it because the treatment they gave for "CHUNGKING EXPRESS" was well done and definitely enhanced the whole experience for me, I found it quite beautiful.
Perhaps I'm a bit biased because I enjoyed this film so much but overall, this release is solid and definitely recommended!
 Chungking Express - Blu-ray Info December 20, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Version: U.S.A / Criterion / Region-A
Aspect ratio: 1.66:1
MPEG-4 AVC BD-50 / High Profile 4.1
Running time: 1:42:56
Movie size; 31,39 GB
Disc size: 35,37 GB
Total bit rate: 40.66 Mbps
Average video bit rate: 34.75 Mbps
Number of chapters: 26
Subtitles: English
DTS-HD Master Audio English 3654 kbps 5.1 / 48 kHz / 3654 kbps / 24-bit (DTS Core: 5.1 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps / 24-bit)
Dolby Digital Audio English 192 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 192 kbps
#Audio commentary
#Episode excerpt from the BBC Television series Moving Pictures (HD - 12m:10s)
#U.S. theatrical trailer (HD - 1m:30s)
#16-page liner notes booklet
 Like the film, but can't stand this release... October 6, 2008
1 out of 4 found this review helpful
As much as I could like a Tarantino film, his presence was too prominent on this DVD, and it didn't have to...
I like the film very much, and though I've seen a release with better subtitles, I could've given this release a 4/5 stars, if maybe instead of the Tarantino comments, I could've gotten a small video with WKW, or even another video related to the film, but without Tarantino.
This release could be okay, if it dropped on price. Otherwise, wait for another release of the film with less Tarantino in it...
Left me feeling somewhat distant and disconnected, which is not what I expected... August 29, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
I really wanted to like `Chung Hing Sam Lam'; really. All of the praise the film has received and all of the adoration fans shell out to director Kar Wai Wong, I just really wanted to like this, especially since my first experience with Wong's work (`My Blueberry Nights') was less than impressive. I don't know if maybe it was a cultural barrier, but I just didn't get it. I mean, I got it, as in I understand the point he was trying to make, but I didn't get the love for the film. I pride myself on being able to indulge in foreign film, in fact some of my favorite films stem from Europe (Germany and Italy for the most part), but I have never really gotten into Asian cinema, and I understand that it is a completely different breed of filmmaking over there so maybe I just need a little more time to grow accustomed to it.
`Chung Hing Sam Lam' is split into two stories, both telling of a police officers loneliness and need of affection.
The first story tells of He Zhiwu (or Cop 223) who has just broken up with his girlfriend May and has decided to give her a month to come back to him. May loved pineapples and so he decides to buy a can of pineapples every day for a month with the expiration date of May 1st and says that if she doesn't come back to him by that date then he will move on. In the meantime he is hot on the tale of a woman in a blonde wig smuggling drugs.
This roughly takes about forty minutes to tell; which is sad because it was by far the most engrossing tale of the two.
The second story tells of cop 663 who has also just ended a relationship and is persuaded by the owner of a snack shop to ask out his new employee (and niece) May (a different May). May is into American music (she listens to the same song over and over and over which serves as a hindrance to ones enjoyment of the film) and soon becomes infatuated with cop 663 (he is never given a name), but 663 is still hung up on his old girlfriend, a flight attendant whom he had a tryst with. May winds up entering 663's apartment when he's not home just to be near him in a way and 663 finds that he is thinking more and more of May.
This section of the film was the weakest link for me. The acting was superior to the first section yet the overall feel and pace of the story was dry and lacked any real connection. Tony Leung is raved as one of Asia's finest actors, and he is (from what I've seen) a very, very good actor; and he is the best part of this film, but the material he's given is rather bland. You'd think that his story would be interesting, but the film moves at such a pace that the emotional conflict between 663 and May came of dulled and vapid.
I just didn't care about anyone in this film, and in order to connect with a film you have to care about the characters.
In the end I have to say that Kar Wai Wong has a nice visual style (that's what makes the first section of the film so engrossing) but his decisions as a director sometimes weight down his films. Both of the films I've seen of his don't seem to be refined or very well thought out. For instance, I mentioned that May listens to the same song over and over, and that song is permanently imbedded into the soundtrack, even when it's just background music, and that comes off as an annoyance. Same with `My Blueberry Nights', which kept the same Norah Jones song on repeat. It is small details like this that can either elevate the feel of a film or drastically lower it.
I'm going to give Wong another chance (three strikes right?), especially since the most raves he's ever received go to his work on `In the Mood for Love' and I have yet to see that movie. If `In the Mood for Love' proves to be worthy of the praise and accolades it's received than I'll look further into the catalog of Wong's filmography, but if it turns out to leave me cold like this one then I think I may need to give up on him altogether.
Do you like pineapple? June 16, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Chungking Express opens on a steamy spring night and despite the late hour the hustle on the streets is endless and voices speaking Cantonese, Hindi, English, and other languages fill the air along with cigarette smoke and fried food. It is amongst this chaotic order that the audience is introduced to Officer 223 He Qiwu who on this night falls in love with a woman sporting a blonde wig and a pair of dark sunglasses who he bumps into on the street. The woman remains a mystery throughout the film, but it becomes soon apparent that she is involved in drug trafficking, and so when the Indians she hired to smuggle the drugs disappear, she finds herself in a precarious spot and a night of gunshots and bloodshed begins. Planning on fleeing Hong Kong the next day, the woman meets the heartbroken He Qiwu, his girlfriend broke up with him on April Fool's Day and he has waited for a month to hear from her with no success, and they spend one night together and thereby solidifying a memory within the being of He Qiwu.
The second story revolves around Officer 663 whose love and chef salads have been spurned by a gorgeous stewardess. Living now in a nicotine and junk food induced haze, Officer 663's social activities seem to be limited to work and visiting a local diner. However, lucky for him, the owner's cute, short-haired cousin Faye, played by the pop singer Faye Wong, falls almost instantly in love with him. However, being too shy to come forward with her feeling, Faye, with a key left at the diner by Officer 663's ex-girlfriend, enters his apartment and spends her time eating his food and exchanging his things for some of her own. How long can such a bizarre closeness keep up, and is Officer 663's clueless nature really as thick as it seems to be?
The above story outline of the film does little justice for the film itself. One does not simply watch a Wong Kar Wai film; one experiences his films with all of one's senses which are titillated because of the visual and aural delights that the film has to offer. One can almost feel the steamy heat, smell the sweat on the stewardess's back as Officer 663 runs the toy plane up her curviness, and taste the lovely foods depicted in the film. Besides making the senses tingle, Chungking Express is a nice love story even if some of the romances in the film last for only a few hours. A good film for those who want to experience Hong Kong cinema without the martial arts, Chungking Express is indeed vital for one's East Asian film library.
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