Supercop (1992) [88 Films 4K UHD review]

The 1992 action smash Supercop (released as Police Story 3: Supercop in Hong Kong) saw Jackie Chan cement his status as an international star. Teaming up with Maggie Cheung, the final film in Chan’s Police Story trilogy delivered his signature blend of death-defying stunts and slapstick comedy on a bigger budgeted stage. While adhering closely to Chan’s formula, Supercop upped the scale and cemented his pairing with Cheung as one of action cinema’s most endearing teams.

Directed by Stanley Tong, Supercop shifts the action to mainland China as Chan’s Hong Kong cop teams up with a female mainland officer (Cheung) to take down a drug kingpin. As mismatched partners forced to work together, their blossoming chemistry provides heart around the boundary-pushing fight choreography.

Jackie Chan in 1992

By 1992, Jackie Chan had already broken out as one of Hong Kong cinema’s biggest stars thanks to his daredevil stuntwork and endearing onscreen persona. But the first two films in his action-comedy Police Story series focused squarely on letting Chan’s physical talents shine. He performed all his own stunts while utilizing improvisational props and urban environments for maximum visual chaos.

Police Story and Police Story 2 adhered to a formula spotlighting Chan’s charming underdog cop taking on ruthless villains. While beloved, they lacked the emotional depth soon to emerge. Supercop kept Chan’s hallmarks while expanding his character’s scope.

No expense was spared to create Chan’s most dangerous and explosive stunts at the time. Highlights include Chan narrowly dodging a helicopter’s spinning blades and clinging precariously to a speeding train. Shot before safety standards increased, the stunts convey palpable risk-taking missing from many CGI-heavy contemporary action films.

I love Jackie Chan

Beyond the daredevil set pieces, Supercop expanded Chan’s acting range through its focus on collaboration. Earlier Police Story films centered squarely on his skills, but Cheung’s presence allowed Chan to show vulnerability and acceptance of help. Their relationship using fights as communication represented a progression for Chan’s persona as both stuntman and actor.

Supercop arrived at the peak of Chan’s ambitious attempt to crossover from Hong Kong martial arts cinema to Hollywood action. Thanks to its huge success, Chan won the chance to make his American debut with Rumble in the Bronx, paving the way for his global ascent. The film also opened doors for directors like Tong to mount larger international productions.

Something for the Zoomers

Some aspects of Supercop inevitably feel dated, including crass jokes and stereotypes satirizing perceived mainland vs Hong Kong differences. But Chan’s self-deprecating humor and Cheung’s toughness make their partnership feel surprisingly modern. It encapsulated Chan’s ability to evolve within his wheelhouse by deepening characters between acrobatic set pieces.

With ambitious scope meeting Chan’s trademark stunt finesse, Supercop earned its title as a definitive entry in his canon. It became a benchmark for mixing high-energy action with unlikely chemistry between leads. Their yin-yang team up both showcased Chan’s skills and hinted at new emotional avenues soon to come.

Final thoughts on Supercop

Everything in Supercop seemed amplified from Chan’s previous efforts – the life-threatening stunts, globe-trotting locales, explosive set pieces, and charismatic pairing with Cheung. It represented his craft reaching thrilling new heights.

With quadruple the budget of Police Story films, Supercop allowed Chan to realize his imagination. Thelavish action seamlessly blended with his signature humor and fleet-footed finesse. Supercop felt like both a career highpoint and springboard to innovative new directions.

The film showcased Chan’s talents and screen presence at their peak. But also signaled the introduction of greater cinematic scope and ambition into his filmmaking. Supercop expanded what a Jackie Chan film could encompass in terms of emotional depth and stunt spectacle. It cleared the path for his global ascent in the 90s and evolution into one of action cinema’s most beloved icons.

Let’s talk about that 4K UHD

88 Films has been doing amazing work with their US releases. Supercop is easily one of the best 4K UHD releases of 2023, but why? Well, this limited edition has already gone Out of Print with a standard edition 4K UHD to follow at a later date. But, what do you get in this special release?

Multiple audio options across the best cut of the film. Whether it’s the Hong Kong cut, the International US cut or the Home Video Mix…you’re going to see the film in its most optimal way possible. I know that Eureka did their release a bit ago that I have and was planning on doing a comparative feature with in terms of A/V Quality.

But, it’s hard to go wrong when so many people are doing their best to give Supercop its best bow on home video. You get the trailers, the old Dimension Films era presentation clip, period pieces about the production and the old Guy Laroche 1984 commercial. Many of the young people discovered Michelle Yeoh late in life, but watch how us old heads met her.

SuperCop is now available in a Year’s Best releases from 88 Films