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Comparison between the Japanese version and the Hong Kong version, both included in the 2026 4K UHD/Blu-ray set from 88 Films
Oh well, it’s really a shame for German Jackie Chan fans: At first, they mostly got cut-down VHS releases, then initial DVD releases with the same versions, and DVD reissues using old uncut film masters (all while remastered versions had long been available abroad). This was followed by first-run Blu-ray releases, which, thanks to fan support, at least turned out quite well in terms of audio tracks and bonus material, but for the picture quality largely had to rely on the SD upscales from Fortune Star that were the only ones available at the time. Since 2018, 88 Films and Eureka have released numerous Jackie classics in the UK for the first time in true HD, 2K, or 4K restorations (and, since 2022, also in true UHD). For the most part, the corresponding masters from Fortune Star have since been made available in this format, but the British labels have also frequently applied their own color corrections or, in some cases, conducted entirely independent restorations. After a delay of several years, the first remastered versions made their way to Germany, and since 2025, several titles have even been released worldwide for the first time on 4K discs in Germany. However, disillusionment quickly set in here, as some of these were merely HD upscales to 4K (presumably once again simply touted as such by Fortune Star to the German rights holder, Splendid). Furthermore, the coveted German cut versions included as bonus features are usually available only in HD and lower quality. Armour of God was a prime example of this in March 2025, because, on the one hand, this German quasi-global 4K premiere apparently offered no added value over the British Blu-ray. On the other hand, the export version was included only as an HD bonus feature, was incorrectly re-edited, and the original dub was also missing. Since the sequel, Operation Condor, already had clear advantages in the later 4K release by 88 Films, a 4-disc counterpart to Part 1 from 88 Films has now been available in the UK since August 10, 2026. Here, too, the release was promoted in advance with its own 4K restoration. Unsurprisingly, the film has never looked this good and shines here in true 4K - and not only alongside the original Hong Kong version and the export version, but also includes the Japanese version, yet another edit in 4K that has never been included on any digital release to date. The Blu-rays in the set are also based on the new restorations. Admittedly, the Japanese version isn’t all that exciting in terms of content, or at least, there are no classic additional scenes in the film itself, such as those found in Heart of Dragon. For the most part, you’ll find alternative outtakes, similar to those in, for example, My Lucky Stars. The outtakes themselves were already included as bonus material in lower quality on the previous 2021 Blu-ray from 88 Films and were also available in the Taiwanese version. However, a few differences are noteworthy, primarily on the audio track. The complete original English dub was previously only available here, whereas the shorter export version was the one commonly known in English elsewhere. In addition, the end credits featured yet another song variation, whereas the export version and the Hong Kong version already had different songs here. Last but not least, three subtitles permanently burned into the image stand out, these were also exclusive to this version. So it’s more for completists, but it’s great that this version is now also archived in 4K. New bonus material is also included - it’s practically a complete, all-inclusive package. While the German Nameless mediabooks mainly offer Wikipedia-style basic information in their book sections, 88 Film once again provides, among other things, a more thematically specific, beautifully in-depth essay by the German-speaking expert Thorsten Boose. But that’s just a side note to supplement the introductory section on Splendid’s German release policy.
Running times are listed according to the following format The Japanese version begins with the export version of the Golden Harvest logo and then features the export opening credits.
06:50–06:54 Only the JP Cut “Hong Kong” fades in during the scene change.
07:14–07:17 Here, the JP Cut references “Paris.”
78:33–78:36 The sign is translated only in the JP Cut.
The outtakes credits sequence begins at the 94-minute mark with essentially the same footage, though the English credits start a bit earlier in the Japanese version.
First, a quick note: The English credits largely correspond to those in the export version. However, due to the different theme song used in the credits, the music credits differ.
The booklet also provides a helpful breakdown of the audio chaos (or rather, the utterly delightful collection of all the variants available exclusively from 88 Films):
95:06–95:09 / 95:06–95:15 In the Hong Kong cut, Jackie’s legendary jump, which led to a life-threatening head injury, is shown in slow motion. Hong Kong cut is 5.8 seconds longer 95:13–95:25 / 95:19–95:56 The scene where Willie looks down at Jackie is again shown in extreme slow motion. While the theme song continues to play in the Hong Kong version, the English export audio track of the Japanese version features sirens wailing here. Hong Kong version is 23.5 sec longer >Re-ordered scene 95:33 and 95:46–95:49 and 96:24–96:28 / 96:06–96:15 Here, the Hong Kong version features several additional takes of Jackie’s chewing gum trick in one continuous sequence. The middle one remains exclusive; the others are later reinserted in two places in the Japan cut. Hong Kong version 2.3 sec longer
Japan version longer 95:33–95:34 / 96:15 In contrast, the follow-up shot of Jackie rappelling down begins a bit earlier in the Japanese cut. + 0.9 sec
Japanese version longer 95:39–95:45 / 96:21 The Japan Cut shows Jackie riding around outside on a motorcycle, then a moment with Alan, and him spitting. + 6.5 sec
Re-ordered scene 95:52–96:16 / 96:24 or 96:47–96:50 + 97:01–97:05 + 97:23–97:25 + 97:08–97:22 The Japan Cut shows a take here of Jackie with the dynamite, which appears much later in the HK Cut (along with other takes of it). This is followed by a shot of Jackie and Rosamund, as well as Jackie throwing gum at the door. The subsequent segment, first showing Jackie with the plates on the table, followed by Jackie and Alan, appears in the Hong Kong version between the two scenes mentioned above. Japan version longer 96:16–96:17 / 96:24 The Japan Cut includes an additional shot of Jackie on the floor here. + 0.9 sec
Japanese version longer 96:19-96:24 / 96:24 After the shot of Jackie by the hot-air balloon (which was already shown earlier in the Hong Kong version due to a cut), there are two exclusive outtakes from the opening scene. + 4.5 sec
Re-ordered scene 96:28–96:32 / 97:43–97:47 The scene where Jackie fights a monk outside appears much later in the Hong Kong version. Longer in the Japanese version 96:32–96:42 / 96:24 More exclusive outtakes in Japan: The tiger makes a sudden movement and Alan laughs. + 10 sec
Re-ordered scene 96:45–96:56 / 97:25–97:36 An outtake featuring Alan, Jackie with the dynamite fuse, and a collision with the door, which is still half-closed, appear later in the HK Cut in a different order. This is immediately followed by a scene with Rosamund, as well as Jackie and Alan in the park. Re-ordered scene 97:03–97:05 / 97:43 and 98:00–98:03 Instead of the fight scene with the monk mentioned above, the JP Cut features a close-up shot of Jackie earlier. Re-ordered scene 97:16–97:19 / 97:58 and 98:03–98:06 The moment when Jackie makes a funny face has been moved up slightly. 97:39–98:26 / 98:24–98:26 While the HK Cut quickly fades to black here and ends, the JP Cut shows the final freeze shot of Jackie for significantly longer, along with the remaining credits. Japanese version is 45 sec longer
Now a few more moments where the Hong Kong version is longer. 95:52 / 96:24–96:47 Lots of first takes where lighting the dynamite doesn’t quite work out yet. 23.1 sec
95:55 / 96:50–97:01 After one take was shown, there’s another one where Jackie dances. Then a short concert clip and the two heroes in the mini-vehicle. 10.7 sec
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