Comparison between the theatrical version and the Extended Version (both included on the internationally identical 4K Blu-ray from Warner).

• 2 Differences
• Difference: 210.1 seconds (= 3 minutes 30 seconds)

After Bruce Lee had achieved great success with his three previous films, all of which were produced in Hong Kong, it was only a matter of time before Hollywood recognized that there was money to be made with Lee and the martial arts genre. And so, in 1973, Warner Bros. released their first US production with Bruce Lee, titled Enter the Dragon, in theaters. For its "25th Anniversary" a DVD with many interesting extras, mostly hosted by Bruce Lee's then-wife, was released. This DVD also exclusively included an extended version of the film.

But what's new about this "Special Editon" of the film? Two scenes have been added here. Right at the beginning (after the fight against a young Sammo Hung), there is a conversation between Bruce and a monk played by Roy Chiao. Here, Bruce was able to convey parts of his philosophy, which was somewhat lacking in the original theatrical release. In general, the scene provides a different explanation for Lee's character's motivation to take on the main villain, Han. Brief parts or remnants of it could already be seen in Game of Death II in the early 1980s. In the finale, there is also an additional scene that refers back to this conversation. In both instances, there were also brief moments trimmed, which in the theatrical version appeared at the respective scene transitions.

While the DVD and the Blu-ray released since 2007 "only" had the extended version, the 4K premiere available since August/September 2023 (depending on the edition) for the first time offers both versions of the film on a single medium. The picture quality represents a significant improvement over all previous releases, and every fan is strongly recommended to get this release. Our comparison, originally published in 2002, has thus been revised with this edition.

Runtime information is arranged according to the schema:
Theatrical version on UHD Blu-ray at 23.976fps / Extended Version on UHD Blu-ray at 23.976fps

02:28-02:30 / 02:28-05:28

At the very beginning of the film, after the brief introductory fight in the monastery, in the Theatrical Version, the shot extends by half a second, and it smoothly transitions to the (also starting slightly earlier) next scene.

In the Extended Version, on the other hand, there is a longer scene:

Bruce Lee converses with one of the monks, whom he refers to as "Master." Initially, the monk greets him and tells him that his skills have greatly improved. The monk then proceeds to ask some questions: The first one is about the highest form of technique Lee wishes to attain. He instantly replies with "Having no technique." The second question delves into the thoughts Lee has when facing an opponent. Lee responds that there is no opponent, and after a brief interjection by the Master, he explains that there is no "self" either. They start walking, and the Master encourages Lee to share more of his thoughts on a real fight, offering him some tips.

After letting the monk quote a Shaolin rule, he tells Lee that he must confess something. He begins to speak about a student who broke the rules of Shaolin and betrayed their secrets. This student is named Han, and he has defiled the temple, continues the monk. Somewhat indirectly, the monk instructs Lee to rectify this mistake. Lee agrees. The Master then tells him that a man is waiting, and he should go to him.

This scene is of greater significance to the plot as it delves further into another motive of Lee, dealing with Han. Additionally, the scene alters the plot to the extent that Lee is sent not only by the US government but also by his Master.

Extended Version 177.5 sec (= 2 min. 58 sec) longer


95:15-95:18 / 98:12-98:48

During the final fight, a new scene has also been inserted in the Extended Version:

Bruce Lee stands briefly in a corner and leans against the mirrors. He recalls the words of his Master from the initial conversation (see above). Off-screen, the voice of the Master is heard once again, telling him that the enemy often consists only of images and illusions, with true motives behind them ("Destroy the image... - and you will break the Enemy.") Lee then briefly looks down and exits the frame.

In the Theatrical Version, at this point, there is a brief shot of Bruce Lee just looking around.

Extended Version 32.6 sec longer