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Release: Sep 23, 2021 - Author: Muck47 - Translator: Mike Lowrey
- external link: IMDB
Comparison between the alternative Hong Kong version (aka Bloody Mary Killer) and the US version (both included on the German DVD by Cargo Records).
A couple of additional master errors with a duration of less than 0.5 sec each were not listed in the report.
Actually, it is enough to link to the clip from the finale of Undefeatable (Hong Kong alternative title: Bloody Mary Killer), which is celebrated as the "Worst fight scene ever" by trash fans on video platforms every now and then. Beyond that, however, there are at least a few halfway respectable fights with Cynthia Rothrock to see, even though they fall far short of the skills that capable Hong Kong directors were able to capture on celluloid at the end of the 80s. It is just video store action garbage from the textbook, no more and no less. On the German DVD, you'll find an "alternate Hong Kong version" as a bonus. The main feature is the US version of the film. At this point, it must be mentioned: It is a film by Godfrey Ho. The Cut'N'Paste master has done a thorough job again here. In contrast to earlier works, however, it seems that a production made years earlier was not recycled, but simply more material with the Asian cast was shot in parallel in 1993 for the Asian release. So it's somehow not surprising that both versions look like unfinished pieces. Apart from the catastrophic acting performances here and there, the film doesn't really make sense in the US version either. Here, there's much more investigation by Western cop Nick to be seen, often with an adventurously outlined "Dr. Jennifer Simmons" as a psychologist. All very sluggish and downright silly. In the (see above) legendary final fight, you see Nick in both versions, so that the not really related frame story of the Hong Kong version ultimately seems a bit more muddled. There, Robin Shou (Mortal Kombat) can be seen all the time, but his subplot absolutely doesn't fit the woman-killer story with Cynthia Rothrock. Anyway, there are both versions together on the German releases and the interested buyer can choose for himself. The Hong Kong version is only available in the original audio with burned-in subtitles in English, so many will probably opt intuitively for the main US version anyway. Timecodes are ordered as follows: Hong Kong version in PAL / US version in PAL
Alternative / Hong Kong version longer
00:00-05:07 / 00:00-03:25 Right off the bat, the opening of the film is completely different. The US original version starts with one minute of opening credits on a black background. Following that, Ann talks about the problems with her husband Paul. He has turned to "death matches" over the years. This is seen in appropriate inserts: curly-haired Paul beats up his opponents in a kickboxing ring. Anna asks her psychologist Dr. Jennifer Simmons to talk to Paul. She talks her down and asks where she could go to be safe. 205.2 sec (= 3:25 min)
In the Hong Kong version, the opening credits instead run over a training sequence with Cynthia Rothrock's character. Following this, Robin drives around and is taken to his father's house. The father is training in the backyard and Robin surprises him, with them exchanging a few fighting moves. Robin hands him a list of triad list names and the father muses a bit about what trouble this can cause. At last the triads meet in front of a house and muscleman Ricky immediately starts a small attack. Then he falls into the arms of his colleague. He hands him a photo of Robin and Ricky assures him that he will take him out. + 307,4 sec (= 5:07 min)
10:48 / 09:06-10:36 Karen walks away with the boys for longer and is approached by Dr. Simmons. She quickly comes up with some excuses. Following that, Kristy gets grilled earlier at the precinct. She complains that she's been waiting so long. 90.1 sec (= 1:30 min)
11:50 / 11:38-12:29 Nick inquires about Kristy's past offenses. Since there is not much to report, Nick lets her go. Colleague Mike says to him that this is a mistake. 51.2 sec
Alternative / Hongkong-Fassung länger 13:03-15:04 / 13:42-14:26 Meanwhile, Kristy explains in more detail in the US version that she promised the mother she would take care of Karen's future. The sisters exchange a few more warm words. 44,2 sec
Instead, the Hong Kong version has a reshot scene here with an Asian cast (and Gweilos). Ricky's people drop by the fight club and demand to speak with the boss. He gets his audience and they show him a photo of Robin they want to find. The people are willing to pay 20k for the job. + 121,5 sec (= 2:01 min)
Alternative / Hong Kong version longer 17:29-24:32 / 16:51-22:35 After the rape scene with flashbacks to Paul's struggles, Paul takes the steak off the stove in the US version. A tear rolls down Anna's face and he calls her to the table. Afterwards, Paul goes to Lou to collect his money. He offers him another fight, for a stake of 100k. Paul then comes home, but Anna is gone and has only left him a letter. He reads it and, in an unprecedentedly ridiculous scene, angrily throws a few things over the kitchen table in slow motion. This is followed by a no less unbelievable flashback sequence in which little Paul mourns his mother in a playground, whereupon Paul slaps spray into his hair and swears that he will never be left alone again. 344.4 sec (= 5:44 min)
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