COLUMBIA TRISTAR has released many of Tsui Hark's films, including the entire "ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA" series, as well as "DOUBLE TAKE" and "KNOCK OFF" on dvd.  But, "TIME AND TIDE" is by far the best of their releases so far!  The plot, is far too complex for its own good, but Harks' visual dynamics, much like John Woo's make up for the disconnects in time and logic that permeate his films. 

The only real consolation to the confused viewers in terms of the plot, is that the  main characters appear to be just as lost!  All of these characters have ties to gangs or underworld figures, but this appears to be nothing more than justification to propel the film along at a breakneck pace backed by explosions, chases, and other action techniques.  Still, somehow none of these action scenes appear to be a rehash of other film fight scenes.  Harks' use of a camera crane and the momentum with which the lens follows the action, is nothing short of mind-boggling! 
 

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has provided the correct 2.35:1 aspect ratio for this release, along with 16:9 enhancement.  The image is nearly flawless!  Color values are solid, and every subtle tint is discernible.  There's great depth to every composition.  The only thing keeping this transfer from being "flawless", was the continuous grain. Fleshtones were perfectly natural and consistent throughout the film.

The DOLBY DIGITAL 5.1 mix is aggressive, as one would expect from Tsui Hark, with great surround and LFE usage in almost every scene!  As exciting as the frequent gunshots and explosion sequences are, it's the dynamic musical score that really surprises the listener.  It propels the movie along with great technique, and never drowns out the dialogue or other layers of sound effects.

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has included a running commentary with Hark that will delight his fans.  He provides a lot of insight into the filmmaking process, but also in term as to how some of the startling sequences here were developed and executed.  It's entertaining on many levels, both technically and creatively.  He also demonstrates a sense of humor that helps keep the commentary interesting, even when it may be too otherwise technical for some listeners. 

Trailers for "TIME AND TIDE". "ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA" and "CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON", as well as "MIRACLES" are also featured.