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Specifications:

- DVD-Video

- Single-sided

- Dual layer

- Region 1

- Run time: approx. 115 minutes

- Subtitles: English, French

- Scene selection: Static menus

- Package: Snap case

Video Features:

- Anamorphic widescreen

- 2.35:1 aspect ratio

Audio Features:

- English: 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround

Bonus Materials:

- HBO First Look: Making Romeo 
     Must Die

- Theatrical trailers (2)

- Music videos (3)

- Cast & crew

- Interactive filmographies*

- Interactive challenge: A Marshal Arts

     Experience*

- Web events and chat room access**

- Sampler trailers*

- Behind-the-Scenes Vignettes: 
     Anatomy of a Stunt, 
     Diary of a Legal Mad Bomber, 
     Inside the Visual Effects Process, 
     The Soundstage*

Release Dates:

Theatrical Release:      03/22/00

DVD Release:              08/01/00

Review Date:               08/17/00

List price:                     $ 25.00

Avg. on-line price:       $ 17.50

Pre-order price was:    $ 17.50

*DVD-ROM features require DVD-ROM drive on your PC with certain minimum system requirements

**web links require internet access

Starring: Jet Li, Aaliyah, Russell Wong, Delroy Lindo, 
     Henry O, Isaiah Washington, and DMX

Director: Andrzej Bartkowiak

MPAA Rating: R

Studio: Warner Home Video

Movie: A-        Video: A-        Audio: A-        Extras: A-

Summary: Jet Li stars in his first Hollywood English-speaking lead role as Han Sing, 
   a prisoner who escapes from a China prison when he learns that his brother was 
   murdered.  He comes to American seeking to solve the mystery of his brother's 

   death, only to uncover a plot to take ownership of waterfront properties to develop 
   a new sports stadium.  The action is awesome with well-choreographed fight 
   scenes.  Add to that the jammed-packed bonus features (including DVD-ROM 
   content), this is one DVD that Jet Li, action, or martial arts fans will want to own.

The Story

Totaling 26 films in his career, international action star, Jet Li debuts in his first Hollywood English-speaking lead role. Also starring in her first screen role is singer Aaliyah.  With a strong supporting cast, such as Russell Wong, Delroy Lindo, Henry O, Isaiah Washington, and a special appearance from rap artist DMX, this movie has all the elements of Hong Kong action and hip hop tunes.

When Han Sing (Jet Li) receives news about the death of his brother Po (Jon Kit Lee), Han escapes from prison to find his killer.  Han makes his way to the San Francisco Bay Area and accidentally meets the beautiful Trish O'Day (Aaliyah).  Even though their families are at war with each other, the two seem to be a hit with each other.  Together they soon discover that there is more to their feuding family than just territorial ownership.

Jet Li delivers an excellent performance in this movie. Although his English still needs work, Jet Li's true acting charisma comes out during the scenes with Chinese dialogue.  (Maybe it's because he's still more comfortable speaking in Chinese than in English?)  Yet, Jet manages to come off as the nicest guy in the movie, but do think twice about messing with him.  Russell Wong plays the cool Kai, his father's right-hand man.  So cool in fact, I wonder where he got those cool shades?

The action sequences are sensational.  Some were modeled after "The Matrix", after all it shares the same producer.  Combined with cool computer graphics effects (I especially like the X-ray special effects), this movie is a must have for any Jet Li, action, or martial arts fans.

The Extras

The "Romeo Must Die" DVD features an "HBO First Look: Making Romeo Must Die" featurette, two theatrical trailers (including an international trailer), three music videos, and cast and crew information.  Want to know how Jet Li did all of those cool stunts? Check out the Special Feature section of the DVD. The Special Feature section has mini-documentaries interviews with Jet Li, Aaliyah, Anthony Anderson, and the producers, Joel Silver & Jim Van Wyck.  Finally, be sure to watch the "HBO First Look: Making Romeo Must Die" featurette.

Wait! There's more: included are music videos from Aaliayah.  And if that's not enough, slide this DVD into a DVD-ROM drive and check out the DVD-ROM content for this DVD.  There is an official website, an interactive game, and theatrical trailer samplers for "Enter The Dragon", "The Matrix", "Lethal Weapon 4", and "House on Haunted Hill".  Wow! Now that's a lot of bonus materials.

Video & Audio

The image quality of this anamorphic widescreen DVD is excellent.  The colors are accurate and saturated.  The Dolby Digital 5.1-channel soundtrack is well mixed and very effective, paying tribute to the hip hop beats and rap music soundtrack, and putting you in the middle of fight sequences.

Recommendation

The action in Jet Li's first starring-role Hollywood English-speaking film is first rate.  Equally compelling is the plot.  Considering the amount of bonus materials including DVD-ROM features, this DVD is definitely worth buying.

Buy "Romeo Must Die" DVD at:
 

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only $14.99 at

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