This DVD is in dual layer so that it can have enough capacity to include much
extras. The making of the movie, 3 theatrical trailers and demonstration about
how those special visual effects were made, give us much extra information
behind the scenes. Also, the interactive menu of this DVD is excellent. Animated
background with music can be seen. The page of chapter selection is very
impressive. Instead of only animated icons being found, the chapter selection
is actually a 'preview' page: after choosing a chapter, the animated icon
appears with video clip with SOUND; then you can jump to that chapter after
pressing the 'Enter' key on your remote control once more.
In conclusion, I am very pleased that there is a Hong Kong DVD title with high
quality. I can say that "The Storm Riders" is the best DVD production in Hong
Kong up to now. If you want to know the standard of computer graphics
co-operated with movie production in Hong Kong and how good a DVD title that
a Hong Kong company could make, "The Storm Riders" is definitely your choice.
"The Storm Riders" is a high-budget Hong Kong movie which was shown in this
summer. It has become the Hong Kong movie with the best box-office record of
the year. The main reason of its great success in Hong Kong is the popularity
of its namesake: a Hong Kong comic book. "The Storm Riders" was adapted from
the comic book and it really attracted many teenagers who wanted to see how
the movie presented those Chinese ancient exaggerating action scenes that they
read from the comic book, to go to the theatres. 
The story of this movie is about two young men, Wind and Cloud, and their
master, Conquer. Conquer is a believer of destiny. When he knew that he would
become the dominator of the country if he could find two people whose names
are Wind and Cloud, he brought up the two boys, Wind and Cloud and taught them
how to fight. Conquer later really became the dominator with the help of Wind
and Cloud. However, this was only the destiny of upper half of his life. The
forecast said that he would then be defeated by Wind and Cloud. Conquer then
tried to kill Wind and Cloud and a final battle between master and students
blew up. 
This DVD title was produced by Universe. The picture quality is very good.
Universe did a good job of the video transfer on DVD again. The colour is
pure and sharp, and the fleshtone is natural. Some scenes can give us pictures
with fine details. However, in some scenes of the movie, digital artifacts is
visible when paying attention. This movie contains many computer graphics
which has been presented impressively. Also, the battle between Wind and the
fire unicorn is very interesting. I really think that the computer graphics
worked out by Hong Kong people has reached a high standard. 
"The Storm Riders" is a movie with lots of action. However, don't expect any
gun-fighting scenes nor car-chasing scenes. The action scenes are those
incredible and exaggerating sword-fighting ones and fighting with fists and
legs. The sound effect of this movie is fairly good. The surround channels
are used occasionally to give some ambient sound. The sound effects, however,
cannot give us a 'powerful' and dynamic feeling. The Dolby Digital 5.1 mix
could be made in a better way so as to match with those stunning special effects
of the movie.
Title
The Storm Riders
Media
Video
Widescreen with 2.35:1
aspect ratio
Audio
5.1 surround sound
Distributor
Universe Laser & Video Co., Ltd.
Remarks