The story of Huo Yuanjia (Jet Li), famed Chinese martial artists who helped popularize Wushu.

In 2006’s Fearless, Jet Li portrays Huo Yuanjia, the Chinese martial artist who, in his 42-year life, mastered Wushu (a specialized form of martial arts), built a legion of devotees, established the Shanghai-based Jing Wu Men, and opened a can on dozens of challengers in well-cut montages.

The picture follows Huo from a sheltered young boy (whose father preferred his son take calligraphy rather than the technique) to his final year in the height of his skill. And though the story follows the significant events in Huo’s life, Fearless still feels less like a biopic than another excuse for Li to wax philosophy and barrel down a list of nameless opponents with hands, sticks, and swords, in the water, squared-circle, and on rooftops (in sequences shot gorgeously by Poon Hang Sang).
,br> But that’s what Li (and martial arts) fans want, isn’t it? Nevermind the story (and its inaccuracies, which most viewers aren’t familiar enough with Hu’s life to pick up anyway). We want the over-the-top, the slow-motion, and the invisible wire tricks the Chinese-born star has showcased on screen since the early ‘80s, and has honed since before he turned a teenager.

Fearless is directed by Ronny Yu, who came into the mainstream spotlight in the past decade with Bride of Chucky and Freddy vs. Jason. This is Yu’s standard if entertaining enough departure from the West, a return to his roots to reassure us of his talents and to cast Li perfectly as the loyal, revenge-driven master as opposed to, say, the butt of racial jokes in a Hollywood buddy action-comedy.

Video: 2.40:1 Anamorphic Widescreen.

Audio: Mandarin and English Dolby Digital 5.1. Subtitles in English, Spanish, and French.

Both transfers are incredible--looks and sounds just as it should.

In addition to the Theatrical Version (1 hr. 44 mins.), the Unrated Version (1 hr. 44 mins.) is also included.

However, the advertised/main selling point, the Director’s Cut (2 hrs. 21 mins.) is NOT included! This has shown to be a problem with this re-release, according to many sources.

A Fearless Journey (16:04): This featurette takes a look at the art of wushu (and common misconceptions), the style of Jet Li, and the overall production.

Deleted Scene (6:47): Ah, how nice, a deleted scene to compensate for the absence of the Director’s Cut! The scene involves Huo’s defense of a child caught stealing a cow.

The Director's Cut of Fearless is just what fans have been waiting for--too bad it's not included! Because of this major screw-up on Universal's part, this 2-disc edition isn't worth shelling out your bucks for. Maybe next time...