The first three Indiana Jones films redefined the globe-trotting adventure genre, creating a formula that even their own creators—and other filmmakers—struggled to recapture in the fourth and fifth instalments. It’s a style of film that was naturally ripe for imitation, one notable example being the 1986 film Armour of God. Jackie Chan, known for doing all his own stunts, took that dedication to dangerous extremes during filming, nearly dying after a stunt went catastrophically wrong. He fractured his skull and had a bone fragment driven into his brain, requiring emergency surgery. Yet even after this near-tragic incident, Chan continued to perform death-defying stunts. In Project A Part II, for instance, he pays homage to Buster Keaton’s Steamboat Bill, Jr., with a building facade falling around him just as it famously did around Keaton.

It wasn’t until 1991 that a sequel arrived, titled Armour of God II: Operation Condor. As with many Jackie Chan sequels, everything is bigger—more elaborate set pieces, bolder comedy. While Armour of God is often seen as a weaker entry in his filmography, Operation Condor improves upon its strengths—though, unfortunately, its weaknesses also become more pronounced. Still, thanks to 88 Films, Operation Condor is now available in a 4K Ultra HD edition packed with bonus features and improved picture quality. This release stands as the definitive version of the classic title.

The most expensive Hong Kong film of its time, Armour of God II: Operation Condor opens with Jackie, aka Asian Hawk (Jackie Chan), paragliding into an indigenous village to steal a set of jewels. Though the tribe seems willing to part with the treasure, he accidentally drinks their holy water and is forced to flee—ultimately empty-handed. Summoned by a duke, he’s tasked with recovering stolen Nazi gold buried in the Sahara Desert. Along the way, he faces numerous threats and is accompanied by three women (Carol Cheng, Eva Cobo de Garcia, and Shôko Ikeda).

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From the outset, Operation Condor shows its age. While I’m generally against dismissing older comedies over dated or poor-taste jokes—especially since comedy is often a product of its time—with Operation Condor, that criticism does apply. The film’s portrayal of the indigenous tribe in the opening act is particularly egregious. Jackie’s ignorance of the tribe’s culture is played entirely for laughs, without any nuance. At best, it’s tone-deaf; at worst, it’s a shallow and stereotypical depiction of tribal life. Other jokes throughout the film do land and remind you why Jackie is a comedic legend, but some—like a long-winded gag involving a high-powered machine gun—drag on well past their welcome.

The action, by contrast, is spectacular, delivering all the hallmarks you’d expect from a Jackie Chan film. He turns every location into a playground of possibilities, leading to inventive, exhilarating fight scenes that are truly one-of-a-kind. Armour of God II: Operation Condor is no exception—the action here is unforgettable. The final set piece in the underground Nazi bunker is a masterclass in action filmmaking, an all-timer. From the seesawing platforms to the wind tunnel, the constant escalation of danger keeps the sequence thrilling from start to finish.

88 Films presents a new 4K restoration from the original camera negative for two versions of the film: the original Hong Kong cut and the Extended Cut. Both look stunning in these new transfers and represent the definitive presentation of the title. While it lacks the vivid colours and dynamic audio mix that would make it a true reference disc, this is by far the best the film has ever looked. The release is also packed with bonus features, including multiple audio tracks, interviews with Vincent Lyn, Ken Lo, and others, along with a host of additional extras. It’s a superb package and undoubtedly the definitive release of this film.

Armour of God II: Operation Condor is a fun and exciting adventure. While certain aspects—particularly the humour—feel dated, the action more than compensates, making this a stronger film than the original. This new edition from 88 Films is a fantastic release, and for any Jackie Chan fan, it’s an absolute must-buy.

★★★1/2

Available on 4K Blu-ray on 23 June / Jackie Chan, Carol Cheng, Eva Cobo de Garcia, Shôko Ikeda / Dir: Jackie Chan / 88 Films / 15

SPECIAL FEATURES ON RELEASE:

• Brand-new 4K restorations from the Original Camera Negative of the original 107 minute Hong Kong Cut and the 117 minute Extended Cut presented in Dolby Vision High Dynamic Range (HDR10 Compatible)
• 4K (2160p) UHD presentation in 2.35:1 Aspect Ratio
• High Definition (1080p) Blu-rayTM discs also included
• Cantonese Mono [theatrical audio]
• Cantonese 2.0 Stereo Mix – [home video mix]
• Classic English Mono Dub
• Hybrid Cantonese / English Track [created for this release]
• Newly remastered English Subtitles
• Audio Commentary by NY Asian Film Festival’s Frank Djeng and Film-maker FJ DeSanto
• Audio Commentary by Arne Venema & Hong Kong Film Expert Mike Leeder
• Fighting with the Condor – An Interview with Actor Vincent Lyn [In two parts]
• Magnificent Bodyguard – An Interview with Actor Ken Lo
• Martial Arts Mercenary For Hire – An Interview with Actor Bruce Fontaine
• Victor Fan on Operation Condor
• Project Eagle Credits Sequence
• Original Hong Kong Trailer
• Re-mastered Hong Kong Trailer
• English Trailer
• Japanese Trailer
• Japanese TV Spot
• Stills Gallery
• Double-sided sleeve featuring brand-new art by Sean Longmore and original Hong Kong Poster

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