Bruce Lee is back !!! In action, smashing his way thru more villains than members who reside in the Legion of Doom! He’s remastered and ready to open a can of whoop a*&! Loaded from Criterion…coming to a small screen near you this July! ****Here now !!!!***

Above the trailer for the Criterion release Bruce Lee: Greatest Hits

This is awesome !!! And I just found out that …

Criterion(https://www.criterion.com/…/3205-bruce-lee-his-greatest-hits) is releasing in July a 7 disc Bluray Complete Bruce Lee film collection with 4 and 2 k restoration and loaded with brand new bonus material …

🙃😎🎥😎🎥

😎🎥

The Way of the Dragon-

If you want to study some “old school” film making then look no further than this newly remastered collection of one the best martial artists ever.. and hone in on The Way of the Dragon-part of this release and where Bruce Lee cut his teeth on the craft of producing, writing and directing all the while having the starring role… not an easy task..but what he accomplished was nothing short of a masterpiece blending comedy, and fast paced action and fights while telling the story of a fish out water, a country bumpkin who may know more than you think… but can he handle the mob…

Below- Joseph Koo’s rousing opening score to The Way of the Dragon. a guarantee to lots of action and suspense. Does not disappoint…

Here is a film in which I wrote my very first article on when I returned to the almighty pen and paper profession a few years ago. My thoughts have not changed since then.. evolved yes. Way of the Dragon I consider to be masterpiece of cinema. Was it planned to be so prominent. I think not. Bruce just wanted to make a film. Oh yes there was thought behind the story. but it was a basic premise . “The fish out of water”. He accomplished this thought provoking film without the audience even realizing what was unfolding on the very screen in front of them. It is an action film with lots of comedic moments including right from the beginning when Bruce’s character first arrives in Rome via airplane. He can’t speak the language. Which trying to place an order for lunch is such an ordeal…who knew there was so many varieties of soup on one menu…when his meal is brought to the table there are so many bowls. Bruce is hilarious like Buster Keaton with his expressions and attempting to season each variety you have to see.

However there is several messages here. With all the humor , the story gradually gets more serious and the tone a little darker as Bruce starts to realize that instead of just having to defend and protect his “cousin” from thugs it may result in having to what a martial artist is taught is the very last resort- the loss of life — the taking of another’s. At what cost to their own. This sets the stage for one the greatest on screen bouts in film history- The fight in the Roman Coliseum with Chuck Norris.

Speaking of Chuck Norris. He worked with Bruce much earlier than Way/Dragon. Bruce cut his teeth in film making working on the last 2 Matt Helm films starring Dean Martin as the photographer/agent for ICE. Based on the best selling novels by Don Hamilton. Lee was asked to to the choreography for the fight scenes and especially in the last film-The Wrecking Crew. Chuck made his on camera debut here. The action is tight and well enacted. If you close enough in some of the action sequences you can tell that Lee did some of the stunts as well . I recommend eyeing the segment that takes place at a ski resort.

Above- choreographed by Bruce -The Wrecking Crew-Dean Martin

I can not say enough about this film. Every view gives a new insight. Or you can take it at face value as a highly entertaining piece of cinema. It also transcends international barriers by delivering a story that can be watched in a language other than your own and still be able to be understood. (More on this in an upcoming article…)There are only a handful of films in cinematic history that accomplish that … Vengeance -1970-is another starring David Chiang (Hong Film Award -Best Actor) and directed by Chang Cheh.

The Way of the Dragon is only one what consists of most of Bruce’s adult film roles and all where he is the leading man. And for those who don’t know Bruce Lee was an actor from a young age starting in Hong Kong. Usually the “wise” kid in the neighborhood. Here we are treated to the ones that put lee on the world map and established him as an international star. Oh and I saw this film 16 times during it first run and re-releases . Thanks dad and to my martial arts teacher…It is that good….

Included -

Below- insert for Enter the Dragon

Enter The Dragon (2 versions) , the above discussed film , The Big Boss , Fist of Fury and the Game of Death-The version to watch is the once thought lost footage and discovered approximately 20 years ago. A reedited and pieced together 30 minutes based from his shooting notes. This is the official last work before his untimely death.the action and the stunts — fight scenes are meticulous. One can only draw a conclusion it would have been spectacular. Aside from that there are docs and other films related to Lee’s life. interviews as well. A must for fans of martial arts, Bruce Lee and the art of film making.

Rare Trailer(Above) for Enter The Dragon- I can remember exactly where I was when I saw this film and it knocked my “socks off”!!! The Little Theater in Rochester New York… early teens on a double bill with Black Belt Jones. Had to sneak in with a stranger buying our tickets since it was rated R. ( Not the recommended way). With tape recorder in hand so I could listen over and over again to the dialog and music. After this I joined a judo club…

Theme — remix to Enter the Dragon

The Way of the Dragon(US version)-

Game of Death- lost footage recovered some 20 years ago and re-edited based on Lee’s shooting notes newly added sound both voice and audio effects . Not to be missed and on the 6th disc supplemental material.

Here is a one segment from the original footage and one of my favorites since the fight involves a master of judo/jui jitsu. If this is any indication of what the finished project was to be- it would have blown the roof in terms action films & martial arts in the cinema at that time. Lots of close contact fighting and grappling ala John Wick.

Still can’t get enough of Bruce-need a Bruce Lee fix then check out -

Bruce Lee , The Life, The Legacy, The Legend
Kudos Memorabilia Ltd

https://bruceleethelifethelegacythelegend.com/
- a retro style poster magazine similar to the ones the 70's.. only with more pages -loaded with all new information these are premium products and highly respected…
These “guys” ship worldwide and fast…

Kudos Memorabilia has revived the glory days of the “Kung Fu” explosion that took the world by storm in the early ’70s. You could not go any where especially a news stand or a magazine/book store without running across a plethora of magazines about martial arts. There were so many dedicated and devoted to Bruce himself. And we are talking on a world scale. I was fortunate to live in an area that was flourishing dojos : Judo, Karate, Kung Fu, Tia Chi and Tae Kwan Do. We had books and magazines available from all over the globe thanks to places like World Wide News. And on those racks were not only Black Belt, Fighting Stars and Karate! but numerous poster mags all featuring a full sized poster of of your favorite martial artist Bruce Lee. These were so inspirational and influential at least to me.

I spent each and every night training, hard. 300 push ups and 300 sit ups. A kick bag and a mat for the yard. This was not to mention the countless hours spent at the Webster Judo Club. We used to run up to the local pharmacy after class-literally. We had to walk up a hill to get there. (so we were training then too…lol). This so we could check out all the new issues.

The mags offer pristine pics and interviews and articles with people that knew Bruce. The countless stories and the examples of his life still inspire today. So I give kudos to Kudos Memorabilia for producing such a premium product and all with love for a one of kind individual.

Shop Bruce Lee-

Link-

https://shop.brucelee.com/store/

A big shout to Shannon Lee-Bruces’ daughter for keeping the memory of her dad alive and being an incredible entrepreneur. If you want to take a a part of his legacy this is the place to stop(see link below). Shannon has just recently published and written a highly anticipated brand new book about her dad. An insightful read entitled Be Water, My Friend. All centered around the teachings Bruce. The signed hard copies are already sold out!

Plus a just arrived 80th Anniversary celebrating Bruce and one of my favorite films of all times The Way of the Dragon(Return of the Dragon). This is a great time to check this site out since it is their annual 10/10 sale.

Look for sneakers, shirts, hoodies, training gear-other apparel, posters books , comic books and more. Also monies generated from here including donations helps to run the Bruce Lee Foundation . This foundation currently supports 2 charities (these can change from time to time)-

Covid 19 Fresh Food Fund and Equal Justice Initiative.

This is all apart of being “a part of the solution”. Changing with Change /One Family. We were all created equal and it’s demonstrating this thought. You see we all bleed if we are cut-the color red. I could never be more serious than this. See more on this -

https://shop.brucelee.com/dept/charitable-initiatives?cp=51324_108423_107868

Thanks Shannon for being you and keeping these memories and thoughts on life as fresh as ever. That is on a personal level as well as a worldly one….

So I say a very Happy Birthday to Bruce — I know you are in a wonderful place and know that you are in this students heart always… remember for ever the student — always learning , always leading, always caring…

Think about this for a moment… when you are in the ocean and a wave is coming toward you do you stand and face it or turn your body sideways and let the water ripple around you or go under until it has passed you by… ?

I leave with with this- the famous quote which Shannon’s book is titled after and an image with the very words that I listened to and have heard over and over again. There is such meaning here and something that we all should stop and reflect on periodically. I know easier said than done. Make time . I need a reminder every now and then. I don’t do it often enough. Especially in these times. So thanks Bruce Lee…