UNDECLARED WAR is part of our Vinegar Syndrome Archive collection, celebrating forgotten cinematic oddities from the video store era. This collection was inspired by our own brick & mortar video store chain, The Archive, with locations in Bridgeport, CT and Aurora, CO.
Unique to this line, each hand numbered limited edition release will come fitted in a specially designed, bottom loading VHS inspired slipcase, while also including a double-sided poster.
These releases will ONLY be available on our website and at participating indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them. This slipcase edition (designed by Tony Stella) is strictly limited to 5,000 units and may (but probably not) be followed by a standard edition in the future.
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After a Polish diplomat and his family are murdered by a radical terrorist organization, CIA agent Gary Redner tracks the violent extremist group to Hong Kong on a personal mission of revenge. Once in Hong Kong, the "rough-and-ready" Gary is reluctantly partnered with "by the book" Special Branch Inspector Bong, in order to track down the terrorists before their next horrific attack. While the two men do not see eye to eye professionally nor culturally, they must put aside their personal differences and work together in order to take down the terrorist organization as well as the group's mysterious and ruthless leader, known only as Hannibal.
Featuring the signature bloody violence that director Ringo Lam (City on Fire, Burning Paradise) has become known for, UNDECLARED WAR is a dark and uncompromising neo-noir that doesn't pull its punches. One of the rare Hong Kong productions featuring a mix of international actors speaking multiple languages, UNDECLARED WAR stars American actor Peter Liapis (Ghoulies), Hong Kong actor Danny Lee (John Woo's The Killer), renowned Australian character actor Vernon Wells (The Road Warrior), and acclaimed British actress Olivia Hussey (Black Christmas). Vinegar Syndrome Archive is proud to present this stylishly directed slice of Hong Kong action on Blu-ray for the first time in the United States, newly restored from studio supplied masters.
directed by: Ringo Lam starring: Peter Liapis, Danny Lee, Vernon Wells, Olivia Hussey, Rosamund Kwan, Kwong-Leung Wong, Victor Hon, David Hedison 1990 / 107 min / 2.35:1 / Cantonese & Mandarin Mono
Additional info:
Region Free Blu-ray
Newly scanned & restored in 2K from its 35mm original camera negative
Presented in its original Cantonese language soundtrack with newly translated English subtitles, along with a Mandarin language dub track
Brand new commentary track with film historian and author Samm Deighan
“The Business of Revolution” - a brand new interview with actor Vernon Wells
“Undeclared Score” - a brand new interview with composer Noel Quinlan
Reversible sleeve artwork
Newly translated English subtitles
Overall rating: 4.5065274 / 5 from 383 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
Undeclared War, a Vinegar Syndrome Archive release, is celebrated for its restored 2K transfer, unique packaging, and thrilling action. Customers praise the film's acting, direction by Ringo Lam, and the overall experience as one of the best in the VSA collection.
"Solid movie, a good transfer and nice packaging." — Sven S.
"Transfer looks amazing and packaging is cool as usual." — Matthew T.
"The transfer is top notch and this flick is a worthy addition to any action fan’s collection." — Sergio J.
Reviews
Vernon Wells as a terrorist
"Vernon Wells as a terrorist in this HK flick. Awesome large scale action."
— Jeffrey W. (5/5)
Great Hong Kong action.
"Just a really good action movie. 100% recommend."
— Stephen J. (5/5)
4/5
"Enjoyable political action! And big kill count!"
— Bjarte A. (4/5)
Undeclared war
"Fun effects and overall just a cool Hong Kong flick. Definitely worth at least giving it a watch. Love the packaging on the VSA line also!"
— joseph c. (4/5)
Undeclared War
"This really could have been a solid action/buddy cop movie, but the story goes off in too many different directions that slow it down, has a silly ending, and the acting feels off at times especially with Olivia Hussey. But that opener really sets the tone, I just wish it could have kept that energy going. Great restoration overall."
— Michael P. (3/5)
Undeclared War
"Great Packaging, bad ass movie"
— Ian C. (5/5)
Ringo Lam and Tony Stella two of my faves
"Blessed to get this beauty in the OOP sale. Love me some Ringo Tam, and love me some Tony Stella artwork."
— Jon B. (5/5)
Better than the critics think
"Excellent Ringo Lam directed Hong Kong action film romp that has an international feel to it thanks to its mix of asian and western cast and it's amazing Polish opening. International terrorists led by bossboy Vernon Wells attack a US senator at his childs. christening. His brother in law(also a CIA bodyguard) tracks the group down to Hong Kong where they are planning their next attack, and local police (Danny Lee and Tommy Wong) don't take kindly to his attitude and methods in trying to stop the group. Eventually they work through this to take action together to stop the threat. Just a blast. The opening is up there with best openings ever imo, it just goes on and gets worse and worse for the senator. While nothing comes close to matching this in the rest of the film, there's still plenty of highlights like the raid on the apartment (and brilliant window death) the chase with the coffin (amazing dummy) and the shootout towards the end. I think this film is rather maligned, and I have no idea why. It has action, humour (a mix of odd couple/buddy cop stuff going on between the two leads) a brilliant villain with great hair and a somewhat unique feel to it thanks to the amount of English spoken. ."
— Jonathan C. (5/5)
VSA-031
"Another Hong Kong VSA ?? C’mon guys !!"
— richard c. (3/5)
Yes!
"Happy to finally get this one. Always a good time with these Hong Kong action flicks."
— Edward V. (5/5)
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