Film Movement Classics

Shanghai Blues

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2026 Subscribers: This is NOT included in your Subscription. If you'd like to purchase it, you will need to login to view your special 50% off SRP pricing.

This special limited edition spot gloss slipcover (designed by Vlad Rodriguez) is limited to 2,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.

Founded in 2002 as one of the first-ever subscription film services with its DVD-of-the-Month Film Club, Film Movement is now a North American distributor of award-winning independent and foreign films based in New York City. In 2015, Film Movement launched the reissue label Film Movement Classics featuring new restorations released theatrically as well as on home video, with an emphasis on films by auteur directors such as Eric Rohmer, Peter Greenaway and Takeshi Kitano.

In 1937 after The Second Sino-Japanese War breaks out a soldier and a young woman have an awkward meet cute in darkness under a bridge as they seek refuge during a bomb raid. Although they can’t see each other’s faces they promise to meet again after the dust settles. Ten years later the soldier, now a burgeoning songwriter and tuba-player in a marching band, is back in town desperately searching for his would-be soulmate. As fate would have it they end up living in the same building unbeknownst to each other. Through a series of mishaps he mistakes her new ingénue roommate for his love interest and wacky love triangle hijinks ensue. Consummate auteur Tsui Hark almost singlehandedly reinvented Hong Kong cinema in the 80’s and 90’s with uber-kinetic genre opuses, amping up cinematic spectacle whether with special effects or sheer unbridled energy. This Hong Kong styled homage to the screwball comedies of yesteryear features black belt level slapstick and delightfully droll romcom shenanigans. With striking mise en scene and inspired production design Shanghai Blues is, “…luscious, loving and a lot of fun…one of Tsui Hark’s most enjoyable works," (Richard James Havis, South China Morning Post).

The 4K restoration of Shanghai Blues was supervised from the original negative by Tsui Hark with L’Immagine Ritrovata and the soundtrack remixed by One Cool Sound.

directed by: Tsui Hark
starring: Kenny Bee, Sylvia Chang, Sally Yeh
1984 / 103 min / 1.85:1 / Cantonese, Mandarin DTS-HD MA 2.0

Additional info:

2-disc Set: 4K Ultra HD / Region A Blu-ray
Interviews with director/producer Tsui Hark and film coordinator O Sing Pui
Commentary by Hong Kong film expert Frank Djeng
16-page booklet with essay by film writer John Charles
English subtitles

Overall rating: 4.680851 / 5 from 94 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

Shanghai Blues, a 1984 romantic comedy directed by Tsui Hark, has been praised for its stunning 4K restoration and engaging storyline. Customers appreciate its good humor, beautiful visuals, and excellent production quality, making it a popular choice among fans of the genre.

Summary topics

Visual Quality: 30%
Comedy Appeal: 15%

Review topics: ["quality","feel","cover","picture","looks","packaging","sound","buy","film","movie","comedy","release","restoration","artwork","slipcover","transfer","art","piece","scenes","watch","find","gem","edition","highs","dubbing","flick","surprise","disc","blue","type"].

Review highlights

"Loved this movie - a delightful screwball comedy with some gorgeous imagery." — Clark P.
"Surprised that this movie looks so good on 4K" — Jason G.
"This is a charming/silly romantic comedy that I recommend to everyone" — Gary B.

Reviews

Classic HK film

"A classic HK film from the legendary Tsui Hark. Nice slip cover!"

— Matt L. (4/5)

Goofy but very fun love triangle period piece

"SHANGHAI BLUES (1984) is a screwball rom-com with lots of over the top physical gags. Because it's Tsui Hark it's, of course, visually inventive and full of political (sub)text. There's some dated humor, but it's mostly charming. Sally Yeh is the MVP in this goofy love triangle period piece."

— Daniel S. (4/5)

Great film. Not-so-perfect edition.

"I think this is a great film, a rom-com/screwball comedy that, while very different from What’s Up Doc? kind of fills that same void for me. I found the video quality to be good for the most part. My only issue with this release is the included dub, which I found distracting at times. For me, the film is good enough to get past this, but it could be a deal breaker for some people."

— Jose (4/5)

Gorgeous Tsui Hark 4k

"This 4k release of Tsui Hark's screwball style comedy is a welcome entry into the spate of recent flood of Hong Kong film releases. Gorgeously restored, featuring a commentary and interviews as well as a booklet, this is a must-see!"

— Trent S. (5/5)

Get this one!

"Great release for a movie that needed it! High quality restoration, and great packaging!"

— Matt F. (5/5)

"An amazing transfer. The slip cover is great and it comes loaded with bonus features. Great work."

— Alec (5/5)

Another Tsui Hark 4K!

"The 4K restoration looks amazing and such beautiful vibrant artwork on the slipcover. After watching Peking Opera Blues, I had high expectations for this film, but the comedy aspects of this film felt a bit underwhelming. Still worth a watch for the chaos and charismatic highs"

— Aaron S. (4/5)

I love this film but

"I love this film but the 4K presentation is underwhelming. A lot of DNR was used for the transfer and the director decided to replace the original sound with a new dub. These aren’t the faults of Film Movement though. They did a nice job and the Frank Djeng commentary is excellent as always."

— Nicolas K. (3/5)

Awesome!

"Love Tsui Hark so this was right up my alley! Great release."

— Christopher V. (5/5)

Everybody Gets The Blues

"Shanghai Blues is a lively romantic comedy that blends wartime longing with playful, almost screwball-style humor. Tsui Hark brings a vibrant energy to the film, balancing heartfelt moments with inventive visual gags. It’s charming, fast-paced, and full of personality, making it an easy and enjoyable watch."

— Shawn M. (4/5)