Sold Out / OOP
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:
Overall rating: 4.5116277 / 5 from 387 reviews.
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.
Review topics: ["quality","shipping","looks","picture","packaging","style","box","set","sound","case","work","buy","acting","film","movie","release","flick","thriller","ringo lam","transfer","war","vsa","presentation","scenes","artwork","piece","treatment","extras","stunts","pacing"].
"Got this for a friend, and was able to watch it with him. Unfortunately it was at the end of a movie day marathon and I was fading a bit in parts, but I thought it looked great and enjoyed the action. Friend had a great time and family occasionally walking by got a kick out of it. Slipcase was solid, good art, friend was happy."
"Undeclared War is a sharp VSA pick: Ringo Lam doing dark, violent Hong Kong action with international casting, political paranoia, and a tough buddy-cop edge. The mix of Danny Lee, Vernon Wells, Olivia Hussey, and Peter Liapis gives it a strange cross-cultural flavor that really stands out."
"Undeclared War is one of those thrillers that sneaks up on you. Rather than relying on explosions or constant action, it builds suspense through uncertainty, moral ambiguity, and the feeling that danger is always just out of sight. The performances are understated, which suits the material perfectly, and the film’s measured pacing allows the political intrigue to unfold naturally. It may not have the reputation of bigger espionage films from the era, but its intelligence and restraint make it a rewarding discovery. Vinegar Syndrome’s release gives this overlooked thriller the attention it has long deserved, making a strong case for its place among the hidden gems of the genre."
"Glad to get this from an OOP sale, and was so bummed I missed the first run. VERY happy with this purchase, as is it's worth it for Vernon Wells as the heavy!"
"Vernon Wells as a terrorist in this HK flick. Awesome large scale action."
"Just a really good action movie. 100% recommend."
"Enjoyable political action! And big kill count!"
"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!"
"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."
"Great Packaging, bad ass movie"
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