Eureka Entertainment is to release THE CHAMPIONS, the kung-fu soccer comedy starring Yuen Biao. Presented in its worldwide debut on Blu-ray from a brand new 2K restoration. Available as part of the Eureka Classics range, from 23 September 2024 in the UK (for the first time on home video) and from 24 September 2024 in North America. The first print run of 2,000 copies only (in each territory) will exclusively feature a limited edition O-card slipcase, and a collector’s booklet.
Sports, action, and comedy collide in Golden Harvest’s The Champions, the precursor to Shaolin Soccer from the first family of Hong Kong martial arts cinema: the inimitable Yuen Clan!
Lee Tong is a young farmer who has grown up in an isolated rural community. When an indiscretion lands him in hot water, he leaves his home in the countryside and heads for the big city – where he meets Suen, an urban soccer player who recognises Tong’s talent for the beautiful game and encourages him to try out for a pro team. But Tong’s first chance at sporting glory is scuppered by a rivalry with the narcissistic King, who relegates the newcomer to cleaning up after his teammates. Having discovered a love for soccer, Tong soon accepts an offer to join a rival team – and the stage is set for a final confrontation with King on the pitch.
Written and directed by Brandy Yuen (In the Line of Duty III) and featuring action choreography by Yuen Shun-yi (The Miracle Fighters) and Yuen Chun Yeung (Armour of God), The Champions is a sporting underdog story filtered through some of the greatest minds in the history of Hong Kong action cinema. Eureka Classics is proud to present the film on Blu-ray for the first time ever from a brand new 2K restoration!
SPECIAL EDITION BLU-RAY FEATURES:
- Limited edition O-card slipcase featuring new artwork by Darren Wheeling (First print run of 2,000 copies only)
- 1080p HD presentation on Blu-ray from a brand new 2K restoration
- Original Cantonese audio and optional English dub tracks (original mono presentations)
- Optional English subtitles, newly translated for this release
- Brand new audio commentary by East Asian film expert Frank Djeng (NY Asian Film Festival)
- Brand new audio commentary by action cinema experts Mike Leeder and Arne Venema
- Brand new featurette by CFK looking at the 1987 Hong Kong celebrity football team that featured a number of Hong Kong legends including Jackie Chan and Andy Lau
- Andrew Heskins on The Champions – brand new interview with film critic Andrew Heskins (easternKicks)
- Reversible sleeve featuring original poster artwork
- Trailer
- PLUS: A limited edition collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by critic James Oliver (First print run of 2,000 copies only)
