Blu-ray Review: Wheels on Meals

Sammo Hung, like Jackie Chan, starred in, choreographed and directed him own films. Both men have had impressive careers and were pivotal in opening up Hong Kong martial arts films-making to the Western world. They starred with Biao Yuen in Hung’s Wheels on Meals in 1984. Whilst Chan and Hung both went on to become legends, Yuen never really got the recognition his acrobatic fighting skills deserved. He stands out in this propulsive comedy.

Thomas (Chan) and David (Yuen) run a popular fast-food van in Barcelona. The cousins are a great team, with David cooking up a treat whilst Thomas delivers it to their customers by skateboard. They seem inseparable until the beautiful and mysterious Sylvia (Lola Forner) enters their lives. However, there’s a private detective (Hung) looking for her and a criminal gang on her tail.

Wheels on Meals in an absolute blast. It’s a mix of slapstick comedy, inventive action choreography and offbeat buddy movie. All three stars are great value. Their charisma and camaraderie make for great cinema. It also contains some of the most brilliantly absurd dubbing you’re likely to hear. Full of high jinks and comedy capers, Wheels on Meals is as film best served hot.

Special edition details:

Limited edition slipcase [First print run only]
Stunning 1080p presentation from a brand new 2K restoration
Optional English subtitles
Original Cantonese audio track, available in both original mono (LPCM) and newly restored DTS-HD MA 5.1
Optional English audio from the film’s original international release, featuring an alternate (and much funkier) soundtrack, available in both original mono and 5.1
Alternate English dub track from the films 2006 DVD release (available in 5.1 only)
New and Exclusive audio option – a custom audio option featuring the original Cantonese dialogue track, but mixed with the alternate soundtrack from the international release
On Giant’s Shoulders – An archival interview with Sammo Hung [7 mins]
An additional archival interview with Sammo Hung [10 mins]
Born to Fight – An archival interview with Yuen Biao [15 mins]
Jet Fighter – An archival interview with kickboxing champion and martial-artist Benny “The Jet” Urquidez” [28 mins]
King of the Ring – An archival interview with martial-artist Keith Vitali [33 mins]
The Inside Track – An archival interview with director and action choreographer Stanley Tong [34 mins]
Spartan X Alternate Credits – Alternate “blooper reel” credits from the Japanese release of Wheels on Meals [aka Spartan X] – can be viewed isolated or as part of the main feature
Additional Outtake footage [4 mins]
Original Theatrical Trailer
International Release Trailer
Original Japanese “Spartan X” trailer
PLUS: A Limited Edition Collector’s Booklet featuring new essays by James Oliver and Scott Harrison [First print run only]