Redo the Hustle

Today Kung Fu Hustle hits stores again in a special "Axe-Kicking Edition" DVD. The original U.S. release removed or digitally altered several shots, mostly containing blood; this new version replaces those, but doesn't offer much in the special features department.

By comparison, other regions have done more impressive special editions of Kung Fu Hustle:

R2 - keychain, playing cards, sweatband, inflatable axe
R3 - leather case, Stephen Chow's signature and (film-related) handprint, photo album, and instructional Kung Fu booklet
R6 - Stephen Chow figurine

Stephen Chow discussed interest in a Kung Fu Hustle sequel from about the time the first was released. It was a box office smash, becoming the top-grossing film in Hong Kong history. This didn't go unnoticed - Kung Fu Mahjong reteamed Qiu Yuen and Wah Yuen (the Landlady and Landlord) to some success, and has already finished off a full trilogy. Kung Fu Fighter also cast a handful of Kung Fu hustlers to capitalize on the success of the film.

Chow put KFH 2 on hold to work on sci-fi comedy A Hope, which has finished shooting. Kung Fu Hustle 2 is set for 2008, so hopefully he'll have time to work on it before he reports to the U.S. to play Kato in Seth Rogen's upcoming Green Hornet flick. It's not a done deal, but given Chow's comedic sensibilities, interest in playing to an American audience, and reverence for classical martial artists (and few martial artists could pass up a chance to play a role Bruce Lee took on), it seems rather up his alley.