John Woo’s Classic Action Movie Releases 4K Trailer Before Theatrical Return
A new 4K trailer has been released for one of John Woo’s most iconic action films. The restored version offers a fresh look at the director’s signature style as the film returns to the big screen for a limited run.
Hard Boiled releases 4K trailer
Shout! Studios has released a new 4K trailer for John Woo’s Hard Boiled ahead of its limited theatrical return. The film, starring Chow Yun-fat as Inspector “Tequila” Yuen, will screen in U.S. cinemas for three nights only: January 25, 26, and 28. The release is part of a collaboration between Shout, Hong Kong Cinema Classics, and GKIDS. The team created the remaster using original camera negatives, enhanced audio, and newly translated subtitles from Cantonese.
The re-release also includes a pre-recorded interview with John Woo following each screening. According to the official announcement, “Starting January 2026, John Woo’s renowned films HARD BOILED, A BETTER TOMORROW and THE KILLER will return to theaters nationwide for a limited engagement.” Distributors will screen each film on approximately 800 screens across North America, delivering the widest theatrical rollout these titles have received.
The new trailer presents John Woo’s trademark action sequences. It features motorcycle stunts, actors diving into gunfights, and multiple explosions. All the action is synced to an intense musical score. Hard Boiled was his final Hong Kong production before he directed Hollywood films like Face/Off and Mission: Impossible 2.
The cast features Tony Leung, Anthony Wong, and Teresa Mo. Chow Yun-fat returns in a familiar role from Woo’s earlier films, portraying a cop who goes undercover to infiltrate a triad after his partner’s death. Gordon Chan and Barry Wong wrote the screenplay, based on a story John Woo developed.
A Better Tomorrow will screen March 1, 2, and 4, followed by The Killer on April 5, 6, and 8. Tickets for all three films are available via the GKIDS official website.
Source: Comingsoon.net