As our editor has noted in today’s update, Columbia/TriStar Home Video is putting together a new DVD version of the Chinese classic Once Upon A Time In China. Well, we have some of the details to whet your appetite for this exciting film…

Though previously available on DVD, Columbia is preparing what appears to be the definitive version of the film in a Special Edition, restoring the movie to its full length of 134 minutes.

Set in the turbulent world of 19th-century China, as Westerners begin their dishonorable encroachment into China, Master Wong Fei-Hung, a medical doctor, finds himself in conflict with not only Westernization, but also his countrymen’s place in the future of China. International star and martial arts expert Jet Li stars as the legendary Chinese hero who acts as a savior to the rural peasants. He, along with his disciples, defend them against forces from both within and without China.

Directed by Tsui Hark, this terrific film stars the great Jet Li, along with Kent Cheung, Jacky Cheung Hok-Yau, Yang Yee-Kwan, Jimmy Wang Yu, Rosamund Kwan, Yuen Biao, and Wu Ma.

The disc will contain an anamorphic widescreen transfer, letterboxed at 2.35:1. Audio will be Dolby Digital Mono available in Mandarin, Cantonese, or English dubbed. Subtitles are available in English, French, and Spanish. Extras include an audio commentary by Hong Kong film expert Ric Meyers, cast/crew biographies, and the film’s trailer.

‘Once Upon A Time In China (Special Edition)’ will be available on January 9th. It will have a suggested retail price of $24.95.