The Killer (1989) (Shout! Factory HKCC) (4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray)

In one of the defining films of Hong Kong cinema, Chow Yun-Fat (Hard Boiled) delivers a career-defining performance as a contract killer with a conscience. When a hit goes wrong, he accidentally blinds an innocent nightclub singer and becomes consumed with guilt. Determined to help her regain her sight, he agrees to one final job to pay for her surgery. But as he tries to complete the mission and disappear, betrayal strikes—forcing him into a deadly confrontation that pits honor, loyalty, and redemption against the unforgiving world of crime. Meanwhile, a relentless and unconventional detective closes in, setting up an unforgettable clash between two men bound by fate and mutual respect.

Directed by action maestro John Woo, The Killer is a masterclass in stylized violence and tragic heroism—a film that defined the “heroic bloodshed” genre and influenced an entire generation of filmmakers worldwide. Woo’s balletic action sequences, emotional storytelling, and moral complexity elevate this 1989 classic into one of the greatest action dramas ever made.

Newly restored in 4K from the original camera negative and presented in Dolby Vision, this definitive edition offers three audio commentaries—including two with director John Woo—and an expansive lineup of special features. In addition to newly translated English subtitles, the set includes “The Hero of Heroic Bloodshed: A John Woo Documentary,” an in-depth look at the director’s cinematic legacy featuring new interviews with Woo, producer Lori Tilkin de Felice, writer Mike Werb, and others. Additional supplements include “A Bullet Ballet: Interview with Director John Woo,” “My Kind of Hero: Interview with Producer Terence Chang,” “Editing The Killer: Interview with Editor David Wu,” and “Hong Kong Confidential: Inside The Killer” with author Grady Hendrix. Rounding out the release are deleted and extended scenes, image galleries, and original trailers.

The Killer remains one of the most emotionally charged and visually striking action films ever made—a bullet-riddled masterpiece of brotherhood, sacrifice, and the price of redemption.

4K UltraHD Details

• Rated: R
• Run Time: 1 hours, 51 minutes
• Encoding: Region A
• Released: December 2, 2025
• Originally Released: 1989
• Label: Shout! Factory

Performers, Cast and Crew:

Starring: Chu Kong, Danny Lee, Chow Yun-Fat, Yun Fat Chow, Kong Chu, Sally Yeh, Kenneth Tsang, Chu Kong (Chu Kong), Fui-on Shing, Lam Chung (Lam Chung), Shing Fui-On (Shing Fui-On), Ye Rongzu (Ye Rongzu), Yi Fanwei (Yi Fanwei), Wing-Cho Yip, Li Hsiu-hsien, Huang Guangliang, Lam Chung, Shing Fui-On, Wu Shaohong, Yang Xing, Ye Rongzu, Yi Fanwei, Barry Wong & Parkman Wong

Directed by: John Woo