Chungking Express 4K Ultra HD Review

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

 A Visual and Emotional Feast

Wong Kar-wai’s Chungking Express is a dazzling exploration of urban loneliness and serendipitous connections, wrapped in a vibrant visual tapestry. The film’s kinetic cinematography, characterized by lush colors–aided by Hong Kong’s famous neon signage–dynamic camera movements, and hypnotic slow-motion sequences, immerses viewers in the pulsating energy of pre-handover 1990s Hong Kong. Each frame feels alive, blending dreamlike aesthetics with raw emotion, as Wong crafts a poetic meditation on love’s fleeting nature. The fragmented storytelling mirrors the characters’ restless hearts, making every moment feel both intimate and ephemeral. 

Captivating Performances 

The film’s ensemble cast delivers unforgettable performances that breathe life into its melancholic yet whimsical tone. Takeshi Kaneshiro charms as a lovelorn cop clinging to hope through quirky rituals, while Brigitte Lin smolders as a mysterious figure navigating the criminal underworld. Tony Leung’s understated portrayal of a heartbroken officer radiates quiet vulnerability, perfectly complementing Faye Wong’s radiant turn as a free-spirited daydreamer. Their chemistry crackles with playful energy, turning ordinary interactions into moments of profound connection. 

Iconic Settings as Characters

Hong Kong itself emerges as a central character, with Chungking Mansions and the Midnight Express snack bar serving as contrasting backdrops. The gritty, neon-lit corridors of Chungking Mansions evoke a sense of danger and unpredictability, while the humble snack bar becomes a sanctuary for quiet yearning. These locales anchor the film’s dual narratives, reflecting the characters’ internal worlds—chaotic yet tender, isolating yet brimming with possibility. 

Timeless Themes of Connection 

At its core, Chungking Express is a love letter to chance encounters and the resilience of the human heart. Through its two-intertwining tales, the film captures the ache of unrequited love, the solace of routine, and the sparks of hope that flicker in unexpected places. Wong’s script balances wry humor with aching sincerity, asking whether love is a matter of fate or simply perfect timing. Its themes of longing and reinvention resonate universally, transcending time and culture. 

Legacy and Enduring Influence

Since its 1994 premiere, Chungking Express has solidified its status as a landmark of world cinema. Praised for its innovative direction and emotional depth, it ranks among Wong Kar-wai’s most celebrated works and earned a spot on Sight and Sound’s 2022 list of the greatest films ever made. Its legacy extends beyond accolades, inspiring countless filmmakers with its bold style and heartfelt storytelling. Over two decades later, the film remains a touchstone for those enchanted by its blend of romance, melancholy, and urban poetry. 

The Video

This 4K restoration of Chungking Express was created from the original 35mm camera negative under the supervision of director Wong Kar Wai. It is presented on 4K disc in a 1.66:1 HEVC 2160p (4K UHD) SDR encodement. Despite the lack of any HDR or Dolby Vision, this presentation looks wonderful, with crisp detail and natural grain structure. There was controversy over Criterion’s World of Wong Kar Wai Blu-ray collection from new 4K restorations—which also contained this film—because of the new color gradings and aspect ratio changes. I don’t have that set and I have not owned this film before, so I cannot compare editions. What I know is that this 4K edition – whether it looks like the Blu-ray from that set – I’m betting it does (there is a Blu-ray included here as well) or not, looks marvelous, rich in color and detail.

The Audio

The 5.1 surround track for Chungking Express was created under the supervision of Wong Kar Wai from the original dialogue, music, and effects tracks with additional foley and effects. The sound is lush and full, balanced and atmospheric, with clear and dynamic dialogue, with a clean score and soundtrack.

The Supplements

There are some good but older bonus features with this release, which make for interesting viewing and reading, but marks off for not adding anything new.

Bonus Features:

• Christopher Doyle (1080p; 00:10:20) – This interview with cinematographer Christopher Doyle bout his work on Chungking Express was filmed in 2002.
• Moving Pictures (1080i; 00:12:12) – Director Wong Kar Wai and cinematographer Christopher Doyle discuss their work and aesthetics in this 1996 episode of British television series Moving Pictures.
• Deleted Scenes (1080p)
  • The Star (00:06:18)
  • California Dreaming (00:05:57)
  • Baroque (00:03:20)
• Trailer (1080p; 00:02:42)
• Essay by Film Critic Amy Taubin

The Final Assessment

Chungking Express is a triumph of mood and metaphor—a film that lingers like a half-remembered dream. Whether you’re drawn to its visual splendor, its soulful performances, or its bittersweet ode to love’s uncertainties, this 1994 gem continues to captivate audiences with its timeless magic. A must-watch for cinephiles and hopeless romantics alike, it’s a reminder that even in a crowded city, loneliness can lead to luminous possibilities. And it looks as splendid as it deserves in this 4K release from the Criterion Collection.

Chungking Express is out on 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray April 15, 2025 from Criterion Collection

• Rating Certificate: PG-13 for some violence, sexuality and drug content
• Studios & Distributors: Jet Tone Production | The Criterion Collection
• Director: Wong Kar-Wai
• Written By: Wong Kar-Wai
• Run Time: 102 Mins.
• Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1
• Video Format: HEVC 2160p (4K UHD)
• HDR Format: SDR
• Primary Audio: Cantonese DTS-HD MA 5.1
• Subtitles: English
• Street Date: 15 April 2025