Arrow Video is digging deep into the vaults once again, and this time they're bringing out a true gem from Hong Kong cinema's golden age. John Woo's Once a Thief (1991) is getting a stunning 4K Blu-ray release, and we've got the exclusive first look at the new trailer. The film, a playful crime caper starring Chow Yun-fat, Leslie Cheung, and Cherie Chung, has been meticulously restored in Dolby Vision, and the trailer showcases all the lush cinematography, high-octane stunts, and trademark Woo flair that fans adore.
The story follows a trio of street kids turned professional thieves—played by Yun-fat, Cheung, and Chung—who are raised by a crime boss named Boss Chow (Kenneth Tsang). Their final heist: stealing a priceless, allegedly cursed painting from a heavily fortified château in France. Naturally, things go sideways when Boss Chow double-crosses them, leading to a reunion and a shot at revenge. It's a perfect blend of action, comedy, and heart, and it's been largely unavailable in North America for decades.
What's on the 4K Blu-ray?
Arrow Video is pulling out all the stops for this release. The special features include brand-new interviews with director John Woo, producer Terence Chang, co-writer Clifton Ko, cinematographer Poon Hang-Sang, and editor David Wu. There's also an all-new audio commentary from Asian cinema expert James Mudge, plus appreciations from writer Grady Hendrix and Hong Kong cinema expert Frank Djeng (who focuses on the late Leslie Cheung). Archival interviews with Woo, Chang, and actor Kenneth Tsang round out the package. The disc comes in a reversible sleeve featuring original poster art and new artwork by Sam Hadley, along with a booklet containing an essay by Priscilla Page.
While Once a Thief may not have reached the international heights of Woo's noir thrillers like The Killer or Hard Boiled, it left a surprising mark in Canada. Woo himself remade the film as a Canadian TV movie in 1996, starring Sandrine Holt, Ivan Sergei, and Nicholas Lea, which then spawned a short-lived series on CTV. That's a fun footnote for fans of cult TV.
This 4K restoration is a must-have for action cinephiles and anyone who appreciates the artistry of John Woo. The trailer alone is a reminder of why his work remains so influential—bullet ballets, doves, and all. Once a Thief arrives on 4K Blu-ray from Arrow Video on August 3. Stay tuned for more updates, and in the meantime, check out our list of perfect detective shows for more genre thrills.
