John Woo’s Once a Thief is a slick, playful detour from the director’s usual bullet‑ballet intensity, blending romance, comedy, and high‑style action into a breezy caper. The story follows a trio of orphaned thieves raised under the watchful eye of a criminal patriarch who specialise in stealing priceless art with acrobatic flair and a touch of mischief. When a job goes sideways and loyalties fracture, the trio must navigate betrayal, rekindled affection, and the inevitable pull back into the dangerous world they tried to escape. It’s Woo operating in a lighter register, but still unmistakably Woo kinetic, expressive, and bursting with personality.
The film’s charm rests squarely on its leads, and Imprint’s 4K restoration gives each of them the spotlight they deserve. Chow Yun‑Fat delivers one of his most charismatic performances effortlessly cool, effortlessly funny. His physical comedy is razor‑sharp, and his chemistry with the rest of the cast is electric. Leslie Cheung brings emotional depth beneath the suave exterior. His character’s internal conflicttorn between loyalty and ambition adds a welcome dramatic edge to the film’s glossy surface. Cherie Chung is the film’s beating heart. She’s radiant, witty, and wonderfully expressive, grounding the trio’s dynamic with warmth and intelligence. Her presence elevates the film beyond a simple heist romp. Together, they form one of Hong Kong cinema’s most charming ensembles, and seeing them in pristine 4K is a genuine treat.
Imprint Films has packed this Steelbook with a generous selection of extras that will delight Woo aficionados and collectors alike.
4K UHD Disc
Brand‑new 4K restoration from the original camera negative
Dolby Vision HDR pass enhancing colour vibrancy and contrast
Original Cantonese audio with restored clarity
Optional English subtitles
Audio commentary (newly recorded) exploring Woo’s stylistic shift and the film’s place in his career
Blu‑ray Disc
HD presentation sourced from the new restoration
Archival interviews with cast and crew
Featurette on John Woo’s transition from Hong Kong to international filmmaking
Behind‑the‑scenes gallery showcasing production stills and promotional artwork
Trailers and TV spots
Collectors booklet (Steelbook exclusive) with essays on the film’s legacy and Woo’s genre‑blending approach
Imprint’s attention to detail is evident throughout this is a release designed for fans who want both technical excellence and contextual depth.
Once a Thief has always stood out in John Woo’s filmography as a playful anomaly lighter, brighter, and more romantic than his operatic crime epics. Yet beneath the glossy heist veneer, the film still pulses with Woo’s signature touches: brotherhood, sacrifice, and flashes of heroic bloodshed that remind you exactly who’s behind the camera. Imprint Films’ 4K Steelbook captures that intentional blend beautifully, presenting a Hong Kong classic with the respect and polish it deserves. For collectors and Eastern film fans, this release feels like a celebration of an era when style, charm, and cinematic bravado ruled the screen.
