JET LI – THE ONE [2001 / 2021] [Limited Edition SteelBook] [Blu-ray] [UK Release]
Jet Li Battles the Universe-hopping Assassin!
Imagine that there are parallel universes. Imagine that someone has escaped one and is roaming the streets of your city. Imagine that he has come to eliminate you. Imagine that he looks exactly like you.
From the director James Wong of ‘Final Destination’ comes a wild, action packed trip to the future starring international superstar Jet Li [‘Romeo Must Die’ and ‘Lethal Weapon 4’ in an incredible dual role as a police officer in a fight for his life and a universe-hopping assassin obsessed with terminating it. Also starring Carla Gugino [‘Spy Kids’], Jason Statham [‘Snatch’] and Delroy Lindo [‘Gone in 60 Seconds’] and loaded with explosive action and jaw-dropping effects beyond your wildest imagination! [Limited Edition SteelBook 2000 units only].
FILM FACT No.1: Awards and Nominations: 2002 Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USA: Nominated: Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film. 2002 Golden Trailer Awards: Nominated: Best Title Sequence. 2002 MTV Movie + TV Awards: Nominated: Best Fight. 2002 World Stunt Awards: Nominated: Taurus Award for Best Fire Stunt for David Wald and Hiro Koda.
FILM FACT No.2: Originally the film ‘THE ONE’ was to have starred Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, before Jet Li assumed the lead role. The hospital scenes were filmed at the North Hollywood Medical Center in the community of North Hollywood, a district in the San Fernando Valley region of the city of Los Angeles.
Cast: Jet Li, Carla Gugino, Delroy Lindo, Jason Statham, James Morrison, Dylan Bruno, Richard Steinmetz, Steve Rankin, Tucker Smallwood, Harriet Sansom Harris, David Keats, Dean Norris, Ron Zimmerman, Darin Morgan, Mark Borchardt, Joel Stoffer, Ashlyn Gere, Denney Pierce, Boots Southerland, Archie Kao, Ken Kerman, Kevin Indio Copeland, Marco Verdier, Teddy Lane Jr., Narinder Samra, Clement E. Blake, Bill Dunnam, Edward James Gage, B.T. Taylor, Thanh T. Tran, Peter McKernan, Alan D. Purwin, Matt Birman (uncredited), Greg Bronson (uncredited), George W. Bush (archive footage) (uncredited), Ronald Gamble (uncredited), Darrell Geer (uncredited), Al Gore (archive footage) (uncredited), Ramsey Luke (uncredited), Karl J. Martin (uncredited), Cynthia Pinot (uncredited), Doug Savant (uncredited), Scott L. Schwartz (uncredited) and Michael Sercerchi (uncredited)
Director: James Wong
Producers: Charles Newirth, Glen Morgan, Greg Silverman, Happy Walters, James Wong, Lata Ryan, Steven Chasman, Todd Garner, Tom Boles and Tom Sherak
Screenplay: Glen Morgan and James Wong
Composer: Trevor Rabin
Costume Design: Chrisi Karvonides-Dushenko
Cinematography: Robert McLachlan, C.S.C. (Director of Photography)
Image Resolution: 1080p (Color by Deluxe)
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 (Anamorphic)
Audio: English: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
English: 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio
English: 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo Audio
Subtitles: English
Running Time: 87 minutes
Region: Region B/2
Number of discs: 1
Studio: Columbia Pictures / Revolution Studios / 88 Films
Andrew’s Blu-ray Review: With the Sci-fi film ‘THE ONE’ [2001] there is s not one universe. There are many. The technology exists to travel between them, but it’s highly restricted and heavily policed. Across these parallel existences a dark presence seeks to destroy the balance, exploiting the combination of multiple identities’ energies into a godlike being who can unleash the full potential of multiverse domination. But now there is balance, now there is a force to destroy it, so he can become THE ONE!
In one particular reality entitled the Anubis Universe, LAPD officers escort a prisoner known as Lawless [Jet Li] for a routine transfer. But in the parking lot, a shadowy figure not only murders Lawless, but also the entire squadron of special forces, managing to move faster than any human, making use of some exceptionally CGI-based fight choreography, wirework, and slow-motion. It’s intended to be the first of many jaw-dropping action sequences throughout the film.
The deadly assassin is Gabriel Yulaw [Jet Li], who flees from a pursuing police unit sent from an alternate dimension. Multiverse Agents Harry Roedecker [Delroy Lindo] and Evan Funsch [Jason Statham] apprehend the multiverse-traveller, trapping him in a vortex of computer-animated disintegration/shattering and lights and noises – yet another display that is supposed to be impressive but slightly bizarre.
Gabriel Yulaw has slaughtered 123 iterations of himself across 123 universes using illegal quantum jumps, and with the help of a suspiciously attractive woman T.K. Law / Massie Walsh [Carla Gugino], dressed in what can best be described as an absurbe Jessica Rabbit costume, and Gabriel Yulaw escapes sentencing to pursue a final victim: Gabe Law [Jet Li], whose death could bring about apocalyptic consequences.
The set-up suggests that every person has an equivalent persona in every universe, which makes little sense when it comes to the infinite, random components and influences of life. Fortunately, most universes aren’t aware that the multiverse exists. For those that do, alternate identities are of the same age and appearance, and often serve in similar roles or jobs and partner with the same people – or, at the very least, turn up in the exact same places or conveniently cross paths throughout the varying timelines, making it simple enough to track movements and recognize equivalencies. It would seem that the infinite multiverses are rather closely related and some nearly indistinguishable from one another, thereby negating much of the amusement of a multiverse in the first place.
‘THE ONE’ is the sort of Sci-fi film which if I had come up with the idea for the story I might have been disappointed. And the reason is simple, as this set up where we have numerous universes each with different versions of us in them has a lot of potential but this movie is pretty much a vehicle for Jet Li and his particular brand of martial arts action with a dash of Jason Statham in there as well. Now don't get me wrong, because as someone who grew up on 1980’s action movies which I still love them and enjoy watching both Jet Li and the brilliant macho Jason Statham really kick butt, but the potential with the scenario is slightly lost in favour of the action and to some extent the special effects, trust me you won't fancy an MRI scan after seeing what one of the machines does in this Sci-fi film. All in all, despite some negative reviews, I still enjoyed this out of this world Sci-fi film and especially with the starring roles of the brilliant martial art actors Jet Li and Jason Statham can do no wrong as far as I am concerned.
THE ONE MUSIC TRACK LIST
BODIES (Written by Dave Williams, Mike Luce, C.J. Pierce and Stevie Benton) [Performed by Drowning Pool]
DOWN WITH THE SICKNESS (Written by Dan Donegan, David Draiman, Steve Kmak and Mike Wengren) [Performed by Disturbed]
TRAIN OF DREAMS (Written by Jesse Dayton) [Performed by Jesse Dayton]
KNOCK THREE TIMES (Written by L. Russell Brown and Irwin Levine) [Performed by Tony Orlando and Dawn]
THERE’S A MOON OUT TO NIGHT (Written by Vinny Naccarato, Mike Mincelli, Nick Santamaria, Frank Reina and John Cassese) [Performed by The Capris]
BLOOD BROTHERS (Written Papa Roach) [Performed by Papa Roach]
LAST RESORT (Written Papa Roach) [Performed by Papa Roach]
SINNER (Written by Dave Williams, Mike Luce, C.J. Pierce and Stevie Benton) [Performed by Drowning Pool]
AWAKE (Written by Sully Erna) [Performed by Godsmack]
PAPERCUT (Written by Chester Bennington) [Performed by Linkin Park]
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Blu-ray Image Quality – Columbia Pictures, Revolution Studios and 88 Films combined and presents the film ‘THE ONE’ with a totally awesome and pristine 1080p image and equally enhanced with a 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The image presentation is very accurate and detailed. Contrast is good, black level is spot-on and colours are rendered really well, but with this Columbia Pictures release, it tends to gravitate towards the yellow and cyan prominence. Overall, ‘THE ONE’ gives you a very modern, clean look, with only moderate signs of film grain. The detail and inky blacks generate good depth and accurate textures in clothes, hair and skin. While the definition is welcome and blows away the inferior DVD version. Please Note: Playback Region B/2: This will not play on most Blu-ray players sold in North America, Central America, South America, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. Learn more about Blu-ray region specifications.
Blu-ray Audio Quality – Columbia Pictures, Revolution Studios and 88 Films combined and brings us the film ‘THE ONE’ with an amazing and spectacular 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio experience, which is smooth and crisp, and with the vocals is delivered with good detail and clarity. The composed film score by Trevor Rabin and songs in the soundtrack are presented with a lush midrange and taught bass. But some of the song choices are somewhat odd for this Sci-fi film and the assortment of songs oddly becomes the best thing about the film and especially with the dramatic fight scenes. The surround audio field is also engineered extremely well, with some conservative use of surround sounds.
* * * * *
Blu-ray Special Features and Extras:
Audio Commentary with James Wong and Various Crew Members [Audio only] [2001] [1080p] [2.35:1] [00:00] With tis featurette, we get to hear this audio commentary with Director James Wong and Various Crew Members about the film ‘THE ONE,’ and as the film starts, first up to introduce them self is Director James Wong, then followed by David Snyder the Production Designer, Robert McLachlan, C.S.C. the Cinematographer, and James Coblentz the Editor and of course are here to talk about the film ‘THE ONE.’ But basically what you is basically what you can read in all the special features and of course I not going to repeat word for word what they talk about. But of course if you want to endure this very boring audio commentary, then I wish you good luck and good speed in enduring this very vacuous and boring audio commentary because I was so totally bored out of my tine mind listening to this whole experience of hearing all of their stupid silly vacuous pointless comments.
Special Feature: INTO THE MULTIVERSE – An Interview with James Wong [2021] [1080p] [2.35:1 / 1.78:1] [16:50] With this featurette, we get view an Interview with director James Wong and basically talks about the concept of the film and how they came up with the idea of the film relating to be able to visit different Universes. At the same time we get quite a few clips from the film. James Wong says that it was connecting with Revolution Studios that they were able to make the film ‘THE ONE.’ James Wong mentions that they tried to secure Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson for the film to star in the film, but due to filming schedules it was not going to be possible to get this actor, so instead they decided to hire Jason Statham instead as a substitute actor. James Wong says that he and his wife sat down to watch the film again after 20 years and feels it is fun movie and is very proud of it, and that it was a neat idea and had a lot of fun making the film, and felt the film was very cool. One thing I did not like with this interview with James Wong is that the interview was done in a room the director’s home that sounded empty and it had a terrible echo sounding recording.
Special Feature: KEEP FIGHTING: David West on ‘THE ONE’ [2021] [1080p] [2.35:1 / 1.78:1] [9:55] With this featurette, we get to meet David West in his home and feels the film ‘THE ONE’ is the only film that mixes Martial Arts with science fiction and it is not a blend we get to view on the screen, where you would see a mixture of fantasy and martial arts. David West also feels Jet Li’s two best American films were ‘Kiss Of The Dragon’ and ‘THE ONE.’ David West really praises the film ‘THE ONE’ for showing particularly Martial Arts used in an American film and also praises the people putting the film together, and also gives great praise to Cory Yue who was the Martial Arts Action Choreographer.
Special Feature: JET IS ‘THE ONE’ [2001] [1080i] [1.37:1] [13:40] With this featurette, we get to view mainly clips from the fight scenes in the film ‘THE ONE’ and then we go behind-the-scenes and get personal comments from several people. Contributors include: James Wong [Director/Co-Writer], Jet Li [Gabe/Yulaw/Lawless], Jason Statham [Evan Funsch], Carla Gugino [T.K./Massie Walsh], Glen Morgan [Producer/Co-Writer], Gary Hymes [Stunt Coordinator/2nd Unit Director], Corey Yuen [Martial Arts Action Choreographer] and Lata Ryan [Executive Producer].
Special Feature: Multiverses Create ‘THE ONE’ [2001] [1080i] [1.37:1] [18:49] With this featurette, we once again go behind-the-scene for the film ‘JET LI – THE ONE’ and showing us the trial run for one of the dramatic fight scene, but we also get lots of clips from the film. Contributors include: James Wong [Director/Co-Writer], Jet Li [Gabe/Yulaw/Lawless], Gary Hymes [Stunt Coordinator/2nd Unit Director], Corey Yuen [Martial Arts Action Choreographer], Eric Durst [Visual EFX Supervisor] and Donald Frazee [Assistant Special Effects Supervisor].
Special Feature: About Face [2001] [1080p] [1.37:1] [5:57] With this featurette, they basically talk about the Martial Arts actor Jet Li and his character in the film ‘THE ONE.’ But we also get to view again mainly a particular dramatic fight sequence in the film. Contributors include: Glen Morgan [Producer/Co-Writer], Jet Li [Gabe/Yulaw/Lawless], James Wong [Director/Co-Writer], Corey Yuen [Martial Arts Action Choreographer] and Eric Durst [Visual EFX Supervisor].
Special Feature: Mark Borchardt was in ‘THE ONE’ with Jet Li [2021] [1080i] [1.37:1] [3:57] With this featurette, we get to meet Mark Borchardt on location talking about his cameo role in the film ‘THE ONE,’ but also talks about his experience working and being involved with the film. Mark Borchardt is an American independent filmmaker and is best known as the subject of the 1999 film American Movie, which documented three years he spent writing, shooting and editing his horror short, ‘Coven.’
Special Feature: Jet Li On His First Time in America [2001] [1080i] [1.37:1] [2:29] With this featurette, the actor Jet Li talks about his first experience in America, especially telling us that before he went to America he was warned that everything was bugged and you have to be careful what you say, but of course when Jet Li arrived in America he of course found out that everything he had been told was a lie.
Special Feature: Animatic Comparison [2001] [1080i] [1.37:1] [1:16] With this featurette, we get to view the animatic figures compared to an actual scene in the film ‘THE ONE.’
Theatrical Trailer [2001] [1080p] [1.85:1] [2:14] With this featurette, we get to view the Original Theatrical Trailer for the film ‘THE ONE.’
BONUS: You get a quarter size film poster of the film ‘THE ONE.’
Finally, ‘THE ONE’ is simply an old fashioned action packed movie which trades on Jet Li's style of martial arts action and if you are an action movie fan then you will find it very entertaining. But at the same time it also seems like it wastes a decent story idea, using it as just a vehicle for action and lots of effects. Highly Recommended!
Andrew C. Miller – Your Ultimate No.1 Film Aficionado
Le Cinema Paradiso
United Kingdom
