DVDebut -- DETECTIVE DEE AND THE MYSTERY OF THE PHANTOM FLAME: Its Blu-ray visuals are beyond gorgeous!

If ever a movie cried out to be viewed on Blu-ray, it's Tsui Hark's DETECTIVE DEE AND THE MYSTERY OF THE PHANTOM FLAME. Roundly praised by most critics (we love a good time, especially if it's unusual or exotic) when it appeared in U.S. theaters earlier this year, the movie is out this week on DVD and Blu-ray, and TM must tell you that this is one of the most beautiful Blu-ray films he's yet seen.  If you already have a Blu-ray player, add the movie to your Netflix or Blockbuster queue. If you don't, the film proves a good enough reason to finally purchase one. It's that spectacular. And beautiful.

Sure, it's full of CGI effects (done damn well, too), but more than that, it's exceedingly colorful and detailed. Full of history, mystery, intelligent scripting and interesting characters brought to life by a starry Chinese cast, it is also one of the most oddball mixtures you could imagine. And that's what makes it so much fun. Director Hark more than lives up to his reputation as one of the most creative and talented of action directors (born in Vietnam, according to the IMDB, he was educated in film at the University of Texas, Austin!).

Don't let this amazing movie, out now for purchase or rental, get by you unseen.