A New Jackie Chan: As Travel Agent

By Stephen M. Silverman

12/10/2001 at 12:00 PM EST

Tuesday's release of the DVD version of this past summer's box office hit "Rush Hour 2" with Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker contains some surprises. Besides the requisite outtakes and behind-the-scenes comments from the major parties involved, there's a brief feature that can only be described as a chamber-of-commerce promo for Hong Kong, starring native son Chan, 47. The flashy cinematography makes Hong Kong out-glitz Las Vegas, while the snazzy musical underscoring is by Lalo Schifrin, composer of the original theme to TV's "Mission: Impossible." By contrast to the slickness of the presentation, Chan's narration is pretty simple. "Hong Kong is the best place," says the hero. "Why? Because it's beee-u-tiful." He lauds the "shopping," "theater," "eating -- Hong Kong has the best food in the world" and "atmosphere" of the former British colony, which is now ruled by China. "I have to go back to Hong Kong to refresh myself," says the international star. "If you don't go, you will regret it." Equally noteworthy on the DVD is a look at Chan's rise to stardom, starting with his early training in the China Drama Academy, or "opera school." Notes "RH2" director Brett Ratner, "He was beaten if he didn't follow orders . . . so he's very self-disciplined."