ok John Woo fans-any opinions on this one? Im a big fan of Hard Boiled and The Killer but I have never heard of this Woo flick-is it worth a purchase or should I rent first?

First, it's not a bullet ballet movie like the two you mentioned. It's a story concerning three Hong Kong "utes" as they encounter Viet Nam. Think "Deer Hunter" only more intense.
That aside, I say buy it. You're going to hear a lot about alternate endings, which version has which cuts, etc. Don't concern yourself about this. It's a powerful, moving movie with great characterizations, drama and action.
Buy it. Now.

Here's a review by G. Noel Gross:

http://dvdtalk.com/reviews/read.php?ID=1566

Buy it my friend. That's one excellent movie!

John Woo's personal favorite of his films. I was lucky enough to see it in the theatre at a HK film festival. It doesn't have the super action of Hard Boiled, nor the charisma of a Chow Yun Fat, but damn is it intense. Like a previous poster commented, it's like Woo's version of the Deer Hunter.

ill check it out-found it on Ebay new for 20 bucks-all the on-line stores are out of stock or say its out of print or want over 30 bucs for it..also picked up a Better Tomorrow..thanks for the opinions

Excellent movie! One of my favorite John Woo movies of all time.
But the english subs for the movie are pretty horrible.

I think it's a pretty awesome movie. Don't forget "Once a Thief" and "Heroes Shed No Tears" as well.

I thought you just weren't looking hard enough so I checked out HKflix and coolashop.com -- dang, it is OOP. Glad I picked mine up last fall.

Tuan Jim