This 1998 action-comedy film, starring the renowned martial artist and actor, centers around a world-renowned racing driver who suffers amnesia after a crash. He becomes embroiled in a complex conspiracy, pursued by shadowy figures while attempting to rediscover his identity. The home video release on DVD provides access to this popular film for personal viewing.
The film holds a significant place in Chan’s filmography, showcasing his signature blend of comedic timing and breathtaking fight choreography. It offers a compelling narrative, exciting action sequences, and a glimpse into a specific period of Hong Kong action cinema. Availability on DVD allows audiences to appreciate the film’s technical aspects and revisit this iconic performance at their convenience. The DVD release also helped broaden the film’s reach to a wider international audience.
Further exploration could delve into the film’s production, critical reception, its place within Chan’s broader career, and the impact of its home video release on its overall popularity and cultural legacy.
1. Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan’s presence is fundamental to understanding the “Jackie Chan Who Am I? DVD.” His established global stardom as a martial artist and actor directly influences the DVD’s appeal. Chan’s distinct style, blending comedic timing with intricate fight choreography, attracts a specific audience. This audience seeks out his work, making his name a crucial component of the product’s identity. For example, fans of “Rumble in the Bronx” or “Drunken Master II” might be drawn to “Who Am I?” based on Chan’s involvement alone. His name functions as a brand, assuring a particular cinematic experience.
Furthermore, Chan’s international recognition contributes to the DVD’s potential market reach. The film’s availability on DVD provides access to his work for viewers globally, particularly where streaming services might be limited. This accessibility further underscores the importance of Chan’s name in the DVD’s title. It acts as a key selling point, allowing distributors to target a broader audience and ensuring the product’s visibility in physical and online retail spaces. The DVD serves as a tangible representation of Chan’s contribution to action cinema, allowing collectors and fans to own a piece of his cinematic legacy.
In conclusion, “Jackie Chan” within the context of “Jackie Chan Who Am I? DVD” is more than just a title element; it’s a significant driver of the product’s value and marketability. His name signifies a specific style and quality of action cinema, attracting a dedicated audience and contributing to the DVD’s continued relevance within the physical media market. The understanding of this connection clarifies the enduring appeal of this specific DVD release, even within the evolving landscape of film distribution.
2. Who Am I?
Who Am I? functions as the crucial identifying element within “Jackie Chan Who Am I? DVD.” It distinguishes this specific film from the broader spectrum of Jackie Chan’s extensive filmography. Without this title, the DVD becomes simply a generic Jackie Chan action film, losing the specific connection to the 1998 release. This distinction is essential for both marketing and consumer identification. Imagine a customer searching for this particular film; the title “Who Am I?” allows for precise identification and purchase. This precision prevents confusion with other Chan films like “Rumble in the Bronx” or “Police Story.” The title’s interrogative nature also hints at the film’s core narrative element: the protagonist’s amnesia and quest for identity.
This title’s importance extends beyond mere identification. It contributes to the DVD’s collectibility and value within the physical media market. Collectors often seek specific titles to complete their collections. “Who Am I?” signifies a distinct entry in Chan’s body of work, making the DVD a desirable item for enthusiasts. The title, combined with the DVD format, offers a tangible piece of cinematic history, distinct from digital streaming options. This tangibility adds to its value for collectors. For example, limited edition releases or special features on the DVD further enhance its appeal among serious collectors, driven by the specific title “Who Am I?”.
In summary, Who Am I? is integral to the “Jackie Chan Who Am I? DVD” identity. It provides specific product identification, crucial for marketing, consumer selection, and collectibility. The title’s significance extends beyond basic labeling, contributing to the DVD’s market value and historical context within Chan’s filmography. This understanding clarifies the essential role of precise titling in the physical media market, especially concerning iconic figures like Jackie Chan.
3. DVD Format
The DVD format plays a crucial role in understanding the “Jackie Chan Who Am I? DVD” as a product. It represents a specific technological period and mode of media consumption distinct from modern streaming services. Analyzing the DVD format reveals its implications for accessibility, preservation, and the overall experience of engaging with the film.
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Physical Media Ownership
DVDs offer tangible ownership, contrasting with the ephemeral nature of streaming. Consumers possess a physical copy, allowing viewing independent of internet access or subscription services. This ownership model was particularly relevant in 1998, when “Who Am I?” was released, and internet penetration was significantly lower. The DVD provided a reliable way to access the film repeatedly, contributing to its wider reach and enduring popularity.
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Audio-Visual Quality and Special Features
DVD technology provided enhanced audio-visual quality compared to VHS, the dominant home video format at the time. The DVD format also allowed for the inclusion of special features like behind-the-scenes footage, deleted scenes, and director’s commentaries, adding value to the physical product. These additions provided a deeper engagement with the film, attracting dedicated fans and collectors.
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Collectibility and Preservation
DVDs became collectible items for film enthusiasts. Physical copies, particularly special editions, hold value within the collector’s market. Moreover, DVDs provide a physical backup of the film, independent of digital platforms and their potential for content removal or format obsolescence. This physical preservation ensures the film’s accessibility for future generations.
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Portability and Technological Accessibility
DVD players became relatively affordable and widespread, increasing the accessibility of films like “Who Am I?”. The portable nature of DVDs allowed viewing in various settings, expanding the film’s reach beyond traditional television screens. This portability was a significant factor in the DVD’s success as a distribution medium.
Considering these facets of the DVD format illuminates the context surrounding the “Jackie Chan Who Am I? DVD.” It highlights the advantages of physical media ownership, particularly during the period of the film’s release. This understanding clarifies the DVD’s significance within the broader history of film distribution and home entertainment, emphasizing the format’s contribution to the film’s accessibility, preservation, and enduring appeal.
4. Action-comedy genre
The action-comedy genre forms an intrinsic part of “Jackie Chan Who Am I? DVD’s” identity. This genre, characterized by the seamless blending of thrilling action sequences with comedic timing and physical humor, is central to Jackie Chan’s established brand of cinema. “Who Am I?” exemplifies this blend, featuring elaborate fight choreography interspersed with humorous situations and Chan’s characteristic playful performance style. This generic classification influences consumer expectations and purchasing decisions. Viewers seeking action-comedy specifically are drawn to products clearly identified within this category. The film’s placement within this genre contributes significantly to its marketability and appeal. For example, individuals who enjoyed films like “Rush Hour” or “Shanghai Noon,” also categorized as action-comedies, are likely to find “Who Am I?” appealing due to shared genre conventions.
Furthermore, the action-comedy genre’s presence contributes to the DVD’s lasting appeal. This genre offers a broader appeal than either action or comedy alone, attracting a wider audience. The combination of thrilling stunts and lighthearted humor creates a more accessible and rewatchable experience, a key factor in the DVD market. This accessibility contributes to the film’s continued relevance and the DVD’s value for collectors and casual viewers alike. Consider the contrast with a purely dramatic action film; the comedic elements in “Who Am I?” lighten the tone, making it suitable for family viewing and repeat viewings. This broad appeal enhances the DVD’s long-term market viability.
In conclusion, the action-comedy genre is not merely a descriptive label for “Jackie Chan Who Am I? DVD”; it’s a key component of its identity and market value. The genre influences consumer choices, contributes to the film’s broad appeal, and ultimately plays a significant role in the DVD’s continued relevance within the physical media landscape. Understanding this connection provides insight into the enduring popularity of specific genres within the home entertainment market and clarifies the interplay between genre, star power, and format in shaping consumer preferences.
5. 1998 release
The 1998 release date of “Who Am I?” contextualizes the “Jackie Chan Who Am I? DVD” within a specific technological and cinematic landscape. This timeframe significantly impacts understanding its subsequent DVD release and overall market reception. 1998 predates widespread streaming services; therefore, physical media like VHS and the burgeoning DVD format dominated home video distribution. This technological context highlights the DVD’s importance as a primary means of accessing the film following its theatrical run. The late 1990s marked a period of growth for the DVD format, and “Who Am I?” benefited from this rising popularity, reaching a wider audience than might have been possible with VHS alone. The film’s release coincided with increasing global interest in Hong Kong action cinema, further contributing to its success.
Consider the impact of the release date on the film’s availability. A 1998 release positions “Who Am I?” within a specific window of technological transition. DVDs offered improved audio-visual quality and special features compared to VHS, making them an attractive format for consumers. This technological advancement contributed to the DVD’s success and likely influenced the decision to release “Who Am I?” on DVD. The film’s action sequences and comedic elements benefited from the DVD’s enhanced visual and audio capabilities, further enhancing its appeal to audiences. Furthermore, the 1998 release date places the film within a specific era of Jackie Chan’s career, offering insights into his evolving style and the types of roles he undertook during that period.
In summary, the 1998 release date of “Who Am I?” provides crucial context for understanding the “Jackie Chan Who Am I? DVD.” This date situates the film and its subsequent DVD release within a specific technological and cinematic landscape. Analyzing this timeframe illuminates the importance of physical media formats in the pre-streaming era, the impact of technological advancements on distribution and consumption, and the film’s placement within both Jackie Chan’s career and the broader history of Hong Kong action cinema. This understanding clarifies the DVD’s significance as a historical artifact and its contribution to the film’s enduring legacy.
6. Home viewing experience
The “Jackie Chan Who Am I? DVD” intrinsically links to the home viewing experience. This connection significantly shaped the product’s marketing and appeal, offering audiences a personalized and repeatable engagement with the film. Examining the various facets of this home viewing experience illuminates the DVD’s role within the broader context of film consumption and its enduring relevance.
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Controlled Viewing Environment
The DVD provides control over the viewing environment. Viewers can adjust audio-visual settings, pause, rewind, and revisit specific scenes at their convenience. This contrasts with the communal, less flexible experience of theatrical screenings. This control enhances the viewer’s engagement and allows for a more in-depth appreciation of details like fight choreography or comedic timing. For example, a viewer can rewind and analyze a complex fight sequence in “Who Am I?” frame by frame, enhancing their understanding and enjoyment of Chan’s martial arts skills.
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Repeated Viewings and Accessibility
DVD ownership enables repeated viewings without additional costs or reliance on streaming availability. This repeatability fosters deeper engagement with the film’s narrative, characters, and action sequences. Viewers can revisit favorite scenes or share the film with others easily. This accessibility contributed significantly to “Who Am I?”‘s popularity, allowing audiences to integrate the film into their regular entertainment routines.
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Supplemental Features and Enhanced Engagement
DVDs frequently include supplemental features like behind-the-scenes documentaries, deleted scenes, or director’s commentaries. These extras provide deeper insights into the filmmaking process, enhancing the viewer’s appreciation of the film’s creation and context. In the case of “Who Am I?”, these features could offer insights into Chan’s stunt work, the film’s locations, or the challenges of filming specific scenes. This added value differentiates the DVD experience from standard theatrical screenings.
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Social Interaction and Shared Experience
While a home viewing experience can be solitary, DVDs also facilitate social interaction. “Jackie Chan Who Am I? DVD” provides a platform for shared viewing experiences with family and friends. This shared engagement can foster discussion and create a collective appreciation for the film. This social aspect of the DVD experience contributes to the film’s cultural impact and its continued relevance within social settings.
In conclusion, the home viewing experience associated with the “Jackie Chan Who Am I? DVD” represents a significant aspect of its appeal and enduring legacy. The control, repeatability, supplemental features, and potential for social interaction provided by the DVD format offer a distinct and valuable way to engage with the film. This understanding highlights the importance of considering the home viewing context when analyzing the film’s impact and the DVD’s continued relevance in the evolving media landscape.
7. Physical media ownership
Physical media ownership, specifically regarding the “Jackie Chan Who Am I? DVD,” represents a tangible connection to a film and a specific era of home entertainment. This form of ownership contrasts sharply with contemporary digital distribution methods, offering distinct advantages and disadvantages that shape its continued relevance.
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Tangibility and Control
Owning a physical DVD provides a tangible object representing the film. This tangibility offers a sense of control and permanence absent in digital streaming. The DVD exists independently of internet connectivity or platform availability, ensuring access to the film regardless of external factors. This control allows viewers to dictate when, where, and how they engage with “Who Am I?”, fostering a sense of ownership over the viewing experience.
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Collectibility and Value
Physical DVDs can become collectible items, particularly for enthusiasts of specific genres, actors, or directors. Limited edition releases, special features, or unique packaging can enhance a DVD’s collectibility and potential resale value. The “Jackie Chan Who Am I? DVD” holds value for collectors of Chan’s films, contributing to a physical archive of his work. This collectibility provides an additional layer of engagement beyond the film itself, fostering communities of collectors and enthusiasts.
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Preservation and Archiving
DVDs offer a form of physical preservation, safeguarding the film against digital platform instability or content removal. While digital platforms can alter their libraries or face technical issues, the DVD remains a consistent and accessible medium. This preservation aspect ensures that “Who Am I?” remains available for viewing regardless of shifts in the digital landscape, acting as a physical backup of the film.
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Nostalgia and the Tactile Experience
Physical media like DVDs evoke a sense of nostalgia for a specific era of home entertainment. The tactile experience of handling a DVD case, browsing through special features, and interacting with the physical object contributes to a unique engagement with the film. For some, the “Jackie Chan Who Am I? DVD” might represent a nostalgic connection to a specific period of their lives or a preferred method of film consumption, adding sentimental value to the physical object.
These facets of physical media ownership contribute to the enduring relevance of the “Jackie Chan Who Am I? DVD.” While streaming dominates current media consumption, the DVD format offers distinct advantages related to tangibility, control, collectibility, preservation, and nostalgia. These factors contribute to the DVD’s continued appeal for collectors, enthusiasts, and those seeking a more tangible and permanent connection to their favorite films. Understanding these aspects clarifies the ongoing relevance of physical media in a digitally driven world.
8. Collectibility
Collectibility significantly contributes to the enduring relevance of the “Jackie Chan Who Am I? DVD.” Several factors intersect to establish this collectibility, transforming the DVD from a mere viewing medium into a tangible artifact with inherent value beyond its functional purpose. This value stems from a combination of Jackie Chan’s star power, the film’s specific place within his filmography, and the DVD format’s inherent properties.
Chan’s established fan base actively seeks to acquire and preserve his films in physical formats. “Who Am I?”, a notable entry in his action-comedy repertoire, becomes a desirable acquisition for completionists. Limited edition releases, often featuring unique packaging, behind-the-scenes content, or autographed memorabilia, further amplify this desirability. The DVD’s physicality allows for tangible ownership within a curated collection, contrasting with the ephemeral nature of digital access. This tangibility contributes to the perceived value and the collector’s sense of connection with the film and Chan’s legacy. For example, a collector might specifically seek a first-edition release of the “Who Am I?” DVD with original cover art or a special features disc containing interviews with the cast and crew. These specific attributes differentiate the collectible DVD from standard releases and contribute to its value within the collector community.
The “Jackie Chan Who Am I? DVD’s” collectibility represents a convergence of factors: star power, film-specific attributes, and the DVD format’s affordances for special editions and tangible ownership. This collectibility extends beyond mere acquisition; it fosters communities of enthusiasts, contributes to the preservation of physical media, and provides a tangible link to a specific period in film history. Recognizing these factors clarifies the DVD’s sustained value within a market increasingly dominated by digital distribution. This understanding highlights the intersection of art, commerce, and nostalgia in shaping the collectible market for physical media, offering insights into the enduring appeal of tangible artifacts in an increasingly digital world.
9. Accessibility
Accessibility, concerning the “Jackie Chan Who Am I? DVD,” encompasses the ease with which the film can be acquired, viewed, and understood by audiences. This accessibility is shaped by several factors, including the DVD format’s affordability, its widespread availability through various retail channels, and the film’s localization for international audiences. The DVD format, particularly during the period following the film’s 1998 release, offered a relatively inexpensive way to access films compared to theatrical screenings. This affordability broadened the potential audience, making “Who Am I?” accessible to a wider demographic, particularly in regions with limited theatrical distribution. The DVD’s physical nature also facilitated distribution through diverse channels, from large retail chains to smaller independent stores, increasing its reach and availability. Furthermore, the inclusion of multiple language options and subtitles on the DVD broadened the film’s accessibility across linguistic and cultural barriers. For example, a DVD release might include dubbed audio tracks in English, Spanish, and French, alongside subtitles in various languages, allowing viewers worldwide to engage with the film regardless of their primary language.
The practical significance of this accessibility relates directly to the film’s cultural impact and market success. Wider accessibility contributes to increased viewership, influencing the film’s popularity and overall reception. The DVD format played a crucial role in disseminating “Who Am I?” globally, introducing Jackie Chan’s distinct style of action-comedy to new audiences. This wider distribution, facilitated by the DVD’s inherent accessibility, cemented the film’s position within Chan’s filmography and contributed to his international recognition. Furthermore, the DVD’s accessibility fostered repeat viewings, allowing audiences to engage with the film multiple times at their convenience. This repeatability fostered a deeper appreciation for the film’s nuances, contributing to its long-term popularity and cultural impact. Consider, for instance, families who might purchase the DVD for repeated home viewings, integrating it into their regular entertainment rotation. This repeated engagement solidifies the film’s presence within popular culture and reinforces its accessibility across generations.
In conclusion, the accessibility of the “Jackie Chan Who Am I? DVD” played a pivotal role in the film’s reach and enduring popularity. The DVD format’s affordability, widespread availability, and localization options contributed to a broader audience engagement, transcending geographical and linguistic barriers. This understanding highlights the practical significance of accessibility in shaping a film’s cultural impact and market success, particularly within the context of physical media distribution. Analyzing this accessibility provides valuable insights into the DVD’s enduring relevance in the evolving media landscape and its contribution to the film’s lasting legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ section addresses common inquiries regarding the “Jackie Chan Who Am I? DVD,” providing concise and informative responses.
Question 1: Where can one purchase the “Who Am I?” DVD?
Copies are often available through online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon, as well as through specialized retailers of physical media. Availability may vary based on region and specific DVD edition.
Question 2: Does the DVD include any special features?
Special features vary depending on the DVD edition. Some versions include behind-the-scenes documentaries, deleted scenes, or alternate audio tracks. Consulting specific product listings is recommended to determine the included features.
Question 3: What languages and subtitles are available on the DVD?
Language and subtitle options vary depending on the DVD release. Many versions include English audio and subtitles, often alongside other languages like Cantonese or Mandarin. Regional variations in DVD releases frequently offer additional language options tailored to specific markets. Reviewing product details before purchase is advised to confirm language availability.
Question 4: How does the DVD’s picture and sound quality compare to streaming versions?
Picture and sound quality can vary depending on the specific DVD release and the streaming platform used for comparison. Generally, DVDs offer reliable quality consistent with the technology available at the time of release. However, modern high-definition streaming versions might offer enhanced resolution and audio depending on the available bandwidth and streaming technology. Comparing technical specifications for both formats can offer further insight.
Question 5: What is the significance of owning the “Who Am I?” DVD in the era of digital streaming?
DVD ownership provides a tangible connection to the film, offering permanent access independent of streaming subscriptions or internet availability. This ownership also contributes to preserving the film in a physical format, safeguarding against potential issues with digital platform instability or content removal. For collectors, the DVD represents a tangible piece of film history and a valuable addition to physical media collections.
Question 6: Are there different versions of the “Who Am I?” DVD available, and how do they differ?
Multiple DVD versions exist, often categorized by region (e.g., Region 1 for North America, Region 2 for Europe and Japan). These versions might vary in terms of included special features, language options, and cover art. Special editions, such as collector’s editions or anniversary releases, often contain additional bonus materials. Researching specific releases is essential for collectors seeking specific features or regional variations.
Understanding these frequently asked questions clarifies common misconceptions regarding the “Jackie Chan Who Am I? DVD” and its availability, features, and significance. This information equips prospective purchasers and viewers with the knowledge to make informed decisions and appreciate the nuances of physical media in the digital age.
Further exploration might include detailed comparisons of various DVD releases, in-depth analyses of the film’s production, or broader discussions of Jackie Chan’s career and impact on action cinema.
Tips for Locating and Appreciating the “Who Am I?” DVD
This section offers guidance for those seeking to acquire and fully appreciate the “Jackie Chan Who Am I?” DVD experience, addressing key aspects of the search process and maximizing enjoyment of this specific physical media release.
Tip 1: Identify Specific DVD Editions: Research various DVD releases to understand regional variations, special features, and packaging differences. Awareness of these distinctions allows informed purchasing decisions tailored to individual preferences and collecting goals. For example, some releases might include documentaries or deleted scenes absent from standard editions.
Tip 2: Explore Reputable Online Marketplaces: Utilize established online marketplaces specializing in physical media, such as eBay or Amazon, to locate available copies. Carefully review seller ratings and product descriptions to ensure authenticity and condition. Comparing prices across multiple sellers can also yield advantageous deals.
Tip 3: Consider Specialized Retailers: Investigate physical media retailers specializing in cult films, action cinema, or Hong Kong cinema. These retailers often stock a curated selection of DVDs, potentially including rarer or special editions of “Who Am I?”.
Tip 4: Verify Region Compatibility: DVDs have regional coding; ensure the purchased DVD aligns with the region code of one’s DVD player. Attempting to play a mismatched region DVD might result in playback errors or complete incompatibility.
Tip 5: Inspect DVD Condition Before Purchase: When purchasing used DVDs, carefully examine product descriptions and images for any signs of damage or wear. Inquire with the seller about the disc’s condition and request additional photos if necessary. Thorough inspection mitigates the risk of acquiring a damaged or unplayable DVD.
Tip 6: Enhance the Viewing Experience: Optimize the home theater setup for optimal audio-visual quality. Connecting the DVD player to a high-definition television and utilizing quality audio equipment can significantly enhance the viewing experience, maximizing enjoyment of the film’s action sequences and overall presentation.
Tip 7: Explore Supplemental Materials: Engage with any included special features, such as behind-the-scenes documentaries or director commentaries. These materials offer deeper insights into the filmmaking process and enrich appreciation for the film’s creation. Exploring these additions provides a more comprehensive understanding of “Who Am I?” within the context of Jackie Chan’s career and Hong Kong action cinema.
Following these tips maximizes the likelihood of locating a desirable copy of the “Jackie Chan Who Am I? DVD” and fully appreciating the unique experience offered by this physical media format. Careful consideration of these aspects ensures informed purchasing decisions and enhances long-term enjoyment of this significant entry in Jackie Chan’s filmography.
The subsequent conclusion will summarize the key arguments presented throughout this exploration of “Jackie Chan Who Am I? DVD,” emphasizing its significance within the broader landscape of physical media and Jackie Chan’s cinematic legacy.
Conclusion
Exploration of “Jackie Chan Who Am I? DVD” reveals its multifaceted significance. Analysis encompassed the individual componentsJackie Chan’s star power, the film’s title specificity, the DVD format’s relevance, the action-comedy genre’s appeal, the 1998 release context, the home viewing experience, the implications of physical media ownership, its collectibility, and its accessibility. Each element contributes to understanding the DVD’s enduring relevance within both Chan’s filmography and the broader landscape of physical media. The examination underscores the interplay between format, genre, stardom, and historical context in shaping a product’s cultural impact and market value. The DVD format, within the context of its release era, facilitated wider access to the film, contributing to its global popularity. Furthermore, the DVD’s inherent collectibility provides a tangible link to a specific period in film history and a means of preserving this piece of cinematic heritage.
The “Jackie Chan Who Am I? DVD” stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of physical media and its capacity to connect audiences with films in a tangible and enduring way. Further investigation into the evolving landscape of home entertainment and the continued relevance of physical media promises deeper insights into the complex relationship between film, technology, and audience engagement. The enduring presence of physical media in a digitally dominant world merits continued study and appreciation for its distinct contribution to cinematic history and cultural preservation.
