Released in Germany under the title WIR SIND DIE GRÖSSTEN KNOCHENBRECHER (translating to WE ARE THE BIGGEST BONECRUSHERS), the enjoyable Bruce Li feature BLIND FIST OF BRUCE is the recipient of a nice special edition on DVD (R2 PAL).
The Film
Deviating from Bruce Li's normal Bruceploitation roles, BLIND FIST OF BRUCE finds Li portraying a different type of character. The plot combines several staple kung fu themes (the cocky guy who really doesn't know kung fu who learns from a wise old bum) and one can easily surmise that the success of DRUNKEN MASTER (also featuring Simon Yuen) paved the way for this film. If you want a real review of the film, look no further than Keith's review.
Picture Quality
This DVD actually presents 2 versions of the film. One is a letterboxed German version that looks really nice. The image is widescreen (not fully, but roughly 1.85:1) and the print looks very nice with little damage on the print used. Unfortunately, this version removes roughly 15 minutes of footage. The second version is the US version that is slightly letterboxed (1.66:1) but looks good too. Comparing the two prints, the German one is better of the two as it offers much more picture information.
Sound Quality
The entire disc is in 2.0. With the US version, you have the option of listening to it either in German or English.
Extras
Who would have thought we would ever see a special edition of BLIND FIST OF BRUCE? Not me. Aside from getting the two versions of the film, the DVD also offers 2 trailers (the original German theatrical one and a new trailer for this set) and still gallery of lobby cards. For the German fans, the guys at X-Rated also include the scenes deleted from the German version in English with German subtitles. Trailers for other X-Rated titles are also included.
Overall
This is a really nice surprise. Of course, it helps if you understand German since the better looking of the two prints is presented only in that language but when it comes to the international language of fist n' kicks, no subtitles are needed.
RATINGS
Film 8/10
Picture Quality 9/10
Sound Quality 7/10
Packaging 10/10
Overall Disc Score 8.5/10
Review by William.