Vol. 9 of the "Hidden Chambers Collection," this DVD is truly a mixed blessing. On the positive side, it marks the wide release of a previously obscure Bruce Li flick. On the negative side, it features a horrible composite transfer.
Picture quality
The disc is letterboxed at approximately a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The film, however, is culled from at least (as far as I can tell) three different sources. One print is very dark but is actually letterboxed. The second print is quite a contrast because it is very bright and the image is compressed, resulting in the characters looking stretched. The third print seems to be only used for the opening credits and that one presents the film in its correct 2.35:1 aspect ratio. Seeing as the film is letterboxed, the matte lines actually cut information off in the second print mentioned. How much information is lost is painfully obvious by watching one of the ROTP trailers that precede the film. The film cuts from print to print at random, resulting in a severe drop in picture quality. Still, all three sources appear to be from video as VHS glitches and imperfections appear throughout.
Sound quality
As with the picture quality, when the prints switch, it is noticeable. The dark print contains a very muffled soundtrack, whereas the bright print has a very loud one. The perceptible changes in volume let the viewer know when the print has switched. The entire film is presented in Dolby 2.0 mono.
The Film
This is a great movie, possibly my favorite Bruce Li flick. It is just great to see him credited under his real name and in a role that isn't "Bruceploitation." The film has tons of atmosphere and style and the fight scenes are great. Plus, the supporting cast is just incredible. For a more detailed review, check my "The Ming Patriots" review in the Bruce Li section.
Extras
Well, at least they did something right on this disc. The thing is loaded with extras, some you will appreciate and some you probably won't. The disc features 3-D menus that travel through the hidden chambers of Wu Tang. Before the film starts, there are two trailers for the film, one under the title THE MING PATRIOTS and one under the ROTP label. Cast bios are featured for Bruce Li, Chang Yi, Judy Lee, Chen Hui Min and Carter Wong. Each profile also features bonus fight scenes from the stars (in varying quality) and an interview (with the exception of Chang Yi). On the Wu Tang front, there is a music video and two brief interviews (unrelated to kung fu). There are also brief interviews with a Buddhist Abbot and a Tai Chi Master. Finally, 18 clips (they call them previews) are included for the following (again in varying quality):
Shaolin Drunk Monkey Best of Shaolin Kung Fu
Snake Strikes Back 5 Venoms vs. Wu Tang
Tiger Over Wall 9 Demons
Strike of the Mantis Fist Fight Among the Supers
One-Foot Crane Goose Boxer
Eagle Fist Mysterious Footworks
Shaolin vs. Ninja Chess Boxing vs. Buddhist Fist
Shaolin vs. Lama Shaolin Chastity Kung Fu
18 Bronze Girls Enter the Invincible Hero
Packaging
Standard packaging from the Wu Tang label. Their logo appears 6 times on the sleeve! And if you look closely, the band can be seen hiding behind Bruce Li on the cover. The synopsis on the back boasts of the film's "worldwide restoration search by the Wu Tang Clan"...Ha!
RATINGS
Film 9/10
Picture Quality 2/10
Sound Quality 4/10
Packaging 5/10
Overall Disc Score 4/10
I feel bad recommending this disc because when it comes down to it, the presentation of the film is crap. However, the film is really good and worth it in that regard.
Review by William.
Read William's movie review of Revenge of the Patriots