Once Upon a Time in Shanghai Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Once Upon a Time in Shanghai" by Well Go USA features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio. Filmed with the Red Epic, this release boasts a unique nearly monochromatic palette, reminiscent of early silent era hand coloring techniques, where only portions of the frame display subtle hues. While this distinctive aesthetic can mitigate fine detail at times—occasionally making faces appear slightly airbrushed when color is applied—overall, the visual integrity remains solid. Black levels are impressive, maintaining depth and inky richness, though some banding is noticeable, particularly in the black and white segments.

Regarding technical specifics, sharpness and contrast levels are consistently high, providing a robust visual experience. The muted, almost grey-scale aesthetic adds to the stylistic appeal of the film, though it does result in a very limited color range, often bordering on black and white. Despite this, the film achieves a noteworthy depth and clarity absent of postproduction artifacts save for a few stylistically necessitated adjustments. Flesh tones appear natural and healthy, complementing the film's visual style without introducing significant noise or distracting artifacts.

Overall, "Once Upon a Time in Shanghai" on Blu-ray presents a visually engaging and technically sound experience. The subdued color reproduction enhances the film's intended stylistic effect, while the overall image quality remains strong with clear detail and consistent contrast.

The audio presentation of the "Once Upon a Time in Shanghai" Blu-Ray is remarkable, offering both the original Mandarin track and an English dub in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and Dolby Digital 2.0. The 5.1 mixes excel in immersive sound effects, with particularly vivid and impactful bone-crunching noises that create an intensely visceral experience during fight scenes. The tracks also boast a substantial level of low-frequency extension, ensuring that the LFE channel delivers a powerful punch, enhancing the dramatic impact of each hit. Dialogue is presented cleanly, although it may be slightly elevated in the English dub, while the musical score integrates seamlessly into the surround channels.

This Blu-Ray's audio dynamics are particularly noteworthy. The Mandarin DTS-HD MA 5.1 track is especially aggressive during the fight scenes, providing an exhilarating auditory experience that keeps the viewer engaged. The absence of combat does not diminish the soundtrack’s fidelity, maintaining a consistent and satisfying audio presence throughout quieter moments. The rear channels effectively manage background ambiance and crowd scenes, contributing to an immersive environment without any muddling of sounds. Dialogue reproduction is crystal clear, synchronizing well with the provided English subtitles, ensuring a seamless viewing experience for all audiences.

The Blu-ray release of "Once Upon a Time in Shanghai" packages a brief selection of extras that supplement the main feature. The included making-of featurette, though concise, offers a glimpse into behind-the-scenes action with some interview snippets. Additionally, the theatrical trailer is presented in high definition, providing a polished look at the film's promotional materials. While sparse in content, these extras serve to enhance the viewing experience without delving too deeply.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making-Of: A short featurette with behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original promotional trailer presented in high definition.

"Once Upon a Time in Shanghai" presents itself as a martial arts film set in 1930s Shanghai, although historical inaccuracies, such as the presence of 1940s and 1950s vintage cars, might irk purists. The narrative centers around Ma (Philip Ng), a young man with extraordinary strength, who moves to Shanghai seeking a fresh start. The city's crime-ridden underbelly is personified by Long Qi (Andy On), a villain clad in sophistication that thinly veils his brutal nature. A brewing turf war sets the stage for Ma's inevitable clash with gangsters, providing ample opportunity to exhibit intense and meticulously staged martial arts sequences. The story, however, does little to support the action, falling prey to clichéd tropes and predictable character arcs.

The film's promise is primarily delivered through its fight choreography and visceral combat scenes. Ma’s journey from a naive newcomer to a reluctant hero is punctuated by frequent slow-motion confrontations, designed to highlight the physical prowess and stylistic elegance of the combatants. Yet, this reliance on martial arts spectacle often overshadows the film's narrative ambitions. Despite the setting and period piece aesthetic, the lack of depth in character development and the formulaic script diminish its potential impact.

In summation, "Once Upon a Time in Shanghai" excels in the arena of visual and choreographic flair but struggles to transcend its superficial storytelling. Audiences drawn to intricate martial arts combat will appreciate the technical execution and dynamic sequences, but those seeking a robust narrative framework may find the overall experience underwhelming. The film leaves an impression more as a vehicle for action rather than a well-rounded cinematic offering.

"Once Upon a Time in Shanghai" manages to highlight its strengths heavily through its exceptional fight choreography, courtesy of Yuen Woo Ping. The martial arts sequences are nothing short of spectacular, showcasing intricate and powerful combat that will undoubtedly satisfy fight aficionados. Unfortunately, these high-energy scenes are hampered by a weak and unstimulating plot that struggles to maintain interest. The production design, surprisingly minimalistic, fails to create an engaging backdrop, which detracts from the overall impact of the narrative.

Visually, the film presents an intriguing yet limited color palette which attempts to compensate for other stylistic shortcomings. While it provides a modicum of visual interest, it doesn’t fully offset the narrative deficiencies. The Blu-ray presentation excels, offering above-average video quality that brings out the best in these visual elements. Additionally, the soundtrack is stellar, immersing viewers in sharp, dynamic audio that complements the intensity of the action scenes. However, the supplementary features on the Blu-ray are underwhelming and sparse, diminishing the overall value of the package.

In conclusion, "Once Upon a Time in Shanghai" ultimately delivers a mixed experience. Its outstanding martial arts choreography and strong technical presentation are undeniable highlights. However, these are somewhat overshadowed by a lackluster plot and minimalistic production design. While worth watching for its fight scenes alone, be prepared to endure less engaging interludes.