Shaolin Blu-ray Review

Presented in a 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio, "Shaolin" by Well Go USA ensures an exceptional visual experience that aligns with the film’s stylistic intent. The deliberate desaturation and filtered look crafted by Director Benny Chan and cinematographer Anthony Pun result in an almost monochromatic blue-grey palette, with occasional amber-gold hues inside the temple. This stylistic choice reinforces the film’s aesthetic without sacrificing the astounding level of fine detail. The print is pristine, featuring a very light layer of grain that preserves texture while avoiding noise even in scenes with transitory elements like clouds and fog. The intricate set designs and authentic costumes reveal a wealth of textures, enriching the visual portrayal of early 20th-century China.

Close-ups deliver a sharp and precise image, making skin textures and opulent costumes appear incredibly lifelike. The high definition underscores the film’s sumptuous production design, lending a palpable sense of dimension to both action-packed sequences and quieter, mist-filled locales. Black levels remain solid with minimal crush, even during long night sequences, though there are some minor fluctuations. Contrast remains strong, providing nice intensity despite some faint posterization. Colors, though muted to fit the film’s tone, balance well with the overall visual presentation.

Overall, "Shaolin" on Blu-ray benefits from a technically proficient transfer that maintains the film's stylistic visuals and enhances the thrilling action sequences. The intentional color palette may hinder vibrancy slightly but ultimately contributes to the convincing and immersive representation of its historical setting. This Blu-ray presentation adeptly captures the film’s artistic vision, ensuring a satisfying viewing experience free of major anomalies or artifacts.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Shaolin" is available in several formats: Mandarin DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, Mandarin Dolby Digital 2.0, English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, and English Dolby Digital 2.0, accompanied by optional English subtitles. The inclusion of multiple lossless tracks, both in the original Cantonese and English dub, offers a range of listening experiences tailored to various preferences. Notably, the English track is mixed at a higher volume, which accentuates the dynamic sound effects and provides a more visceral impact during action sequences. However, it is worth noting that the voice work in the English dub often lacks the same authenticity and artfulness found in the Cantonese version. Despite being somewhat lower in volume, the Cantonese track reveals superior fidelity with ample low-end support from robust low-frequency effects (LFE), enhancing both the quieter and more intense moments with a strong sense of spatial immersion.

Throughout the film, dialogue remains crisp and clean with no noticeable issues such as crackles or pops. The audio mix offers good separation across the soundscape, with directional effects flowing smoothly through the surround channels. Action elements such as clashing blades, galloping horses, and exploding ordinances are rendered with high fidelity and appropriate placement within the rear channels, contributing to an enveloping experience. Although the bass activity is not overwhelmingly powerful, it effectively underscores key moments like gunshots and cannon fire, adding to the overall impact. The dynamic range is wide and free of distortion, ensuring a balanced auditory experience where all elements harmonize well.

Though not quite reaching the pinnacle of reference-quality sound design, the audio presentation for "Shaolin" remains impressive. It provides an engaging and exciting accompaniment to the film's action-packed scenes while maintaining clarity and a solid sense of immersion.

Well Go USA Entertainment offers a well-rounded collection of extras for the "Shaolin" Blu-ray Collector's Edition. This set provides an extensive dive into the film's creation and historical context through a mix of behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and trailers, all presented in Mandarin Dolby Digital 2.0 with English subtitles. The Blu-ray disc includes deleted scenes and multiple trailers in 1080p, while the DVD supplements provide standard-definition interviews and making-of features. These exhaustive materials—ranging from raw, unfiltered on-set footage to structured featurettes—give fans a comprehensive look at the film's production and deeper insight into the historical Shaolin Temple.

Extras included in this disc:

Deleted Scenes: Extensive sequences with missing sound effects and visible wires.

International Trailer A: 1080p, Dolby Digital 5.1.

International Trailer B: 1080p, Dolby Digital 5.1.

Theatrical Trailer: 1080p, Dolby Digital 2.0.

Interviews: In-depth discussions with cast and crew about character development, historical context, and Shaolin philosophy.

Behind the Scenes: Candid, raw footage from the film's production.

Making Of: Short featurettes focusing on various aspects of the production.

'Shaolin' is a visually impressive and emotionally engaging martial arts film helmed by Benny Chan, set against the chaotic backdrop of early Republican China. The plot centers on Hou Jie (Andy Lau), a ruthless warlord whose life spirals into turmoil after being betrayed by his protégé, Cao Man (Nicholas Tse). Seeking refuge in the Shaolin Temple, Jie undergoes a profound transformation, struggling between his thirst for vengeance and Buddhist teachings of non-attachment. Although the film's historical context might not be entirely clear to all viewers, its universal themes of redemption, guilt, and moral conflict provide a compelling narrative thread. Performances are uniformly strong, particularly Andy Lau's nuanced portrayal of Hou Jie, whose personal journey from warlord to monk is both captivating and heartfelt.

Despite its many strengths, 'Shaolin' does suffer from some tonal imbalances and narrative shortcomings. The film's attempts to blend intense martial arts action with moments of slapstick comedy—especially scenes involving Jackie Chan's character, Wudao—can feel jarring. Additionally, while the main plot focusing on Hou Jie's transformation is well-developed, several secondary narratives, such as the monks' Robin Hood-esque activities and the intricacies of foreign politics, are not given adequate screen time. This results in a somewhat disjointed storyline where certain emotional beats and motivations, particularly Cao Man's abrupt betrayal, lack sufficient depth and originality.

Nonetheless, 'Shaolin' excels in its spectacular visual presentation and intricately choreographed fight sequences. Director Benny Chan utilizes sweeping crane shots and fluid camera movements that mirror the graceful motions of the kung fu artists, creating an epic atmosphere that is both immersive and exhilarating. Though some wire work appears noticeably unrealistic in isolated moments, the majority of the action scenes are visceral and engaging. The film’s grand production design and elaborate sets add to its authenticity, making 'Shaolin' a worthwhile viewing experience for martial arts enthusiasts despite its minor flaws.

"Shaolin" Blu-ray offers a solid presentation of an engaging Wushu film, combining visually stunning cinematography with impressive performances. The movie, directed by Benny Chan, epitomizes grandeur, featuring breathtaking fight sequences that will captivate fans of martial arts and historical drama. The star pairing of Andy Lau and Nicholas Tse proves formidable, as they navigate a fictionalized historical narrative with prowess.

However, the film is not without its flaws. While the personal story of redemption resonates well, certain subplots lack development, resulting in a somewhat basic narrative structure. Despite these shortcomings, the Blu-ray delivers a satisfactory viewing experience with good audio and video quality. The special features are extensive but tend to be repetitive.

In conclusion, "Shaolin" isn't a perfect film, but its visual splendor and stellar performances make it a worthwhile watch for both enthusiasts of martial arts and historical dramas. Benny Chan’s epic direction ensures an engaging experience while Lau and Tse provide compelling on-screen chemistry. Recommended.