Bodyguards and Assassins Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Bodyguards and Assassins" offers a commendable 1080p high-definition video presentation encoded with MPEG-4 AVC in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.4:1. MegaStar's transfer is particularly impressive, capturing the period aesthetic with meticulous detail. Fine object detail is consistently good, and the overall clarity remains strong throughout the film, especially in important outdoor scenes of the old City of Victoria and the stunning panoramic harbor vistas. While the budgetary constraints and need for a period-specific look entail a certain grain and faded presentation, this aligns well with the historical setting and aesthetic. The color scheme is aptly muted to reflect the era, offering authentic skin tones and suitable color balance. Black levels occasionally exhibit variability but generally perform reliably, adding to the stable depth of the image.

Technical precision extends to the handling of common issues. Edge enhancement and macroblocking are effectively minimized, ensuring that these distracting artifacts do not detract from the viewing experience. The transfer is notably free from significant noise filtering, allowing for a stable and immersive presentation when projected digitally. Additionally, the Blu-ray shows no visible flecks, scratches, cuts, or stains, maintaining a pristine visual integrity. Despite a few minor softness and edge enhancement issues, these do not significantly impact viewer enjoyment. Overall, this Blu-ray provides a well-crafted visual experience that aligns closely with both technical standards and the film’s artistic intent.

The Blu-ray of "Bodyguards and Assassins" provides a mixed audio experience that showcases both technical prowess and sizable oversight. On the positive side, the release is equipped with four audio tracks: Cantonese DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1, Cantonese Dolby TrueHD 7.1, Cantonese Dolby Digital 5.1, and Mandarin Dolby Digital 5.1. The high-definition audio tracks in Cantonese are particularly noteworthy, delivering loud and powerful output with exceptional surround effects, which enhance the immersive experience during action scenes. Dialogues are clear and crisp without any balance issues, and the score by Chan Kwong Wing and Peter Kam resonates well without distortions like pops, cracks, or hissings.

However, the glaring issue lies in the language options. Despite the movie's spoken language being Mandarin, the high-definition audio tracks are available only in Cantonese. This choice diminishes the authenticity, as viewers miss out on hearing the original actors’ voices in their true emotive form, which is crucial for an immersive experience. The sole Mandarin track is a standard definition Dolby Digital 5.1, which, while serviceable with clear dialogue and decent score representation, lacks the depth, nuanced effects, and clever surround usage that Blu-ray promises. This decision detracts significantly from the overall package, making it a disappointing effort given the platform's potential.

Overall, while the technical execution in terms of audio quality is commendable, the decision to sideline the original Mandarin language in favor of Cantonese high-definition tracks cannot be overlooked. The English subtitles are professionally done, adding some solace for non-Mandarin/Cantonese speakers.

The extras on the Blu Ray of "Bodyguards and Assassins" provide a decent, though limited, glimpse behind the scenes of this action-packed film. They include a standard Making Of featurette, divided into four key parts: Characters, Set & Makeup, Design, and Action. All portions are in Mandarin (and some Cantonese) with optional subtitles in English, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese. Additionally, there are three theatrical trailers, only one of which includes optional subtitles. The release also features three TV spots in Mandarin without English subtitles. These extra features offer a basic but insightful look into the film's production process and promotional materials.

Extras included in this disc:

Making of: Standard featurette divided into four parts: Characters; Set & Makeup; Design; Action.

Trailers: Three theatrical trailers, one with optional subtitles.

TV spots: Three TV spots in Mandarin, no English subtitles.

"Bodyguards and Assassins" is a meticulously crafted period-set martial arts epic that transcends its action-heavy facade. Directed by Teddy Chan, the narrative revolves around a pivotal moment in 1906 where an ensemble cast of diverse and gripping characters are tasked with ensuring Dr. Sun Yat-sen's safe passage to a crucial gathering in Hong Kong.

The film intricately weaves political unrest and personal stakes, offering a rich backdrop against which the characters' stories unfold. Li Yue-tang, portrayed by Wang Xueqi, delivers a powerhouse performance that snagged the Best Actor award from the Hong Kong Film Critics Society. Adding depth to the ensemble, Donnie Yen's portrayal of the gambler Sum Chung-yang, along with Nicholas Tse, Mengke Bateer, and Leon Lai, enriches the narrative with their layered backstories. Those expecting straightforward action might find the film’s alternating between dramatic arcs and intense action sequences challenging, although it adds a weightier context that enhances character empathy and story immersion.

From a technical perspective, the action sequences are superbly executed, offering a genuine spectacle for martial arts aficionados. Particularly notable is Leon Lai's mass battle scene with assassins wielding deadly hooks. However, the portrayal of Dr. Sun as a nearly mute shadow figure might disappoint those looking for a deeper exploration of his historical significance. Despite this, "Bodyguards and Assassins" remains a highly engaging film, combining elements of classic martial arts cinema with historical narratives to create an absorbing watch. The Blu-ray release by MegaStar is region-A locked and includes basic supplemental features such as theatrical trailers, TV spots, and a making-of featurette with subtitles in English, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese.

"Bodyguards and Assassins" presents a rich tapestry of historical drama intertwined with intricate martial arts sequences, bolstered by a stellar ensemble cast. The film sets a gripping stage with its turn-of-the-century setting, providing both visual and narrative depth. However, the Blu-ray release leaves much to be desired, especially for those seeking an immersive audiovisual experience.

Video quality is competent when considering the production budget and artistic choices; it conveys the period atmosphere effectively. Yet, the Blu-ray format's promise of elevated clarity is only partly fulfilled. On the audio front, MegaStar's decision to omit a High Definition track in Mandarin is perplexing. The reliance on a Cantonese dubbed DTS-HD track undermines the authenticity of the viewing experience. The native Mandarin track reduced to a standard DD5.1 mix disappoints, especially given the era of High Definition releases we are in.

In summary, "Bodyguards and Assassins" is an essential watch for enthusiasts of historical narratives and martial arts cinema. Its profound characterizations and compelling storyline transcend cultural boundaries, making it appealing to a global audience. However, this Blu-ray release does not do full justice to the film's audiovisual potential. Thus, while the film is wholeheartedly recommended, prospective viewers may need to wait for a more comprehensive release to truly appreciate its brilliance. For now, consider renting to experience this historical epic, but collectors may want to hold off for a superior edition.