Human Lanterns Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Human Lanterns," courtesy of 88 Asia Collection, delivers an impressive AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The restoration, which runs at an uncut 99 minutes on a BD-50 disc, significantly outshines previous DVD iterations through meticulous enhancements. Sourced from the original negative, the transfer incorporates scenes restored from lesser quality elements, demonstrating a film-like fidelity. The vivid and luminous color palette is especially striking, with rich reds and purples enhancing the film's visual appeal, although some may find these hues occasionally exaggerated. The misty, eerie ambiance is well-preserved with commendable shadow detail and consistent black levels.

Despite its mostly cohesive appearance, the transfer exhibits a few technical variances. Viewers may observe minor inconsistencies in brightness and grain resolution as the grain fluctuates across different sequences. Anomalies in brightness can manifest visibly, particularly in scenes like the opening balcony vignette involving characters Lung Shuai and Tan Fu. Additionally, some anamorphic distortions, possibly due to fisheye lens effects, appear at various points. Nonetheless, these factors do not detract significantly from the overall quality.

The presentation aims for a darker visual tone with subdued lighting, aligning with Shaw Brothers' customary cinematographic style. Despite its darker palette, it avoids major contrast issues while maintaining respectable black levels. The clarity and fine detail are preserved well, though it doesn’t achieve the razor-sharp precision seen in other Shaw Brothers films. The new transfer underscores the film's moodiness and offers the audience a compelling viewing experience that is undoubtedly the best to date for "Human Lanterns."

The Blu-ray presentation of "Human Lanterns" comes with an LPCM 2.0 Mono track in the original Mandarin, reflecting the typical audio characteristics of vintage Hong Kong cinema. The high-end frequencies can be noticeably harsh, particularly during loud effects such as the Shaw Brothers fanfare and sequences with lightning. This brashness extends to some underscore moments later in the film. Despite these audio challenges, dialogue is delivered with clarity, although some synchronization issues may arise due to post-looping of actor lines. Optional English subtitles are provided, offering a new translation from the original Mandarin.

The monaural mix of the soundtrack, delivered through a DTS-HD MA Mono Mandarin track, is characterized by an audible thinness that shows the age of the source material. While adequate, the dialogue reproduction is constrained by the vintage dubbing typical of the era. There is moderate audio distortion present throughout, which may affect the fidelity of higher notes during more intense scenes, such as sounds of torture or natural elements like lightning. Nonetheless, the soundtrack exhibits decent extension and range, capturing the signature vintage texture of the Shaw Brothers production music.

The 2.0 PCM mix is serviceable but runs hot at times, reflecting the standard limitations of vintage tracks. The recording extends sufficiently to avoid impairing the impactful musical score. Despite its flaws, the track remains faithful to the original sound design of "Human Lanterns," maintaining an engaging yet nostalgic audio experience for listeners.

The Blu-ray release of "Human Lanterns" by 88 Films is impressive, offering a treasure trove of extras that enrich the viewing experience. The packaging is exquisite, featuring a slipcover with brand-new artwork by Kung Fu Bob O'Brien, a reversible cover sleeve, and a 22-page booklet with an insightful essay by Barry Forshaw. Each interview provides unique insights into the Shaw Brothers Studio era, though the audio quality in the Lau Wing interview is notably poor, detracting slightly from its potential impact. The commentary by Kenneth Brorsson and Phil Gillon is engaging but may lack depth for some. This collection offers an immersive dive into the film's background and presents an undeniable upgrade over previous versions, making it a must-have for collectors.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Engaging discussion by Kenneth Brorsson and Phil Gillon.
• A Shaw Story: Interview with actress Susan Shaw.
• The Beauty and the Beasts: Interview with actress Linda Chu.
• Lau Wing - The Ambiguous Hero: Interview with actor Lau Wing.
• Original Trailer: The film's original theatrical trailer.

"Human Lanterns," directed by Chung Sun, stands as a vivid amalgamation of Hong Kong horror and traditional wuxia drama, marking a notable departure from the typical Shaw Brothers martial arts films. The narrative intricately weaves a dark storyline involving a rivalry between two affluent men—Lung Shuai (Tony Liu) and Tan Fu (Chen Kuan-tai)—who compete for prestige through the annual lantern festival. Unbeknownst to Lung, his chosen lantern maker, the secluded Chao Chun Fang (Lo Lieh), harbors a longstanding grudge against him, spawning a gruesome tale of vengeance. This story unfolds against a backdrop of eerie horror elements influenced by American slasher tropes and inspired by real-life serial killer narratives.

The film skillfully blends bright, traditional wuxia aesthetics with unsettling elements of graphic violence. Chao's character dons a chilling monkey costume equipped with a skull mask and metallic claws, committing heinous acts against those close to Lung. These sequences introduce an unexpected layer of horror into the high-society plot, as victims are skinned for lanterns and further tortured in gory detail. Such explicit scenes contrast sharply with the lush production design typical of Shaw Brothers' productions, creating a jarring yet thrilling viewing experience.

Chung Sun's directorial approach shines through, utilizing innovative camera work that enhances both the opera-like drama and slasher-style horror. The film’s framing often shifts from wide shots showcasing choreographed fight scenes to disorienting close-ups during torture sequences, intensifying its chilling ambiance. While "Human Lanterns" may not soar as a traditional martial arts masterpiece, its genre-blending narrative and stunning yet macabre visuals secure its place as a distinctive entry in the Shaw Brothers collection. Its shocking yet fascinating presentation continues to intrigue fans seeking more than the conventional martial arts fare.

"Human Lanterns," a cult classic from the Shaw Brothers collection, offers a unique fusion of horror and martial arts, blending visceral, gruesome elements with dynamic kung fu action. Directed by Sun Chung, this film challenges traditional genre boundaries, making it both a distinctive and engaging cinematic experience. The narrative intricately deconstructs the traditional rivalry trope, presenting a storyline where allegiances blur and audience sympathies may oscillate unexpectedly. While the film's graphic violence may perturb more sensitive viewers, its audacious plot progression and sinister aesthetic are likely to captivate die-hard genre fans.

The 88 Films Blu-ray release of "Human Lanterns" brings noteworthy technical attributes to the table. The video quality is presented with clarity that enhances the film's vivid and sometimes haunting visuals, though perfectionists might argue the potential benefits of a more comprehensive restoration. The audio quality is serviceable, if not exceptional, adequately supporting the overall presentation. This release also includes an insightful essay by Barry Forshaw that delves into the film's genre-defying nature and encourages viewers to discard traditional categorization, embracing the film's unconventional charm without preconceptions.

In conclusion, "Human Lanterns" stands as a testament to the Shaw Brothers' ability to defy genre norms and deliver a compelling narrative that merges horror and martial arts. Though not flawless, the Blu-ray release from 88 Films brings this remarkable film to new audiences with commendable packaging and valuable supplements. For fans of Wuxia, kung fu, and Hong Kong cinema’s unique history, this edition is undoubtedly recommended.