Rage of Honor Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video's Blu-ray release of "Rage of Honor" showcases an AVC encoded 1080p transfer at an aspect ratio of 1.85:1, with bookend credits sequences presented in 2.35:1 due to title safe issues. The transfer, sourced from a 35mm interpositive struck from the original negative by MGM, carries an inherent nostalgic charm though it does exhibit some technical difficulties. Issues such as wobble during credits, inconsistent grain management, and recurrent purplish-hued scratches indicate the material's age and the utilization of an older master. Some grain-heavy scenes tend to mask fine details, though attempted sharpening has improved visibility marginally.

Despite these imperfections, there are visual elements that stand out positively. Daylight scenes reveal sharp details, making it possible to discern facial features, makeup blemishes, and clothing stitching with clarity. Color grading remains consistent, though the overall palette exhibits signs of aging with some dull spots. Black levels are pleasingly deep and skin tones appear natural across various scenes. The roughness of the darker sequences and occasional video noise present a challenge but remain within acceptable viewing tolerances given the film's vintage and budget constraints. Overall, while not a flawless restoration, this transfer reflects "Rage of Honor" in perhaps the best quality seen to date on Blu-ray.

The Blu-ray release of "Rage of Honor" features a lossless LPCM 2.0 stereo track that offers commendable robustness, particularly during sequences involving hand-to-hand combat, gunfire, and explosions. These sound effects, while frequent and amusing, lack the heft and depth that truly immersive soundtracks provide. Dialogue remains clear, though often delivered in a relatively monotone manner, which inherently limits any opportunity for dynamic range. Nevertheless, these spoken elements are audible and coherent throughout the film.

A particularly notable element of this audio presentation is the synth score, which effectively becomes the focal point of the track. It is robust, loud, and well-rendered, frequently overshadowing other audio elements, almost to the detriment of the overall auditory experience. While the dialogue and sound effects are adequately supported, they don't exhibit the immersive quality one might expect, making the lack of a 5.1 mix option a noticeable omission. The track fulfills its purpose but falls short of delivering a fully enveloping aural experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Rage of Honor" offers a compelling assortment of extras that provide both insightful and nostalgic reflections on Sho Kosugi’s career and the film. A standout among the extras is "Sho and Tell Part 2," which continues the engaging interview from the "Pray for Death" release, delving deeper into Kosugi's experiences and collaborations. Additionally, the "American Ninjas" segment, featuring writer Chris Poggiali, offers notable reflections on Kosugi’s influence in integrating ninjas into American cinema. Despite its brevity, Stelvio Cipriani’s interview sheds light on his musical contributions. To round out the package, a trailer gallery showcases various Kosugi classics, alongside an informative Arrow booklet filled with essays and stills.

Extras included in this disc:

• Sho and Tell Part 2: Continuation of an interview with Sho Kosugi discussing his career.
• Stelvio Cipriani Interview: Brief insights from the film's composer.
• American Ninjas: Writer Chris Poggiali on Kosugi's impact on American ninja films.
• Sho Kosugi Trailer Gallery: Features trailers from "Enter the Ninja," "Revenge of the Ninja," "Pray for Death," and "Rage of Honor."

“Rage of Honor” captures a unique moment in 80s action cinema, starring martial arts icon Sho Kosugi. The film, directed by Gordon Hessler, is characterized by its manic pace and relentless action sequences, establishing an undeniably exciting atmosphere. While the narrative revolves around DEA agent Shiro Tanaka's (Kosugi) quest for vengeance following his partner's murder, it merely serves as a vehicle to transition between the film’s numerous fight scenes. These setups blend traditional martial arts confrontations with outlandish elements like ninja discs, keeping the adrenaline consistently high. Despite the thin plot, Hessler’s flair for exhilarating set pieces keeps the audience engaged.

The film’s continual shift through diverse locales and its multiplicity of sidebars contribute to a chaotic narrative that at times verges on bewilderment. Kosugi, though a formidable martial artist, struggles to bring depth to Shiro’s character in non-action moments, resulting in a somewhat somnambulant performance. The supporting cast, including Robin Evans as Shiro’s girlfriend, fails to lift the energy during dialogue-heavy scenes. Nevertheless, Lewis Van Bergen’s portrayal of the antagonist Havlock stands out. Van Bergen transforms Havlock into a compellingly unhinged villain, providing a stark contrast to the otherwise flat characterizations. His over-the-top performance injects much-needed vibrancy and a sense of genuine menace into the film.

Ultimately, “Rage of Honor” may not be among Kosugi’s best, but it delivers on its promise of high-octane action and provides an intriguing example of 80s martial arts cinema blended with spy-thriller elements. The film’s humor is inadvertently enhanced by plot holes and cheesy dialogue, appealing to fans of the 'so bad it's good' genre. The excellent synth score complements this adventurous tone, amplifying the film's nostalgia and entertainment value for aficionados of classic ninja flicks.

Rage of Honor offers a mixed bag of entertainment that will primarily appeal to fans of 1980s ninja films. The movie's narrative might not win any awards for originality or complexity, and its tone often veers into unintentional comedy due to its overly serious approach. However, Sho Kosugi's impressive martial arts choreography injects a level of excitement and authenticity to the combat scenes that fans of the genre will appreciate.

On the technical side, the Blu-ray release of Rage of Honor exhibits some audio and visual limitations. While the video quality showcases noticeable issues, likely linked to the original film elements, it remains watchable and perhaps represents the best transfer this film has seen to date. The audio track is serviceable, ensuring dialogue and sound effects are clear enough for an enjoyable viewing experience. The special features, though somewhat brief, add value for collectors and enthusiasts, offering insights into the film’s production and context.

In conclusion, Rage of Honor isn't a standout film in any regard except for its entertaining action sequences and Sho Kosugi's fighting prowess. For those who have a penchant for B-movie ninja action from the 1980s, this Blu-ray provides a nostalgic trip worth taking despite its technical flaws. It comes recommended for genre aficionados while likely holding lesser appeal for general audiences.