The Valiant Ones Blu-ray Review

Eureka! Entertainment's Blu-ray release of "The Valiant Ones" under the Masters of Cinema imprint provides an impressive visual experience, meticulously restored from director King Hu's original 35mm negatives. The 2160p AVC encoded transfer in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio showcases a vibrant and pristine palette, achieved through digital color grading based on the original timing sheets. Reds and blues exhibit stunning vibrancy, and the intricate designs of wuxia costumes are beautifully rendered. The digital restoration, completed by L'Immagine Ritrovata, effectively removes scratches, spots, and flickering while reducing audio background noise for an enhanced viewing experience.

The restoration process involved painstaking cleaning and repair of the elements, maintaining the integrity of the film's visual depth. Despite past damages such as loose splices and faded dyes, the result is a vivid presentation occasionally marked by slight inconsistencies in density and clarity, especially in some midrange and wide shots. Nonetheless, textures of fabrics and set details resolve exceptionally well, revealing significant fine detail, particularly in close-ups which offer sharpness and depth.

The film benefits from exceptional color correction and stabilization, with maintained grain structure that resolves smoothly without significant issues. Although grain becomes more pronounced during optical sequences, it is managed skillfully. The color palette, rich in primary tones, supports exterior action scenes with deep blacks and strong contrasts. The 1080p and 4K restorations both deliver high-quality visuals; however, the Blu-ray’s appearance is consistent and engaging throughout, constituting a nearly flawless transfer that does justice to the original cinematic intention.

The audio presentation of "The Valiant Ones" on Blu Ray is anchored in an LPCM Mono 1.0 track, preserving the original Mandarin dialogue. The sound quality reveals some noticeable constraints, notably a tendency toward boxiness and brightness in higher frequencies, which can verge on brashness, particularly in the musical score. Despite these characteristics, the track is devoid of pervasive damage, maintaining overall clarity.

Dialogue is a particular strength of this audio track, presented cleanly and distinctly, ensuring the original performances are conveyed with accuracy. The percussive elements of the score and accompanying sound effects resonate effectively, though they share the mono track's inherent boxy texture. The soundtrack appears to have undergone a restoration process; however, it doesn't reach the same level of improvement seen in the visual restoration. Parts of the audio may seem filtered at both ends of the spectrum.

Subtitles are available in English, displayed in a clear white font within the scope’s presentation, enhancing the accessibility without detracting from the viewing experience. Overall, while not flawless, the Blu Ray’s audio component appropriately matches the film's historical and atmospheric tone, offering a respectful homage to its original release.

The Blu-ray release of "The Valiant Ones" by Eureka Entertainment offers a robust collection of extras that deeply enrich the viewing experience. This edition, making its debut in North America, is thoughtfully packaged with a slipcase featuring striking artwork by Grégory Sacré and accompanied by an insightful collector’s booklet penned by Jonathan Clements. The disc itself is equipped with a region-coded feature for both A and B regions, strategically catering to a broad audience of wuxia enthusiasts. The extras meticulously dissect elements of Hong Kong cinema, with Frank Djeng providing an authoritative audio commentary. The inclusion of both new interviews and archival materials ensures a comprehensive exploration of King Hu's influence. Additional content includes reflective segments with industry veterans, underscoring the historical and cultural significance of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Frank Djeng: Expert insights on the film and its context.
• Tony Rayns on The Valiant Ones: Discusses King Hu and significant industry rivalries.
• Tsar of all Wuxia: David Cairns’ essay focuses on director Hu.
• The Life of a Lucky Stuntman: Interview with stuntman Billy Chan.
• My Father and I: Ng Ming-choi, son of King Hu, shares personal insights.
• Memories of Hu: Archival interview with Roger Garcia on the film's legacy.
• Frédéric Ambroisine 2003 Interview with Hsu Feng: Features insights from the celebrated actress.
• Frédéric Ambroisine 2016 Interview with Ng Ming-choi: Shares further reflections from Hu’s son.

"The Valiant Ones," a masterful work by renowned director King Hu, is a visually arresting film that captures the essence of the wuxia genre while subtly branching into broader narrative territories. Set during the late Ming Dynasty, the plot delves into the intricate web of political intrigue and piracy as Japanese pirates, led by Hakatatsu played by a young Sammo Hung, wreak havoc along China's coast. The storyline follows General Zhu Wan's endeavor to curb this menace by assembling a group of exceptional martial artists, including the notable couple Wu Ji-yuan and Wu Ro-shi.

With dynamic swordplay choreography from Hung, "The Valiant Ones" stands as one of King Hu's exemplary forays in wuxia cinema. The film showcases a harmonious blend of action and storytelling that highlights Hu’s artistic craftsmanship. Although less philosophically intense than "A Touch of Zen," it retains a compelling narrative marked by stunning cinematography that captures sweeping landscapes and vibrant battle sequences. Despite its commercial nature aimed at mass audiences, the film subtly reflects Hu’s personal statement against the prevalent industry powers, embracing an epic scope that contrasts the simpler, frenetic action pace often found in contemporaneous wuxia films.

Despite not achieving the widespread acclaim of Hu’s earlier works, "The Valiant Ones" deserves recognition for its innovation and contribution to the genre. The historical context woven into its plot provides a rich, immersive experience, complemented by Hung's choreography that hints at the emerging kung fu cinema era in Hong Kong. Although this might have been one of the last significant wuxia endeavors from Hu as the genre waned in comparison to modern kung fu cinema, it remains a testament to his significant impact on the genre and cinematic artistry.

The Blu-ray release of "The Valiant Ones" offers a remarkable presentation of King Hu's notable wuxia film, drawing audiences into a captivating narrative about Japanese pirates and government corruption in coastal China. The film stands as one of Hu's last masterpieces, maintaining his signature flair for combining action-packed sequences with intricate storytelling. The Blu-ray transfer is generally solid, ensuring that the breathtaking visuals and deftly choreographed action scenes are presented with clarity, though it's worth noting that it may lack some of the refinements seen in its 4K UHD counterpart from Eureka.

On a technical note, this Blu-ray version delivers reliable audio quality, complementing the film's rich musical score and dynamic sound effects. Although not flawless, the restoration endeavors to uphold the film's visual integrity, rendering it both a historically and aesthetically meaningful addition to any collection. The attention given to the film's visual and auditory elements underscores its enduring appeal and cinematic legacy.

In conclusion, "The Valiant Ones" Blu-ray release is both an elegiac tribute to King Hu's oeuvre and a testament to his enduring influence on the wuxia genre. The film’s aesthetic beauty and compelling narrative resonate strongly, likely overshadowing any technical inconsistencies present in this format. The exceptional supplementary content enhances the viewing experience, offering valuable insights into Hu's creative process and the film’s contexts. Therefore, despite minor technical variances, this release is highly recommended for both enthusiasts of King Hu's work and newcomers to wuxia cinema.