Iron Monkey Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Iron Monkey" by Kam & Ronson Enterprises features a 1080p resolution encoded using the AVC codec and retains the original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. The high-definition transfer, struck from a dated source, delivers a mixed visual experience. While it surpasses the US Miramax release in some respects, particularly by eliminating the thick machine noise that plagued Disney's version, it still suffers from notable drawbacks. The image lacks sharpness, with close-up shots providing some clarity but losing detail at greater distances, resulting in a generally soft and almost smudged appearance. This transfer mirrors the quality one might expect from an upscale DVD rather than a pristine HD source.

Despite its shortcomings in fine object detail and clarity, this release manages to avoid significant print degradation issues. There is no severe print damage; only minor scratches and debris appear sporadically but are not overly distracting. Contrast levels vary throughout the film, leading to some washed-out early scenes and more vivid colors later on, though blacks remain weak, and whites occasionally exhibit minimal blooming. The transfer’s dated, organic look feels more filmic compared to its US counterpart, but overall—whether derived from a 35mm print or an upscale—the image quality does not meet the high standards expected in contemporary Blu-ray releases. Nonetheless, this version offers an improvement over previous editions and captures more of the original filmic essence, making it a considerable release for fans of the genre despite its evident limitations.

The audio presentation of the "Iron Monkey" Blu-ray disc provides three distinct tracks: Cantonese Dolby TrueHD 7.1, Mandarin Dolby Digital EX 5.1, and Thai Dolby Digital EX 5.1. Opting for the lossless Cantonese Dolby TrueHD 7.1 track, we find it to be an advantage over previous releases, where the Cantonese track was lossy. This track enhances the rear channels effectively during action-packed fight scenes, and delivers impactful bass particularly during climactic musical scores like 'On the General’s Orders'. However, there are issues with level consistency and volume fluctuations. Such inconsistencies often remind us that much of this audio likely originated from simpler mono material.

The center channel maintains commendable clarity, despite some dubbed voices occasionally sounding tinny and subdued. The front channels provide a wide and expansive soundstage, incorporating directionality and discrete noises, albeit in a somewhat unsubtle manner. While the dialogue remains clean and stable, occasional lip-sync issues arise due to original recording practices, where actors performed their lines in Mandarin. Despite these minor flaws, the track's overall fidelity and use of all channels create an immersive auditory experience, making this a strong offering for enthusiasts who prefer a modern, dynamic audio presentation over the original mono track.

Subtitles are available in English, Thai, and Traditional Chinese, offering adequate support for non-native listeners. Though generally accurate, the subtitle transitions may sometimes feel abrupt. This release’s audio stands out against previous versions and proves itself an engaging yet slightly flawed rendition of "Iron Monkey’s" sonic landscape.

The "Iron Monkey" Blu-ray extras are a significant enhancement to the overall viewing experience, bringing added depth and context to the film. Among the offerings, the trailers provide a nostalgic glimpse into the movie's original marketing, though they are in Cantonese without subtitles and vary in video quality—one in crisp 1080p and the other in standard 480i. These features are clearly aimed at purists and fans who appreciate raw historical content. The inclusion of multiple trailers demonstrates a commendable effort to preserve and present different iterations of promotional material, giving viewers a fuller picture of the film’s release history.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer 1: In Cantonese, not subtitled.
• Trailer 2: In Cantonese, not subtitled.

"Iron Monkey," directed by Yuen Woo-ping and produced by Tsui Hark, stands as a notable exemplar of early nineties kung fu cinema. This film not only showcases Yuen Woo-ping's intricate wirework choreography but also serves as an engaging prequel to the Wong Fei-hung saga. The plot follows a 12-year-old Wong Fei-hung and his father, Wong Kei-ying, in their struggle against corruption and tyranny. After Fei-hung is captured, Kei-ying is coerced into hunting down the enigmatic Iron Monkey, an endeavor that draws him into a complex web of local resistance.

The film's technical aspects are commendable, albeit with some room for improvement. The Blu-ray release distributed by Kam & Ronson Enterprises presents "Iron Monkey" in Cantonese with optional English, Traditional Chinese, and Thai subtitles. However, the image quality remains somewhat lackluster, characterized by a softness and lack of detail that diminishes the visual impact of the film's elaborate period decors and costumes. While the audio ambitiously employs an eight-channel mix, some level inconsistencies are noticeable.

"Iron Monkey" enthralls viewers with its brilliantly choreographed fight scenes, which highlight the burgeoning talent of Donnie Yen. Set against lush period settings, the narrative weaves humor, action, and drama into a cohesive tapestry. Though it is heavily rooted in Chinese folklore, the storyline's essence echoes that of Robin Hood, making it both exotic and familiar. Particularly striking is the educational aspect embedded in the final third of the film, during which various kung fu techniques are explicitly showcased and described. Despite some minor preachy moments and less-than-impressive editing, "Iron Monkey" remains a masterclass in martial arts cinema, blending high-quality action with sufficient depth to captivate a diverse audience.

The Blu-ray release of "Iron Monkey" presents an impressive visual display, particularly notable for the improved black levels and color fidelity which significantly enhance the viewing experience. The remastered 1080p transfer is free from the pervasive grain or noise present in previous editions, offering a cleaner and more detailed picture. This release supplants earlier versions, including the Disney edition, by providing a pristine presentation that respects the film's original aesthetic.

Audio quality also receives a substantial upgrade in this release. The original Cantonese track is available as a lossless option, ensuring that purists can enjoy the film as it was initially intended. The dialogue is crisp, and the sound effects, essential for a martial arts film with meticulously choreographed fight scenes, are clear and impactful. Subtle background sounds are more discernible, contributing to a more immersive auditory experience.

If you like Yuen Woo-ping's Iron Monkey and are looking to add it to your collections, I suggest you grab this Blu-ray release, courtesy of Hong Kong-based distributors Kam & Ronson Enterprises. Though not perfect, it looks better than the one Disney produced quite some time ago, and it also has the original Cantonese track as a lossless option. If you reside in a Region-B territory, please keep in mind that the disc is Region-A locked. RECOMMENDED.