Shanghai Triad Blu-ray Review

Film Movement Classics presents "Shanghai Triad" on Blu-ray with an impressive AVC encoded 1080p transfer at a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Utilizing a digitally restored source, this release stands out especially due to its distinct visual fidelity. While lacking detailed technical specifications on the packaging, it's notable that the color timing appears cooler when compared to previous releases, enhancing the film's atmospheric quality. The vivid reds in Gong Li’s nightclub scenes are natural and vibrant, and although some may find the overall brightness slightly elevated, it complements the film’s aesthetic. Although occasional graininess and minor age-related imperfections are present, Zhang Yimou's meticulous use of close-ups ensures that detail levels remain consistently high.

The encoding and resolution maintain the intricate period details from the original 90s film. The restoration process significantly enhances clarity, making the visual experience immersive. The depth in scenes is well-handled, reflecting careful spacing that prevents any flattening of the image, which is particularly noticeable in critical finale sequences. Black levels are executed expertly, providing robust contrast without loss of definition.

Color reproduction is another highlight of this Blu-ray presentation. The elaborate and varied costuming, especially for Li's character, is rendered with striking accuracy, which adds to the visual appeal. Flesh tones are depicted meticulously, offering impressive realism. The minimal noise and absence of artifacts – thanks to a diligent restoration effort – ensure that the viewing experience remains smooth and consistent throughout, preserving the film’s historical and cinematic integrity while providing viewers a pristine visual presentation.

The audio presentation of "Shanghai Triad" on Blu-Ray is delivered through an LPCM 2.0 track in the original Mandarin, providing a refined and authentic auditory experience. Dialogue is clear and articulate, ensuring that every line is easily discernible. The soundtrack effectively balances the intricacies of the film's score with other sonic elements, contributing to an immersive audio environment. In particular, the musical performances within the nightclub scenes are rendered with precision, adding to the film’s atmospheric authenticity.

Ambient sounds are also well-captured, especially in more rural settings following the narrative’s shift to the island, where environmental sounds are rendered with realism. Despite the absence of surround sound or low-frequency extension, the LPCM 2.0 stereo track manages to maintain a satisfactory depth and clarity throughout. Moreover, all dialogue is consistently reproduced at appropriate levels, ensuring a cohesive audio experience without noticeable distortions or imbalances.

Overall, the Mandarin 2.0 track on this Blu-Ray release does justice to the film’s auditory demands. English subtitles are included for non-Mandarin speakers, completing the experience with sufficient accessibility. While the track does not leverage advanced audio formats like DTS or Dolby Atmos, it fulfills its role admirably within the scope of its stereo configuration, making this audio presentation suitable for both casual viewers and enthusiasts seeking fidelity to the original production.

The Blu-ray release of "Shanghai Triad" includes a modest, yet insightful array of extras that enhance the viewing experience with cultural and cinematic context. The standout feature is a detailed video essay by Grady Hendrix, which thoughtfully delves into director Zhang Yimou's thematic intentions and the film's significance within the gangster genre. Additionally, the disc presents a variety of trailers and an informative booklet, which collectively provide depth and appreciation for both the film and its production nuances. For cinephiles and scholars alike, these extras offer valuable perspectives on this relatively lesser-known work in Yimou's oeuvre.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trouble in Shanghai: Grady Hendrix's video essay examining Yimou's thematic goals.
• Shanghai Triad Trailer: Original movie trailer.
• Trailers for Other Film Movement Releases: Selection of trailers.
• About Film Movement: Text information and a trailer about the distributor.
• Booklet: Essay by John Berra with additional commentary by Kelefa Sanneh.

Set against the backdrop of 1930s Shanghai, "Shanghai Triad" masterfully combines the elegance and cerebral complexity of Zhang Yimou's filmmaking ethos with a distinct twist on the gangster genre. Following the journey of 14-year-old Tang Shuisheng (Wang Xiaoxiao), who is thrust into the treacherous world of cabaret singer and Triad mistress Xiao Jinbao (Gong Li), the film explores themes of power, survival, and the corrupting influence of wealth. Through Tang’s naïve eyes, viewers bear witness to the escalating tensions and internal conflicts of a crime syndicate, culminating in a compelling narrative that strays from traditional gangster tropes.

Yimou’s exquisite direction and visual flair are evident in the film's lush period design, meticulously crafted costuming, and evocative cinematography. He skillfully uses framing to subtly suggest a voyeuristic element, making the audience feel as though they are spying on the characters’ clandestine activities. The film employs innovative camera techniques, such as shooting through doors or windows, adding layers of meaning and depth to the viewing experience. Despite its methodical pace, "Shanghai Triad" effectively ramps up tension, leading to an intense and unconventional climax that resonates deeply with its thematic undercurrents.

Notably, the film navigates the stringent rules concerning the depiction of criminality in Chinese cinema, prioritizing thematic exploration over conventional gangster violence. This approach, combined with Gong Li’s captivating portrayal of Jinbao, endows the film with an intricate emotional landscape. Jinbao's journey towards self-reckoning amid a tumultuous escape to the countryside adds further dimension to her character, contrasting her initial portrayal of power and control with vulnerability and moral reflection. In sum, "Shanghai Triad" offers a richly textured narrative imbued with Zhang Yimou’s characteristic grace and profundity, securing its place as a distinguished entry in the pantheon of classic gangster cinema.

"Shanghai Triad," directed by Zhang Yimou, stands as an intricate portrayal of gangland life in 1930s Shanghai. This Blu-ray release, presented by Film Movement, offers a technically solid presentation, with satisfactory color timing and reliable audio quality. Gong Li delivers a powerful performance, encapsulating the narrative's tension and complexity. While the film may not be Yimou’s most renowned work, it remains a significant entry in his illustrious career, providing a compelling story with rich thematic undertones.

The film’s narrative structure and stunning cinematography are well supported by the Blu-ray's high-definition transfer. Fans will appreciate the clarity and depth of the visuals, capturing the atmospheric intensity of Shanghai’s underworld. However, a minor disappointment lies in the lack of detailed information regarding the provenance of the transfer—information that devotees of high-quality video presentations often seek. Despite these concerns, the technical merits hold firm, making for an engaging viewing experience.

Overall, "Shanghai Triad" offers both a visual and auditory treat for fans of Zhang Yimou and those who enjoy thought-provoking gangster dramas. While there is room for improvement in terms of additional content and detailed transfer documentation, this release is a worthwhile addition to any cinephile's collection.

While Grady Hendrix's thoughts about this being a coded version of the relationship between Gong Li and Zhang Yimou may strike some as at least interesting if perhaps not completely convincing, on a more general level, I think "Shanghai Triad" can be appreciated as being a film about people who are observing events and other people and finding things there that they didn't expect and which can be disturbing at times. That more general assessment certainly supports Hendrix's thesis about the relationship between Gong Li and Zhang Yimou, but it can also broaden out into some other perceptions, including meta aspects like Zhang seeing a downside to the Capitalism invading China, but also on a purely inherent plot level as Shuisheng in particular, but other characters as well, view the machinations of gangland life with some alarm. I wish Film Movement would start giving videophiles a bit more information on the provenance of their transfers, and those with a special interest in this film should probably carefully compare the appearance of this release with the Hong Kong release that Svet reviewed now quite some time ago. While the color timing looks different to me, generally speaking technical merits are solid, and Hendrix's appreciation is a fun listen. Recommended.