The Game of Clones: Bruceploitation Collection Vol. 1 Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of the "Game of Clones: Bruceploitation Collection Vol. 1" offers a high-quality viewing experience that pays homage to its historical and cultural roots. The feature documentary, "Enter the Clones of Bruce," is presented in 1080p, capturing archival footage with impressive clarity despite the mixed quality of the source material. Combining still photos, archival television snippets, and brand-new interviews, the documentary uses a style that intentionally evokes the gritty aesthetic of a 1970s grunge theater. The swift editing and creative intercuts provide an engaging and educational narrative, steering clear of monotonous docu-style presentations.

Among the fourteen feature films in this collection, a mix of 2K and 4K scans showcases dedication to preserving these unique features. Films such as "The Clones of Bruce Lee" and "Challenge of the Tiger" benefit from detailed restoration efforts, constructed from multiple archival prints to ensure the best possible versions are available. While the prints exhibit unavoidable speckling and scratches due to the age and condition of the original elements, they boast vibrant color saturation that surpasses many older transfers. This set triumphantly presents these cult classics in their original aspect ratios, offering an authenticity that complements their historical value.

The video quality across this collection does not represent pristine restoration but rather encapsulates the authentic character reminiscent of its origins. Severin's work in assembling this collection highlights both a commendable technical undertaking and a cultural preservation effort. While some films exhibit variations in condition, their presentation stands as a testament to both the resilience of the medium and the passion for cinematic history, offering an experience that is both nostalgic and visually satisfying for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

This Blu-ray audio presentation of "The Game of Clones: Bruceploitation Collection Vol. 1" provides an engaging and dynamic listening experience, particularly with its DTS-HD MA 2.0 track utilized in "Enter the Clones of Bruce". The track effectively balances an exciting blend of music, film edits, and vibrant Kung Fu sound effects without overshadowing dialogue clarity. Although the absence of a 5.1 surround mix is noted, the immersive soundscape remains robust, supporting English narration alongside occasional Chinese segments with English subtitles. This necessitates audience attention to fully appreciate the documentary's compelling narrative.

For the fourteen feature films included, audio quality is guided by DTS-HD MA 1.0 English-dubbed tracks, notable for their fidelity to the original cinematic experience. While dubbed dialogues often border on the absurd with their colloquial translations, they add a whimsical layer to the film-watching experience. Instances of audio imperfections such as hiss, pops, crackles, and sporadic dropouts are present but are handled expertly. They do not detract from the overall auditory experience; rather, they add an authentic vintage character to the presentation, highly appreciated by enthusiasts of the Brucesploitation genre. The meticulous effort to preserve and enhance audio elements is evident, contributing significantly to a well-deserved high rating for this collection.

The Game of Clones: Bruceploitation Collection Vol. 1 offers a robust array of bonus features that enrich the viewing experience, presenting a deep dive into the eccentric world of Bruceploitation cinema. With hours of supplemental content, ranging from insightful audio commentaries, guided by the knowledgeable Michael Worth and others, to fascinating interviews and roundtable discussions, this collection has something for aficionados and newcomers alike. Each disc includes specific extras that delve into the cinematic universe surrounding Bruce Lee's legacy. Noteworthy are the included outtakes, deleted scenes, and location tours that provide an engaging exploration of this unique genre. Comprehensive yet meticulously curated, these extras ensure an immersive experience not just for diehard fans but also for those intrigued by martial arts cinema’s niche appeal.

Extras included in this disc:

• Severin’s Kung Fu Theater Introduction: Introduction by Michael Worth for each film.
• Audio Commentaries: Featuring experts like Frank Djeng, Michael Worth, and others.
• Interviews and Roundtables: Engaging discussions and interviews with filmmakers.
• Deleted Scenes and Outtakes: Additional footage that offers more context to the films.
• Trailers: Original trailers for each included feature.

The Game of Clones: Bruceploitation Collection Vol. 1 on Blu-ray is an elaborate foray into the world of Brucesploitation—a unique sub-genre born out of Bruce Lee's enduring legacy. This collection, introduced by Michael Worth, combines humor, history, and an insightful dive into this eccentric cinematic phenomenon. Enter the Clones of Bruce, the included documentary by director David Gregory, sets a foundational tone by juxtaposing the iconic persona of Bruce Lee with the bizarrely creative knock-offs that followed. At 94 minutes, it serves as both guide and gateway to understanding the cultural ripples Lee's legacy left in martial arts cinema.

The Blu-ray set features fourteen films, each exemplifying a blend of peculiar plotlines and entertainment. The Clones of Bruce Lee stands out as an epitome of the absurdity and charm offered by this niche genre. With three actors portraying cloned versions of Lee embroiled in a plot for world domination, it encapsulates both the chaotic narrative style and unexpected allure of these films. While production values and audio-video quality swing notably, the appeal rests more in their ability to captivate audiences with laughs and unmatched action sequences.

Severin’s commitment to compiling this collection extends to packaging, featuring eight discs housed in a robust book-like casing, ensuring longevity and seamless access. Beyond the films themselves, a 100-page companion book offers essays and rich visual content that rounds out this voluminous set. For fans and newcomers alike, this collection presents an exhaustive yet delightful journey through the annals of martial arts cinema's quirkiest corner. It is an essential acquisition that capitalizes on nostalgia while opening new avenues for appreciation and critique.

Severin Films has once again demonstrated their dedication to niche cinema with "The Game of Clones: Brucesploitation Collection Vol. 1". This Blu-ray release captures the essence and intrigue of the Bruceploitation genre, presenting a carefully curated selection of fourteen films that span the beloved yet obscure reaches of this unique cinematic fad. Severin has collaborated with partners to ensure the best possible audio-visual experience, effectively elevating these films from their original, often less-than-perfect sources. While some of the films show their age, the video and audio quality is generally better than expected, especially considering the limited availability of these titles beyond deteriorating VHS tapes.

The collection gains substantial value from its abundant supplemental features. There are extensive commentary tracks, interviews, roundtable discussions, and introductions that provide deep insight into the historical and cultural context of Bruceploitation. Particularly noteworthy is the engaging documentary included in the set, which offers a fascinating exploration into the genre's development and enduring appeal. It's clear that the creation of these supplements was a labor of love, contributing significantly to the overall appeal of this release.

In conclusion, "The Game of Clones: Brucesploitation Collection Vol. 1" is a treasure trove for fans and collectors alike. The thoughtful curation and quality packaging reflect Severin’s commitment to preserving these cinematic curiosities. As just the introductory volume, it tantalizes with the promise of more to come, making it an essential addition for enthusiasts of Bruceploitation or eclectic cinema histories. Recommended for those looking to expand their collection with something both quirky and culturally significant, this set is best purchased directly from Severin's website to access exclusive content not available in retail editions.