The Clones of Bruce Lee Blu-ray Review

"The Clones of Bruce Lee" on Blu-ray, presented by Severin Films, provides a curious mix of quality and inconsistency. Utilizing an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 2.35:1 aspect ratio, this edition sources from two distinct 35mm prints—German and Italian. The resulting visual presentation is defined by its grindhouse aesthetic, marked by persistent damage, vertical scratches, and a consistent layer of dust. These elements authentically mirror the projected film look, appeasing genre enthusiasts who value this retro charm. The notable absence of judder is commendable, underscoring the restoration team's adept handling of the material.

While resolution exceeds initial expectations, exhibiting impressive definition in many scenes, viewers might note highly inconsistent sharpness. Particularly noticeable is an anamorphic distortion where the frame edges appear skewed, likening to a parallelogram formation rather than a true rectangle. This anomaly, though minor, can lend to a disorienting viewing experience in certain segments. Nevertheless, the sharpness and detail seen across the high-resolution scan reveal a latent quality that surprises positively.

Color fidelity in "The Clones of Bruce Lee" offers a mixed palette. Some scenes, like those in the doctor's lab with erratic lighting, exhibit high saturation levels. However, color temperature and density variances lead to a faded appearance with brownish undertones in other segments. Despite this, primary colors, especially flesh tones, maintain stability against an otherwise erratic backdrop. Contrast and shadow detailing are crisp, enhancing visual aesthetics while reinforcing the film's vintage allure. While not flawless, the overall presentation combines nostalgic authenticity with a surprisingly high level of technical proficiency given its challenging sources.

The audio presentation of "The Clones of Bruce Lee" on Blu Ray employs a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono track, which showcases a mix of strengths and weaknesses. While it delivers a surprisingly full-bodied experience with some aspects of the score, there is an underlying background hiss that permeates the track. The overall sound profile is boxy, particularly noticeable during effect-heavy sequences, and the high end tends to be brash and bright.

As exclusively an English dub, the DTS-HD mix makes notable improvements over previous home releases but still falls short in some areas. Despite efforts, the dialogue is often crackling with trebles that are overextended. Both music distortion and skipping are present, creating an inconsistent auditory experience. The dub itself suffers from poor lip-syncing, although optional English subtitles are provided to assist with comprehension.

Overall, while the audio track may not meet high expectations, it represents a technical enhancement over earlier iterations. Despite its flaws, audiophiles and fans of the martial arts genre will find some merit in its historical fidelity and improved clarity.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Clones of Bruce Lee" feature an enriching array of content that deepens the viewer's appreciation of Bruce Lee-inspired cinema. The audio commentary is particularly noteworthy, featuring a diverse mix of experts including Michael Worth and Frank Djeng, who bring forward their extensive knowledge and passion for the genre. Notably, Brandon Bentley and Chris Poggiali add depth with historical insights, while Mike Leeder and John Kreng offer perspectives on action choreography and stunt coordination. Jon T. Benn’s interview serves as a poignant reflection on his experiences, adding a personal touch to the retrospective discourses presented. Michael Worth’s participation furthers authenticity in Severin's Kung Fu Theater segment, accompanied by an engaging trailer to encapsulate the viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful discussion featuring historians and industry experts.
• The Big Boss Remembered: Interview with actor Jon T. Benn.
• Severin's Kung Fu Theater: Introduction by Michael Worth.
• Trailer: Captivating preview of the film.

"The Clones of Bruce Lee," part of Severin's "The Game of Clones: Bruceploitation Collection Vol. 1," is quintessentially outlandish, amplifying the bizarre charm often associated with the Brucesploitation subgenre. The film's absurd premise—a mad scientist cloning Bruce Lee to battle nefarious forces—catapults viewers into a realm of chaotic kung fu escapades. The film uniquely features not one, but three actors (Bruce Le, Bruce Lai, and Dragon Lee) embodying the iconic martial artist's persona, escalating the narrative to almost parodic levels. This adds to the unintentional hilarity that echo throughout the plot, which Michael Worth aptly likens to "Plan 9 from Outer Space."

Technically, "The Clones of Bruce Lee" doesn't boast commendable cinematography or fight choreography. It heavily leans into its campy execution, utilizing low-budget special effects, such as fighters turned metallic by injections and fighting off adversaries by consuming poisonous plants. Gratuitous scenes, such as clones encountering nude women on a beach, further underline the film's exploitative tendencies aimed at unapologetically maximizing viewer engagement through sheer absurdity.

While ethically questionable and creatively shallow, the film never seeks to mask its blatant intentions to profit off Bruce Lee's legacy. Production choices sacrifice narrative integrity for spectacle, with no pretense of delving into scientific ethics or plausibility. Instead, it parades these cloned figures, calling no attention to their lack of resemblance to each other or Bruce Lee himself. Despite its myriad flaws, the movie's audacity and entertaining folly have cemented its place as an emblem of exploitation cinema, appealing to viewers drawn to its idiosyncratic bravado and nostalgic charm.

"The Clones of Bruce Lee" Blu-ray offers an intriguing dive into the zany world of Brucesploitation, delivering a kitschy and entertaining spectacle that appeals to niche audiences. The film is a quintessential example of the genre's notorious flair for absurdity and ridiculous plotlines, marrying hilarity with unintentional brilliance. Technical aspects of this release are commendable for a film of this kind, offering reasonable video and audio quality that aligns with expectations for remastered versions of exploitation films from this era.

The Blu-ray set comes with an array of engaging supplements that heighten its appeal to fans and collectors. Michael Worth's introduction sets the tone perfectly, acknowledging the film's wild nature and inviting viewers to embrace its eccentricities. These extras complement the viewing experience, adding historical context and enhancing appreciation for this bizarre cinematic piece. While the film itself might be lacking in conventional cinematic value, its contribution to the cult genre cannot be underestimated.

In conclusion, "The Clones of Bruce Lee" Blu-ray serves as a fascinating artifact for those interested in the oddball corners of martial arts cinema. It is ridiculous and nonsensical, but therein lies its charm; this film is an exemplary piece for launching a home-conceived Brucesploitation Film Festival. With modest technical delivery and highly entertaining extras, it promises a unique viewing experience that celebrates the weird and wonderful in film history.