Blind Fury Blu-ray Review

The 1080p transfer of "Blind Fury" presents a mixed but generally positive experience. The detailing is commendable, with sharpness and texture definition standing out, especially in close-ups where facial details are particularly revealing. Grain is managed well, though it can get dense in lower-light scenes, giving the picture a filmic quality that remains true to its source. Colors are accurate with good saturation, maintaining a balanced contrast that provides depth without veering into either overly dull or excessively vibrant extremes. Skin tones are rendered acceptably, and black levels, while not absolute, do not present significant issues.

Nevertheless, the transfer is not without its flaws. Compression artifacts and edge enhancement are noted, detracting from the overall clarity in medium and long shots. There are also occasional signs of print wear. The updated encoding in AVC format and correct framing at 1.85:1 improve upon previous releases but cannot completely overcome the inherent limitations of the original source material. Despite these imperfections, the upgraded brightness levels do enhance the viewing experience, making it preferable to standard definition offerings.

Overall, "Blind Fury" on Blu-ray offers a superior visual experience over prior iterations. The imperfections do not overshadow the substantial improvements in detail and color accuracy, making it a worthwhile upgrade for fans and collectors.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 lossless soundtrack of "Blind Fury" impressively maximizes its stereo limitations. Although confined to two channels in the Mill Creek audio encode, the track immerses the listener with its significant width and satisfying clarity. Environmental details such as PA announcements, bus stop chattering, nighttime insect ambience, and casino sounds are crisply captured, pulling the audience into each scene effectively. Despite lacking the pinpoint definition of contemporary soundtracks, the richness of these effects compensates well within the stereo landscape. Particularly notable is the driving rain sequence in chapter six, which fills the front stage with remarkably wide and detailed sound. The depth of gunshot effects, especially from Slag’s shotgun, alongside the dynamic sword swishes and swooshes, emphasize the audio track's strong foundational presence and movement.

The mixing of "Blind Fury," reflective of its era when Dolby Stereo was at its peak and 5.1 was emerging, ensures dynamic placement of sound effects across the stereo field. The track adeptly assigns different effects to distinct speakers, effectively heightening the auditory experience despite its 2.0 configuration. Dialog clarity generally holds well in the center, maintaining prioritization and detail throughout the film. While it lacks some modern nuances, the fidelity remains robust, with clean highs and a surprisingly effective low end. Subwoofer activation is more impactful than expected during gunshots and dramatic drum sequences, reinforcing the action segments of the film. This DTS-HD MA 2.0 track is an upgrade from Mill Creek’s previous Dolby Digital 2.0 soundtrack, delivering a more satisfying auditory performance overall.

The Blu-ray release of "Blind Fury" is notably light on extras, offering viewers a barebones experience. The main menu screen only provides options to play the film or toggle subtitles. There are no supplemental materials such as behind-the-scenes footage, commentaries, or additional content, which may be disappointing for collectors and enthusiasts. However, the disc does ship with one of Mill Creek's attractive Retro VHS slipcovers, adding a nostalgic aesthetic value to the physical package. This release focuses primarily on the feature presentation without additional bonuses.

Extras included in this disc:

• Retro VHS Slipcover: A visually appealing slipcover with a nostalgic design.

"Blind Fury," featuring Rutger Hauer in a standout role as a blind swordsman, is a film that embraces its campy roots with gusto. Directed by Phillip Noyce, this 1989 release merges genres such as action, redneck horror, and even touches of '80s designer drug trade narratives into an entertaining experience. Hauer portrays Nick Parker, a Vietnam vet blinded in combat and trained in swordsmanship by Vietnamese villagers. Upon returning to the U.S., Parker battles through a seedy underworld to find his war buddy, Frank Devereaux, while caring for Frank's son, Billy. The film effectively mixes swordplay and gunplay, balancing its violent edge with lighter tones and kitschy humor.

The film excels at providing engaging action sequences and strong performances, particularly from Hauer. His portrayal of Parker is both physically demanding and emotionally compelling as he evolves from a vagabond to a protector and father figure, grappling with his blindness and past traumas. The movie features memorable antagonists, particularly Randall Tex Cobb, who brings raw grit and physicality to his role. While "Blind Fury" borrows heavily from the Zatoichi series, it distinguishes itself by treating the premise with a sense of camp rather than reverence.

Despite its few flaws, such as a misplaced R rating and occasional narrative thinness, "Blind Fury" manages to be an effective entertainer. With its brisk pace and a series of well-choreographed action set pieces—including a climactic duel against Sho Kosugi—the film maintains high energy and engagement. Its emotional core and moments of genuine loss add depth to the otherwise campy material. The Blu-ray release enhances the viewing experience, offering a superior presentation compared to previous editions. Overall, "Blind Fury" is a fun, albeit absurd, journey that leverages Hauer's performance to elevate its straightforward narrative into an enjoyable spectacle.

Mill Creek's Blu-ray release of "Blind Fury" is a commendable effort that breathes new life into this unique 1989 action film. With its Americanized take on the classic Zatoichi series, "Blind Fury" confidently embraces its campy charm and classic action tropes. The film may not rival the cinematic giants of its release year, but it delivers a solid, entertaining experience. The Blu-ray transfer provides a noticeable enhancement over previous releases, showcasing good video quality and robust audio that underscores both dialogue and action sequences effectively.

While the Blu-ray disc does lack supplemental features, the quality of the main content compensates for this omission. Viewers can expect a stable visual experience with sharpness and clarity that elevate the film's aesthetic. The audio track is equally impressive, maintaining clear dialogue and impactful sound effects throughout. These technical aspects ensure that the viewing experience remains engaging from start to finish.

In conclusion, “Blind Fury” might not hold a candle to the standout films of 1989, but it’s a staple of its genre - familiar, satisfying, and worthy of multiple viewings. Mill Creek’s Blu-ray release is a perfectly serviceable way to enjoy this cult classic with commendable video and audio quality at an affordable price. Heartily recommended for both new viewers and die-hard fans.