Revenge of the Shogun Women Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Revenge of the Shogun Women" from Kino Lorber, encoded in MPEG-4 MVC, offers a noteworthy 3D presentation that markedly stands out. The 3-D Film Archive's restoration work brings impressive depth and vibrant 3D effects, significantly enhancing the viewing experience. The 3D elements pop substantially, with axes, blades, and spears effectively breaching the screen barrier, thus contributing to the dynamism of the kung-fu sequences. However, the presentation suffers from occasional parallax ghosting due to imperfect focal distance measurements. Though minimally disruptive, this issue slightly detracts from the immersive experience. For audiences without digital 3D setups, the proprietary Anaglyph format provides an accessible yet less preferred viewing option, offering moderate comfort and reduced visual strain compared to standard Anaglyph presentations.

Despite the successful restoration efforts, the video quality is plagued by several technical limitations inherent in the source materials. The picture quality remains mediocre, marked by print damage such as scratches, speckling, color fading, and black level instability, with a notably soft scan during numerous sequences. The most degraded sections appear during the opening bandit attack scene, though stabilization improves considerably throughout the remainder of the film. Although these issues result in an average visual presentation, the proficient restoration by 3-D Film Archive mitigates some of these inadequacies, making it an enjoyable experience for 3D enthusiasts. The aspect ratio is maintained at 2.35:1 widescreen, preserving the film's cinematic scope while highlighting its historic and visual context.

Overall, while the Blu-ray release showcases impressive 3D effects and restoration prowess, it struggles to overcome the inherent limitations of its source material in terms of visual clarity and print quality. The robust 3D engagement compensates for these flaws to some extent, delivering a fun and entertaining viewing experience that remains a testament to the film's vintage charm and action-packed sequences.

The audio presentation of "Revenge of the Shogun Women" on Blu-ray is delivered through an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track that offers a mix of nostalgic charm and technical shortcomings. The sound design is reminiscent of 70s kung-fu films, which can be endearing to those familiar with the era’s typical audio shortcomings. The dubbed lines, although occasionally nonsensical, contribute to this nostalgic experience, yet they lack clarity and depth, failing to make a substantial impression within the soundstage.

The film's electric score and exaggerated sound effects significantly enhance the viewing experience, albeit they feel somewhat mismatched, resembling a video poker soundtrack rather than a cinematic symphony. Despite these dissonances, the overall sound is engaging, as it evokes a sentimental recall of past auditory experiences tied to kung-fu cinema. However, the soundtrack sometimes exhibits slight pops and minor dropouts, though these are not overly detrimental to the audio quality.

In essence, while the audio encode may not set high standards in terms of modern surround sound technologies like Dolby Atmos, it successfully encapsulates the essence of its era. The presentation does its job of enhancing nostalgia for audiences familiar with the genre's past. Yet, those seeking a more rich, detailed auditory experience might find it lacking in sophistication and finesse. Overall, this audio track evokes mixed responses, balancing its retro appeal with evident technical limitations.

The Blu-ray extras for "Revenge of the Shogun Women" offer an engaging and technically impressive suite of features, mainly focusing on restored 3-D content from the 3-D Film Archive. Each short film is available in both Polarized 3-D and Anaglyph 3-D formats. "College Capers" is an entertaining excursion into collegiate antics, while "Persian Slave Market" subverts its serious title with an unexpected burlesque show flair. "Two Guys from Tick Ridge" provides a unique blend of commentary and visuals that feels nostalgic, akin to a humorous family photo slideshow. The inclusion of both 3-D viewing options provides flexibility for viewers, ensuring accessibility and an immersive historical experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Film Playable in 3D/2D: Offering optional anaglyph 3D with red/cyan blue glasses.
• College Capers: A whimsical college-themed short.
• Persian Slave Market: Burlesque-style short.
• Two Guys from Tick Ridge: A playful narrative-driven short.

"Revenge of the Shogun Women" is a mixed cinematic experience, brought to life through a notable 3D restoration by the 3-D Film Archive. The film’s storyline revolves around a group of women subjected to violence by bandits, who transform from victims into warrior nuns seeking vengeance. As they train in martial arts, the narrative unfolds with an intention to captivate through its unique premise. The art direction by Chih-Liang Chou adds some value, yet struggles against the backdrop of outdated cinematographic techniques. The colors and lighting fall short, unable to fully exploit the potential of the 3D medium due to budget constraints.

Mei-Chun Chang's direction presents a blend of sincere ambition tempered by technical limitations. The use of the Super-Touch 3-D system adds another layer to fight sequences, offering an engaging albeit imperfect visual spectacle marred by parallax issues. Despite these challenges, the film embraces its identity as a 3D martial arts romp, driven by dynamic, albeit repetitive, action sequences. The musical score by Robert J. Walsh and Ching Hsi Weng fails to enhance the experience significantly, providing only a mundane background that doesn't harmonize with the film's energetic tone.

The writing by Terry Chambers and Huang-Kun Lin presents an archetypal martial arts revenge plot, yet fails to develop compelling dialogue or character depth. This narrative shortcoming diminishes the emotional core of the film. While entertaining moments exist, particularly in the audacity of its fight choreography and weaponry design, "Revenge of the Shogun Women" ultimately remains a product best appreciated within its niche. It does not achieve greatness but offers an engaging historical spectacle for aficionados of martial arts cinema who appreciate its audacious, albeit flawed, execution.

"Revenge of the Shogun Women 3D" Blu-ray provides an intriguing presentation for fans of classic martial arts cinema. On the surface, the film itself doesn't push the boundaries of creativity, with a storyline that follows a predictable revenge arc. Filmmaking tends to lean towards the mediocre, offering only a routine contribution to the genre. However, the real standout attribute of this release is the impressive restoration work by 3-D Film Archive. Despite the challenging original 35mm elements, the 3D restoration succeeds in delivering visually engaging pop-out effects and remarkable image depth, although some effects can appear imperfect at times.

The audio quality complements the visual experience well, retaining the nostalgic delight of the traditional English dubbing associated with kung-fu films. The package is further enhanced by a small yet commendable selection of bonus features, including three restored 3-D shorts. While it may not garnish accolades for its cinematic prowess or storytelling, the strength of this release truly lies in its technical merits and extras that cater to collectors and 3D enthusiasts alike.

In conclusion, while "Revenge of the Shogun Women" may be a largely forgettable entry in the kung-fu film catalog on narrative grounds, the Blu-ray edition breathes new life into it. This release shines not because of its content but due to its expertly managed restoration and engaging bonus features, making it a commendable asset for any martial arts film aficionado's collection.