Ninja III: The Domination Blu-ray Review

Scream Factory's new release of Ninja III: The Domination utilizes a 4K scan from the original film elements, resulting in a notable improvement over the previous 2013 Blu-ray release. The AVC encoded image in 1080p resolution with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio showcases a substantial upgrade in clarity and detail. Grain is more visible but remains non-intrusive, maintaining a filmic quality that enhances the visual experience. Colors are vividly saturated, presenting healthier skin tones and more vibrant primaries, especially blues and reds. Shadows display intricate details, making scenes clearer and adding depth to the image. Overall, this release offers a crisp, clean experience with excellent attention to detail, capturing everything from facial features to environmental textures impeccably.

The improved video presentation also delivers impressive black levels and contrast, ensuring deeper blacks without crushing and retaining detail in darker scenes. The environmental colors, whether capturing Arizona's lush greenery or urban expanses, are well-defined and realistic. Additionally, the film's supernatural elements, such as glowing swords and colorful exorcism sequences, benefit greatly from the enhanced color saturation and contrast. The new master breathes life into the old footage, offering refined textures in clothing and skin, with special attention given to finer details like makeup and body hair.

Scream Factory’s meticulous work on the video presentation of Ninja III: The Domination allows the film's unique 80s aesthetic to shine through. Whether it’s the neon hues or period-specific wardrobe, every element is brought to life with newfound clarity and vibrancy that were not present in earlier releases. This Blu-ray release proves that even B-level cult classics can achieve A-level visual quality when properly restored. A potential 4K UHD release with HDR or Dolby Vision would undoubtedly elevate the viewing experience even further, capturing the film’s vivid stylistic elements with even greater precision.

The audio presentation of "Ninja III: The Domination" on this Blu-ray release retains the same English 2.0 DTS-HD MA track as the 2013 edition, delivering a remarkably clean and dynamic auditory experience that is faithful to the film's original sound design. Dialogue is consistently clear and well-placed in the mix, with only minimal fuzziness during more chaotic sequences. The action sound effects are crisp and precise, particularly the clanging blades and body blows which enhance the film’s intensity. The score by Udi Harpaz and Misha Segal, characterized by its deep synth presence, fittingly embodies the 80s camp aesthetic and comes through with ample frontal authority.

Despite some moments where the audio might sound a bit dated, the overall mix remains effective, free of hiss or age-related distortions. The decision not to upscale the sound to a 5.1 surround mix is commendable; the original stereo track holds up well, supporting the film’s atmosphere without unnecessary alterations. Each element—from dialogue and musical scores to special effects—receives detailed attention with good separation and a decent width, ensuring a balanced and engaging auditory profile that maximizes the viewer’s immersion into the vintage action scenes.

The technical choices in this release—such as maintaining the original DTS-HD MA 2.0 stereo mix—underscore a thoughtful preservation of the film’s authentic audio texture. There is even some inherent low-frequency extension baked into the track, which subtly enhances the depth of particular scenes. This Blu-ray edition is a testament to high-quality audio fidelity that promises listeners an unembellished yet immersive listening experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Ninja III: The Domination" offer a compelling array of content for fans and cinephiles alike. Highlights include various engaging interviews with cast and crew, providing insider perspectives and fascinating anecdotes from the production. Lucinda Dickey's interview delves into her experiences and the challenges she faced, while Jordan Bennett and Alan Amiel share their unique insights into the film's making. Audio commentaries and isolated score selections offer in-depth technical details and background information, enhancing the overall appreciation of the movie. The extras are well-curated, making this release a must-have for enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of this cult classic.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary By Director Sam Firstenberg And Stunt Coordinator Steve Lambert: An insightful look into the filmmaking process.
• Interview With Actress Lucinda Dickey: A candid discussion of her role and career.
• Interview With Actor Jordan Bennett: Entertaining recollections and behind-the-scenes stories.
• Interview With Producer And Stuntman Alan Amiel: Reflective insights into the film’s stunts and production issues.
• Audio Interviews With Production Designer Elliot Ellentuck And Co-Composer Misha Segal Featuring Isolated Tracks From The Original Score: Mixes music and personal perspectives.
• Theatrical Trailer (HD): A glimpse into the film’s original marketing.
• Trailers From Hell Commentary With Screenwriter Josh Olson: Brief trivia and insights.
• Still Photo Gallery: Collection of publicity snaps and international poster art.
• Behind The Scenes Gallery: Showcases life on set.

"Ninja III: The Domination," a quintessential product of Cannon Films' zaniness, is an eclectic fusion of 1980s trends – martial arts, demonic possession, and aerobics. Directed by the adept Sam Firstenberg, the film pushes the limits of genre blending, intersecting the seriousness of ninja lore with the absurdity of supernatural and pop-cultural elements. The narrative commences with a Black Ninja (David Chung) on a killing spree at a golf course, only to be fatally wounded by police gunfire. His spirit transfers to Christie Ryder (Lucinda Dickey), a telephone worker and aerobics instructor, transforming her into a vessel of vengeance against his killers.

Christie's transformation, punctuated by bouts of violence and her disoriented yet determined attempts to reconcile her dual identity, forms the emotional core of the story. Sho Kosugi’s performance as the enigmatic Yamada adds an additional layer of martial integrity amid the madness. His mission is clear: only a ninja can destroy a ninja. The inexplicable narrative threads – including an exorcism scene involving V8 juice as a bizarre seduction tool – underscore the over-the-top nature of "Ninja III." Despite the ludicrous plot, Firstenberg packs the film with relentless action, often overshadowing narrative cohesion with non-stop, adrenaline-pumping sequences.

The movie's sheer commitment to absurdity makes "Ninja III: The Domination" an unintentional masterpiece of cult cinema. Lucinda Dickey energetically embraces every outlandish aspect thrown at her – from aerobics routines to intense combat – showcasing versatility that's both entertaining and endearing. The low-budget constraints of Cannon Films are visible but never impede the film's entertainment value. With its blend of laughable dialogue, exaggerated stunts, and an insane plot, "Ninja III: The Domination" achieves a chaotic harmony that ensures it remains a beloved spectacle for enthusiasts of cult classics and bad movie nights alike.

"Ninja III: The Domination," directed by Sam Firstenberg, is a quintessential example of 1980s Cannon Films' exuberant yet haphazard style. The film, starring Sho Kosugi, Lucinda Dickey, and Jordan Bennett, blends genres in a bizarre horror-action hybrid that teeters on the edge of being so bad it's good. Though technically deficient by conventional standards, it stands out for its sheer entertainment value and enthusiastic execution. From zombie ninjas to inexplicable plot twists, the film's charm lies in its unapologetically ludicrous narrative and over-the-top action sequences.

Scream Factory's Blu-ray edition significantly elevates "Ninja III: The Domination" with a remarkable 4K scan of the negative. This upgrade delivers a cleaner picture with improved colors and a robust audio mix, making it a stark enhancement over previous releases. While a direct comparison to the 2013 disc isn't made, the new edition’s enticing packaging features the original artwork and exciting new extras. The selection of bonus features, including insightful interviews and behind-the-scenes content, adds substantial value, appealing to both new viewers and long-time fans.

In conclusion, shot within just nine weeks, "Ninja III: The Domination" epitomizes a cult classic that's hilariously awful yet irresistibly engaging. While its technical merits may be limited, the film’s nostalgic charm and unrestrained creativity render it eminently watchable. Scream Factory’s impressive Collector’s Edition Blu-ray reissue is a must-have for aficionados, complete with a pristine 4K transfer and enriching extras. It’s a delightful choice for Bad Movie Night and earns a solid recommendation for its zestful execution and nostalgic significance.