Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe" on Blu-ray, courtesy of Well Go USA, is rendered with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. This release exhibits a slightly less vibrant aesthetic compared to its sequel, "Mojin: The Lost Legend", with a honey and teal color grading that lends a more subdued and slightly muted feel. While the film was digitally shot and possibly intended for a 3D release overseas, the disc available domestically is strictly 2D. The picture quality demonstrates good to almost great fine detail, especially in clothing and skin textures, although some sequences suffer from dodgy CGI typical of Asian cinema.

In terms of color palette, the Blu-ray offers a lush, lustrous experience, particularly in scenes set in barren desert environments and colorful underground tombs where bright reds and blues stand out. Contrast is generally strong and aids in providing above-average shadow detail, essential for the numerous dark sequences. However, a significant issue is the persistent banding in darker scenes. This anomaly is particularly noticeable in the underwater sequence during the film's opening 15 minutes and persists, albeit in a minor form, throughout the film. Despite these issues, the video transfer still manages to offer substantial depth, emulating the intended 3D dimensionality in a capable 2D format.

Overall, while there are some visual shortcomings like CGI inconsistencies and persistent banding, "Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe" delivers a solid high-definition image that maintains viewer engagement with its rich color palette and fine detail.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track in Mandarin for "Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe" offers a robust and immersive auditory experience. The ambient soundscape is consistently impressive, with well-deployed surround usage creating a richly detailed sound field. From the subtle whispers between Hu Bayi and Shirley to the thunderous stomps of demons and intense gunfire, every element is finely tuned. Although the Low-Frequency Effects (LFE) are slightly less pronounced compared to its sequel, they remain powerful, enhancing dramatic moments like explosive battle scenes.

Dialog is firmly anchored in the center channel and remains clear and intelligible throughout, with no issues of prioritization. Noteworthy sequences include explosions in a cave and a subsequent avalanche, where LFE rumbles through the subwoofer to great effect. Additionally, fun effects such as fire bats attacking soldiers are handled with well-placed discrete channelization, adding to the track's dynamic range. Overall, the audio presentation is a high-quality and immersive component of the Blu-ray experience.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe" provide a compelling and informative look behind the scenes. The Making Of featurette, while brief, offers insightful glimpses into the creation of visual effects, giving audiences an appreciation for the technical prowess involved in bringing the film's supernatural elements to life. Although concise, these extras enrich the viewing experience by shedding light on production nuances and creative decisions, offering value to both casual viewers and dedicated fans of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making of: Brief insights into the VFX creation and other production aspects.
• Trailer: Provides a teaser of the film.

"Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe" serves as an engaging, if somewhat perplexing, entry into the “Tomb Raider” like Chinese film series inspired by Tianxia Bachang’s novels. The movie, helmed by director Lu Chuan, explores the journey of Hu Bayi (Mark Chao) during China’s cultural revolution. Under the rule of Professor Yang (Wang Qingxiang) and his daughter, Ping aka Shirley (Yao Chen), Hu uncovers a hidden fortress known as the “Demon Pagoda.” This setting establishes the core mystery involving a spectral tribe and a potential alien race that once threatened Earth. Unfortunately, despite the intricate backdrops and historical references, the film leaves many narrative threads unresolved, leading to a sequel-like dissatisfaction with multiple loose ends left to dangle intriguingly but frustratingly.

The characters’ journey is loaded with thrilling moments of tomb raiding, supernatural encounters, and political undertones that make subtle jabs at historical promises of China’s communist era. Noteworthy is the depiction of a ravaged oil town, drawing seemingly provocative parallels to Mao’s Red Guards and the nation’s industrial propaganda. However, even with its fascinating subtexts, the film suffers from inconsistencies in character arcs—Hu Bayi is shown grappling with past losses amid unexplained supernatural phenomena associated with Shirley. Yet, despite significant revelations, such as the connection to an ancient alien race, narrative clarity often takes a back seat to the more dazzling visual and action sequences.

Presented in a 2D Blu-ray format instead of its original 3D release in China, "Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe" retains much of its spectacle but falls short on coherence. The audience is led through an episodic adventure reminiscent of video game levels, filled with intermittent fun but confounding continuity. Viewers are left deciphering an enigmatic tapestry that spans millennia involving ghostly tribes and human-alien hybrids. While the movie entertains through its lavish set pieces and supernatural thrills, it equally perplexes with its fragmented storytelling and abrupt plot transitions. This entry remains a complex yet visually enticing mix of mythology and science fiction that hints at bigger narratives yet to unfold.

"Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe" serves as a compelling and adventurous prequel to "Mojin: The Lost Legend," though it stands solidly as an independent film. The movie offers an engaging mix of adventure and fantasy, akin more to "The Mummy" series rather than its sequel's "Tomb Raider" vibe. Directed by Chuan Lu and headlined by Mark Chao, Li Feng, and Chen Li, the film deftly blends action sequences with a touch of humor. Despite some convoluted plot elements that may leave viewers puzzled, the narrative remains consistently entertaining in a popcorn-munching sort of way.

Technical aspects of this Blu-ray release are impressive. With an aspect ratio of 2.39:1 AVC, the visual quality is crisp and detailed, as expected from Well Go USA. The audio options include Mandarin DTS-HD MA 5.1 and Mandarin DD 2.0, both delivering powerful soundscapes that enhance the immersive experience. Subtitles are available in English and Simplified Mandarin, making it accessible to a broader audience. Although the special features may be lackluster, the primary content more than justifies the purchase, particularly for fans of the genre.

In conclusion, "Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe" acts as a fun exploration into an adventurous world, whether viewed as a precursor to "Mojin: The Lost Legend" or as a standalone feature. While there are some narrative complexities, the film's visual and audio presentation is on point. This Blu-ray release is recommended for viewers who relish thrilling, visually rich adventures with a touch of whimsy.