A Touch of Zen Blu-ray Review

Criterion's presentation of King Hu's A Touch of Zen on Blu-ray, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and presented in a 1080p transfer at an aspect ratio of 2.35:1, stands as a testament to diligent restoration efforts. This new digital transfer, created in stunning 4K resolution on an ARRISCAN film scanner from the 35mm original camera negative, was executed by the Taiwan Film Institute under the sponsorship of actor Hsu Feng. Led by cinematographer Hua Hui-ying, the color grading faced significant challenges, particularly due to the absence of vintage positive elements. Instead, a 1992 print and research on Hu's Dragon Inn were employed to approximate appropriate color corrections. The meticulous restoration work, supervised by L'Immagine Ritrovata in Bologna, Italy, addressed numerous issues like splice marks, frame reconstruction, and luminance adjustments.

The resultant video quality, while healthy and impressively fluid for its age, does exhibit some notable inconsistencies. The overall stability is commendable, but issues with color grading introduce irregularities that detract from the viewing experience. Specifically, there are noticeable color shifts creating unnatural flatness and digital anomalies in daylight scenes, as well as collapsed shadow definitions in night scenes. These fluctuations compromise nuance ranges and lower the film's visual integrity at times. Conversely, grain structure is superbly managed without excessive sharpening, ensuring an authentic texture.

Despite the tireless effort to cleanse the source material of debris and damage marks, the final presentation still retains some inherent drawbacks. Black levels can crush during dim-lit scenes, where dark hues amalgamate into indistinct masses. Conversely, colors like reds, golds, and browns stand out markedly well, maintaining vibrancy. Some scenes show grey splotches and other artifacts against clear skies or natural light settings, which can distract from the otherwise iridescent and engaging picture. While Criterion's expertise is evident in their efforts to maximize available resources, the visual fidelity could have benefited from additional disc space to potentially enhance image quality further.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release for "A Touch of Zen" is anchored by a singular Mandarin LPCM 1.0 track, complemented by optional English subtitles that neatly fit within the image frame when activated. Notable for being fully remastered, this uncompressed monaural soundtrack delivers clarity and balance, free from audio dropouts, pops, cracks, or any form of digital distortion. Despite the film's age, the dynamic intensity remains somewhat confined, reflecting the inherent limitations of its production era.

Nevertheless, the sound quality stands out with exceptional clarity and well-defined balance. Voice reproduction is effectively handled within a limited but active mid-range, providing accurate dialog delivery. The sonic elements such as the clashing of swords may occasionally sound strident, yet they maintain integrity without noticeable distortion even at elevated volume levels. The music score, while hard-sounding, integrates seamlessly into the overall audio landscape, enhancing the viewing experience without overpowering other sonic elements.

Overall, this meticulous audio restoration showcases a high level of preservation and attention to detail, ensuring that both dialogue and complex sound effects are faithfully represented within the constraints of a modest dynamic range.

The Blu-ray release of "A Touch of Zen" offers an exceptional set of extras that delve deeply into the film's production, its historical context, and the legacy of director King Hu. The collection features exclusive interviews with prominent figures involved in the original film, providing valuable insights into Hu's directorial style, the socio-political environment of the era, and the intricate aspects of production design and choreography influenced by Beijing opera. Cinematic experts, including directors Ang Lee and film scholar Tony Rayns, contribute thoughtful analyses that elevate the viewing experience with both technical and narrative appreciation. Additionally, a comprehensive documentary on King Hu's life and legacy further enriches the package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Restored trailer for "A Touch of Zen."
• Hsu Feng: Interview with actress Hsu Feng discussing her role and work with King Hu.
• Shih Chun: Interview with actor Shih Chun covering the film's production and inspired story.
• King Hu: 1932 - 1997: Documentary on King Hu's life and impact.
• Ang Lee: Director Ang Lee discusses King Hu's influence and filmmaking approach.
• Tony Rayns: Film critic Tony Rayns examines the film's narrative, visual style, and historical significance.
• Leaflet: Illustrated leaflet with David Bordwell's essay and notes by King Hu from the Cannes Film Festival.

King Hu's "A Touch of Zen" is an iconic film that has received an exceptional restoration in this Criterion Collection Blu-Ray release. Drawing inspiration from a short folk story in Pu Songling's "Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio", the movie reinterprets the original tale with a rich assembly of authentic Ming dynasty characters. Filmed over three years, the narrative centers on young scholar Gu (Shih Chun), whose life of peaceful artistry is disrupted by the arrival of warrior Yang (Hsu Feng) and her mother, who are under threat from imperial assassins. The plot twists and turns, requiring multiple viewings to fully grasp the intricate details, yet the atmosphere and evocative visuals ensure a cohesive and impactful storytelling experience.

The film's pacing is deliberate, allowing the narrative to build towards sparingly placed but stunningly executed action scenes. The introduction of disquieting village imagery, followed by panorama shots of natural landscapes and epic architecture, establishes a mood of impending conflict. As Gu unwittingly becomes embroiled in Yang’s battle, the film gradually shifts focus from personal struggles to broader socio-political commentary, effectively summarizing themes of corrupt power systems. The film's climactic sequences explore profound religious and spiritual dimensions, with intense hallucinatory visuals accompanied by a dramatic score from Tai Kong Mg and Ta Chiang Wu.

Choreographed by Han Ying-jie, who also plays the lead assassin, the action sequences in "A Touch of Zen" are meticulously planned and highly influential. Criterion's release presents Hu's three-hour vision in its entirety, following previous segmented domestic releases. The high-definition restoration beautifully captures the film’s elaborate visuals and nuanced performances. Despite its ambitious length and complex narrative, “A Touch of Zen” stands as a pioneering work in the wuxia genre, revered both for its artistic gravitas and technical prowess.

King Hu's legendary film "A Touch of Zen" remains a cornerstone in the wuxia genre, influencing countless action films and renowned directors such as Ang Lee and Zhang Yimou. The Criterion Collection's new Blu-ray release features a 4K restoration, overseen by cinematographer Hua Hui-ying. While opinions differ on the success of the restoration, with some finding it underwhelming, the release is nonetheless bolstered by Criterion's exceptional supplemental materials.

The film transcends standard martial arts fare, elevating the artistic standards of wuxia by weaving an intricate narrative about characters entwined in emotion, honor, and duty. Unlike modern action-heavy wuxia films, this classic opts for a more balanced approach that enriches its storytelling. The digital transfer is pivotal in reintroducing "A Touch of Zen" to contemporary audiences, enhancing both its visual and thematic impact.

For enthusiasts of cinematic art and fans of Criterion's high standards in home video releases, this Blu-ray is a must-have. Despite minor critiques about the physical quality of the original source material, the overall presentation and wealth of added features make this edition highly recommendable. Criterion continues its tradition of preserving crucial cinematic works, making "A Touch of Zen" an essential addition to any film collection. RECOMMENDED.