Enter the Ninja Blu-ray Review

"Enter the Ninja," now available on Blu-ray through Kino Lorber, is presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, and boasts a 1080p transfer. This release is sourced from the same older MGM master used in previous iterations, including the inaugural Kino Lorber release in 2015. For this latest version, a higher bitrate and properly set gamma levels are employed, benefiting from a dual-layer BD-50 disc setup. These enhancements aim to optimize the visual experience, though the master shows its age.

Despite improvements in encoding, the presentation illustrates the limitations of the older master. The image frequently appears soft and lacks sharpness, with wider shots suffering from insufficient detail. While there is a stable image throughout, grain appears splotchy, and shadow detail is often lacking, impacting overall depth. Colors are reproduced with mixed accuracy; primary tones show acceptable fidelity, but subtler hues disappoint, leaving contrast and blacks inconsistent.

While the presentation marks progress over previous releases and represents likely the best current visual quality for "Enter the Ninja" on home video, obvious imperfections persist, including minor scratches and speckling. More comprehensive restoration or a new scan of the original camera negative could significantly improve quality. This Region-A locked Blu-ray will require appropriate playback hardware for viewing.

The Blu-ray of "Enter the Ninja" features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track, accompanied by newly-added English SDH subtitles. The audio track provides a faithful representation of the original mono soundtrack, capturing the essence of W. Michael Lewis and Laurin Rinder's music score. Dialogue clarity is a highlight, with clean and crisp delivery, including Franco Nero’s overdubs. However, sound effects are notably era-appropriate and can feel thin. Despite some concerns over dynamism, particularly during action sequences, the audio presentation avoids serious anomalies.

While the overall mix is respectable, there is a consensus that the sound could benefit from a fresh remastering. Subtle signs of age in the audio track, such as minor flutter, crackling, and sporadic distortion, hint at the release's vintage origins. Volume adjustments may reveal a slightly underwhelming upper register, which could detract from the more robust elements of the soundtrack. It's important to highlight that these aspects do not critically impact the viewing experience but could be enhanced for more vigorous audio fidelity.

In summary, this Blu-ray release delivers a competent audio presentation that remains true to its era, offering perhaps the best possible sound quality given the source material's limitations. For aficionados seeking a pristine auditory experience, this release provides a solid representation with room for future enhancements through remastering efforts.

The Blu-ray extras for "Enter the Ninja" provide an engaging and insightful dive into the world of ninja films, anchored by a new audio commentary from critics Mike Leeder and Arne Venema. Known for their enthusiastic and passionate discussions, Leeder and Venema offer an in-depth look into the film's production history, the genre's clichés, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes. Their discourse is energetic, offering historical context and amusing exchanges that enrich the viewing experience. Additionally, the disc features a collection of trailers that spotlight the era's unique action film landscape.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Mike Leeder & Arne Venema: Enthusiastic discussion on ninja film history, production insights, and anecdotes.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original U.S. trailer for "Enter the Ninja."
• Bonus KLSC Trailers: Trailers for "Revenge of the Ninja," "The Challenge," "American Ninja," "The Octagon," and "Ghost Warrior."

"Enter the Ninja" (1981), directed by Menahem Golan, marks a significant entry in the plethora of '80s ninja-themed action films. Renowned for its cult status within the Golan-Globus era of Cannon Films, it encapsulates the era's penchant for flamboyant martial arts cinema. The plot showcases Franco Nero as Cole, a former mercenary turned ninja, who travels to the Philippines to aid his troubled friends Frank and Mary Ann. Their plight stems from a greedy businessman, Venarius, eager to seize their farmland rich in oil deposits. This narrative catalyzes a clash between Cole and his nemesis, Hasegawa, skillfully played by Sho Kosugi, enhancing the film’s martial arts pedigree.

The film's narrative structure, while rife with enthusiasm and unmistakable ‘80s charm, suffers from underwhelming screenplay limitations. Character dynamics are often cliché and tenuous at best; Nero's portrayal of Cole diverges from convincing ninja authenticity, further exacerbated by the decision to dub his voice. Susan George delivers a bold performance as Mary Ann, albeit constrained by the plot’s predictability. Sho Kosugi’s vigorous portrayal of Hasegawa stands out amidst otherwise average performances. The action, a significant draw for genre aficionados, holds potential but is marred by uneven choreography and lackluster staging.

Technically, the film benefits from David Gurfinkel’s evocative location cinematography in Manila, which contributes positively to the overall aesthetic. Despite subpar editing with abrupt cuts and transitions, Golan’s direction manages some improved pacing compared to prior works. Ultimately, "Enter the Ninja" remains a notable fixture within Cannon Films' catalog, for its nostalgic value and contribution to the burgeoning ninja genre of the era. It laid groundwork subsequently built upon in follow-ups like "Revenge of the Ninja" and "Ninja III: The Domination," perpetuating cinematic fascination with ninjutsu at the time.

Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray reissue of "Enter the Ninja" presents a mixed bag for collectors and fans alike. This release maintains the original's use of an older master, and unfortunately, this results in an underwhelming visual presentation with limitations in image clarity and detail. This is a significant consideration for those seeking a definitive version of the film. However, the release compensates somewhat with a compelling new audio commentary featuring critics Mike Leeder and Arne Venema. Their enthusiastic discourse on action cinema provides engaging insights, even as it sometimes veers into over-caffeinated territory.

In addition to the commentary, extras are relatively sparse, consisting primarily of the film’s trailer alongside trailers for other Kino Lorber titles. Despite these limitations, this release may hold a certain appeal for ardent fans of Cannon Films and enthusiasts who appreciate a nostalgic throwback to 1980s cinema. The critique acknowledges the film’s original reception—dismissed by critics but embraced by audiences, underscoring Cannon’s unique place in cult cinema history.

In conclusion, while the technical qualities of this Blu-ray fall short due to reliance on an outdated master, the reissue remains valuable for its passionate commentary and importance in Cannon’s filmic legacy. It’s recommended primarily for fans who seek to complete their Cannon collection or those who missed earlier releases, rather than for those prioritizing top-tier audio-visual fidelity.