Kiliç Aslan Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Kiliç Aslan" features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. Sourced from the only known 35mm print, this transfer reflects the inherent limitations and challenges of working with aged film materials. AGFA undertook a meticulous 4K scan, striving for authenticity without introducing artificial digital enhancements. However, the source print exhibits recurrent issues such as speckling, scratching, and intermittent moments of warped or missing frames. Although the initial moments of the film, especially during the credits, are notably marred by significant damage, the overall handling of the grain is commendable and free from compression artifacts.

The transfer delivers a film-like experience, demonstrating stable contrast and vibrant color reproduction despite a tendency towards bluish hues affecting flesh tones. Natural grain structure is well-preserved, sustaining high clarity for a film from this period. The detail can be inconsistent, possibly due to the original cinematography rather than the transfer process itself, but the overall quality remains respectable for grindhouse cinema. AGFA's effort ensures that despite visible flicker and pulsing associated with heavy wear of the print, "Kiliç Aslan" retains its unique visual authenticity.

The audio presentation of the Blu Ray for "Kiliç Aslan" employs a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track that conveys the film’s sound with moderate fidelity. This track, while fundamentally limited by the quality of the source material, manages to capture the essence of the period's soundscape effectively. Although the dubbing is often less than seamless, leading to some disjointed moments, the overall audio experience remains devoid of significant issues such as overt distortion.

The English dub provided in the DTS-HD MA 2.0 mono format exhibits adequate clarity and coherence, with sound effects and dialogue maintaining decent fidelity throughout the film. The soundtrack includes occasional tinny elements, particularly during specific musical segments such as Khachaturian's melodies, which can sound somewhat constrained. Despite these minor flaws, the audio performance delivers a generally serviceable experience that satisfies basic auditory expectations, complemented by optional English subtitles presented in a clear white font.

The Blu Ray extras for "Kiliç Aslan" present a unique blend of vintage martial arts and grindhouse curiosities, offering a delightful treat for genre aficionados. Notably, "Brawl Busters" is a standout bonus film, originally released in 1981 and digitally restored from a 35mm print in a 2K scan. Despite visible wear and tear, this Korean-origin movie showcases exceptional fight choreography, especially its distinctive co-ed combat scenes. Equally engaging is the "Face Smashing Trailers" segment, providing a nostalgic snapshot of vintage b-movie trailers from the AGFA vault. Both extras epitomize the dynamic action and quirky charm that golden-era kung fu films are celebrated for.

Extras included in this disc:

• Brawl Busters: Korean-origin kung-fu film restored in 2K; notable for its martial arts combat and co-ed fighting.
• Face Smashing Trailers from the AGFA Vault: A collection of vintage b-movie trailers offering a nostalgic grindhouse experience.

"The Sword and the Claw," a deliriously entertaining artifact from the Turkish exploitation circuit, stands as an exemplar of exuberantly inept filmmaking. Directed by Natuch Baitan and starring genre icon Cüneyt Arkin, this 1975 action-adventure flick delivers a heady mix of absurdity and charm. The plot revolves around the sons of the murdered King Solomon—no Biblical reference here—who become embroiled in a battle for the kingdom after being raised under vastly different circumstances. One is nurtured by animals in a Tarzan-like twist and transforms into the fierce Lion Man, complete with metallic claws that aid him in his vengeful crusade.

The film’s technical aspects underscore its grindhouse appeal while also highlighting its numerous quirks. The English dub, the sole audio option on this Blu-ray release, is rife with hilarious non sequiturs and moments of unintentional comedy. A hallmark of American Genre Film Archive's releases, these oddities contribute to the feeling of watching a bizarre, shared hallucination. Adding to the surreal experience are unusual editing choices, with several combat scenes accompanied by incongruously cheerful Khachaturian tunes, producing anachronistic effects that boggle the mind.

Despite its myriad flaws, "The Sword and the Claw" possesses an endearing quality that makes it irresistible for fans of kitschy cinema. The movie is unapologetically vibrant, from its lavish costumes to the unexpectedly brutal sequences involving dismemberment and bloodshed. Cüneyt Arkin’s spirited performance and Baitan’s enthusiastic, if amateurish, direction amplify the film’s nostalgic grindhouse appeal. Ultimately, this AGFA release captures a unique slice of pop culture history—a clumsy yet well-intentioned cinematic curiosity that’s perfect for those in the mood for a dive into eclectic retro entertainment.

Review 1: The Blu Ray of "Kiliç Aslan" presents an intriguing package for fans of cult cinema. The transfer, while not perfect, captures the film's raw and energetic aesthetic. The audio quality, though limited by the source material, is acceptable. The special features enhance the experience, providing context and a deeper appreciation of this Turkish exploitation classic.

Review 2: "Kiliç Aslan" on Blu Ray offers a colorful and entertaining take on a beloved classic. The video transfer shows its age with scratches and imperfections, but these add to the charm. The audio is clear enough to enjoy the outlandish dialogue and action sequences. Overall, a must-have for collectors.

Review 3: This release of "Kiliç Aslan" shines a light on a hidden gem from Turkish cinema. Though the restoration efforts are evident, some flaws in the video and audio remain. However, these quirks serve to enhance its cult status. The added commentary and behind-the-scenes features are insightful for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Review 4: The Blu Ray edition of "Kiliç Aslan" does justice to its cult following. Despite the imperfect picture quality, there is something endearing about the rough presentation. The added extras provide valuable background information, making this edition a worthy addition to any collection of obscure cinema.

The Blu Ray release of "Kiliç Aslan" emerges as an essential acquisition for enthusiasts of cult cinema, particularly those with an appreciation for Turkish exploitation films. While the transfer is not pristine, it maintains the raw energy that defines the film’s aesthetic, with visible scratches and imperfections adding to its charm. The audio quality, though constrained by the limitations of the source material, suffices to deliver a clear understanding of the outlandish dialogue and dynamic action sequences.

This release pays homage to the film’s unique place in cinema history through additional features such as insightful commentaries and behind-the-scenes content, which provide a richer contextual understanding and elevate the viewing experience. The inherent quirks of the restoration add to the authenticity and appeal for genre aficionados.

If you've had enough time to recover from AGFA's release of Bat Pussy (if there's ever enough time to recover from having seen that film), you may be ready for the one-two punch of The Sword and the Claw and Brawl Busters. These are inherently wacky efforts that should certainly appeal to certain genre aficionados, and for them the less than optimal condition of the source elements is probably only more of a selling point. Conan the Barbarian meets Tarzan meets crazy in this enjoyable goof from Turkish exploitation.