The Great Wall Is a Great Wall Blu-ray Review

"The Great Wall Is a Great Wall" benefits from an AVC encoded 1080p HD transfer that honors its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The presentation balances beautifully between the striking exterior shots and the more subdued interior scenes. The outdoor sequences set in China are particularly noteworthy, exuding a remarkable sharpness and capturing a wealth of detail, from the rustic texture of the Great Wall stones to the vibrancy of the high rises. Facial features during these scenes reveal intricate details such as makeup blemishes and pores. However, the interior shots are less consistent, with certain scenes exhibiting a soft, slightly processed look and a noticeable white glow reminiscent of a fantasy or halo effect.

The color palette is rendered naturally with secure detailing of primaries and bright greenery, maintaining authenticity. The vibrancy of the 1980s clothing is particularly eye-catching and adds a nostalgic touch. Black levels are deep and inky, contributing to the overall image depth, while skin tones remain convincingly natural throughout. While there are minor issues with source damage, including occasional specks and slight blooming in whites, these do not detract significantly from the viewing experience, allowing the video presentation to earn commendable marks.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix of "The Great Wall Is a Great Wall" exhibits an overall commendable performance, but it is not without its flaws. A major issue occurs around the 21:00 mark where the sound clarity significantly deteriorates. For a span of approximately 15 to 20 minutes, dialogue becomes muffled and noticeably quieter, causing a palpable drop in audio quality and listener immersion. Once past this segment, the audio clarity returns to form, with strong and distinct dialogue exchanges that enhance the film’s engagement. The mix skillfully balances scoring cues involving traditional Chinese instruments and orchestral arrangements, effectively complementing both comedic and dramatic scenes.

Despite the aforementioned drop in sound quality, the mix provides robust sound effects and atmospheric depth throughout the rest of the feature. Urban noises such as passing cars and ambient street activity are rendered vividly, enhancing the film’s setting. Noteworthy is the heightened auditory experience during scenes like the ping pong tournament, where crowd reactions are delivered with impressive dynamism and low-end presence, adding a layer of excitement. Furthermore, the absence of any hiss, pops, or cracks throughout the track ensures a smooth listening experience. English subtitles are well-presented, making it easy to follow along. Overall, aside from the isolated dip in audio clarity, the DTS-HD MA 2.0 mix provides an immersive and satisfying auditory companion to the visual elements of the film.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Great Wall Is a Great Wall" offer substantial value and insightful context to enhance the viewing experience. Key additions include an 18-page booklet featuring thought-provoking essays by Shirley Sun and Oliver Wang, shedding light on the film’s cultural and historical significance. Complementing the written material is a theatrical trailer, presented in standard definition, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the original promotional efforts for the film. The combination of these elements provides both academic and entertainment perspectives, making it an indispensable resource for film enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

Booklet: A Criterion-sized 18-page booklet with essays by Shirley Sun and Oliver Wang.

Theatrical Trailer: A 2-minute trailer for the film in standard definition.

Released in 1986, Peter Wang's "A Great Wall" stands out as a pioneering piece of cinema, being the first American film to be shot in China. The movie eschews grandiosity, opting instead for a nuanced portrayal of cultural cross-pollination through a family dramedy. Wang's narrative chronicles the journey of Leo Fang, a San Francisco computer engineer, as he takes his Western family to visit their Eastern relatives—a context rich with both silent tensions and nostalgic undertones. A primary strength of the film is its meditative ambiance, capturing the evolving dynamics between cultures with sensitive insight and remarkable restraint.

The film offers a fascinating mid-1980s travelogue of China, secretly blending its cultural juxtapositions without heavy-handedness. Luxuries such as Coca-Cola juxtaposed with rural traditions like ping-pong exemplify the cultural idiosyncrasies seen through Leo’s Western perspective. Meanwhile, the storyline remains impressively grounded; Wang prioritizes behaviors and concerns over visual spectacles, creating an intimate family portrait amid the backdrop of China's transformation. Humor subtly permeates the narrative, highlighting small but impactful moments, like Leo's son's bafflement at Chinese familial customs and the amusing contrast between high-tech expectations and primitive realities, such as a sparsely equipped computer lab.

Wang’s direction adeptly captures these interactions without descending into clichés, offering viewers an honest glimpse into the cultural landscape of the time. The on-location shooting enhances the authenticity, showcasing landmarks and everyday life with equal sincerity. Even today, "A Great Wall" remains a compelling study in cultural integration, providing a valuable perspective for audiences on both sides of the globe. This Blu-ray release by Kino Classics ensures that the film continues to resonate, preserving its technical and narrative integrity for future generations to appreciate.

"A Great Wall" is an insightful exploration of cultural intersections, weaving a tapestry of organic conflicts and affectionate comedy within its narrative. The film's direction by Wang highlights a notable generosity, allowing subplots to naturally unfold and enrich the overall story. This directorial approach ensures that while the cultural collisions are evident, they are presented in a manner that retains both light-heartedness and depth. The authenticity in acting further amplifies the charm, making the characters' journeys relatable and genuinely engaging.

The technical aspects of this Blu-ray release see mixed results. While the video quality is commendable, capturing the vibrant on-location cinematography with clarity and detail, there are some undeniable audio issues. These do not overshadow the experience significantly but are worth noting for purists. Unfortunately, the release is devoid of any extra content, which would have been a valuable addition to better understand the creative process behind this nuanced film.

In conclusion, "A Great Wall" is charming and emphatically acted, showcasing Wang's directorial generosity as subplots are allowed time to take shape while formula is lightly massaged into the story. It's a film that could be enjoyed for its location visits alone, but Wang has more in mind for his family saga, embracing a collision of cultures that brings out organic conflicts and effective comedy. Despite some technical drawbacks, it is a light-hearted and well-executed film deserving of more attention and discussion. Worth a look.