Facets of Love Blu-ray Review

"Facets of Love" receives a noteworthy Blu-ray presentation through 88 Films with a solid AVC encoded 1080p transfer, maintaining a 2.36:1 aspect ratio. The film makes its HD debut with a direct transfer from the original camera negative, promising clarity and visual fidelity. However, it exhibits a tendency toward a yellow hue, slightly distorting color accuracy and rendering reds somewhat orange and flesh tones marginally brown. Despite these color inconsistencies, the transfer retains fine detail in outdoor scenes and lavish Shaw Brother sets and costumes. Makeup effects, notably gruesome wounds, are rendered with impressive detail. The grain structure is preserved well, presenting a clean texture without notable artifacts.

Detail levels and clarity are generally strong, with videophiles likely to appreciate the film's visual texture. However, some viewers may detect minor issues like softer definition and filtering artifacts. The contrast remains robust, allowing for engaging costume and set design elements to shine through. There's a minor magenta tint visible in saturated red tones yet doesn't significantly detract from the overall viewing experience. While not flawless, the high-definition transfer offers a satisfactory representation, supplementing the film’s vintage cinematography with a vibrant color palette.

Overall, "Facets of Love" provides a pleasurable viewing experience on Blu-ray. It succeeds in balancing its shortcomings—such as anamorphic peculiarities and slight color distortions—with high detail retention and picture quality, making it an essential acquisition for collectors and fans of early 1970s cinema interested in witnessing this Shaw Brothers classic in high definition.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Facets of Love" demonstrates a commitment to preserving the original soundscape, yet exhibits notable limitations. Provided in a Mandarin LPCM 2.0 Mono track, the audio quality is a mixed experience. While effects and scoring are generally well-delivered, with dialogues rendered clearly and cleanly throughout, the overall sound is somewhat boxy and occasionally harsh. There is a subtle hint of breakup at the highest frequencies, which some listeners may find distracting. This monaural mix struggles with dynamic range, often rendering dialogues indistinct and muddled in certain scenes.

However, these imperfections underscore the vintage character typical of Shaw Brothers productions, challenging modern expectations. The optional English subtitles complement the experience by providing clear, readable text within the 2.35:1 aspect ratio, aiding comprehension for non-Mandarin speakers without detracting from the visual integrity of the feature. While the absence of more advanced audio formats such as DTS or Dolby Atmos might disappoint some aficionados seeking a more immersive experience, this audio track remains true to its original form, preserving the nostalgic essence of the film despite its technical shortcomings.

The Blu-ray release of "Facets of Love" by 88 Films provides a competent set of extras that complement the main feature effectively. While the special features are limited, they are presented professionally, enriching the viewing experience. The physical packaging is commendable, featuring an appealing slipcover with new artwork by Yu Ming Huang and a reversible sleeve, adding a touch of collectible value with four art cards. The disc's compatibility across Regions A and B enhances its accessibility. However, the extras themselves, including a standard definition trailer and a high-definition stills gallery, are rather minimal overall.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: A 2007 trailer presented in standard definition.
• Stills Gallery: An assortment of images presented in high definition.

"Facets of Love" emerges as a distinct endeavor by Shaw Brothers from the early 1970s, aiming to diversify their traditional martial arts repertoire by venturing into mature romantic dramas. This film combines three separate erotic tales, all set within the confines of a brothel. It features themes that resonate with the evolving trends of Hong Kong cinema during that era—shifting towards narratives that embraced more graphic depictions of sex and violence, reflecting societal curiosity beyond mere action sequences. Lily Ho and Hu Chin anchor the film with magnetic performances, delivering complexity within the exploitative narrative. Jackie Chan features in a minor role, contributing to the weighted presence of the ensemble cast.

Technically, "Facets of Love" benefits from Shaw Brothers' signature lavish production design and opulent period costumes, crafting an aesthetically engaging experience despite its controversial content. Director Richard Li Han-hsiang infuses the film with artistic finesse that transcends its seemingly tawdry themes. The film’s narrative structure, while comprising stark elements of sadism and exploitation, provides depth by exploring class and gender dynamics through its portrayal of brothel life. Each story within the anthology varies in tone and quality yet collectively illustrates the studio's ambition to capture broader demographic appeal, including female audiences seeking sophisticated storytelling.

The Blu Ray release highlights this age-old cinematic gem's blend of melancholic romance and societal critique while preserving its definitive period-setting aesthetics. "Facets of Love" serves as both a provocative piece and an iconic cultural artifact, offering insight into Shaw Brothers' adaptive storytelling strategies during a time of cinematic evolution. Despite its explicit content, the film underscores themes of human complexity against a backdrop of opulence and decadence, punctuated by dynamic performances from its lead cast.

"Facets of Love" on Blu-ray offers an intriguing departure from the traditional Shaw Brothers productions, adeptly blending martial arts with an engaging erotic anthology. The narrative is anchored in the battle of the sexes, diverging from conventional kung fu elements to explore more nuanced interpersonal dynamics. Jackie Chan's involvement, although minor, adds a layer of curiosity for fans familiar with his work, underscoring the film's distinct narrative shift. The Blu-ray edition presents the movie with solid technical merit, ensuring that visuals are sharp and engaging, enhancing the film's evocative storytelling.

Picture quality is commendable; high-definition transfer elevates the visual experience by maintaining clarity in both vibrant and muted scenes. The color palette is faithfully reproduced, allowing audiences to appreciate the film’s stylistic nuances without distraction. Additionally, audio dynamics are finely balanced, providing a clear distinction between dialogue and soundtrack, crucial for absorbing the film’s complex themes. The technical integrity of this release ensures an immersive viewing experience that both new audiences and Shaw Brothers enthusiasts will appreciate.

In conclusion, "Facets of Love" stands as a notable exploration outside Shaw Brothers' acclaimed martial arts domain, delivering a sophisticated narrative enriched by its technical presentation on Blu-ray. This release appeals to those interested in the broader spectrum of Shaw Brothers' filmmaking capabilities while also serving as a testament to their willingness to explore and showcase diverse storytelling forms.