The Last Dragon Blu-ray Review

"The Last Dragon" shines on Blu-ray, presented in AVC-encoded 1080p high definition with an aspect ratio of 1.85:1. This release maintains a fine and consistent grain structure, providing a rich veneer that enhances the film's thirty-year-old aesthetic. Details are well-defined, from the intricately woven straw hats to the expressive facial details like pores and hair. Urban environments, particularly New York City exteriors, are complex and well-rendered, offering a textured and immersive experience. Though the visuals maintain a natural softness characteristic of its era, they provide sufficient clarity without appearing flat.

The color reproduction is notably impressive despite minor warm tones in low-light conditions. Primaries such as bold yellows and reds pop vividly, particularly in well-lit scenes like Sho'nuff's costume and Angela's multicolored hair. Leroy's glowing effect stands out, adding a bright, vivid highlight that complements the dynamic fight scenes. Black levels are deep, though isolated instances of crushing are evident in darker settings like the final warehouse fight. However, these minor issues don't detract from the overall clean and detailed presentation, with no significant banding, blocking, or print wear.

Depth and spacing in "The Last Dragon" are commendable; movements are smooth and cinematic, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The transfer captures fine nuances such as fabric textures and surface blemishes without any noticeable defects. Colors are vibrant yet balanced, ensuring no bleeding or distractions, while skin tones remain natural and consistent throughout. Grain levels enhance the visual texture, supporting a clean print devoid of significant artifacts.

"The Last Dragon" Blu-ray audio presentation offers an impressive DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack that vividly encapsulates the vibrant essence of 80s sound. The music and lyrics are delivered with a crisp, refreshing clarity that complements the visual nostalgia. The front channels exhibit solid spacing, providing a balanced and forward mix of songs and dialogue, particularly during standout scenes such as Vanity's performance of "Seventh Heaven." Although the rear channels are more subtle and offer limited directional activity, they effectively create an immersive ambience suitable for fans of musical films. Action effects such as lightning strikes and karate sounds are well defined, contributing to an engaging auditory experience.

The track presents notable dynamic range, maintaining an uncompressed and free sound environment while retaining some vintage analog qualities. Dialogue is primarily centered, clean, and articulate, occasionally displaying a slight analog warmth. Low-frequency effects are satisfactory, enhancing fight scenes and moments like car door slams with a boost that, while not as prominent as modern blockbusters, still ensures a kick-ass audio experience. Surround sound elements are sporadic but present enough to add depth without overwhelming the overall front-heavy mix. Commentary tracks are well-recorded, seamlessly fading into the background during discussions, with subtitles extending support in multiple languages.

Overall, this is a well-mixed and preserved 5.1 audio track that, despite its dated fidelity, delivers an engaging auditory experience fitting for "The Last Dragon’s" spirited 80s charm. The primary focus remains on the front channels for delivering kicks, punches, and the dynamic soundtrack, while the rear channels provide ambient support and occasional distinct effects to enhance overall immersion.

The Blu-ray release of "The Last Dragon" features a commendable set of extras that are sure to delight fans of the film. The audio commentary by Director Michael Schultz is insightful, offering a deep dive into various aspects such as racial components, casting, fight choreography, behind-the-scenes stories, production design, and box office performance. Schultz's softly spoken but informative track is particularly satisfying. Additionally, the newly produced documentary titled "Return of the Dragon" provides an engaging retrospective with contributions from key figures like Taimak, Berry Gordy, screenwriter Louis Venosta, and Schultz himself. Despite the absence of Vanity and Julius Carry, their impactful legacy is warmly acknowledged. The inclusion of the original theatrical trailer rounds out this package effectively.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director Michael Schultz offers deep insights into various aspects of the film's production.
• Return of the Dragon: A retrospective documentary with new interviews from cast and crew members.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original trailer, restored and presented in high definition.

"The Last Dragon" is an innovative mash-up of 80s martial arts excitement and infectious music, powered by the vision of Berry Gordy. This film channels the era’s cultural zeitgeist into a uniquely spirited, almost whimsical narrative, bringing together elements reminiscent of "The Karate Kid" and "Big Trouble in Little China." The story follows Leroy Green (played by newcomer Taimak), an earnest martial artist on a quest to achieve 'The Glow,' a mythical power symbolizing true mastery. Alongside discovering his inner strength, Leroy finds himself protecting television star Laura Charles, portrayed by Vanity, from multiple antagonists like the imposing Sho'nuff and sleazy Eddie Arkadian. Although the plot may appear simplistic and at times meandering, the film’s spirited approach turns common tropes into a captivating escapade that does its job as cheerful entertainment.

Character performances in "The Last Dragon" hold up well, with Taimak providing a fresh yet confident portrayal of Bruce Leroy, balancing stoic martial arts discipline with an appealing humor. Vanity's charisma lights up the screen, making her role as Laura compelling, despite some occasional wooden line deliveries. The film’s vibrant villains, such as Sho'nuff performed by Julius J. Carry III, add a necessary over-the-top flair that aligns with the movie’s campy tone without pushing it into pure farce. The soundtrack, helmed by iconic Motown artists like Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson, though not entirely memorable, delivers standout tracks such as DeBarge’s "Rhythm of the Night," further rooting this cinematic piece in the musical era it celebrates.

Despite its shortcomings in pacing and straightforward storyline, the film's appeal lies in its earnestness and clever subversion of genre norms. Interweaving martial arts action with musical sequences and comedy results in an affable, nostalgic trip. Adding to its charm are noteworthy early career appearances from actors such as William H. Macy, Chazz Palminteri, and Ernie Reyes Jr., adding layers to its eclectic cast. Furthermore, the film commendably features a predominantly black cast without resorting to stereotypes, enriching the 80s cinema landscape with diverse representation.

"The Last Dragon" receives a standout Blu-ray release from Sony, celebrating its 30th anniversary with an impressive remastering. The film adeptly merges action, comedy, and music, effortlessly delivering an entertaining and self-aware viewing experience. As a quintessential 80s film, "The Last Dragon" gains from stellar video and audio quality on this re-release, bringing the vibrant and infectious soundtrack alongside the dynamic visuals to life. Though some viewers might find the runtime slightly extended, the endearing characters and solid performances keep the narrative engaging.

Technically, the Blu-ray boasts fully remastered 1080p HD video that highlights the film’s colorful and unique aesthetic. The audio is likewise enhanced, ensuring the iconic score and sound effects resonate clearly, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Bonus features on this release include a fascinating retrospective documentary and a commentary track, which provide valuable insights into the film’s production and legacy. While a nostalgic music video for "Rhythm of the Night" might have been a welcome addition, the existing extras are substantial and will be appreciated by fans.

In conclusion, "The Last Dragon" is a fun and easy tongue-in-cheek entertainer that understands itself and plays to its strengths. It may be a bit overlong, but the cast is strong, the characters are endearing, the comedy works, and the music remains infectious. One of the stalwart and quintessential 80s films, "The Last Dragon" holds up as a fan favorite that's received a nice Blu-ray package from Sony for its 30th anniversary. Solid fully remastered video and audio are accompanied by a few good extras that fans will treasure. Recommended.