Come Drink with Me Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Come Drink with Me" by Arrow Video presents an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a marginally curious 2.26:1 ratio, diverging slightly from traditional frames. Sourced from Celestial Pictures' High Definition master, the transfer exhibits some distinct characteristics, notably within its color palette. The video carries instances of orange-brown hues indicative of potential fading or damage. However, outdoor scenes particularly demonstrate vivid colors with striking reds and blues, contributing to generally impressive detail levels. While mild frame instability and age-related wear are visible, the natural grain structure appears well-maintained without the intrusion of aggressive digital adjustments or filters.

In terms of video quality, while the presentation doesn’t achieve groundbreaking sharpness akin to other Arrow's Shawscope releases, it maintains a commendable film-like warmth and texture. Black levels remain serviceable despite some moderate crushing in poorly lit scenes, and the transfer carries an overall magenta tint. The encode effectively captures texture and grain, although some may find subtleties like minor debris and frame issues reflective of the original cinematographic softness and distortion. Insert shots from varying source elements occasionally manifest a slightly softer focus, alternating with picture-perfect clarity in subsequent frames.

Overall, Arrow Video’s edition of "Come Drink with Me" delivers a pleasing albeit slightly imperfect homage to the vintage essence of Shaw Brothers’ cinema. Despite inherent limitations in the source material and potential areas for restoration, the vivid colors, clear details, and cinematic quality evoke a nostalgic charm fitting of its historical lineage. This release, while not free of flaws typical in older productions, stands out as a solid representation of a classic genre piece.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Come Drink with Me" features DTS-HD Master Audio Mono tracks in both Mandarin and English, providing a serviceable yet varied auditory experience. Critical listening reveals that the Mandarin track delivers a more authentic and dynamic sound, although it occasionally leans towards a brash high-end. The English track, meanwhile, although less vibrant, offers a more restrained aural profile. Both tracks are characterized by slightly boxy effects and occasional harshness in the upper frequencies, impacting the overall sound fullness. Despite these constraints, dialogue clarity remains consistently precise, enhanced by optional English subtitles.

From a technical standpoint, the original DTS-HD MA 1.0 audio tracks maintain a solid monaural presentation, repudiating the poorly mixed surround versions previously encountered on DVD releases. The Mandarin track stands out as more genuine in its vocal delivery, capturing subtleties often lost in English dubbing. While the English track suffers slightly from less expressive voice work and blunt translation, it compensates by providing an alternative that complements the visual storytelling. The scoring and sound design introduce subtle nuances between tracks, showcasing distinct tonal qualities.

In conclusion, the audio presentation offers varied yet notable interpretation alternatives for audiences through its inclusion of both Mandarin and English tracks. Each option provides a unique dimension to the film's auditory landscape with DTS-HD MA 1.0 ensuring audibility and coherence in dialogue across both languages. Arrow’s provision of both audio versions, along with corresponding subtitles, caters to diverse preferences without compromising the essential experience.

Arrow's Blu-ray release of "Come Drink with Me" offers an exemplary collection of extras that significantly enriches the viewing experience for enthusiasts of classic Hong Kong cinema. The features, including an engaging audio commentary by film critic Tony Rayns, offer a deep dive into the film's contextual and production background. The inclusion of extensive interviews with primary cast members Cheng Pei-Pei, Yueh Hua, and Chen Hung-lieh captured in high definition provides insightful reflections and anecdotes on the making of the film. The comprehensive documentary, "Cinema Hong Kong: Swordfighting," stands out by bridging connections to the broader genre influences, featuring interviews with notable industry figures like Jackie Chan and Jet Li. Additionally, collectors will find value in an informative insert booklet containing essays and technical data, well complemented by a stylish packaging design.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Tony Rayns: Insightful audio commentary.
• Interview with Cheng Pei-Pei: Reflective 2003 interview in English.
• Interview with Yueh Hua: Informative 2007 interview in English.
• Interview with Chen Hung-lieh: 2003 interview with English subtitles.
• Talk Story with Cheng Pei-Pei: 2016 Q&A session in English.
• Cinema Hong Kong: Swordfighting: Documentary featuring industry icons.
• Trailer Gallery: Collection of theatrical and promotional trailers.
• Image Gallery: High-definition stills from the film.

"Come Drink With Me" stands out as a seminal piece in the wuxia genre, helmed by director King Hu in 1966. This influential Shaw Brothers production weaves an adventurous narrative, blending elements of drama, action, and comedy. The film features Cheng Pei-pei in the pioneering role of Golden Swallow, a fierce female protagonist posing as a male warrior to rescue her brother from bandits led by Jade Faced Tiger (Chan Hung-lit). The complexity of allegiances and the introduction of a bumbling yet skilled ally, Drunken Cat (Yueh Hua), add layers to an otherwise straightforward plot. The choreography, although rudimentary compared to later Shaw Brothers masterpieces, encapsulates the raw charm and experimental nature of the era, hinting at the future potential of wire and trampoline-assisted stunts.

Beyond its plot mechanics, "Come Drink With Me" is punctuated by moments of tonal disparity – from intense battle tableaux to slapstick-laden scenes. The narrative takes unexpected turns, such as a shocking child's death juxtaposed against comedic sequences. These shifts in tone highlight the film's ability to transition seamlessly between serious spectacle and lightheartedness, a balance achieved through creative yet primitive choreography that laid groundwork for future wuxia epics.

While the film's simplistic storyline may seem convoluted midway, especially with secondary characters emerging with unique motivations, it ultimately circles back to deliver a climactic showdown infused with innovative martial arts techniques. Despite its age and rudimentary fight scenes, "Come Drink With Me" remains an essential watch for fans of martial arts cinema, exemplifying a pivotal moment in the development of genre conventions. Its influence is seen in successors like "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," cementing its status as a cornerstone for both historical appreciation and pure entertainment.

Arrow Video's Blu-ray release of "Come Drink with Me" delivers a compelling revisit to King Hu’s seminal martial arts classic. This film not only defined a genre but also paved the way for the emergence of iconic tropes, as seen through the masterful performance of Pei-pei Cheng. The technical merits of this new special edition are commendable, offering both Mandarin and English audio tracks that, while not flawless, contribute to an overall satisfying audio-visual experience. Arrow’s curation continues to honor the spirit of Shaw Brothers' cinema, providing a comprehensive viewing experience that includes well-crafted supplements, enhancing the Blu-ray's appeal to both new viewers and long-time fans.

The film’s action sequences remain impactful, highlighted by the dramatic entrance of Golden Swallow in the inn and culminating in an exhilarating final battle. Such scenes underscore the film’s enduring influence on martial arts cinema. While some minor technical imperfections are present in the video and audio quality, these do not significantly detract from the viewing pleasure. Fans can appreciate the historical significance and innovative choreography that laid the groundwork for numerous kung fu spectacles that followed.

In conclusion, "Come Drink with Me" stands as an essential piece for martial arts enthusiasts and film historians alike. The combination of its classic narrative and Arrow Video's thoughtful presentation makes this Blu-ray a valuable addition to any collection. The supplemental materials further enrich this edition, ensuring both entertainment and a deeper understanding of the film’s legacy. Despite the slight technical inconsistencies, this release is wholeheartedly recommended for its cultural import and entertainment value.