Stroke of Death Blu-ray Review

"Stroke of Death" is presented on Blu-ray by 88 Asia Collection under 88 Films, boasting an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.36:1 aspect ratio. This release highlights a consistent strength in color reproduction, with vibrant primary hues that stand out, such as the reds and blues that dominate key scenes. Despite some grain visible against bright skies, the overall detail remains commendable, avoiding the waxy texture seen in some previous releases such as "Shaolin Mantis." However, select viewers may find this smoothness at the expense of a more authentic, coarse look. Noteworthy are the anamorphic peculiarities, with noticeable squeezing and stretching in certain frame sections, although these do little to detract from the vividness of the presentation.

Technically, this is a solid if not exceptional HD remaster. Encoded robustly in AVC with a bitrate hovering around 35 Mbps on a BD-50 disc, the 2.35:1 presentation ensures excellent clarity and contrast. While the exterior scenes benefit from the fast camera cuts and hectic action delivery, interior scenes present softer visuals, where shadow delineation and black levels remain adequate. The transfer exhibits slight ringing and occasionally filters soft textures, which may not appeal to videophiles seeking an unadulterated film-like experience. Despite this, the film offers a generally pleasing visual foundation—making it ideal for casual viewers seeking to appreciate the striking cinematography and color palette inherent in this 1979 Shaw Brothers film. The elements are well-preserved, delivering impressive depth and definition in this high-definition rendition.

The audio presentation for "Stroke of Death" on Blu Ray offers LCPM 2.0 Mono tracks in both English and Cantonese, providing a distinctive listening experience that aligns well with classic martial arts cinema. The Cantonese track excels in its balanced midrange, delivering a more immersive sound compared to the English version, which exhibits a somewhat distant and reverberant quality. Despite this, dialogue clarity remains a consistent strength across both tracks, ensuring clean and intelligible lines for viewers. However, listeners might note a brashness in the high frequencies, which can occasionally become overly bright.

The score by Yung-Yu Chen, echoing the style of Ennio Morricone’s spaghetti westerns, adds a unique flavor to the overall audio landscape. While the frequency reproduction is generally average, enhanced by clean dialogue, it sometimes features shrill instances that might detract from the listening experience. The English dub, featuring familiar voices from Shaw Brothers productions, lacks the depth needed for this specific set of characters, while the Cantonese track better complements the action sequences that are filled with genre-specific sound effects, resonating with satisfying impact.

Subtitles are handled efficiently, providing a new English translation of the Cantonese dialogue. They also translate street signs, ensuring accessibility without compromising the narrative flow. These subtitles are presented consistently within the film's scope, maintaining viewer engagement. Overall, while there are minor differences between the audio mixes, both tracks are effective in preserving the film's dynamic energy.

The Blu-ray release of "Stroke of Death" from 88 Films is a thoughtfully curated package offering a well-rounded mix of supplements that should satisfy aficionados. Key extras include engaging audio commentary from Kenneth Brorsson and Phil Gillon, renowned for their detailed insights through the Podcast On Fire Network. Their commentary occasionally broadens beyond the film itself, offering enriching context. The "Stunting Around" featurette presents a fascinating interview with choreographer Tony Leung Siu-Hung, where he explores influences such as Bruce Lee on Hong Kong cinema, despite linguistic challenges in English. Additionally, the original trailer captures the film’s nostalgic essence. The physical presentation is remarkable, featuring new and original artwork by R.P. Kung Fu Bob O'Brien with a reversible sleeve, along with a slipcase, A3 double-sided poster, and an informative 24-page booklet by Andrew Graves.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: By Kenneth Brorsson and Phil Gillon of the Podcast On Fire Network.
• Stunting Around: Interview with choreographer Tony Leung Siu-Hung.
• Original Trailer: Showcasing the film’s promotional artwork and style.

"Stroke of Death," also known as "Monkey Kung Fu," is a celebrated Shaw Brothers production that encapsulates the studio's renowned prowess in martial arts cinema. The film expertly weaves traditional kung fu tropes with inventive fight choreography, celebrated for its comedic elements inspired by monkey kung fu. This technique, often manifested through exaggerated, almost slapstick sequences, brings a unique flavor to the martial arts genre. Under the skillful direction of Mar Lo, the film synthesizes varied influences, from spaghetti westerns to Chinese opera, resulting in a rich tapestry of cinematic styles and a distinct, cheeky sense of humor.

The narrative follows the journey of Wei Chung, played by Siu-Tung Ching, and his companion Zhou as they navigate a spirited adventure against a villainous gang. Their quest involves mastering the elusive art of monkey kung fu, revealed through one of the more remarkable training montages in Hong Kong cinema. The story structure prioritizes action over dialogue, with each sequence meticulously choreographed to blend vibrant athleticism with narrative elements. This prioritization of kinetic energy is evident in ingenious set pieces interspersed throughout the film.

While the central performances shine, there remains a notable disparity in character development within the supporting cast. The antagonists exhibit a tendency towards one-dimensional portrayals, reminiscent of operatic caricatures. Despite this shortcoming, "Stroke of Death" excels as a vehicle for dynamic martial arts sequences. The film achieves a balance between humor and genuine action, crafting an exhilarating experience that captures the spirit of Shaw Brothers' filmmaking ethos. As such, "Stroke of Death" stands as an overlooked gem, notable for its inventive use of props and acrobatics that foreshadowed later innovations in martial arts cinema.

"Stroke of Death" on Blu-ray serves up a martial arts spectacle that's both exhilarating and nostalgic, anchored by breathtaking fight choreography — a hallmark of the legendary Shaw Brothers studio. The film's direction effectively captures the intensity and fluidity of kung fu battles, with particularly standout sequences involving intricate chain and pole techniques. These jaw-dropping moments echo the authentic dangers and artistry that defined the genre's golden era.

The release exhibits both strengths and areas needing improvement in its audio-visual presentation. The video quality, while admirable in its meticulous restoration efforts, reveals minor inconsistencies, which may stem from the source material's age. The audio is serviceable, delivering the requisite impact to complement the film’s relentless pace, though it occasionally lacks the clarity modern viewers might expect. Notably, the Blu-ray is bolstered by a collection of well-crafted supplementary features, providing informative insights into the film's historical and cultural context.

In conclusion, "Stroke of Death" embraces its status as both a brilliant showcase of martial arts and an endearingly whimsical narrative. Andrews Graves' essay included in this release offers a thought-provoking perspective, deeming the film as having a Brechtian quality — albeit without excessive pretenses. While some may see this movie as an endearing "great, big goof," its undeniable charm lies in the captivating physical performances and authentic fight choreography. For fans of classic kung fu cinema and collectors of Shaw Brothers films, this Blu-ray comes recommended, caveats notwithstanding.