Tian can di que Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Tian can di que" on Blu-ray offers a surprisingly commendable restoration effort while still encountering the expected limitations inherent in working with archival elements. The 1080p AVC encoded transfer, framed at 2.40:1, benefits from extensive restoration, transforming what began as a severely damaged 35mm print into a version far superior to any previous VHS or DVD release. Major blemishes, heavy speckling, and emulsion bubbles have been almost entirely eliminated, although some filtering has occasionally impacted natural grain. Nevertheless, the transfer succeeds in preserving a genuine film-like quality.

Remarkably, the restoration team has managed to remove burnt-in subtitles, a notoriously challenging task, along with countless nicks and scratches. This meticulous care has resulted in astonishing clarity of facial features, clothing textures, and the film’s notable gore effects. Color timing issues from the original print have been addressed with evident improvements, giving scenes with previous fading a revitalized appearance. However, it's worth noting that some anomalies and scratches persist, occasionally manifesting as twisted imagery or degraded color bands that disrupt the visual continuity, reminiscent of typical anamorphic oddities observed in similar restorations.

While some imperfections remain, these minor flaws lend an authentic charm to this classic martial arts film. The challenges of sourcing from archival 35mm prints are acknowledged, but the restorative efforts have largely yielded impressive results. Overall, this Blu-ray presentation represents a definitive visual upgrade and may inspire hope for future theatrical tours, offering audiences an appreciatively polished glimpse into vintage martial arts cinema's past.

The Blu-ray release of "Tian can di que" offers two primary audio tracks: a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono track available in both English and Mandarin. The Mandarin track is particularly commendable for its authenticity and truly reflects the film’s original essence. It also contains well-executed English SDH subtitles that enhance the viewing experience for non-Mandarin speakers. Despite the authenticity, this track suffers from some background noise and a general boxy sound, which is symptomatic of many productions from its time period. On the other hand, the English-dubbed track is relatively cleaner with a noticeable absence of added background noise, although it does exhibit slight hiss and warble intermittently.

Sound effects on both audio tracks generally maintain quality but tend to lean slightly towards a hollow sound. The scoring features interesting ethnic instrumentation, yet this auditory texture is afflicted by thinness across the high end, common in older Chinese productions. Dialogue on both tracks is consistently clear and intelligible, ensuring an uninterrupted listening experience.

Overall, while both tracks deliver an adequate audio performance, the English dub track may offer a less distracting experience due to its reduced background noise and clearer audio presence. For viewers seeking a more culturally authentic experience, the Mandarin track with English subtitles remains a solid choice despite its minor auditory imperfections.

The Blu-ray release of "Tian can di que" presents a robust collection of extras, demonstrating a meticulous curation that propels it to one of Film Masters' most compelling packages. The audio commentary by Justin Decloux and Will Sloan, accessible under the setup menu, bursts with insightful discourse and genuine enthusiasm, enhancing the viewer's appreciation of the film. The standout documentary "Kings of Kung Fu: Releasing the Legends" delves into the early distribution of kung fu films in the U.S., offering a historical perspective that aficionados will relish. Additional features include a compilation of old martial arts trailers, both original and re-cut trailers of "The Crippled Masters," and an unvarnished raw scan of the original film showcasing the extensive restoration work done. The before/after restoration demo provides a vivid glimpse into the painstaking process that revitalized this classic, and a thoughtfully penned essay by Philip Elliott Hopkins in the insert booklet adds further depth.

Extras included in this disc:

• Kings of Kung Fu: Releasing the Legends: Insightful documentary on the early distribution of kung fu films in the U.S.
• Something Weird Kung Fu Film Trailer Compilation: Nostalgic collection of archival kung fu film trailers.
• 2024 re-cut Trailer for The Crippled Masters: New re-cut trailer for the film.
• Original Raw Scan of The Crippled Masters Feature Film: Original unfiltered scan showing initial damage and burnt-in French subtitles.
• The Crippled Masters Original Theatrical Trailer: Classic trailer from the film's original release.
• The Crippled Masters Before/After Restoration: Demonstration of restoration efforts with side-by-side comparisons.
• Audio Commentary by Justin Decloux and Will Sloan: Engaging commentary tracks by knowledgeable and enthusiastic film critics.
• Insert Booklet Essay: Thoughtful essay by Philip Elliott Hopkins.

"The Crippled Masters" is a standout in the realm of Martial Arts Exploitation cinema, directed by Chi Lo and featuring Frankie Shum and Jackie Conn. The film centers on two disabled martial artists—Shum, armless due to Thalidomide, and Conn, legless—who unite to confront the villain responsible for their disfigurements. The ingenuity of the fight scenes, driven by the unique abilities of the actors, makes for an engaging and surprisingly dynamic viewing experience. Yet, there's an underlying exploitation that feels both uneasy and compelling, embodying the very essence of '70s low-budget film dynamics that sought to capitalize on every opportunity for shock and awe.

The narrative follows a conventional revenge arc, enhanced by the visceral representation of Shum and Conn's disabilities. This starts with an unsettling origin sequence where we witness their transformation from fully able-bodied individuals to their respective physical conditions—captured using fake prosthetics and clever camera work. Despite the initial discomfort induced by these scenes, the film evolves into showcasing spectacular martial arts choreography. The training montages and climactic battles highlight the performers’ exceptional physical capabilities, making one oscillate between discomfort and admiration.

"The Crippled Masters" achieves cult status through its audacious content and fantastic physical feats, all now presented with enhanced clarity thanks to Film Masters' 2K restoration on Blu-ray. The upgraded visuals breathe new life into a film previously available only in subpar VHS or DVD formats, allowing a fresh appreciation for Shum's and Conn's performances. With meticulous attention paid to preserving this movie, including a 15-page booklet detailing its restoration, this Blu-ray release stands as an exemplary effort in cultural preservation, amplifying both the shock and awe intrinsic to this martial arts classic.

The Blu-ray release of "Tian can di que" delivers an intriguing blend of martial arts prowess and unique character portrayals. The standout feature is undoubtedly the performances of Jackie Conn and Frankie Shum, who despite their physical disabilities, execute highly athletic feats, making their roles both compelling and inspiring. This notorious film, which delves into the less explored niche of "disabled masters," benefits profoundly from a new 2K restoration that enhances the visual quality, acknowledging the scarcity of original elements and the meticulous restoration effort involved.

Technical aspects of the Blu-ray edition are commendable. The video quality exhibits notable improvements, though some variability in the visuals may be observed due to the condition of original footage. The audio quality is consistently impressive, contributing to an immersive viewing experience. Additionally, the disc includes a rich array of supplementary materials, with an enlightening commentary and a deeply informative featurette that add significant value for avid collectors and newcomers alike.

In conclusion, while "Tian can di que" might present a routine narrative from various perspectives, it compensates with its compelling showcase of disabled athletes' capabilities and a thoughtful restoration effort. Philip Elliott Hopkins' essay within the booklet provokes thought on the depiction of disabled characters, suggesting viewers might need to shift their perspectives. For fans of martial arts films and cinematic history enthusiasts, this Blu-ray release is highly recommended, providing an engaging visual and educational experience.