Lung men bei chi Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Lung men bei chi" by MVD Visual and VCI offers an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.37:1 aspect ratio. The sourcing reportedly derived from a new 2K scan of the original 35mm negative. However, fans may find the results disappointing due to significant issues. While the color palette does exhibit some vividness, there is a noticeable fade in the negative, producing unwanted green undertones that distort fleshtones. Additionally, the presentation suffers from considerable frame instability and persistent large scratches, particularly along the right side, indicating insufficient restoration efforts.

A critical issue for videophiles is the evident filtering applied throughout the film. Noticeably scrubbed grain results in disconcertingly waxy, smooth, and featureless moments during the viewing experience. This reduction in texture detracts from the film's authenticity. Moreover, peculiar anamorphic warping effects intermittently appear, especially at the frame's edges, causing a comical squeeze effect relative to the center of the image. This inconsistency in image quality severely impacts overall visual enjoyment.

The audio presentation of "Lung men bei chi" features a surprisingly robust LPCM 2.0 mono track. Though the track occasionally exhibits a boxy sound quality, it holds up fairly well against age-related wear and tear. The English dub, while humorous due to occasional mismatches between voices and characters and some loose synchronization, remains clear throughout the film. Dialogue, though somewhat unremarkable in terms of its delivery, maintains decent intelligibility. The accompanying funky, spirited score contributes a lively atmosphere, despite being occasionally bright and brittle in the upper frequencies.

Another notable feature is the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which provides an immersive experience with a well-balanced soundstage. The action sequences particularly benefit from this multi-channel format, delivering impactful low-frequency effects and dynamic range. Ambient sounds and background music are skillfully integrated to enhance the cinematic atmosphere without overwhelming the dialogue. Technically, this disc offers a solid performance that should satisfy both hardcore audiophiles and casual listeners, even if it's not an absolute reference-grade experience.

The Blu Ray disc extras for "Lung men bei chi" provide a comprehensive and engaging enhancement for fans and newcomers alike. The collection includes both substantive and entertaining features such as deleted scenes and a variety of trailers. Michael Worth's commentary, accessible via the setup menu, is particularly informative, offering intricate details and insights about the film's production and cultural impact. The image quality in all extras maintains the high definition standard, ensuring a visually satisfying experience throughout. For enthusiasts of classic kung fu cinema, the "Bad Kung Fu Dubs" section adds a humorous retrospective element.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: Original theatrical trailer for the film.
• Deleted Scenes: Scenes cut from the United States release.
• Bruceploitation Trailers: Collection of trailers from the Bruceploitation era.
• Photo Gallery: Slideshow of still images from the film.
• Bad Kung Fu Dubs: Humorous poorly dubbed scenes.
• Commentary: Informative commentary by Michael Worth.

With the unexpected and untimely demise of Bruce Lee, the martial arts genre experienced a surge in so-called "Brucesploitation" films. MVD Visual and VCI's release of "Bruce's Deadly Fingers" is an intriguing yet controversial addition to this niche. The film hinges on the brazen concept of a secret fighting techniques book supposedly authored by Bruce Lee before his death. The plot follows Bruce Wong (played by Bruce Le) as he embarks on a quest to rescue his sister and Lee's former girlfriend, who have been kidnapped by a villain searching for the book. The narrative is relentlessly silly; while it sets up for high-octane showdowns, the actual fight sequences disappointingly lack intensity and finesse.

Bruce Le, initially known as Huang Jian Long, was one of many actors capitalizing on the late Bruce Lee’s immense popularity in the U.S. The 1970s and 1980s saw him star in numerous low-budget Asian exploitation films, most notably in the Bruceploitation genre. "Bruce's Deadly Fingers" exemplifies these efforts, interweaving thinly veiled tributes to Bruce Lee with attempts at martial arts flair. However, despite the nostalgic nods and the effort to evoke Lee’s legacy, the film falls short in technical execution, dramatically missing the mark on delivering crisp and engaging fight choreography.

Overall, "Bruce's Deadly Fingers" is a peculiar entry in the Bruceploitation genre. Its audacious references to Bruce Lee, coupled with a rather laughable plot and lackluster action scenes, may leave true martial arts aficionados feeling unsatisfied. While it provides a curious look into the era’s exploitation trend, its artistic merit pales in comparison to the genuine grace and impact of Bruce Lee's authentic films.

The Blu-ray release of "Lung men bei chi" by VCI is an engaging yet technically flawed offering that will appeal to cult film aficionados despite some notable shortcomings. The video presentation leaves much to be desired, showcasing inconsistent image quality that might frustrate meticulous videophiles. Nonetheless, the audio performance is relatively satisfactory, offering clear dialogues and balanced sound effects that help in maintaining an immersive viewing experience.

What stands out in this release is the supplemental package, which is rich and varied. It includes an insightful audio commentary by filmmaker Michael Worth, who delves deep into the film's context and production nuances. Fans will also appreciate the inclusion of deleted scenes with a mix of Chinese and German dialogues, complete with English subtitles for accessibility. Additionally, the eclectic mix of Bruceploitation trailers, the film's theatrical trailer, a comprehensive photo gallery, and the quirky feature "Bad Kung Fu Dubs" add a unique charm that enhances the overall value of the package.

In conclusion, VCI's effort, despite its known history with mixed quality Blu-ray releases, provides a commendable addition to cult cinema collections. While the video quality might not meet high expectations, the audio and supplementary materials offer an enjoyable package for fans. The content of the extras compensates for the visual flaws making this Blu-ray a quirky yet valuable piece for enthusiasts.