Enter the Ninja Blu-ray Review

The AVC 1080p transfer of "Enter the Ninja," presented in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio, provides a picture quality that reflects the limitations of its original source material. The encode showcases a filmic grain that remains consistent throughout, offering a raw but authentic film texture. Well-lit scenes, particularly close-ups, deliver adequate sharpness and a fair amount of detail, especially during sequences shot in Manila. However, the overall clarity diminishes notably in long shots and under low-light conditions, where shadow delineation can be problematic, leading to a loss of detail and depth.

Color reproduction is generally robust with natural skin tones and vivid hues, such as the striking reds of the ninja costumes and the rich greens and browns of the surrounding foliage. Nevertheless, contrast issues persist, especially in scenes with high dynamic ranges like Mary Ann's studio, where incoming light from windows can overwhelm and wash out details. Evening exteriors further present challenges, where blacks occasionally take on a reddish tint rather than true inky blacks. The print itself shows signs of age with frequent white and black specks and sporadic damage marks appearing throughout the presentation.

Despite these drawbacks, the transfer does an admirable job within the confines of its original limited budget and cinematography, preserving a sense of distance in exterior shots while maintaining an overall passable image free from digital artifacts.

The Blu-ray edition of "Enter the Ninja" features a 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio track, capturing the essence and intensity of the original mono audio. The dialogue, being entirely dubbed, is crystal clear, ensuring that every line is distinctly heard, no matter the scene's background noise. However, it's unmistakable that the audio stems from a low-budget production, as evident in its straightforward presentation which eschews subtlety in favor of direct, unrefined emotional impact.

The sound effects are prominently highlighted, with the crisp, sharp sounds of whooshing throwing stars and impactful kicks and punches resonating vividly throughout the mix. Despite the minimal nuance, this track faithfully conveys the film’s dynamic range and exploitation interests. The score is notably pronounced yet never overpowers the dialogue or effects, providing a robust and spirited backdrop that enhances the overall listening experience without becoming intrusive.

In summary, while the audio track of "Enter the Ninja" lacks some depth and ambient details common in higher-budget productions, it compensates with a clear and defined mix that preserves the film’s gritty charm and action-driven narrative. The blunt force of the soundtrack aligns perfectly with the movie's raw and enthusiastic delivery, making it a fitting and satisfying auditory accompaniment to this cult classic.

The Blu-ray release of "Enter the Ninja" features an array of extras that cater to both aficionados and newcomers to the genre. The disc includes a highly informative post-screening Q&A, where insights into the film's production and its impact on the martial arts cinema landscape are thoroughly discussed. Additionally, deleted scenes offer a glimpse into content that didn’t make the final cut but enriches the narrative for dedicated fans. The commentary track provides an engaging dissection of the film, where the director and key contributors highlight behind-the-scenes anecdotes and technical details that will captivate any cinephile. Furthermore, a dedicated featurette offers an in-depth exploration of the movie's stunts and action choreography, showing the intricacies of martial arts choreography from that era. Concluding with high-definition trailers, this Blu-ray extras package is comprehensive and well-curated.

Extras included in this disc:

• Post-Screening Q&A: Insights into the film's production and impact.
• Deleted Scenes: Additional content enriching the narrative.
• Commentary Track: Behind-the-scenes anecdotes and technical details.
• Featurette: Exploration of stunts and action choreography.
• Trailer: High-definition theatrical trailer.

"Enter the Ninja," directed by Menahem Golan and released by Cannon Films in 1981, is a genre-defining piece that contributed to the explosion of ninja-themed action films in the 1980s. With a plot centered on Cole (Franco Nero), who masters the mysterious art of ninjutsu and travels to Manila to help an old wartime friend Frank (Alex Courtney), the movie blends violent action with moments of surprising levity. The narrative, though simplistic and occasionally leaning towards the absurd, benefits from its earnest approach to storytelling and encourages a tone of escapist adventure that remains compelling. The film introduces an arsenal of ninja weaponry early on, which is then utilized effectively throughout the runtime, contributing to a satisfying sense of continuity and immersion in the ninja lore.

Technically, "Enter the Ninja" exhibits a mix of low-budget limitations and creative executions. The film's screenplay largely follows its two central figures—Cole and Frank—depicting their struggle against a ruthless businessman Venarius (Christopher George), who aims to usurp Frank's land through intimidation tactics led by his henchman, The Hook (Zachi Noy). Golan’s direction ensures that action sequences occur with enticing regularity, despite the constrained settings often limited to compounds and forests. The film's choreography showcases a diverse range of ninja techniques and weaponry, each armed with unique sound effects that add an engaging auditory aspect. Although the score ventures into the peculiar with its slightly “porno-esque” quality, it adds an unexpected element to the viewing experience.

Performance-wise, the film has palpable flaws including notable dubbing issues—particularly Franco Nero being dubbed by another actor—which sometimes detracts from its engagement factor. Moreover, character arcs like Mary Ann's (Susan George) attraction to Cole highlight unresolved ethical complexities and exhibit narrative gaps. Despite these shortcomings, "Enter the Ninja" succeeds in its primary objective—to entertain through a blend of martial arts spectacle and westernized ninja mythos. Menahem Golan’s work may not ascend to high art, but its unabashed commitment to providing thrilling, albeit campy action makes it an enduring piece in exploitation cinema history.

"Enter the Ninja" exemplifies the idiosyncratic charm of early 80s action films under the Cannon Films banner, balancing stoicism and strangeness in equal measure. The movie presents a riveting clash between the protagonist Cole, a middle-aged master of ninjutsu, and the forces of evil led by Venarius. The climactic showdown in a cockfighting arena injects a blend of intense action and bizarre spectacle, characteristic of the era's cult cinema. Its contribution to the burgeoning ninja subgenre paved the way for subsequent titles such as "Revenge of the Ninja" and "American Ninja," offering a foundational yet quirky exploration of martial arts cinema.

The Blu-ray presentation, while adequate, reveals the film's low-budget origins. The HD transfer reflects the minimal care afforded to its restoration, a common issue for niche genre films from this period. While the image quality is passable, it lacks the clarity and polish modern audiences might expect. Additionally, the limited extras—only a trailer is provided—fail to enhance the viewing experience, marking a missed opportunity to enrich the historical context or provide additional entertainment value.

"Enter the Ninja" finds its appeal predominantly among nostalgic viewers and cult cinema enthusiasts but struggles to attract new fans due to its dated aesthetics and modest production values. Despite these shortcomings, it retains a peculiar charm, fulfilling its role as an action-packed, albeit intellectually light, fixture in genre filmmaking.