Bangkok Revenge Blu-ray Review

Well Go USA presents "Bangkok Revenge" on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, showcasing a generally high-quality presentation. Shot digitally using a Red camera system, the transfer benefits from sharp detail, particularly evident in close-ups which reveal intricate skin imperfections and facial pores. Flesh tones appear natural and the colors are vibrant without being overly saturated. However, there are notable instances of color grading in several sequences, which slightly alters this otherwise vivid color palette. Throughout most of the film, the picture remains crisp and clear with no signs of banding or motion blur, ensuring a high degree of clarity and precision in the visual presentation.

One caveat is the latter part of the film, where scenes are set in very dimly lit environments. This intentional darkening results in a significant loss of shadow detail, making it difficult to discern elements in action sequences. While these darker scenes avoid complete crush, the diminished detail can be somewhat distracting and may hinder the viewing experience during critical moments. Additionally, the end credits exhibit a peculiar visual anomaly; they shimmer and warp incessantly, creating an unsettling, almost psychedelic effect that makes them difficult to read. This distortion, whether intentional or not, stands out as an oddity in an otherwise solid high-definition transfer.

Overall, aside from some occasional lighting issues and the unusual end credit treatment, the bulk of this transfer delivers a sharp, richly textured visual experience that reflects the digital source's capabilities effectively. As a result, "Bangkok Revenge" on Blu-ray provides a visually engaging and mostly problem-free presentation for viewers.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Bangkok Revenge" features a robust lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix. Contrary to expectations, despite being listed as the original Thai, the majority of the film's dialogue is delivered in English, albeit occasionally broken. While lead actor Foo delivers his lines with relative competence, some supporting actors' diction is nearly unintelligible, necessitating the optional subtitles that come in two forms: one for the Thai segments and one for the entire film. Despite these language issues, the dialogue is crystal clear, well-prioritized, and complemented by a rich dynamic range.

Action sequences shine with immersive power, characterized by excellent foley work, creating a visceral auditory experience with bone-crunching realism. The surround channels are effectively utilized, ensuring impactful sound effects from various directions, enhancing the viewer's immersion in fight scenes and action sequences. Directionality is notably precise, offering a seamless transition as sounds move around the listener. The film’s score by Christophe Gerber is unexpectedly strong for its genre, providing a creepy vibe in key moments without overshadowing dialogue or sound effects. Additionally, there are no noticeable distortions such as hissing or cracks, resulting in a highly polished and solid audio mix for the release.

The extras on the "Bangkok Revenge" Blu-ray disc appear lacking in depth, with the only inclusion being the trailer for the film, which is disappointing given the potential for behind-the-scenes content that could showcase the impressive stunt work and production process. Enthusiasts of film production and martial arts choreography would find immense value in featurettes highlighting these aspects. Unfortunately, the absence of such materials leaves a gap in the viewer's experience, limiting their insight into the making of this action-packed film. The presentation quality of the trailer is commendable, maintaining high resolution and clarity, but it doesn't compensate for the overall sparse offering.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: The film's trailer presented in high definition.

"Bangkok Revenge," directed by Jean-Marc Mineo, attempts to meld the gritty tone of the Batman reboots with exhilarating martial arts sequences. The protagonist, Manit (Jon Foo), parallels Bruce Wayne, enduring childhood trauma and training in martial arts to seek vengeance. However, unlike the intricate and well-executed storytelling in Batman's arcs, "Bangkok Revenge" often stumbles with its narrative cohesion and character development. Manit's emotionless facade, reminiscent of a lobotomized victim due to a bullet wound, hinders the film's engagement. Some ambiguously portrayed themes, including a bizarre sex scene and an odd inclusion of transvestites, disrupt the film's flow, contributing to an overall sense of disarray.

The film is laden with clichéd elements, such as the archetypal crusading journalist Clara (Caroline Ducey), who unfortunately falls into the damsel-in-distress trope repeatedly. This failure to innovate renders the storyline predictable, robbing it of potential surprises. Even some of the more action-packed sequences are underwhelming due to poor fight choreography and overreliance on rapid cuts, akin to WWE-style filming techniques that fragment the combat's impact. The climax scene, featuring a daunting meathook, is one of the few moments of genuine physical intensity but comes too late to salvage the viewing experience.

Despite these shortcomings, die-hard fans of Thai martial arts may still find sporadic enjoyment in Jon Foo's performance. While his portrayal lacks emotive depth, his physical prowess is evident, showcasing potential for future roles if provided with a better cinematic vehicle. However, broader audiences might find little to engage with in this emotionally barren and unevenly paced film. As an addition to the genre, "Bangkok Revenge" leaves much to be desired when compared to other benchmark titles like "Ong Bak" or "Tom Yum Goong," which excel in both executing memorable fight scenes and establishing a compelling narrative.

Bangkok Revenge is a mixed bag of cinematic elements. The film features Jon Foo, whose athleticism and martial arts expertise are evident throughout the film. Foo presents a charismatic performance, bringing some much-needed energy to an otherwise lackluster narrative. However, the film suffers from a convoluted plot and underdeveloped characters, making it difficult for viewers to form a meaningful connection. The action sequences, while occasionally thrilling, are spaced too far apart and lack the innovative choreography necessary to captivate a seasoned martial arts audience.

From a technical standpoint, the Blu-ray presentation of Bangkok Revenge is commendable. The video quality is sharp and clear, showcasing the vibrant locales and fast-paced action sequences effectively. The audio presentation complements the visual experience with crisp sound quality that enhances the immersion during fight scenes. Unfortunately, the extras leave much to be desired, with only a trailer provided, which is disappointing given the industry standards as of 2013. A more comprehensive set of behind-the-scenes features or interviews would have added value for martial arts enthusiasts and collectors.

In conclusion, Jon Foo demonstrates potential talent in Bangkok Revenge, but the film itself falls short of being a memorable entry in the martial arts genre. The predictable storyline and average fight scenes limit its appeal, making it more suitable for those looking to pass the time rather than seeking a standout martial arts experience. While the technical aspects of the Blu-ray are solid, the lack of substantial extras is a missed opportunity. Martial arts fans might find it worth a rental, but it's unlikely to warrant repeated viewings.