My Samurai Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "My Samurai" by MVD Rewind offers an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, showcasing a duality of visual quality. On one hand, the film’s color palette pops with elements like bright blues and resolute reds, particularly in well-lit sequences, and it reveals commendable facial details in close-ups as well as urban textures in exterior shots. The contrasting and depth attributes are generally satisfactory, bringing out impressive visual energy reminiscent of the '90s. However, the transfer is not without its notable drawbacks.

The primary issue lies in the source material, which appears faded and skewed towards a brownish tint. Graininess is present throughout the film; while a common trait for lower-budget films utilizing cheaper stocks, the grain presents here with a distractingly dense and noisy quality. This results in inconsistent visual fidelity, where dimly lit scenes suffer from blocky and near pixellated disturbances due to the overwhelming grain field. In particular, dojo scenes exhibit pronounced mosquito noise that significantly detracts from overall image clarity. Furthermore, red hues often shift to orange due to the aging material, and this color drifting bears mentioning for those particularly sensitive to color accuracy.

In summary, the video quality of "My Samurai" on Blu-ray oscillates between moments of striking detail and frustrating noise issues, largely determined by the varying conditions in each scene. While certain well-lit sequences demonstrate impressive contrast and depth, the pervasive grain and color inconsistencies will be noticeable to discerning viewers. Fans of the film may appreciate the nostalgic presentation despite these technical challenges.

The audio presentation of "My Samurai" on Blu-ray is notably subpar for an MVD Rewind release. It is marred by significant audio defects that detract from the viewing experience. The track is plagued with a pervasive hiss and other noise artifacts, which severely impinge on dialogue clarity and overall fidelity. Much of the dialogue is buried beneath this audio interference, to the point of being nearly unintelligible. Occasional surges in the synth-laden score manage to rise above the background noise, but these moments are few and far between.

Despite the PCM format, the track fails to deliver a coherent audio experience. There is a persistent static that obliterates fidelity and makes dialogue sound echoey and unclear. The need for subtitles becomes necessary due to strong accents and the muffled nature of the audio. High frequencies are either overly strained or dulled, and there is a notable absence of any substantial low-end frequencies, making the overall audio presentation feel flat and lifeless. This release would have benefitted significantly from a thorough audio restoration process to address these glaring issues.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "My Samurai" offer a substantial look behind the scenes and expand on the movie’s context. Key features include an insightful 45-minute interview with stars Julian Lee and Mark Steven Grove, where they delve into their careers and share Lee’s compelling story of leaving Korea. Actor Jim Turner’s 24-minute feature stands out as he watches his scenes for the first time, providing genuine reactions. Christophe Clark provides an additional 28-minute interview. The disc includes engaging photo galleries that advance automatically, though viewers may want their remotes handy to linger on specific images. Fans will also find value in the alternate original VHS cut, presented in 480i, along with trailers for "My Samurai" and other MVD releases. The package is further enhanced by the inclusion of a folded mini-poster.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interview with Stars Julian Lee and Mark Steven Grove: Career highlights and personal stories.
• 'Watching My Scenes' with Actor Jim Turner: Actor's first-time reactions to his scenes.
• Interview with Actor Christophe: In-depth discussion about the movie.
• Photo Gallery: Automatically advancing images.
• Julian Lee Personal Photo Gallery: Additional images from Julian Lee.
• Alternate Original VHS Cut: An extended version of the film.
• Trailers: "My Samurai" and other MVD releases.

"My Samurai" is a curious homage to 80s martial arts films, seeking nostalgia reminiscent of "The Karate Kid." However, having been shot well before its 1992 release, it sometimes feels more like an opportunistic follow-up than an organic tribute. The movie features John Kallo as Peter McCrea, a young boy who witnesses a gangland murder and is subsequently protected by his martial arts mentor Young Park (Julian Lee). While the plot sets up an intriguing dynamic between mentor and student, it lacks the depth and character development found in its more famous predecessors. Instead, the film opts for a series of frenetic battle scenes, which while energetic, struggle to compensate for the hollow emotional core and underdeveloped characters.

The cast includes some familiar faces like Terry O'Quinn and Mako, yet their roles are surprisingly underutilized. Mako's portrayal of an Asian mafia leader and O’Quinn’s depiction of a largely absent father add minimal substance to the movie. The supporting cast, including Lynne Hart as Deborah, fails to elevate the film beyond its low-budget trappings. Some attempts at humor, including a recurring gag where Deborah dismisses Taekwondo as "too violent," fall flat amidst the chaotic action sequences. Although the film throws in social commentary about Japanese corporate influence in America, these moments feel tacked on rather than integral to the plot.

The technical execution of "My Samurai" leaves much to be desired. Action scenes are clumsily staged, with poorly executed stunts and evident missed punches that detract from any intended thrills. The use of dated elements, such as colorful wigs on street gang members, feels anachronistic and disconnected from the film's more serious undertones. Ultimately, despite its attempts at martial arts choreography and cultural relevance, "My Samurai" more closely resembles a quaint relic of early 90s direct-to-video releases rather than a cherished classic.

MVD Rewind's Blu-ray release of "My Samurai" offers a nostalgic look at a lesser-known 90s martial arts film. This title, often overshadowed by more prominent releases of the era, attempts to ride the coattails of fan favorites like "The Karate Kid" and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles." Unfortunately, it struggles to capture the charm and energy that made those films enduring classics. The narrative feels contrived, with a storyline hampered by a shoestring budget and subpar writing. Performances across the board fail to lift the script, leading to many scenes that lack the emotional impact they strive for.

From a technical standpoint, the Blu-ray transfer is a mixed bag. Video quality is uneven, with certain sequences suffering from grainy textures and faded colors indicative of the original source material's condition. Audio clarity is passable, but it doesn't offer the robust experience that modern audiences might expect from high-definition media. However, MVD Rewind deserves commendation for their commitment to preserving these cult films with care and diligence. The included supplements—though perhaps not enough to sway casual viewers—provide additional value for serious collectors and those fond of this niche genre.

In conclusion, "My Samurai" is an oddity that will likely appeal to a narrow audience nostalgic for early 90s martial arts films. Its attempt to emulate more successful franchises results in a diminished product that lacks vitality and coherence. Though its technical merits are spotty, MVD Rewind has gone the extra mile by supplying some engaging supplements for enthusiasts. Despite these efforts, it remains difficult to foresee significant demand for this title beyond hardcore collectors and those with specific affection for this period in cinema history.