Shawscope: Volume One (Blu-ray Review – Part 2)
- Review Date: Jul 14, 2023
- Format: Blu-ray Disc
-
Director
VariousRelease Date(s)
Various (December 28, 2021)Studio(s)
Arrow Video- Film/Program Grade: See Below
- Video Grade: See Below
- Audio Grade: See Below
- Extras Grade: A+
- Overall Grade: A+
Review
THIS REVIEW CONTINUES FROM PART 1 [Click here to go back...]
From the mid-1960s and through to the early 1980s and beyond, the Hong Kong-based Shaw Brothers Studio ruled the roost when it came to martial arts cinema. Producing a number of successful films that traveled all over the world, particularly to the US, Britain, and Europe, their brand of extreme hand-to-hand combat films entertained audiences under a myriad of different titles and in various languages. Today, they’re still beloved to genre fans, particularly to those who grew up seeing these films in grindhouse cinemas or repeatedly on television.
Arrow Video presents twelve of these films, encapsulating the Shawscope: Volume One Blu-ray boxed set, a massive and beautifully-rendered release. It’s loaded with an amazing amount of extras per film in gorgeous packaging with an accompanying booklet, making it a massive undertaking for a single review. Because of its size, I’ll be covering this release one disc at a time, updating this review of the entire set over time to go over it in better detail.
Below, you’ll find quick links that will take you to reviews of Discs 6 through 10, as well as a link for other extras, packaging, and my final thoughts on this set:
(Click Below to Jump to Individual Disc/Film Reviews):
DISC EIGHT: HEROES OF THE EAST
DISCS NINE AND TEN: SOUNDTRACKS
DISC SIX: CHINATOWN KID
Chinatown Kid (aka Tong yan gai siu ji) was released in Hong Kong in 1977 and the following year in the US by World Northal. It once again re-teamed director Chang Cheh and actor Alexander Fu Sheng. Tam Tung (Fu Sheng), a poor man from the streets, is on the run from gangs and the Triad mafia after ably defeating them hand-to-hand. His grandfather sees to it that he leaves the country, sending him to San Francisco, where he meets newly-arrived college student Yang Chien-wen (Sun Chien), who is desperate for work to pay for his education. Meeting in the Chinatown part of the city, the two become fast friends, washing dishes in a local restaurant. As the White Dragon and Green Dragon gangs start taking over, Tam Tung dreams of having power and wealth to help those who need it, specifically his grandfather. He’s soon invited to join one of the gangs and gets his wish, but soon realizes the cost of what he’s taken part in.
Depending upon which version of Chinatown Kid you’ve seen, the outcome will certainly color your experience of it. The international version works more as a tragedy in the vein of The Boxer from Shantung, featuring a story of an innocent man eventually corrupted and killed through karmic retribution. In the alternate version, the innocent man walks the same path, but survives it to help someone in need, especially his new friend. The international version also contains a number of extra moments throughout, clocking in at 115 minutes, which is 25 minutes longer than the alternate version. Regardless, a more satisfying narrative dictates that Tam Tung doesn’t survive through to the end. After all, he’s done terrible things, even committed murder, all in the name of money. Simply being arrested isn’t very satisying. It’s also another example of Alexander Fu Sheng’s talent and screen presence, which was tragically cut short. Either way, Chinatown Kid continues the story tradition of the less fortunate rising above the odds, but this time around, on US soil.
Chinatown Kid was shot by cinematographer Kung Mu-to on 35 mm film with anamorphic lenses, finished photochemically, and presented in the aspect ratio of 2.35:1. Arrow Video presents a new 2K restoration of the international version from the original 35 mm internegative, with a previously missing scene re-inserted from a 2K scan of a vintage 35 mm print held by AGFA (American Genre Film Archive). The alternate version comes from a restoration carried out by Celestial Pictures between 2003 and 2007. The international version is definitely the more organic presentation of the two. The overall quality is great, though due to the condition of the elements used to complete it, there are sometimes missing frames, speckling, staining, lines running through the frame, and an occasional changeover cue. However, it offers lovely contrast and good color, albeit with a heavy yield of grain. The alternate version is not unlike most of the previous Celestial Pictures restorations with heavy DNR and digitally re-created opening and closing credits. Color and detail are fine, but it’s much more artificial.
Audio for the international version is included in Cantonese or English 1.0 DTS-HD Master Audio, while the alternate version features audio in Mandarin 1.0 DTS-HD Master Audio. English subtitles are provided for both versions. For the international version, the audio tracks are very similar in terms of quality, though the Cantonese track is slightly louder overall. The English track has much more boastful dubbing, but sound effects and score are more or the less the same on both tracks. The audio for the alternate version is less natural, and sounds like it’s been cleaned up a bit too much. Everything, including dialogue, sound effects, and score, sound like they’re being pushed through a filter.
The following extras are included:
- Audio Commentary on the International Version by Terrence J. Brady
- Susan Shaw: An Interview About Chinatown Kid (HD – 23:43)
- Elegant Trails: Fu Sheng (Upscaled SD – 7:21)
- Hong Kong Theatrical Trailer (HD – 3:27)
- US Theatrical Trailer (HD – 2:04)
- US TV Spot (HD – :32)
- German Theatrical Trailer (Upscaled SD – 2:36)
- UK VHS Promo (Upscaled SD – 2:37)
- Digital Reissue Trailer (HD – 1:12)
- Image Gallery (HD – 60 in all)
Author and Alexander Fu Sheng biographer Terrence J. Brady takes up commentary duties, delving mightly into the histories of the cast and crew, and details the differences between the two versions. Next is an interview with Susan Shaw (Siu Yam-yam), who discusses her career during the 1970s and making the film while footage from the film plays underneath. Elegant Trails is a featurette from 2003, profiling Alexander Fu Sheng. Last are several trailers, a TV spot, and a VHS promo from around the world, as well as an Image Gallery containing 60 images of production photos, lobby cards, posters, newspaper clippings, and home video artwork.
CHINATOWN KID (FILM/VIDEO/AUDIO/EXTRAS): B/A-/B/B
DISC SEVEN: THE FIVE VENOMS
The Five Venoms (aka Ng Duk and Five Deadly Venoms) was released in Hong Kong in 1978 and the following year in the US by World Northal. Director Chang Cheh returns once again for what is considered one of Shaw Brothers’ most enduring releases. As he’s dying, the master of the Poison Clan (Dick Wei) sends his student, Yang Tieh (Chiang Sheng), to find five of his former students, concerned that their powerful fighting skills have led them down dark paths. He also hopes that the hidden stolen money under his eye can be used for good. Yang Tieh soon locates all five men, who are keeping their fighting styles secret: Snake (Wai Pak), Centipede (Lu Feng), Lizard (Philip Kwok), Toad (Lo Mang), and Scorpion (Sun Chien). Learning their weaknesses, he attempts to stay concealed long enough in the hopes of eventually defeating them.
The titular Five Venoms are a cast of relative unknowns, which was an unusual move at the time, but thanks to the film’s success, the five actors became known collectively as the “Venom Mob.” As for the film itself, it gets surprisingly brutal in sections, particularly during Toad’s torture sessions, but also when two characters are murdered by sticking long metal rods into their heads. It’s some of the most disturbingly violent moments in any of the Shaw Brothers films, though most might consider them tame compared to splatter films in the horror genre. The success and longevity of the film has stretched into the work of Quentin Tarantino, the Wu-Tang Clan, and Tupac Shakur. Keen ears will also recognize music from the opening of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, but you’ll find little in the way of Swedish moose biting in The Five Venoms.
The Five Venoms was shot by cinematographers Kung Mu-to and Hui-Chi Tsao on 35 mm film with anamorphic lenses, finished photochemically, and presented in the aspect ratio of 2.35:1. Arrow Video presents the film to Blu-ray with a new 2K restoration of the original 35 mm camera negative. It’s a beautiful presentation with high levels of fine detail, a solid grain structure, and deep blacks. The color palette is lush with bold shades of red, blue, and green. Excellent contrast is on display and the overall picture is clean and stable from end to end. It’s a very organic presentation, one of the best of the bunch.
Audio is included in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English 1.0 DTS-HD Master Audio with optional English subtitles. As far as performances, the Mandarin track is the most even-keeled. The aural quality is very similar across all three tracks, though the English dub is definitely the dryer of the three. There’s plenty of good support for dialogue, sound effects, and score, and all of the tracks sound natural without any heavy-handed restoration efforts. It’s one of the most consistent audio selections of the films offered in this set.
The following extras are included:
- Audio Commentary by Simmon Abrams
- An Interview with Lo Meng (HD and Upscaled SD – 19:12)
- The Master: Chang Cheh (Upscaled SD – 17:32)
- Hong Kong Theatrical Trailer (Upscaled SD – 3:34)
- US Theatrical Trailer (Upscaled SD – 2:00)
- US TV Spot (HD – :34)
- Digital Reissue Trailer (HD – 1:14)
- Image Gallery (HD – 26 in all)
Film critic and author Simon Abrams provides an audio commentary for the film, detailing the film’s creation, its director, its main cast, its history, and the state of Shaw Brothers at this point in time. In the interview with Lo Mang, he talks about his early career in martial arts and working for Shaw Brothers on many of their projects. Produced by Celestial Pictures in 2003, The Master: Chang Cheh speaks to a number of his collaborators and those influenced by him. Last are several trailers and a TV spot, as well as an Image Gallery containing 26 images of production photos, lobby cards, posters, newspaper clippings, and home video artwork. Not included from the Wild Side Video Region 2 DVD release is an audio commentary with Hong Kong cinema expert Bey Logan, and separate interviews with Philip Kwok and Lo Mang.
THE FIVE VENOMS (FILM/VIDEO/AUDIO/EXTRAS): B/A/B+/B
DISC SEVEN (CRIPPLED AVENGERS)
Crippled Avengers (aka Chaan kuet, Avengers Handicapped, Mortal Combat, and The Return of the 5 Deadly Venoms) was released in Hong Kong in 1978 and later in the US in 1981 by World Northal. Once again, director Chang Cheh (this set could almost be labeled “The Chang Cheh Collection”) returns for a “Venom Mob” follow-up to The Five Venoms. A deadly tyrant (Chen Kuan-tai) comes home to find his wife dead and his young son’s arms severed by a rival clan. He vows to replace his son’s arms at whatever the cost, but also to train him in the “Black Tiger” style. His son grows up to be a ruthless fighter (Lu Feng), ruling alongside his father and their right hand man (Johnny Wang). Their cruelty knows no bounds, particularly during one day when they severely handicap four locals, including a blacksmith (Lo Mang), a traveling salesman (Philip Kwok), a local man (Sun Chien), and a martial arts fighter (Chiang Sheng)—all of whom are rendered deaf and mute, blind, legless, and mentally challenged, respectively. Despite their disabilities, they all go away together to train for years, later returning for revenge.
It’s difficult to point to just one Shaw Brothers production and proclaim it to have the finest martial arts action and choreography that money can buy, but one might be hard-pressed to argue against Crippled Avengers. It’s certainly one of the most creative entries while still maintaining a formulaic sensibility. Because our heroes are impaired, not only does their fighting style differ from what you might expect, but it’s also reflected in the filmmaking. We’re sometimes given the point of view of the deaf mute fighter, in which the sound drops out completely, or the mentally handicapped fighter, who spends most of his time acting like a small child, treating the fighting as nothing more than a game. In other words, character traits feed into the action in a way that doesn’t often happen in these films. As such, there’s a variety to keep things fresh, and stunningly-realized. Many more “Venom Mob” films would come down the pike, but there’s something special about the first two films, The Five Venoms and Crippled Avengers, that work in tandem.
Crippled Avengers was shot by cinematographer Hui-Chi Tsao on 35 mm film with anamorphic lenses, finished photochemically, and presented in the aspect ratio of 2.35:1. Arrow Video presents the film on Blu-ray with a new 2K restoration of the original 35 mm camera negative. Although the overall quality is organic, it appears a little softer than the film it shares a disc with, despite there being no bitrate discrepancy. Blacks aren’t quite as impressive either, though the color palette is still very lush and wide-ranging. Grain is rendered well enough and detail is mostly high from shot to shot. It’s also clean with nothing appearing unnatural to its source.
Audio is included in Mandarin and English 1.0 DTS-HD Master Audio with optional English subtitles. The English track is slightly louder and the dubbing is much hotter, but the Mandarin track is better balanced. Regardless, both tracks are clean with good support for sound effects and score, as well as dialogue.
The following extras are included:
- An Interview with Lo Meng (HD and Upscaled SD – 19:12)
- The Master: Chang Cheh (Upscaled SD – 17:32)
- Hong Kong Theatrical Trailer (Upscaled SD – 3:42)
- Digital Reissue Trailer (HD – 1:10)
- Image Gallery (HD – 26 in all)
The interview with Lo Mang and The Master: Chang Cheh featurette are the same as what’s found on the menu for The Five Venoms. Also included are a pair of trailers for the film and an Image Gallery containing 26 images of production photos, lobby cards, and posters.
CRIPPLED AVENGERS (FILM/VIDEO/AUDIO/EXTRAS): B+/B+/B/C
DISC EIGHT (HEROES OF THE EAST)
Heroes of the East (aka Chung wah jeung fu, Shaolin Challenges Ninja, Challenge of the Ninja, and Shaolin vs. Ninja) was released in Hong Kong in 1978 and later in the US in 1980 by World Northal. Director Lau Kar-leung returns for this lopsided tale of marital dismay and multiple martial arts. Ho Tao (Gordon Liu), a Chinese man, has entered into an arranged marriage with the beautiful Yumiko (Yuka Mizuno), which at first is blissful, until Ho Tao discovers that his wife is practicing Japanese martial arts. A rift forms between them as Yumiko has no respect for Chinese martial arts, even leading to occasional sparring. In a fit of anger, Yumiko leaves Ho Tao and goes back home to Japan to continue her training with her mentor Takeno (Yasuaki Kurata), who has his eyes on her. In a desperate plea, Ho Tao sends Yumiko a “challenge letter,” hoping to goad her into coming back home, but after Takeno inadvertently sees the letter, he takes it as an insult to Japanese martial arts. He and a group of other highly-trained fighters head for China to challenge Ho Tao, who wishes to prove the worth of Chinese martial arts to his adversaries.
Heroes of the East is an odd film, but a highly entertaining one. The central cultural dispute between two very close-minded and hard-headed individuals, both of whom disregard the traditions of their betrothed’s home country, is merely a setup for an amazing showcase of fighting styles and weapons from both China and Japan. The marital conflict storyline is ditched almost entirely once Takeno and his fighters show up, and for good reason. Yumiko is not a very likable character, repeatedly attempting to upstage and embarrass her husband while also disregarding his martial arts training. On the other hand, Ho Tao is guilty of being just as dogmatic when it comes to what Japan has to offer, but unfortunately, this conflict goes on far too long, especially when the real meat of the film kicks in. In other words, you have to slog through the nearly hour-long set up to get to what you paid your money to see, which is some spectacular fight choreography that’s purportedly more accurate than many other martial arts films. Heroes of the East is definitely uneven, but if you can manage to stick with it, you’ll be mightly rewarded.
Heroes of the East was shot by cinematographer Arthur Wong on 35 mm film with anamorphic lenses, finished photochemically, and presented in the aspect ratio of 2.35:1. Arrow Video presents the film from a restoration carried out by Celestial Pictures between 2003 and 2007. Though this is another carryover, it fares much better than many of the other films that Celestial Pictures has restored. It’s a soft presentation, but much more detail-oriented and organic to its source. Color reproduction is good with a nice array of hues and decent blacks. Mild speckling and occasional staining is evident in a couple of places, but it’s an otherwise stable and clean presentation. It’s worth noting that like other Celestial Pictures presentations, the various titles throughout the film, including the opening and closing titles, have been digitally re-created.
Audio is included in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English 1.0 DTS-HD Master Audio with optional subtitles in English. The difference between the three is a little more disparate than most. Score and sound effects are generally the same, but the volume of each track varies. However, all of the tracks are clean with good support for their dubbed languages. I personally prefer the Mandarin track, which is a generalization across this entire set, simply because it always sounds better to me than Cantonese, and definitely better than English (though I wouldn’t begrudge anybody who grew up seeing these films in English their preference for it—to each their own).
The following extras are included.
- Audio Commentary by Jonathan Clements
- Tony Rayns on Heroes of the East and Dirty Ho (HD – 30:20)
- From Japan to Hong Kong: An Interview with Yasuaki Kurata (HD and Upscaled SD – 25:24)
- Shaolin Challenges Ninja Alternate Opening Credits (Upscaled SD – 2:29)
- Hong Kong Theatrical Trailer (HD – 4:16)
- VHS Trailer (Upscaled SD – 1:09)
- US VHS Promo (Upscaled SD – :35)
- Digital Reissue Trailer (HD – 1:18)
- Image Gallery (HD – 36 in all)
In the audio commentary with author Jonathan Clements, he breathlessly delves into many aspects of the film, including its title, its characters, and its cast and crew. Film critic and historian Tony Rayns returns once again for an extended discussion about filmmaker Lau Kar-leung, more specifically this stage of his career, as well as analyzing both Heroes of the East and Dirty Ho. From Japan to Hong Kong interviews actor and martial artist Yasuaki Kurata about his film career. Next is a set of Alternate Opening Credits for the film under its nonsensical title Shaolin Challenges Ninja, as well as a set of trailers, a VHS promo, and an Image Gallery containing 36 images of production photos, lobby cards, posters, and home video artwork. Not included from the Dragon Dynasty Region 1 DVD release is an audio commentary by Hong Kong cinema expert Bey Logan, Spotlight on a Legend: A Tribute to Martial Arts Icon Lau Kar-leung by Bey Logan, the Shaolin vs. Ninja featurette, and an interview with actor Gordon Liu. Also not included from the Wild Side Video Region 2 DVD release are separate interviews with Yusuaki Kurata and Gordon Liu.
HEROES OF THE EAST (FILM/VIDEO/AUDIO/EXTRAS): B/B/B+/A-
DISC EIGHT (DIRTY HO)
Dirty Ho (aka Lan tou He and Dirty Avengers) was released in Hong Kong in 1979 and later in the US in 1981 by World Northal. Director Lau Kar-leung returns once again with Gordon Liu in the lead for a highly unorthodox film that attempts to do away with the traditions and clichés of previous Shaw Brothers productions and do something highly original. Secretly posing as a jewelry dealer, Master Wang (Gordon Liu) is actually the eleventh Manchurian prince of fourteen, trying his best to assess who is behind the assassination attempts against him without being discovered. One day he catches an unruly thief, Dirty Ho (Wong Yue), trying to steal from him, but takes a liking to him and keeps him around as a bodyguard. Meanwhile, General Liang (Lo Lieh) is sending out his troops to locate and kill the prince before the emperor names his successor.
Much of the comedic approach to Dirty Ho (pronounced “Hua”) will likely be lost on viewers outside of Asia, and aspects of the story are not entirely clear or make complete sense, but one can’t deny what an unconventional approach this film takes to the usual Shaw Brothers formula. Scenes of Wang merely examining antiques or drinking wine with those whom he perceives to be possible threats are choreographed almost like a ballet of sorts, often without ever attempting to land a blow. This may take some getting used to for those who’ve shown up for more traditional martial arts action. However, most will agree that the final twenty minutes feature some of the finest fight choreography ever filmed. If nothing else, Lau Kar-leung was certainly pushing the boundaries of the genre in a way that feels refreshing. Dirty Ho certainly isn’t the perfect example of a martial arts film, yet on the other hand, it defies and redefines what it could be.
Dirty Ho was shot by cinematographers Arthur Wong and Chih Chun Ao on 35 mm film with anamorphic lenses, finished photochemically, and presented in the aspect ratio of 2.35:1. Arrow Video presents the film on Blu-ray with a new 2K restoration of the original 35 mm camera negative. Solid levels of grain are abound, as is the detail on display. Everything appears highly natural and crisp, even in shots where the anamorphic lenses are really stretching and blurring the edges of the frame. The color palette is nicely-varied with a range of hues, as well as deep blacks and perfect contrast. The image is also clean and stable throughout.
Audio is included in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English 1.0 DTS-HD Master Audio with optional subtitles in English. Interestingly, the Cantonese track being featured as the main selection seems to indicate that it’s the preferred viewing experience. Nevertheless, all three tracks are similar to each other with the obvious dubbing differences, but none are plagued with any hiss or distortion issues. Whether or not the Cantonese or Mandarin tracks are the better options is a matter of debate... though I preferred the film in Mandarin. Your mileage may vary.
The following extras are included:
- Tony Rayns on Heroes of the East and Dirty Ho (HD – 30:20)
- Dirty Ho Alternate Opening Credits (HD – 3:21)
- Dirty Avengers Alternate Opening Credits (HD – 3:08)
- Hong Kong Theatrical Trailer (HD – 4:04)
- Digital Reissue Trailer (HD – 1:11)
- Image Gallery (HD – 38 in all)
This is the same Tony Rayns interview from the menu selection for Heroes of the East. There are also two sets of Alternate Opening Credits sequences with the titles Dirty Ho and Dirty Avengers, as well as a pair of trailers and an Image Gallery containing 38 images of production photos, lobby cards, posters, and home video artwork. Not included from the Wild Side Video Region 2 DVD release is The Image of Kung-Fu Comedy documentary.
DIRTY HO (FILM/VIDEO/AUDIO/EXTRAS): C+/A-/B/C+
DISCS NINE AND TEN (SOUNDTRACKS)
Also included are soundtrack selections for six of the twelve films offered in this set, totaling 50 tracks:
CD #1 (SHAOLIN TEMPLE / MIGHTY PEKING MAN / CHINATOWN KID)
- Shaolin Temple: Victorian Mystery C (:45)
- Shaolin Temple: Red Mud (2:38)
- Mighty Peking Man: Forces of D’Integration (Forces of Integration) (3:22)
- Mighty Peking Man: Pays De Legende (Land of Legend) (1:56)
- Mighty Peking Man: Suppression (:57)
- Mighty Peking Man: Revolt (3:30)
- Mighty Peking Man: The Jam (3:11)
- Mighty Peking Man: Wheeling & Dealing (3:18)
- Mighty Peking Man: Always (3:10)
- Chinatown Kid: Smokin’ Joe (3:02)
- Chinatown Kid: Atlantis (2:45)
- Chinatown Kid: Ooze (3:19)
- Chinatown Kid: Cold Funk (1:24)
- Chinatown Kid: Early Rise (1:44)
- Chinatown Kid: Wheel Man (3:00)
- Chinatown Kid: Hit Link I (:29)
- Chinatown Kid: Hit Link V (:36)
- Chinatown Kid: Race With Time (2:42)
- Chinatown Kid: Fun Seeker (3:51)
- Chinatown Kid: Hard Hitter (2:54)
- Chinatown Kid: No Way (3:14)
CD #2 (THE FIVE VENOMS / CRIPPLED AVENGERS / DIRTY HO)
- The Five Venoms: Complaint (1:55)
- The Five Venoms: La Planete Noire (1:59)
- The Five Venoms: Rosee d’espace 2 (1:19)
- The Five Venoms: Wide Horizons (4:28)
- The Five Venoms: Ice Floe 9 (2:09)
- The Five Venoms: Snowbirds (2:44)
- The Five Venoms: Black Mist (2:10)
- The Five Venoms: Drama Sting No. 3 (:10)
- The Five Venoms: Nightwalker (3:17)
- The Five Venoms: Guilty Secret (2:49)
- The Five Venoms: Climax (:27)
- The Five Venoms: Stab in the Dark (1:41)
- The Five Venoms: Stairway to Beyond (2:23)
- The Five Venoms: Moments of Tension (2:01)
- The Five Venoms: Spinecharge (1:24)
- The Five Venoms: The Long Wait (1:45)
- The Five Venoms: Industrial Project (3:29)
- The Five Venoms: Le Styx (2:32)
- The Five Venoms: Space Stinger No. 5 (:22)
- Crippled Avengers: Jungle Song (2:06)
- Crippled Avengers: Gun Runner (1:43)
- Crippled Avengers: Underworld 1 (1:00)
- Dirty Ho: Counterspy [Main Theme] (2:03)
- Dirty Ho: Tension Trip (:49)
- Dirty Ho: Crime Club (1:02)
- Dirty Ho: Violent Payoff (:39)
- Dirty Ho: Violence Link 1 (:08)
- Dirty Ho: Troubled Mind (2:31)
- Dirty Ho: Fast Moving Stranger (1:34)
PACKAGING AND FINAL THOUGHTS
All of the discs in this set sit in a large, rectangular, multi-page booklet which contains artwork for each film and listings for each disc’s contents. Alongside it is a 60-page booklet containing various photos and posters from each film, as well as the essay A Brief History of the Shaw Brothers Studio by David Desser, cast and crew information with film notes and trivia by Simon Abrams, The Stars of Shawscope: Volume One detailing the lead actors by Terrence J. Brady, Lip Flaps & High Kicks about the dubbing of these films by James Flower, and restoration details. All of this is housed in a large, rectangular blue slipcase resembling the famous “Shawscope” opening logo.
Once again, Arrow Video has proven themselves to be one of the best home video companies in the business, putting together a massive boxed set that many thought would never happen, at least not in as comprehensive a way as this. Shawscope: Volume One collects together twelve of the finest selections of Hong Kong cinema from the Shaw Brothers studio in a way that, despite any minor nitpicks along the way, is a definitive and all-encompassing release. If you’re a fan of Asian action cinema in any capacity, this needs to be in your film library. Most highly recommended.
- Tim Salmons
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