Royal Warriors (1986) Blu-ray Review

Michelle Yeoh is an Academy Award winning actress. She has graced our screens in Marvel production, James Bond and even took part in the Star Trek Universe. No doubt about it, Michelle Yeoh is amazing!

But she started her career doing Hong Kong Cinema. Her first break out film was 1985's Yes, Madam. That film has been released on Blu-ray from 88 Films you can read the review of that film here! A year later 1986 she would jump back in the fight for Royal Warriors. 88 Films have also given that film a deluxe Blu-ray release.

Synopsis: When CID officer Yip (Michelle Yeoh), a Japanese Interpol agent (Hiroyuki Sanada) and a security guard (Micheal Wong) foil an airplane high jacking attempt by a militia fanatic, his veteran friends vow revenge. In order to stop the terrorist attacks and also to save their own lives, the three heroes must team up once again to fight their gun-toting adversaries.

Now while Yes Madam was Michelle Yeoh's first feature film, she wasn't the lead star. Here in Royal Warriors she is the lead, and she really makes the most of it! You can see how well she does when she is given the reigns to lead a production. Royal Warriors is a tough at time brutal but fun action film.

88 Films have restored this film in 2K from the original camera negative and transferred it to Blu-ray in 1080p and the film is presented in 1.85:1 aspect ratio. There are several audio options a 2.0 Cantonese mono Theatrical mix, 2.0 Cantonese Alternate mix, 2.0 classic English dub and a new 5.1 English Dub. There are also newly translated English subtitles.

To say this is a nice transfer does not do this restoration and Blu-ray release justice. The restoration is a stunning and amazing looking picture. The colors are vibrant, and the flesh tones are perfect. There are no signs of damage to this film transfer, nor are there any digital artifacts. But a great transfer is not all that is included here. Check out the bonus features included on the release.

* Audio Commentary by Hong Kong Film Expert Frank Djeng
* Missing Aeroplane Inserts
* Cantonese trailer
* English Trailer
* English In The Line of Duty Titles

Now in addition to a beautifully remaster film and all these above bonuses, 88 Film made a reversible Blu-ray insert. When you receive the Blu-ray you get the American language version. But when you flip the insert. You get the Hong Kong Blu-ray insert version. I really enjoy the idea of two different types of artwork.   

I have said it before so many times when reviewing these types of films. A lot of people hate the bad English dubs of these old foreign films. But I grew up on them. I don't know how many times I watched the Godzilla or Bruce Lee films as a kid. Perhaps that is why I love them so much. And to me when 88 Films adds the English dubs to their releases, when I watch them, it transports me back to my childhood and that is a priceless experience. 

So, if you love 80s Kung Fu movies 88 Films have released a Blu-ray you need in your collection. You can head over to Amazon and order your copy of Royal Warriors today! Or you can read about 88 Films deluxe 4 Blu-ray disc set of Michelle Yeoh films In The Line of Duty I-IV.



Out of 4 Film Reels (4 being the best) the Blu-ray release of Royal Warriors receives...