The Crippled Masters (1979) Film Masters Blu-ray Review

Many of American film audiences grew up on the bad English dub material arts films. Of course the most popular was Bruce Lee. He became a legend even with just the few films he did. But so popular were these films that producers started cranking them out. And the more crazy the story the more audiences ate them up.

Well, in 1979 one of the most crazy and yet amazing martial arts films was produced. I am talking about The Crippled Masters. Now Film Masters have rescued this martial arts revenge flick and given it a deluxe Blu-ray release!

Synopsis: The plot revolves around two men, one who has lost both arms and the other who has lost both legs, as they seek revenge against the villainous master who crippled them. Throughout the film, they undergo rigorous training, mastering their unique fighting styles. As both men hone their skills, they encounter various challenges and adversaries, including other martial artists and the master's henchmen. Along the way, they form a deep bond and develop innovative techniques that capitalize on their strengths and compensate for their weaknesses.

Okay let's be honest here no one is ever going to consider this film on the level with "Enter the Dragon". This is a low budget Kung Fu movie. But in so many ways it is inspirational. Not just in the story of the film as two men seeking revenge, but in these two real life men not letting their limitations keep them from doing what other would deem impossible. What they do in this film is nothing short of astounding! The action is top notch.

The Film Masters have restored this film from original 35mm Archival elements in 2k. The films has been transferred to Blu-ray in 1080p and is presented in 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The audio is an English dub DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. But a restored version of this film is not all that is included on this Blu-ray release, not by a longshot. Take a look at the bonus features included on this Blu-ray!

* Booklet with forward by Philip Elliott Hopkins and liner notes by Lawrence Carter-Long
* Full Commentary track by Will Sloan and Justin Decloux of The Important Cinema Club
* Kings of Kung Fu: Releasing the Legends by Ballyhoo Motion Pictures
* The original 1982 trailer and the 2024 re-cut trailer using the restored elements
* Festival of Kung Fu Trailers courtesy of Something Weird
* Bonus Mandarin language track for The Crippled Masters
* Original raw scan of The Crippled Masters presented in HD
* The Crippled Masters Before and After restoration.

I didn't realize how impressive a restoration this was until I took a look at the original raw scan of this release. The original raw scan had so many scratches dirt and debris on the print I am amazed at how great this looks. It literally looks like two different films. The technicians that restored this film to look this great deserve a lot of credit! And a great load of bonuses including the always awesome Ballyhoo featurette!

The Crippled Master is a fun Kung Fu film from another era. A film like this would never be produced in this day and age as it would be considered exploitative. Me I think it is inspirational. I am so thankful that Film Masters love cinema as must as all of us film fans. They want to restore these film to their former glory and they keep impressing time after time.

So if you enjoy Kung Fu movies and maybe movies that are a little strange The Crippled Masters is a combination of both. Pick up a copy of this spectacular looking new Blu-ray or DVD version, whichever your prefer by heading over to Amazon and ordering your copy today!


Out of 4 Film Reels (4 being the best) The Blu-ray of The Crippled Masters receives..