Then, in the 1980s the home video boom changed the world and people were renting VHS tapes, and Kung Fu movies became a popular choice. So many producers made their own kung fu cinema. One such producer was Joseph Lai.
Visual Vengeance have rescued two of Lai's Kung Fu films from 1988 and given them a super deluxe Blu-ray release that will have 80s kung fu movie fans leaping for joy.
Movie Rating:
****=Don’t Miss it!
***=Worth a look.
**=An Ok way to spend an evening.
*=You haven’t missed anything.
Born a Ninja (1988) When unlikely heroes Larry and David stumble onto a long-lost WWII germ formula created by the mysterious scientist Tanaka, they're pulled into a deadly web of shadow warfare and secret assassins. On their trail is Simon, a merciless ninja enforcer working for the cold-blooded mastermind Martin, whose scheme threatens global catastrophe. Outnumbered and outmatched, Larry and David rely on nerve, instinct, and their own unconventional fighting discipline - Hocus Pocus, a martial art as unpredictable as it is lethal. **
Commando the Ninja (1988) Once again caught in a storm of espionage, double-crosses, and stolen science, Larry and David find themselves facing more ruthless power brokers and endless waves of attackers. As the battle escalates, two fearless allies - Becky and Brenda - join the fight, driving the action toward an outrageous finale of acrobatics, ambushes, and full-blown ninja madness. **
These two films have been transferred to Blu-ray in 1080p and are presented in 1.33:1 aspect ratio. The audio track is an English stereo and there is the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.
Now these transfers are taken from SD masters from original tape elements. So what results are the best quality possible. Granted, this is not a 4K restoration so don't go into this looking for something mind-blowing. But there is a bit of charm to film with that old, weathered look.
And as always with Visual Vengeance Blu-rays, they add some awesome bonus features, making their releases so much more collectable. Take a look at what has been included in this set.
Bonus Materials:
* Commando the Ninja commentary with Justin Decloux and Will Sloane of The Important Cinema Club
* Born A Ninja with commentary by Justin Decloux of The Important Cinema Club
* The Essential Godfrey Ho - Video Essay
* The Law Chi Touch - Video Essay
* Actor Kwan Chung interview
* Image Gallery
* Original Trailers
* Visual Vengeance Trailers
* Two folded mini-posters with original VHS art
* Reversible sleeve featuring original VHS art
* ‘Stick Your Own’ VHS sticker set - FIRST PRESSING ONLY
* Limited Edition O-Card by Uncle Frank - FIRST PRESSING ONLY
* Booklet with essay by ninja movie expert C.J. Lines
* Blu-ray sleeve featuring art by The Dude
As you can see, both films receive an audio commentary and the addition of video essays, interviews, trailers, artwork and a booklet. I love the mini-posters, reversible artwork. Now, while the movies may not be stellar, there is no denying that the Blu-ray releases are.
So if you love 80s kung fu cinema, pick up this new deluxe Blu-ray release of Born a Ninja and Commando the Ninja from Visual Vengeance. Head over to MVD Shop or Amazon and order your copy of this Blu-ray today.
Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best) The Blu-ray of Born a Ninja and Commando the Ninja receives....
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