Rating summary
| Movie |  | 3.0 |
| Video |  | 5.0 |
| Audio |  | 3.5 |
| Extras | | 3.0 |
| Overall |  | 4.0 |
China and Silk Blu-ray Movie Review
Reviewed by Brian Orndorf September 28, 2016
For an adult movie, 1984’s “China and Silk” would much rather be a cop drama, having more fun on the prowl with police than in the bedroom with eager partners. Likely inspired by drug smuggling television escapism of the day, “China and Silk” has only a tentative interest in sexual relations, showing more enthusiasm for procedural steps and stakeouts, weirdly cooling the obvious appeal of the picture.
Director Steve Scott deserves credit for attempting a crime story, but he doesn’t have the money to pull off an expansive look at the smuggling business. “China and Silk” remains tight with its characters, showing a tenuous grasp on suspense as lines between good and bad are blurred in the name of justice. There’s a story here, unexpectedly beginning with a Vietnam War prologue, but the appeal of the picture isn’t found in a strong narrative, but the chance to watch stars Harry Reems and Herschell Savage play tough law enforcement types, while Kristara Barrington inhabits the of-its-time Dragon Lady role with sensuality. Cara Lott, Colleen Brennan, and Ginger Lynn also appear.
China and Silk Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality
The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation offers a richly filmic viewing experience for "China and Silk" (labeled as a 2K scan of a 16mm OCN), finding detail quite appealing when focus issues aren't encountered. Bodily particulars are vivid, while locations are open for inspection, offering clear distances and signage. Colors are bright and inviting, delivering bolder hues with costuming and locations, while skintones are natural. Delineation isn't problematic. Source is in terrific shape, without overt points of damage. Grain is managed superbly.
China and Silk Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix is a bit muffled, periodically restraining dialogue exchanges, which otherwise sound approachable but not remarkable. Music selections are adequate but never precise. Atmospherics come through, catching street bustle. Hiss is mild, and there's the occasional moment of crackling.
China and Silk Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras
- Commentary #1 features cinematographer Tom Howard and filmmaker David McCabe.
- Commentary #2 features actor Herschell Savage and historian Bill Margold.
China and Silk Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation
Scott is obviously scrambling to pad the "China and Silk" run time, utilizing a lot of real time driving, walking, and airplane landing to fill spaces between confrontations and sex. In dire need of a delay of game penalty, Scott doesn't seem to mind that his picture is periodically shifted into park. However, the feature recovers nicely when focus returns, getting back to business with import/export intrigue, supercop schemes, and considerable downtime between hostilities, permitting the adult effort to do what comes naturally.
