Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		2.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		3.5
Overall		3.5

Dynasty 3D Blu-ray Movie Review

A martial arts extravaganza... old-school 3D fun.

Dynasty is an old-school martial arts extravaganza with non-stop adventure. Starring Tao-Liang Tan as Sao Chin Tan, Ying Bai as Eunuch Chow, and Kang Chin as General Lu Kuai, Dynasty is an exciting film for martial arts enthusiasts with an affection for 3D. Produced by Mei-Lun Shih (The Forest of Forever, Journey through Youth), Dynasty is now available on 3D Blu-ray through a collaboration between 3-D Film Archive and Kino Lorber.

As an old-school martial arts flick, Dynasty is light on plot and heavy on action-packed fun. The story centers on a royal emperor's son and the journey he goes on when he becomes accused of treason. In order to survive, the son must fight using his best martial arts skills – taking down one enemy after another in a battle-royale showdown. Who will win the fight of the dynasty?

The filmmaking is over-the-top but entertaining. The action stunts were choreographed by Ying-Chieh Han (Fist of Fury, The Big Boss). Having collaborated with Bruce Lee many times, Ying-Chieh Han managed to imbue the filmmaking with a sense of energy and excitement as the fight scenes brought adventure to the silver-screen. The martial arts action is reason enough for an old-school action fan to see the film. There are plenty of sequences which are non-stop and manage to showcases martial arts in a compelling way.

"I forgot my lunch."

Beyond the martial arts fun, perhaps the best selling point of Dynasty is the 3D presentation. The 3D was supervised by technical adviser Michael Findlay (The Touch of Her Flesh, Funk). There are so many pop-out effects that the experience is thrilling in its use of the medium. A great effort.

The cinematography by Jung-Shu Chen (China Dragon, Young Policemen in Love) is a little inconsistent (though some of this might be due to the low-budget of the production). The film is certainly visually inventive – and utilizes the art direction by Chih-Liang Chou (Love in Chilly Spring, Heroic Pioneers) to great effect – but the cinematography is sometimes a bit underwhelming, with the action poorly lit.

Directed by Mei-Chun Chang (Journey through Youth, The Forest of Forever), Dynasty is worth a watch for the 3D martial arts fun. The screenplay by Kuo-Hsiung Liu (Bamboo Brotherhood, The Devil's Owl) is forgettable – one might wonder if the film even had an actual screenplay – with a handful of dialogue exchanges, most of the film is non-stop action and nothing else. Even so, any enthusiast of martial arts and 3D filmmaking will find there is plenty to enjoy here. Worth checking out.

Dynasty 3D Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, Dynasty is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 MVC encoded high-definition presentation in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.39:1 widescreen. The scan has been sourced from the best available 35mm elements. The print quality is underwhelming and has a myriad of deficiencies. The scan showcases abundant damage (including warps, burn marks, and sequences so soft and out-of-focus one would mistake them for standard-definition). Colors are lackluster and seem completely drained of vibrancy.

Despite the video-quality issues apparent on the video presentation, Dynasty manages to be worthwhile in 3D. The implementation of the 3D effects are outstanding – with countless exciting pop-out effects and well-designed scenes that are clearly designed with 3D in mind. The restoration effort by the 3-D Film Archive is top-notch as far as 3D is concerned and no enthusiast of the format will be left feeling underwhelming.

Dynasty 3D Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes two lossless audio options: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (sourced from the original 4.0 Quadrophonic sound mix) and English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (sourced from the original mono optical sound mix). The original audio is not included (and only dubbed audio is provided on the release). While it is a bit disappointing that no original audio is provided, the filmmaking hardly relies on dialogue at all. The majority of the film is non-stop action. The presentation capably handles the sound effects and the audio track is reasonably clear.

Optional English subtitles are provided.

Dynasty 3D Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

In addition to the Dynasty release including a real 3D presentation (for those equipped with native 3D televisions and projectors), Dynasty 3D also includes a standard anaglyphic 3D presentation. A single pair of red/cyan 3D glasses are provided inside of the case and the film can be viewed in 3D on a standard display. (A standard 2D presentation option is provided as well.)

Super Touch 3-D Lens System (2-D Only) (HD, 10:23) explores 3-D technology with commentary by 3-D expert Mike Ballew.

The House of Terror 3-D Comic Book (HD, 1:49) is a click-through 3-D comic book presentation of a 1953 comic which was designed for the 3-D format.

Go Away I Like You too Much (HD, 2:41) is an animated short produced in 3D (as a music video for The Simple Carnival by Jeff Boller).

Sold on Stereo, Commercial 3D in the 1950s (HD, 8:00) explores the development of 3-D cameras and photography in the 1950s (with commentary by Emmy winning writer, Eric Drysdale).

Inside a Mid-century Department Store (HD, 4:52) is another featurette exploring vintage 3D (with a emphasis on department stores) with commentary by Emmy winning writer, Eric Drysdale.

Dynasty 3D Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

An entertaining and action-packed martial arts flick, Dynasty is a perfect showcase for 3D. The 3D was beautifully restored by the 3-D Film Archive. The restoration of the 3-D effects is outstanding but the transfer itself is rather underwhelming (as it was sourced from the best available elements - and those elements were lackluster). A worthwhile 3D film for genre enthusiasts. Recommended.