Iron Angels I-III Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.0

Iron Angels I-III Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf July 11, 2025

Vinegar Syndrome gets back into the fighting spirt with the triple feature release of 1987’s “Iron Angels,” 1988’s “Iron Angels II,” and 1989’s “Iron Angels III.”

Click here for a review of Iron Angels

Click here for a review of Iron Angels II

Click here for a review of Iron Angels III

Iron Angels I-III Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

See above for reviews.

Iron Angels I-III Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

See above for reviews.

Iron Angels I-III Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Iron Angels

• Commentary features film historian Samm Deighan.

• "The Shadow Action Director" (33:19, HD) is an interview with director Stanley Tong, who originally hired as an "acting director" on "Iron Angels," stepping into new responsibilities when the project's original filmmaker abandoned the shoot. Sharing information about a "very good experience," Tong delivered a successful release for the producers, who immediately wanted him back for the sequel while still offering little money to a man who was eager to start his helming career. The interviewee shares his feelings about the employment opportunities, and his work with Teresa Woo, who wrote and produced the feature. Creative inspirations are shared, including 1987's "Predator," and casting is celebrated, happy with the actresses hired for the series. Stunt demands are analyzed, putting Tong in some precarious positions as he took over physical action demands. Tales from the shoots are provided, identifying frustrations and filming locations, including Tong's own arrest while trying to leave Malaysia after accidentally leaving a bullet in his pocket.

• "Meeting an Angel" (21:20) is an interview with actress Elaine Lui, who claims her entrance into the movie business was an "accident," urged on by others. Heading to action films, Lui had no previous martial arts training, learning moves as she went. The interviewee shares her fondness for screenwriter Teresa Woo, and offers a few memories about her co-stars (remaining extremely impressed with Hideki Saijo). Stunt work is identified, as Lui was tasked to complete a few dangerous moves during the shoot, risking injury, which made her cautious about such demands in other productions. Other mishaps are recalled as well.

• "Three Directors and an Angel" (29:34, HD) is an interview with director Raymond Leung, who joined the production of "Iron Angels" after the first third of the movie was been completed by Teresa Woo, accepting quick cash for the job, which required him to finish the film. The professionalism of actor Hideki Saijo is recalled, forcing first-timer Leung to scramble around, finding things to keep his star busy while the rest of the cast preferred tardiness. The group effort to put together a feature like "Iron Angels" is tracked, requiring several units and extensive stunt work, inspiring a delicate dance of tonality to keep the endeavor consistent. The interviewee details the physical dangers of the offering, handling some hairy situations, and shares collaboration issues with Woo which inspired him to quit working on "Iron Angels II."

• "The Angels Go to War" (18:13, HD) is an interview with production manager Johnny Lee, who went from commercial employment to film work, which offered an interesting life for him. The revolving door of directors on "Iron Angels" is detailed, working with Teresa Woo and Stanely Tong, with the latter providing more of a professional relationship, extending to employment on "Iron Angels II." The interviewee discusses the changing nature of the screenplay, which was often altered to fit whatever locations could be used, including time in Malaysia, which provided a little political tension. Casting is explored, with Lee a bit overwhelmed by local Malaysian talent, and he comments on the outrageous action scenes he worked on.

• "Angels Shed No Tears" (8:53) is a video essay by Frankie Balboa.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (3:51, SD) is included.

Iron Angels II

• Commentary features film historian Frank Djeng.

• And a Trailer (2:57, SD) is included.

Iron Angels III

• Commentary features film historian Frank Djeng.

• A Trailer has not been included on this release.

Iron Angels I-III Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The release delivers respectable A/V presentations, with some limitations, and extras are strong, getting into some of the production experiences for the franchise, offering access to a few of its creators.