Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.5

Killer Clans Blu-ray Movie Review

Killer Clans is an action-adventure martial arts classic. Based on the novel by Lung Ku, Killer Clans is produced by Run Run Shaw (Return of the Sentimental Swordsman, Legend of the Fox). Killer Clans doesn’t disappoint in the action realm with plenty of exciting martial arts sequences to keep fans entertained.

The stakes are high as epic battles ensue between two sides fighting each other. Two opposing clans are fighting each other through thick and tin in order see who can emerge the victor of the battle stage. An epic clash between sides, the war-waging clans are tossed into a world of strategies and swordplay.

A number of twists and turns occur as the clans find themselves involved in political conspiracy of high order. Now that the stage is set, which clan will win the ultimate battle and emerge the victor? Can showdown be resolved with peace? Good or evil: a side must win.

Killer Clans features an excellent cast of performers, including Fei Ai, Shen Chan, Ping Chen, Kang-Yeh Cheng, Han Chiang, Shao- Lin Chiang, Yang Chiang, Yuet-Sang Chin, Li Ching, Miao Ching, Yun-Kin Chow, and Norman Chu. The cast does a great job as an ensemble. The lead performers work well alongside the supporting cast members. There is good synergy between the characters as the action beats go underway.

Indeed, Killer Clans is an excellent action-epic and one with a lot of excitement in store for audiences. The action scenes are intense and well-done throughout the epic. There is plenty of energy and fun to be had with these thrilling sequences. The stunts were coordinated by Chia Tang (Shaolin Intruders, To Kill a Mastermind) and Cheung-Yan Yuen (The Grandmaster, Iron Monkey). The stunts are thrilling to see unfold and it is no wonder that Killer Clans became a cult favorite of the Shaw Brothers filmmaking legacy. Cheung-Yan Yuen is the brother of beloved stunt coordinator Yuen Woo-ping and he has a similarly impressive understanding of the language of stunt work and what is needed to bring the stunning action sequences to the forefront of the experience.

The production is well mounted and has many respectable merits. Killer Clans features art direction by Ching-Shen Chen (The Tiger and the Widow, The Adventures of Emperor Chien Lung). The art direction highlights the beauty of the film. The designs are top-notch and add a lot of wonderful merits to the filmmaking.

The costumes by Chi-Yu Liu (The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, An Amorous Woman of Tang Dynasty) add to the style of the film, too. The costumes are well-done and highlight the artistry of the production. The effort is commendable and an integral part of the Shaw Brothers experience.

The score composed by Yung-Yu Chen (Five Fingers of Death, The Sentimental Swordsman) is impressive and one of the most essential backdrops of the production. The music of Chen is beautiful and there is something majestic about the compositions and the wonderment the music brings to the table. The compositions add to the energy of the action scenes and the quiet moments of character study.

The cinematography by Chieh Huang (Clans of Intrigue, Jade Tiger) is lush and beautiful. The visuals add so much to the production. Killer Clans is a beautiful looking Shaw Brothers film. It is a bit of a classic. A wonderful and evocative film and one that is special in the Shaw Brothers canon.

Written by Kuang Ni (The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, Five Elements Ninjas), Killer Clans is something to celebrate. Ni is a talented screenwriter and Killer Clans is a compelling script with a lot of wonderful components. The script zigs and zags with abundant energy. There is so much to appreciate. Quite profound.

Edited by Hsing-Lung Chiang (Sons of the Good Earth, The Love Eterne), Killer Clans is a well-paced action epic. The editing is tight and well-done. There are no lulls in the filmmaking. Killer Clans feels lean and concise in the action forefront. A job well-done.

Directed by Yuen Chor (Black Lizard, The Hidden Power of the Dragon Sabre), Killer Clans is certainly an essential Shaw Brothers classic. Killer Clans is a must-see for action fans who love martial arts and the Shaw Brothers productions. The filmmaking is top-notch and this is one that fans shouldn’t miss. It’s certainly a fun and thrilling spectacle.

Killer Clans Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Shout Factory, Killer Clans is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1 widescreen. The presentation of Killer Clans is an impressive one with good clarity and detail overall. The quality of the print is worthwhile even if sometimes deterred by some occasional print wear.

Colors are not quite as robust as expected, either. The scan does seem a bit older and not as pristine as a newer 4K restoration might have provided. Even so, a decent high-definition presentation and one that provides a generally clean transfer – free from egregious print damage. Though the release may have been improved with some more fine-tuning, the transfer is pleasing overall.

Killer Clans Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in Mandarin DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (with English subtitles) and English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. The lossless audio is well encoding. Killer Clans sounds crisp, clear, and detailed. Dialogue is well reproduced. The soundtrack is engaging and well highlighted by the soundstage. The presentation is something to enjoy and appreciate – without harsh audio reproduction. The track is pleasing even if the fidelity isn't always as crisp as a modern production. The English subtitles were exceptionally well done and free from egregious spelling or grammatical errors.

Killer Clans Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary with Critic and Author David West

A Killer Creativity – Interview with Film Critic James Mudge (HD, 21:17)

Original Theatrical Trailer (SD, 3:16)

Celestial Trailer (SD, 1:11)

Gu Long's Story – Interview with Film Critic Shum Long-tin (HD, 22:04)

Interview with actor Ku Feng (HD, 21:57)

Killer Clans Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Killer Clans is an enormously entertaining spectacle for action fans. The martial arts classic is a gem of the Shaw Brothers filmography and fans of the genre will find a lot to love in the film. Killer Clans is undeniably a wondrous achievement and one that no fans should miss out on seeing. A top-notch production. Highly recommended.