Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Killer Darts Blu-ray Movie Review

Killer Dart is an enormously entertaining action film. The martial arts epic is also referred to under the alternate version of the title: Killer Darts. Starring Ping Chin and Hua Yueh. Co-starring Shao-Hung Chan, Pei-Shan Chang, Yu Chin Chang, Chia-Chung Chou, Wai- Fong Chow, Mien Fang, Ying-Chieh Han, Li-Jen Ho, Lin-Yeh Hsiao, Chin Hsu, Tung Hu, Hsiao-Man Huang, Chan-Hsiung Ku, and Feng Ku. Produced by Run Run Shaw, Killer Dart features a superb blend of epic action and beautiful romance. A must-see for Shaw Brothers fans.

A number of peaceful and quiet villages in China are under attack when violent bandits run through the villages – stealing and fighting. The villages are in a state of chaos until dart master Liu Wen Lung manages to help fight the enemies. Alongside Liu Wen Lung are his son and personal servant. An enormous quest for vengeance begins as Liu Wen Lung also seeks revenge for the murder of his beloved wife.

The performances are one of the highlights of the film. Ping Chin and Hua Yueh deliver excellent performances. The actors do terrific work in their roles. The film has a heightened sense of fun adventure, action-packed mayhem, and romance. The actors certainly help to bring the film to life.

The score composed by Fu-Liang Chou (Drunken Master, Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow) is one of the greatest highlights of the film. The score by Chou is incredible and there is a sense of adventure to explore within the score. The score adds heightened tension and majestic wonder with some great music cues that are undeniably awesome. The score certainly is one of the greatest strengths of the filmmaking.

The cinematography by Kuo-Hsiang Lin (The Blade Spares None, The Invincible Eight) adds a lush and beautiful visual majesty to the film. The cinematography is stunning and there are a lot of wonderful aspects to the film. The visuals add a lot to the experience and cinematography understands how to highlight the drama and action in good measure.

Edited by Hsing-Lung Chiang (The Avenging Eagle, Sons of the Good Earth), Killer Dart is a well-paced action epic and the film doesn’t drag. The filmmaking has a great sense of rhythm and there is a lot worth appreciating here. The editor certainly helped to bring the production together in a fantastic manner.

Under the art direction of Johnson Tsao (The 36^th Chamber of Shaolin, The Singing Killer), Killer Dart is a gorgeous production. The production aesthetic is one of the key reasons the film is such a wonder to look at. The visual quality of the production’s art direction makes the film feel large in scope. An outstanding part of the film.

Written by Yun Chih Tu (Golden Swallow, Fei yan jin dao), Killer Dart is a lot of fun and the script has a great sense of energy. The script provides great moments for the lead characters and it still keeps the energy maintained with an emphasis on the action. The story is worthwhile and there is something to appreciate here.

Directed by Meng-Hua Ho (The Jade Raksha, The Monkey Goes West), Killer Dart is an outstanding Shaw Brothers film. The director provided Killer Dart with a great sense of craft and the filmmaking is highly entertaining throughout. The action scenes are stellar and the build up at the finale is impressive. A wonderful action epic in the Shaw Brothers canon.

Killer Darts Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Shout Factory, Killer Dart is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1 widescreen. The presentation on the release looks great with excellent high-definition clarity. The presentation features a strong encode and the film print is in remarkably good condition. The print is largely free from print damage or wear and it looks impressive overall. A good presentation by Shout Factory.

Killer Darts Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in Mandarin DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (with English subtitles). The lossless audio quality on the release is impressive. Dialogue is well reproduced. The clarity of the presentation is excellent. The soundstage and score are well implemented on the release. The subtitles are well done, too.

Killer Darts Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary with Film Critic James Mudge

Celestial Trailer

Killer Darts Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Killer Dart is a fantastic Shaw Brothers action epic. Killer Dart is enormous fun and it features strong performances by Ping Chin and Hua Yueh. The production is epic and there are many great artistic qualities on display in the film. The Blu-ray features a strong video and audio presentation, too. Highly recommended.