Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.5

Magic Crystal Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf November 26, 2023

1986’s “Magic Crystal” is a Hong Kong production that hopes to bring some Steven Spielberg magic to the world of martial arts action entertainment. It’s an odd mix, but director Jing Wong makes it work for the most part, putting on a terrific display of fight choreography to help support the endeavor, which is also interested in sci-fi elements and heavy doses of slapstick comedy. It’s not the sharpest offering of screen mayhem and silliness, but “Magic Crystal” is immense fun, and the production’s love of Spielberg is something to see, with the helmer ripping off a much as he can without triggering interest from Hollywood lawyers.

Andy (Andy Lau) is a part of a special duty unit for the Hong Kong police, taking care of business in his own special way. After completing a mission with partner Snooker (Jing Wong), Andy receives a letter from Shen (Phillip Ko), requesting help in Greece with a secret issue. Traveling to the country, Andy quickly realizes what kind of trouble his friend is in, as Russian agents, led by Karov (Richard Norton), look to take control of a bag he’s carrying, while Interpol agents Cindy (Cynthia Rothrock) and Billy (Max Mok) are close behind, looking to make a bust. A mess of violence outside the Parthenon results in Shen hiding his object in young Bin Bin’s suitcase, with Andy’s nephew returning to Hong Kong, soon discovering a green crystal that’s in need of help. Bin Bin and the glowing object develop a bond, with the crystal capable of granting special powers and controlling minds. As Karov increases his efforts to find the crystal, Bin Bin hopes to keep his new friend a secret, going along with the visitor’s plans to find a way home, while Andy deals with the aftermath of his enemy’s murderous ways, setting out to stop him.

Andy is the top man at the “Eagles,” an impossible mission-type force brought in to take care of things when the police can’t. He’s more of a one- man-army, with Snooker, his half-wit partner, basically watching the action, helping when he can. Andy’s superspy ways are established quickly in “Magic Crystal,” which gets somewhat complicated in a hurry, triggering a collision of characters when Shen identifies his location in Greece, sending Karov and the Interpol agents after him as well. “Magic Crystal” actually makes the journey to Greece, staging confrontations and chases around the Parthenon, but also goofballery, with Snooker getting into trouble with local cops, while Bin Bin finds himself in possession of a weird alien rock that communicates through telepathy, also offering a “pinkie” to help secure a vow to the boy that they will help each other. I mean, I hope it’s a pinkie.

Bin Bin keeps the crystal safe in his room, and the creature soon walks, devours ice cream, and toys with Snooker, also playing with Bossman, who’s pulled into the mess while lusting after Shen’s sister, Winnie (Sharla Cheung). “Magic Crystal” is fairly silly at times, concerned that a straightforward fight film might not be appealing to a wider audience, keeping things light as horrible things happen to human bodies during the run time. Karov is a formidable villain, knowledgeable of many fight styles, facing off against the heroes, giving “Magic Crystal” some welcome aggression as battles routinely break out, using the cast well, including Rothrock, who’s always a movie highlight. However, the picture is never far from wackiness, though some of it is inspired, especially when Bossman’s limbs are rearranged by the crystal, forcing him to hurriedly cover his new appearance.

Magic Crystal Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is listed as "newly scanned and restored from its 35mm camera negative." "Magic Crystal" retains a very film-like appearance (save for the end credits, which may have been taken from a different source), with strong detail on character appearances and the smoother surfaces of the crystal. Costuming is fibrous with period style, and skin particulars are appreciable. Locations are dimensional, especially when showing off Greek sites, and interiors preserve decorative additions and tight spaces, found in the cave finale. Colors are strong, with fresh primaries throughout the viewing experience, and the emerald glow of the alien is preserved. Greenery is distinct, and skin tones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is nicely resolved. Source does have points of severe damage, but these moments are brief.

Magic Crystal Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix offers an English dub, while default audio is a Cantonese track (with "newly translated English subtitles"). Age and technical limitations are identified, but unintelligibility isn't an issue, with dialogue exchanges easy to follow. Scoring cues are equally aged, but synth support is appreciable, offering electronic beats. Sound effects are blunt.

Magic Crystal Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet (14 pages) contains an essay by Erica Shultz.

• Commentary features film historians Frank Djeng and Ric Meyers.

• "Just Don't Kill Me" (18:15, HD) is an interview with actress Cynthia Rothrock, who was in Hong Kong before the "Magic Crystal" acting opportunity was presented to her. She was already in the middle of shooting "Righting Wrongs," with production rescheduled so Rothrock could make both pictures at the same time. Greek locations are recalled, along with the general mood of the area, as war raged on in nearby Libya, with cast and crew acting cautiously. During this travel time, Rothrock blew out her knee during a fight scene, only to push through the rest of the shoot, keeping up with punishing Hong Kong production hours. Director Jing Wong is remembered, failing to explain the plot of "Magic Crystal" to his cast, and co-stars and stunt teams are celebrated. The interviewee explains the differences between American and Hong Kong shoots, with extreme fatigue contributing to an accident involving co-star Richard Norton. Time with weapons is recalled, along with different martial arts styles, and acting challenges are highlighted, with the actors fed lines, never knowing what they were saying.

• Interview (7:31, HD) is a video conference chat with actor Bin Bin, who shares his memories of the "Magic Crystal" shoot, working around busy adults as a child. The interviewee recalls his time in Greece, dealing with strange food and corrupt police, and filming in Taiwan, including time inside a cave. Co-stars are highlighted and directors are assessed, while language issues were of little concern to the production, with the young actor saying whatever he wanted, only to have the right lines dubbed in later.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (4:43, HD) is included.

Magic Crystal Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Magic Crystal" spends time as an "E.T." clone, with Bin Bin and the alien rock bonding, working together to save the creature, which also psychically connects them. The picture transitions into an Indiana Jones-style adventure in the final act, sending the characters into a cave showdown, with the actual conclusion weirdly close to the one cooked up for 2008's "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull." Perhaps George Lucas was a fan of "Magic Crystal," and it's hard not to be, with the endeavor always aiming to please with physical force and screwball situations, sold by a cast committed to the extremes of the material, making for a wild ride at times.